Latest news with #NewcomeroftheYear
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
What 'full package' Wirtz would bring to Liverpool
Florian Wirtz has scored 16 goals in all competitions for Leverkusen this season [Getty Images] Injuries have derailed countless careers before they've truly begun. For young footballers, especially those who've already had a taste of the big stage, the road back is long and unforgiving. One minute you're the next big thing, the next you're stuck in a sterile rehab room chasing the player you used to be. Patience is often a veteran's trait - not something easily summoned at 18 or 19. Advertisement Florian Wirtz - who Liverpool are keen to sign - might not be the most patient man in football, but he has proved he can weather a storm. In March 2022, just as the Bayer Leverkusen prodigy was breaking out and being hailed as the next big thing in German football alongside Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala, a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) brought everything to a halt. The dream of a World Cup debut in Qatar vanished. He was still named Newcomer of the Year by the players' union, but the honour felt hollow with the tournament slipping through his fingers. While Leverkusen stumbled through a turbulent start to the 2022-23 campaign - one that cost Gerardo Seoane his job and brought in Spaniard Xabi Alonso - Wirtz was out of sight, deep in rehab. Advertisement The new manager's first few months passed without his star playmaker. But Alonso saw what was coming. During the winter break, he called Wirtz the club's "difference maker" and highlighted the youngster's ability to unlock defences between the lines. It wasn't a bold prediction - but even Alonso might not have expected just how quickly Wirtz would return to top form. By the second half of the season, Wirtz was already pulling strings again and laying the foundations for Leverkusen's historic 2023-24 campaign, culminating in their first Bundesliga title. When they finally lifted the Meisterschale - the league winner's trophy - Wirtz was no longer a talent, he was a bona fide star. Advertisement The youngest player to reach 50 Bundesliga appearances at 18 years and seven months, he had become the face of a fearless, dynamic side. Naturally, the big clubs came circling. In 2023 and 2024, links to Europe's elite grew louder, but Wirtz stayed put - in part because Alonso did too. Both resisted the pull of big-money moves last summer, committing to one more chapter at Leverkusen. But that chapter is now ending. Alonso is headed for the top tier of coaching. Wirtz is also poised to move this summer and will wear the red of Liverpool if initial talks progress successfully. Florian Wirtz celebrates Bayer Leverkusen's first Bundesliga title [Getty Images] What separates Wirtz from so many others isn't just his touch or vision, it's his mentality. Advertisement Even early in his Bundesliga career, he carried himself like a leader. He's not the loudest voice in the room, but his presence is felt. Some mistake his quiet, understated demeanour for simplicity, and Wirtz doesn't go out of his way to change that image. A viral TikTok clip from the national team saw Wirtz rank his favourite foods, declaring "normal potatoes… I would say are number one". It became a meme across German football - fans plastered potato images over his face, and the quote even made it into summer dance tracks. Wirtz, for his part, wasn't laughing. "I don't find it entertaining," he told Kicker. "Especially those who know me - and myself - don't understand why that blew up." Advertisement His team-mates, however, appreciate the way Wirtz keeps things simple. "He's a great baller and a bit cheeky, that helps him," said Leverkusen keeper Lukas Hradecky, who once summed up the midfielder's flair with a now-iconic phrase: "Flo is doing Flo things." "Florian is just a huge asset with his care-free nature," said former Germany boss Hansi Flick. "He's simply an outstanding technician, loves to play, is very creative, has a good shot, runs hard and is quick. He's the full package." Ex-Leverkusen head coach Seoane once praised Wirtz's composure and decision-making in tight spaces, noting how he remains ice-cold when accelerating into dangerous areas. Alonso, too, has regularly lauded his character and fearlessness: "He will always try something." Off the pitch, Wirtz remains grounded. He's still close with the same group of friends from his hometown in the Rhineland. Advertisement When reports emerged recently of Liverpool and Manchester City meeting with his representatives, many learned that those representatives are his parents: 71-year-old Hans Wirtz and 63-year-old Karin Gross. His sister Juliane plays in the women's Bundesliga for Werder Bremen. Karin handles the finances. Hans - a former border agent and chairman of a local football club - speaks directly with sporting directors and chief executives. Bayern recently approached him to discuss how Florian might fit into a team alongside Musiala. "The sporting perspective is much more important than money. My parents would be angry if I ever gave money priority," Wirtz told Sports Illustrated earlier this month, revealing his mum and dad would give him a 150 euro-a-month allowance early in his career. Some critics argue Wirtz might have missed endorsement opportunities with such a homegrown support structure. But while others chase commercial deals, Wirtz has prioritised football - and stayed loyal to the people who have been with him from the start. Now, as one era ends and another begins, Wirtz looks ready. He has taken the long way back, and is more than ready to move forward.
The Journal
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Journal Media shortlisted for 17 Justice Media Awards
JOURNAL MEDIA HAS been shortlisted for 17 Justice Media Awards across a number of its publications and podcasts. In total, 16 journalists were shortlisted for awards across eight different categories. A total of ten nominations are for The Journal and seven are for The Journal Investigates . The Justice Media Awards are held annually by the Law Society of Ireland. This year, the awards received a record-breaking 495 entries across 16 award categories. In total, 140 entries were shortlisted across 16 award categories. Organisers said the awards recognise 'outstanding print, broadcast and online journalism that contributes to the public's understanding' of justice, the legal system and access to justice issues. Assistant news editor Valerie Flynn was shortlisted for two awards, including in the Print/Online Journalism (daily) category for her work on why the Conor McGregor case was heard in a civil court, and for her work with News Editor Daragh Brophy on what's driving the surge in road deaths . Reporter Muiris Ó Cearbhaill was nominated in the Print/Online Journalism (daily) category for his articles going behind the headlines and decisions from the courts – ranging from the reasons why a man with no previous convictions was jailed for six years , to the minuscule number of sex offenders taking part in rehabilitation programmes . Shane Raymond , a member of the FactCheck unit, was nominated in the International Justice Reporting category for his piece on why exactly far-right activist Tommy Robinson was jailed , amid claims by tech billionaire Elon Musk. The Explainer Podcast team of Nicky Ryan, Laura Byrne & Sinead O'Carroll were nominated twice, for their episode examining how does sentencing work in Ireland ih the Broadcast Journalism (podcast) category. The Explainer was also nominated in the Court Reporting (broadcast) category for its edition featuring The Journal reporter and fellow nominee Eoghan Dalton looking at the State inquiry into the Bill Kenneally case . Advertisement The Journal Investigates team received seven nominations in total. Reporter Patricia Devlin was nominated for three awards, including in the Environmental Law/Climate Justice Reporting category for her work on the underground wildlife trade. She was also nominated alongside The Journal Investigates Editor Maria Delaney for coverage on a gap in data on gendered violence and on migrant children arriving alone into Ireland . Also for The Journal Investigates , Conor O'Carroll & Pablo Jiménez Arandia were nominated in the Environmental Law/Climate Justice Reporting category for their coverage on how Ireland's data centres were turning to fossil fuels . Conor O'Carroll was also nominated for Newcomer of the Year, one of two nominations for Journal Media in the category – The Journal reporter Mairead Maguire also picked up a nod. Cormac Fitzgerald was nominated in the Human Rights/Social Justice Reporting (print/online) for his coverage on declassified papers into the 1979 Glen of Imaal blast that killed three boys . Reporter Peter McGuire was nominated in the same category for his article on children being subjected to controversial 'immersion therapy ' by court-appointed experts after they were removed from the family home. Freelance reporter Hannah McCarthy was nominated in the International Justice Reporting category for her coverage on human rights breaches during war in the Middle East. Editor of The Journal Investigates Maria Delaney said it was an honour for the team to be recognised for this year's awards. 'Holding power to account is a cornerstone of our mission at The Journal Investigates and the justice system is central to this,' Delaney said. 'It is an honour that our coverage of human rights and environment injustices has been recognised as our team has always strived to spotlight issues and unheard voices that don't get the attention they deserve. It is thanks to our supporters who fund our investigations through our readers' fund that allow us to undertake this important work.' Winners are announced at an awards ceremony on 25 June. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
USA TODAY Sports Network 2025 All-SEC baseball team, individual honors
As the college baseball regular season closes, it's clear the SEC is still the conference that wears the crown. Ahead of this week's SEC tournament, 11 of the conference's 16 members are nationally ranked, and 13 teams are projected to make the NCAA tournament. Many of those programs, such as Arkansas and LSU, remained near the top of the SEC through much of the season, but it was newcomer Texas that won the conference title. Advertisement Each of them are represented in the USA TODAY Sports Network's 2025 All-SEC team, which was voted on by a panel of nine writers who cover the league. Arkansas' Wehiwa Aloy won SEC Player of the Year, leading the league's best offense in batting average (.358), slugging (.677), hits (82), runs scored (72) and home runs. (18) Jim Schlossnagle, who took over at Texas after leading Texas A&M to last year's Men's College World Series championship, won SEC Coach of the Year. Tennessee's Liam Doyle, who was top two in the SEC in ERA, opponent batting average and strikeouts, won SEC Pitcher of the Year. Texas' Dylan Volantis and Georgia's Robbie Burnett were named SEC Freshman and Newcomer of the Year, respectively. Doyle was one of just two unanimous selections to the All-SEC team, along with Mississippi State third baseman Ace Reese. Auburn, Tennessee and Texas were the lone SEC programs with multiple All-SEC players. USA TODAY Sports Network's 2025 SEC individual honors Texas Longhorns head coach Jim Schlossnagle stands in the dugout ahead of the Lone Star Showdown against Texas A&M at UFCU Disch-Falk Field on Friday, April 25, 2025. SEC Player of the Year: Wehiwa Aloy, Arkansas SEC Coach of the Year: Jim Schlossnagle, Texas SEC Pitcher of the Year: Liam Doyle, Tennessee SEC Freshman of the Year: Dylan Volantis, Texas SEC Newcomer of the Year: Robbie Burnett, Georgia USA TODAY Sports Network's 2025 All-SEC baseball team Tennessee's Liam Doyle (12) points to Tennessee's Hunter Ensley (9) after Ensley made a home run-robbing catch at the wall during a college baseball game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Lindsey Nelson Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on May 9, 2025. Catcher: Rylan Galvan, Texas First base: Andrew Fischer, Tennessee Second base: Chris Rembert, Auburn Shortstop: Wehiwa Aloy, Arkansas Third base: Ace Reese, Mississippi State* Outfield: Ike Irish, Auburn; Robbie Burnett, Georgia; Kade Snell, Alabama DH/Utility: Ryland Zaborowski, Georgia Starting pitcher: Liam Doyle, Tennessee*; Kade Anderson, LSU; Kyson Witherspoon, Oklahoma Relief pitcher: Dylan Volantis, Texas Advertisement *Unanimous selection The 2025 All-SEC baseball team was selected by a panel of nine writers who cover the league for the USA TODAY Network: Adam Cole (Montgomery Advertiser), Aria Gerson (The Tennessean), Corey Diaz (The Daily Advertiser), Gentry Estes (The Tennessean), Jackson Fuller (Southwest Times Record), Marc Weiszer (Athens Banner-Herald), Mike Wilson (Knoxville News Sentinel), Sam Hutches (The Clarion-Ledger), and Sam Sklar (The Clarion-Ledger). Adam Cole is the Auburn athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. He can be reached via email at acole@ or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @colereporter. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: USA TODAY Sports Network 2025 All-SEC baseball awards
Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Colorado Buffaloes Soccer Star Phoenix Dawn Miranda Makes Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Debut
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former Colorado Buffaloes soccer star Phoenix Dawn Miranda is a feared defender on the pitch with a jam-packed list of accolades, but is now embarking on another major accomplishment: her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut. Originally from Hawaii, Miranda made an instant impact at the University of Colorado upon her arrival in 2021, after three years on the U.S Youth National Team. She would then take home Newcomer of the Year honors in her first season as a member of the Buffaloes. Phoenix Dawn Miranda #14 of the Colorado Buffaloes looks on during the first half against the Utah Utes at Prentup Field on October 25, 2024 in Boulder, Colorado. Phoenix Dawn Miranda #14 of the Colorado Buffaloes looks on during the first half against the Utah Utes at Prentup Field on October 25, 2024 in Boulder, Colorado. Photo byMiranda's spot in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition won't be alone, as she will be joining fellow Big 12 athletes Hailey Van Lith of Texas Christian University — and soon will debut for the WNBA's Chicago Sky — and Rayniah Jones of the University of Central Florida. SI Swimsuit editor in chief MJ Day discussed why each model was selected and the reason for continuing the longstanding tradition that has disrupted the media space. "These women are why we do what we do," Day wrote."These stories we share here and on our platforms are about so much more than what meets the eye. They are about the power of authenticity, the strength of vulnerability and the beauty of living a life that's unapologetically yours." Swimsuit: 2025 Issue: Portrait of Phoenix Dawn Miranda posing during photo shoot. Fort Worth, Texas 3/12/2025 See more at The issue is on newsstands beginning May 17 Swimsuit: 2025 Issue: Portrait of Phoenix Dawn Miranda posing during photo shoot. Fort Worth, Texas 3/12/2025 See more at The issue is on newsstands beginning May 17 Photo by Taylor Ballantyne /Sports Illustrated/Contour by Getty Images Over the course of a successful college career, Miranda played in 29 career shutouts, including 11 in her senior season. Miranda was ranked No. 82 in Top Drawer Soccer's midseason Top 100 rankings of 2024. This was in large part to her career-high 21 starts during her final season, which included 1,685 minutes of play. As she showed in her dazzling Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut, Miranda is far from one-dimensional. Upon recently graduating from the University of Colorado, Miranda majored in Ethnic Studies. Miranda plans to play professionally for the Seattle Reign FC in the National Women's Soccer League after graduation. She was recently extended a non-roster invite to training camp at the end of February. As a defender, Miranda didn't get many opportunities to score, but her first one of her collegiate career came at the perfect time. In 2023, the Aiea, Hawaii native kicked a game-winner against Northern Colorado in the season opener. She would earn her fifth career assist a year later, her senior season, in a decisive 2-1 victory over Utah in a Big 12 Tournament game. Miranda will hopefully continue playing soccer professionally after such a solid foundation with her career in Colorado, but for now, she is sure to impress with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.
USA Today
01-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Nebraska running back target commits to the Miami Hurricanes
Nebraska running back target commits to the Miami Hurricanes Nebraska football recruiting target CharMar Brown committed to the Miami Hurricanes on Wednesday at noon. Multiple media outlets reported this. Brown had an active last week in his recruitment. He visited Miami last Tuesday and then traveled to Lincoln to see the Huskers, last Thursday. The running back is coming off the 2024 season that saw him tally 1,181 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns over 16 games. He was able to win the Jerry Rice Award, which is given to the top freshman in the FCS. He was also the Missouri Valley Football Conference Newcomer of the Year and Freshman of the Year. Brown joins a Miami backfield that includes the likes of Jordan Lyle and Mark Fletcher Jr. as the two main running backs. The Omaha native still has three years of eligibility. The Huskers have running back talent of their own in Emmett Johnson and Kwinten Ives. Brown would have added additional depth and experience to a running back room that is talented but young. Nevertheless, the Huskers' roster still appears to be in good shape heading into the 2025 season. Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinions.
