Latest news with #Brasher
NBC Sports
21-07-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
At 2028 LA Olympics, beach volleyball returns to its spiritual home. Teams are starting to line up
In beach volleyball, decisions that greatly impact the Olympics are often made years before the Opening Ceremony. Qualifying typically takes place in the two seasons leading into the Olympics. The Los Angeles Games qualification system hasn't been announced yet, but if tradition holds, qualifying would start in early 2027 as the sport returns to its spiritual Southern California home for the 2028 Games. The top American women are already lining up. Taryn Brasher (née Kloth) and Kristen Nuss, who went into the 2024 Olympics ranked No. 2 in the world, have been steadfast since a tearful round of 16 defeat in Paris that they will keep their partnership through LA 2028. Brasher, who got married on Jan. 10, and Nuss, who will marry Trey Cruz on Jan. 9, 2026, live in different units of the same building in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, while most other U.S. teams are in California. Their bond is so strong, and so well known in the beach community, that they said no other players reached out to either of them after Paris to gauge interest about possibly switching teams. No U.S. women's Olympic beach pair has stayed together to bid for the following Games since the end of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings' dynasty in 2012 (and May-Treanor and Walsh Jennings were apart for much of that London Olympic cycle). In Paris, the U.S. won zero women's beach medals for the first time since the 2000 Sydney Games. Brasher and Nuss developed a mantra since first teaming up at LSU in 2021: 'rewrite the script.' It's a nod to their unconventional beach story. In particular Nuss, being undersized (5 feet, 6 inches, the shortest U.S. Olympic beach volleyball player since 1996) and from Louisiana and not California. Brasher, who is 6-4, is from South Dakota. She played four years of indoor volleyball at Creighton before transferring to LSU. OlympicTalk, They began 2023 having to go through qualifying to earn main draw spots at international tournaments. They took bronze at the World Championships at the end of that year, then went into the Paris Olympics ranked behind only Brazilians Ana Patricia and Duda. With the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop, Brasher and Nuss won all three matches in a difficult group. Then they got unlucky, drawing world No. 3 Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson of Canada in the round of 16. Brasher and Nuss were swept, while Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson went on to take silver to Ana Patricia and Duda. Brasher called the defeat the most devastating moment of her life. 'Four years to 40 minutes,' she said, simply contrasting the work put in versus the approximate length of a straight-sets match. 'I was embarrassed for how I represented Team USA,' Brasher said on a 'Laughter Permitted with Julie Foudy' episode published last October. 'It was really, really hard to come back. People were doing celebrations for us. I had to leave, and I would go and cry because I was just so disappointed in myself. 'I don't think I have the best taste of the Olympics in my mouth right now because I was just disappointed. But still, every time I think back, I'm like, that was so cool, and it was such an honor to be on Team USA. That is one of the greatest, highest honors that I could ever even imagine.' Five days after the Closing Ceremony, an ill Brasher, buoyed by Nuss' encouragement, and Nuss returned to compete at the Manhattan Beach Open, the most prestigious annual tournament in the U.S. They won the event and continued their strong play into 2025. In five top-level international tournaments this season, they have two wins, a runner-up, a third-place finish and a 13th-place outlier. 'There's one more chapter left to be written,' Nuss said of the 'flip the script' narrative, 'and that is a gold medal in LA '28.' The other 2024 U.S. Olympic women's beach team — Sara Hughes and Kelly Cheng — lost in the quarterfinals in Paris after winning the 2023 World title. Hughes, who hasn't played since sustaining a significant Achilles tendon injury in January, now trains with Ally Batenhorst, according to NBC Los Angeles. They plan to debut as a team later this year or in 2026 and to bid for the 2028 Games together. Traditionally, a nation can qualify no more than two Olympic beach teams per gender. NBC LOS ANGELES: Beach volleyball world champion Sara Hughes reveals new partner Sara Hughes (left) and Ally Batenhorst are teaming up for an LA 2028 Olympic run. Both went to USC. Sara Hughes (left) and Ally Batenhorst are teaming up for an LA 2028 Olympic run. Both went to USC. (NBC Los Angeles) Batenhorst, listed at 6 feet, 5 inches, played beach and indoors at Nebraska before completing her college career indoors at USC in 2024 (Cheng and Hughes' alma mater). She began a professional indoor career earlier this year but is now transitioning to make her pro beach debut. 'I watched her entire career, especially at USC,' Hughes told NBC Los Angeles. 'And there's always this little rumors going around that she liked playing beach volleyball. And when I first saw her, I was like, wow, she just has such athleticism. She looks like a true leader on the court. She's very passionate, and I thought all those would just translate to the beach.' Cheng has played with beach veteran Molly Shaw since the international season began in March. In five top-level international tournaments together, they have placed fourth, fourth, 13th, fifth and ninth. They have not announced whether they've committed to sticking together through 2028 Olympic qualifying. Shaw said her pairing with Cheng is a 'very unexpected' one. 'I sent (Cheng) a text in the fall,' Shaw said on the Sandcast podcast. 'I knew she was still with Sara, but I kind of shoot my shot, keep her on the radar. She's like, 'Sorry, you know, I'm good.' I was like, 'OK, all good.' Huge fan of her always. Then the (Hughes) injury happened. I don't really know too much background info, but we connected, and I was just like blown away. I was like, 'Me?' I was even like, 'Are you sure?' She's been one of the dream partners that I've always wanted to play with.' Nick Zaccardi,
Business Wire
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Brasher Law Firm Partner Nishi Kothari Begins Tenure as President of the South Asian Bar Association of North America
BEAUMONT, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Brasher Law Firm, PLLC, is pleased to announce that firm partner Nishi Kothari has been elected president of the South Asian Bar Association of North America (SABA), an organization with 33 chapters in the United States and Canada and a membership of more than 12,000 legal professionals. Video interview clips and photos of the event available for use 'Words can't express how grateful I am to everyone who helped make this possible,' said Ms. Kothari. 'The theme for our recent SABA conference in Denver was 'Blazing New Trails' and that is exactly what we intend to do. I plan to hit the ground running and get as much of our agenda across the finish line as possible, while serving in this position.' Ms. Kothari previously served SABA as vice president of advocacy and chair of its advocacy committee. This past year she has served as President-Elect. Ms. Kothari said her vision for SABA North America is to broaden its global reach, strengthening ties, alliances, and partnerships with South Asian legal communities across the world, helping them build the foundation for their own version of SABA communities. 'This is a critical juncture in American history with many people in our community concerned about the possibility of raids in their homes, schools, and places of worship. It is important now, more than ever, to ensure we have global partnerships to help our community in any way possible,' she said. Brasher Law Firm Founder Clint Brasher and his wife Wendy Brasher were both on hand for the inauguration and swearing-in ceremony in Denver. 'Nishi is an amazing attorney and, more importantly, an amazing person,' said Mr. Brasher. 'She has been a rock-solid foundation to everything we do at our firm, and she will bring that same spirit of excellence to her work with SABA.' Ms. Kothari is an experienced litigator who focuses her practice on bad faith insurance claims, commercial litigation, and personal injury matters. She has been singled out for excellence by various leading legal guides including Best Lawyers, Lawdragon, and Super Lawyers. She is also board certified in insurance law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This distinction requires at least five years as an active member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas, at least three years of Texas insurance law experience, vetted references from judges and other attorneys, as well as successfully passing a comprehensive six-hour exam. About Brasher Law Firm Texas-based Brasher Law Firm is dedicated to fighting for the rights and interests of its clients using its unique and passionate approach to litigation. Brasher represents individuals throughout Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma in cases involving personal injury claims, insurance claims, employment law, and maritime law. For more information, visit
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
PorchFest OBKY returns to Griffith Avenue for 7th year
The neighborhood of Griffith Avenue will be the hub of live entertainment come Saturday afternoon as PorchFest OBKY will return for its seventh time — boasting a total of 39 musical acts, all ranging different types of genres, amongst 13 stages. For Tamarra Brasher, co-founder of the free annual event alongside her husband and business partner, Andy Brasher, Thursday and Friday are dormant in comparison to what she has been working on behind the scenes — such as sending information out to sponsors, vendors and volunteers — and what is anticipated on the big day. 'I will tell you — yesterday, I was panicking because I still had so much stuff to do,' Brasher said with a chuckle during a phone interview Thursday. 'Today, I'm actually feeling pretty calm. I don't have too much more to do until Saturday, so that feels good.' And while weather forecasts are calling for the potential rain showers and possible thunderstorms, Brasher is remaining optimistic. 'Honestly, last year was the first year that it didn't rain. So we've had rain every single year (and) we've handled it,' she said. 'My biggest concern is always going to be the lawns of our homeowners. We want to be respectful in that sense, and if it's too wet we'll ask people to stay on the sidewalk and the road instead of getting up into the lawns. 'We'll handle it, and if we have to make a call we will,' Brasher said, 'but we won't do that until Saturday.' In addition to the live music acts, the 2025 event will feature a 14th stage that will be open for attendees to perform karaoke, which Brasher feels will be well-received based on preliminary response from the public. 'I think everyone's really excited about it. We've already had people asking like, 'When can we sign up? What hours are they going to be?' ' she said. 'We have some great hosts that are going to handle that, too. We have some people that are ready for it. We have some people that are cracking up like, 'Oh my gosh, I hope my significant other doesn't get up there and sing.' I think there's some (young adults) that are excited to do it, too. 'I think it's really cool for them to have an opportunity to sing at PorchFest,' Brasher said. '... It will be an Instagrammable moment, for sure.' Besides the performers, Brasher finds one of the key highlights of PorchFest include the volunteers who work before, during and after the event to ensure the day runs smoothly. 'We are very fortunate that every single volunteer we have … every year — they're our friends,' she said. 'We don't even have to ask them. Some of them are there all day long from 8 a.m. until we are shutting down after that last act goes on. 'There is no possible way we could do it without them,' Brasher said. Twenty different vendors will be on-site, while four hydration stations will be scattered throughout Griffith Avenue that will be offering free water. Though the event debuted in 2018, PorchFest continues to see new faces in the crowd and Brasher hopes those coming out for the first time will enjoy themselves. 'I've actually run into several people who've been like, 'Hey, this is my first year I get to be there.' Some people have had weddings or whatever they had going on and never had the opportunity to come down,' Brasher said. 'For those that have never been down, I would say it's free and it's family-friendly — those are the obvious; but it feels like a big family reunion, but way cooler. 'You see all of your friends and family and people you haven't seen in forever, all while you have these amazing talented musicians in the background and local food trucks,' Brasher said. 'It kind of highlights the best parts of our community.' For more information and updates, visit or
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
OHP: Kasey Alert issued for 50-year-old Garfield County man
GARFIELD COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) — The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has issued a Kasey Alert for a 50-year-old Garfield County man. According to OHP, 50-year-old Donald Brasher was last seen driving a White Chevy Pickup truck with Oklahoma tag JSS555. The truck has large orange blinkers on the front and a silver toolbox in the back. Brasher is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, 210 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. OHP says he is believed to be suicidal and is possibly armed with a handgun. If you see Brasher, please call 911. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Belfast Telegraph
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
London Marathon breaks world record with more than 1.1 million entries for 2026
A total of 1,133,813 people have asked to enter the TCS London Marathon on Sunday April 26 next year. Organisers said the total shattered last year's world record total of 840,318 applications for the 2025 TCS London Marathon. 'This is an absolutely staggering total which reaffirms London as by far the most popular marathon on the planet,' said Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events. 'Marathon Day is always an extraordinary and inspirational day when we celebrate the very best of humanity. 'The unique camaraderie of the event and the amazing support from the huge crowds show London at its best and this year was the best yet.' Applications for the 2026 race have increased by 36% from last year and are nearly double the total for the 2024 London Marathon, organisers said. There were nearly equal numbers of male and female UK applicants in the public ballot, organisers said. The total number of UK applications for 2026 was 869,803, of which 49.87% were men's (433,775 applications), 49.55% were women's (430,983 applications) and 0.58% were from non-binary applicants (5,044 entries). There were a further 264,011 applications from non-UK residents in the international ballot. This year's London Marathon event also broke a Guinness World Record (GWR) for the largest number of finishers. A total of 56,640 participants crossed the finish line, beating the 55,646 set by the TCS New York City marathon in November 2024. Mr Brasher said: 'Breaking the Guinness World Records title for the largest number of finishers in a marathon, in our 45th edition, was a truly astonishing achievement. 'We also had a record number of children and young people take part in the 40th edition of the TCS Mini London Marathon the day before, when more than 15,000 children took part in the mass event on The Mall.' Additionally, 41 other GWR titles were broken from 87 attempts, including a participant dressed as a traffic cone. The ballot for the 2026 TCS London Marathon closed at 4pm on Friday.
