How Budding College Programs Led to Pro Softball Team in Carolinas

January 27, 2026 - A softball domino effect is happening in the Carolinas, as seeds at the grassroots level have blossomed into successful college programs and now the pros. The Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) celebrated in Durham on Wednesday, marking the start of the Carolina Blaze calling the Bull City home. The addition comes after Duke University, now the home field for the Blaze at Smith Family Stadium, started its program eight years ago. Then factor in Clemson, which launched the school's softball program in 2020. "I... Full Story

Briggs-Romine Named MLV Player of the Week

January 27, 2026 - GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Grand Rapids Rise outside hitter Paige Briggs-Romine has been named the Major League Volleyball Player of the Week, as announced by the league office on Tuesday. Briggs-Romine delivered the best performance of her three-year professional career on Friday, Jan. 23, in a 3-1 road win over the San Diego Mojo, recording a match-high 23 points and 22 kills while hitting .327. She also led the team defensively with 18 digs (4.5 per set) and was outstanding in serve receive, finishing with 28 receptions and... Full Story

California Calling: Ryan James Ready to Lead Legion's First Chapter

January 26, 2026 - Will Hooley Ryan James is staying right where he feels he belongs: in California. It was announced last week that the dynamic outside back has officially signed with California Legion, the newest franchise set to enter Major League Rugby ahead of the 2026 season. The move marks a fresh chapter for both player and club. "For me, it was familiarity," James explains. "It just made sense." A California native who previously suited up for San Diego Legion, James admits the absence of a San Diego-based team still sting... Full Story

Jordyn Poulter Named LOVB's Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week

January 26, 2026 - After a remarkably efficient week in all facets of the game, LOVB Salt Lake Volleyball setter Jordyn Poulter has been named League One Volleyball's Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week. Offensively, Jordyn led Salt Lake to two wins and sole control of the LOVB standings. On January 22, she set Salt Lake to a LOVB-record .570 attack efficiency against LOVB Houston with teammates hitting .597 off her sets specifically. Two days later, She paced Salt Lake to a five-set win against LOVB Madison. Over the two matches, Jo... Full Story

• How Budding College Programs Led to Pro Softball Team in Carolinas - Carolina Blaze (AUSL) January 27
• Briggs-Romine Named MLV Player of the Week - Grand Rapids Rise (MLV) January 27
• California Calling: Ryan James Ready to Lead Legion's First Chapter - California Legion (MLR) January 26
• Jordyn Poulter Named LOVB's Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week - (LOVB) January 26
• All-MLR Center Signs Contract Extension - Chicago Hounds (MLR) January 26
• Dallas Pulse Upset Orlando Valkyries to Improve to 3-1 - Dallas Pulse (MLV) January 25
• Valkyries Fast Start Fades as Dallas Comes Back to Reverse Sweep Orlando - Orlando Valkyries (MLV) January 25
• Salt Lake Stands Victorious Following Five-Set Thriller with Madison - (LOVB) January 24
• LOVB Madison Drops Road Thriller in Salt Lake - (LOVB) January 24
• Ignite Fall for First Time this Season in Home Opener - Indy Ignite (MLV) January 24
• Supernovas Snap Historic Skid at Indy Behind Cooper, Reinhardt - Omaha Supernovas (MLV) January 24
• Austin Falls at San Antonio's Frost Bank Center - LOVB Austin (LOVB) January 24
• Houston Breaks Through with Sweep of Austin - LOVB Houston (LOVB) January 24
• Austin at Madison Headlines Busy Week in LOVB - (LOVB) January 24
• Atlanta Vibe at Columbus Fury Match Postponed - Atlanta Vibe (MLV) January 24
• All Today's Other News

Grand Rapids Rise outside hitter Paige Briggs-Romine (Nicolas Carrillo)
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OurSports Central provides coverage of the following independent and minor league other organizations:

Other Women's
Softball
Northwoods League Softball (NWLS)
Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL)
Volleyball
Major League Volleyball (MLV)
League One Volleyball (LOVB)

Other Sports
Rugby
Major League Rugby (MLR)

• AUSL: Utah Talons launch new era of women's sports in Utah - AUSL Deseret News (January 27)
  
• Former World Rugby player of the year nominee joins California Legion - MLR Rugbypass.com (January 25)
  
• Indy Ignite's undefeated season ends in home opener against Omaha Supernovas - MLV WTHR (January 25)
  
• What Larry H. Miller Company has in store for sports fans in 2026 - LOVB Deseret News (January 25)
  
• What Larry H. Miller Company has in store for sports fans in 2026 - AUSL Deseret News (January 25)
  
• Omaha Supernovas snap three-match losing streak - MLV Omaha World-Herald (January 25)
  
• LOVB Nebraska match against Atlanta postponed due to weather - LOVB Omaha World-Herald (January 24)
  
• League One Volleyball returns to Salt Lake for Year 2. Here are 3 things to know - LOVB KSL (January 23)
  
• LOVB Houston falls to Salt Lake in straight sets on the road - LOVB Austin Sports Journal (January 23)
  
• Dallas Pulse earns first road win, outlast Atlanta in five sets - MLV Austin Sports Journal (January 23)
  
• Former Washington softball star to lead Portland AUSL expansion team - AUSL Huskies Wire (January 23)
  
• Indy Ignite knock off reigning MLV champions to remain undefeated on the season - MLV WTHR (January 23)
  
• All Today's other Headlines