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Gallery by Holly Arend | March 28 2026 The Maine Mariners defeated the Greensboro Gargoyles 3–2 in a tight matchup on home ice Saturday night. These photos are owned by Hazze Media and the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). They may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

Gallery by So Kim | March 27 2026 The Boston Fleet shut out the Toronto Sceptres with a commanding 4 - 0 victory on Friday night.

By; Ezzah Rafique | March 06, 2o26 The Dallas Mavericks are celebrating South Asian Heritage on Saturday, March 30, when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center. The theme night is set to celebrate the growing South Asian culture and community in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Looking forward to attending? Your ticket, purchased here , includes a limited edition Mavs cricket jersey AND a postgame free throw on the court! While tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the American Airlines Center, be sure to arrive by 6pm to experience the pregame festival on the South Plaza with a live DJ, performance groups, and local restaurants that you do not want to miss. Want to know more about the vendors? From musical ensembles to a blend of foods, the Mavs are bringing 13 groups to the court. To learn more about each group, and what they bring, visit https://www.nba.com/mavs/san Tara Dance Productions Ethnique Performing Arts UT Dallas - Dhunki A Cappella SMU Rang Desi Junction DJ's Shivam Dhol Tasha Halal Fusionz Mad Dogs SauceBros Pizza ChaCha Cup Nepalese Society of Texas BAPS Charities The ticket package includes an exclusive Mavs cricket jersey, while supplies last. To purchase your ticket, please visit Mavs.com/SAN . Where : American Airlines Center When : March 30th, 2026 Time : 7:30 pm Tickets : Mavs.com/SAN

Gallery by Josue Cambara | March 20, 2026 After taking an eight-year hiatus from music, Miguel returned with his new album Caos in 2025. Leaving many fans curious as to what direction this project would take him and what new sonic direction he would explore in this decade. On Caos, Miguel blends rock and electronic elements with the signature moody R&B sound that made him popular in the 2010s. With the album’s release in late 2025 came the announcement of a tour kicking off in early 2026. Making his return to Southern California, Miguel delivered a memorable performance in San Diego at the Cal Coast Amphitheater. His set design was a stand out feature which included an upside-down crashed police car and a statue of his face used to narrate transitions between songs, adding to the album’s chaos-driven theme. After performing "Caos”, Miguel climbed off the crashed car and spray-painted the words “ICE OUT,” making a statement about the current Trump administration and ICE. Miguel, who is half Mexican, shared that the issue is deeply personal and hits close to home. Throughout the show, Miguel frequently played guitar, showcasing his musical versatility alongside his outstanding vocal chops. While fans embraced his newer material, they couldn’t help but scream along to classics like “Coffee,” “How Many Drinks?”, and “The Thrill.” One standout moment came when he used his vocals to loop them in order to build the beat, for “Girl with the Tattoo Enter.lewd.” As soon as the crowd heard the opening line, “Those innocent eyes,” the entire audience melted in place, screaming every word back to him. Miguel closed the main set with his 2017 hit “Sky Walker,” sending the crowd into a loud roar. After leaving the stage, fans chanted for an encore, and after a few minutes, he returned. He performed a stripped-back acoustic version of “Pussy Is Mine,” before closing the night with “Sure Thing,” a song that has seen renewed popularity during his hiatus thanks to platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Miguel reminded fans that he still has a strong place in music, even after years away. The passion from the crowd proved that listeners remain deeply invested in his artistry and areeager for what is next on the horizon for Miguel.

by Hazze Sports | March 21 2026 Photo owned by Hockey East The Hockey East Championship featured a showdown at the TD Garden tonight at 7 p.m. between the favored University of Connecticut and Merrimack College , the underdog aiming to secure the program's first-ever Hockey East championship victory. UConn opened the first period aggressively, clearly focused on earning an automatic tournament bid. However, costly mistakes limited their success; their 12 shots on goal (SOG) were unsuccessful. Goaltenders Lundgren of Merrimack and Muszelik of UConn were notably solid in net, maintaining a firm presence. Merrimack was also unable to score, registering only 5 SOG. Both teams will need to improve their passing and communication heading into the second period. Merrimack took first blood in the period with a goal at 2:29, their current drive fueled by the pursuit of their first-ever championship. Goal was scored by #28 O’Connell , assisted by #10 Hoskin and #17 Kungle . A key factor in Merrimack's success is goaltender Lundgren, who entered the semifinals as the program's single-season saves leader with 1,036. UConn countered with a goal at 17:22, scored by Whitcomb (#71) and assisted by Allain Samake (#28) . The Shots on Goal (SOG) were heavily in favor of UConn (28) versus Merrimack (18). Neck and neck going into the third.  Merrimack scored an impressive goal just 26 seconds into the game, Fitzpatrick (#29) , assisted by Lalonde (#12) . UConn struggled offensively, as every attempt was stopped by Lundgren. The final shot on goal (SOG) tally was significantly in favor of UConn, 50 to Merrimack's 25. Your 2026 Hockey East Champion and Automatic Bid for the NCAA tournament is the Merrimack College Warriors, the first in program history!!!

by Sydney Cristall | March 21 2026 Photo owned by Gotham FC (HARRISON, N.J.) - NJ/NY Gotham FC returned home as champions Saturday night, raising their 2025 National Women's Soccer League title banner before playing to a 0–0 draw against the North Carolina Courage at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The home opener drew a record 10,796 fans, marking a milestone moment for the club as it kicked off its title defense and welcomed the return of the National Women’s Soccer League season. “Obviously super proud of the girls for what they did last year,” said midfielder Savannah McCaskill . “It was a super proud moment as a teammate to celebrate what they accomplished last year and have that carry over into this year.”  Gotham FC vs. North Carolina Courage Photo Credit: Gotham FC Gotham opened the match with strong possession and attacking movement, led by Rose Lavelle , whose vision and pace created opportunities in transition. Lilly Reale stood out on the ball, consistently finding teammates in space and helping connect play through the midfield. “We definitely grew from the last performance, but having composure in the final third is something we want to see more of each game,” Reale said.  Despite early control, the match quickly developed into a fast-paced, transitional battle. “It was a bit of a transitional game, which is not what we wanted,” McCaskill said. “In the second half, you saw more ball movement, more fluidity… which is more our style of play.”  North Carolina settled into the game midway through the first half, generating chances while goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan made several key saves to keep Gotham off the board. On the other end, Ann-Katrin Berger delivered a strong performance, preserving the clean sheet as the teams entered halftime scoreless. “I think for us the main positive is another clean sheet,” head coach Juan Carlos Amorós said. “We take a lot of pride in the way we play… but we still need to polish certain things to be more effective going forward.”  Gotham continued to generate attacking pressure but was unable to convert in the final third. Second Half Photo Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images The second half continued at a similar tempo, with both sides creating opportunities but unable to find a breakthrough. A key moment came in the 62nd minute when captain Tierna Davidson returned to action at home for the first time since suffering a torn ACL in March 2025. “It felt amazing. I was very happy to be back out there… " It’s another step in the recovery journey,” Davidson said.  Gotham continued to press forward, with Lavelle creating dynamic runs and movement in the attacking third, while North Carolina remained organized defensively and dangerous in transition. Seven minutes of stoppage time were added, but neither side was able to capitalize. “We want to be consistent across the board,” said midfielder Jaelin Howell . “Especially at home, we want to produce for our fans.”  Championship Celebration Photo Credit: Gotham FC Gotham honored its 2025 NWSL championship throughout the night, beginning with a pregame banner raise and continuing with a postgame ring ceremony attended by Commissioner Jessica Berman. The festivities also featured appearances from Jonquel Jones of the New York Liberty and members of the New York Sirens. At the same time, Mr. and Mrs. Met took part in the pregame lighting ceremony, highlighting the continued growth of women’s sports across New York. Gotham FC will also play at Citi Field on July 15. “It definitely fuels us for this year… you want to lift trophies, you want to be the best,” McCaskill said.  Defender Lilly Reale also reflected on the moment. “It’s always fun to reflect and look back on those memories… it definitely fuels us for this year,” Reale said.  “I love it. It’s gorgeous - such a pretty ring. I think they did a great job with it. I’m so happy with it,” Reale added.  “There’s nothing like playing at home… they create a great atmosphere for us,” Reale said. “It’s been awesome seeing the growth across the league.”   Looking Ahead Gotham FC will look to build consistency as it continues its title defense, with its next match set for Wednesday, March 25, at Sports Illustrated Stadium against Denver Summit.

Gallery by Jamie Lo | March 20 2026 The Vancouver Warriors capped off St. Patrick’s Day weekend in style, defeating the Ottawa Black Bears at Rogers Arena to clinch their postseason spot. Fans packed the stands in green as the Warriors delivered a high-energy performance on and off the floor. Relive the best moments from a celebratory night in Vancouver.

By Hazze Sports | March 20 2026 Photo owned by Hockey East and Merrimack College The Hockey East Championships, a highlight of New England college hockey, continued at TD Garden on March 20–21. Friday’s semifinals featured Merrimack College vs. Massachusetts at 4 p.m. and Connecticut vs. Boston College at 7 p.m. The winners advance to Saturday’s championship, which carries an automatic NCAA tournament berth. Merrimack College 2 , University of Massachusetts 0 The semifinal opened with a cautious first period, as both sides traded chances but remained scoreless. Merrimack outshot UMass 7–4, with a few scrums late injecting energy into an otherwise tight frame. Merrimack maintained offensive pressure through the second despite the continued stalemate. The Warriors again led in shots, 15–14, as both teams struggled to connect cleanly on passes. The breakthrough came three minutes into the third when #28 O’Connell scored, assisted by #16 Deneault . #21 Cranston added insurance at 18:21. Goaltender Max Lundgren stopped 24 shots to earn the shutout, anchoring a Merrimack defense that controlled pace and special teams throughout the period. With the 2–0 win, Merrimack became the first team to punch its ticket to Saturday’s championship. Photo owned by Hockey East University of Connecticut 4, Boston College 3 (OT) Like the earlier matchup, the UConn–BC semifinal opened with a scoreless first period. The Eagles carried a slight edge in pace and outshot the Huskies 10–6, while UConn led in penalty minutes. Discipline and finish remained key themes heading to the second. Momentum swung wildly in the middle frame. #29 Letourneau scored 39 seconds in for BC, assisted by #24 Gasseau and #10 J. Hagens . Huskies #21 Scott doubled the lead at 1:32, assisted by #9 Tattle and #8 Muldowney . UConn answered again quickly when #71 Whitcomb scored at 8:28, assisted by #26 Murtagh and # 13 Gardula , cutting the deficit to one after a flurry of offense that saw 35 combined shots. The Huskies tied it in the third at 12:28 when #26 Murtagh buried a feed from #71 Whitcomb and #6 Nyberg . Less than two minutes later, BC responded with #36 Conmy converting a setup from #4 Stiga and #5 Fortescue . Regulation ended 3–3, with UConn holding a 31–23 edge in shots. Overtime lasted just 78 seconds. #10 Fraser capitalized early, assisted by #23 Heaslip and #17 Percival , sending UConn to the championship. The Huskies’ resilience and consistent attack proved decisive down the stretch. Merrimack and UConn will meet Saturday at 7 p.m. for the Hockey East title at TD Garden.

Gallery by Holly Arend | March 14, 2026 The Maine Mariners  skated as the Wild Blueberries for their alternate identity night matchup against the Norfolk Admirals . Maine secured a 3–2 overtime victory when Jacob Hudson  scored the game-winning goal 2:22 into OT, assisted by Zach Jordan  and Jaxon Bellamy . These photos are owned by Hazze Media and the National Hockey League (NHL). They may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

Gallery by Christina Winnegar | March 12, 2026 The St. Louis Blues topped the Carolina Hurricanes in a 3-1 win on Thursday night at the Lenovo Center. This loss marked the end of their 12-game home points streak. The game concluded with a single unassisted goal scored in the first by Hurricanes forward #7 Mark Jankowski. These photos are owned by Hazze Media and the National Hockey League (NHL). They may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

by Emily Kulyk | March 11, 2026 Sometimes a woman just wants to wear an oversized hoodie to a game. Other times, women want options. Both are valid. There doesn’t have to be a certain formula a fan has to follow when it comes to showing their support. When looking at the options presented, offerings can be discouraging. Items are cropped, ill-fitting, and weirdly rhinestoned. Real options for women to wear items that represent their team are limited. Women have been vocal about wanting updated items. This goes beyond attending or watching a game at a bar.  There are multiple layers to how fashion plays a role in sports. Those come with the ideas of what a woman may want to wear to watch a game and how they want to represent their team, or excitement to see those around the team, like family and friends of athletes, and how they represent the team, or it can be the clothing they wear to play the game. Popularity around Wives and Girlfriends (commonly known as WAG) and the jackets that can be seen around playoffs, or large tournaments. Large fashion brands are putting their mark on fashion associated with events like the Olympics. Fans are now waiting for what an outfit may look like that will represent a team, event, or player themselves. WAG Jackets themselves have grown in popularity in recent years. Now there are social media posts, and ratings, analyses, and comparisons are being made. What started as, seemingly, a fun perk that comes with, at times, a difficult role, is now a fan-followed concept. There is no exact history that marks the development of WAG jackets throughout all the major sports. Their rise has been seen more frequently. But one of the benchmark moments that could be labeled as a turning point into the WAG jacket and fashion space is in 2017, when partners of the Washington Capitals , Deanna Shatenkirk and Lauren Oshi , created custom denim jackets for the Stanley Cup playoffs. From small independent brands to large corporations, representing a team can be done in a multitude of ways. Independent brands have a wide spectrum. Hillary Trocheck  had created a brand, Statement Threads . The brand unexpectedly became the pieces and designs that would be seen on the New York Rangers , WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends). Trocheck is married to Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers, which adds another feeling of excitement as to what a jacket may represent. It also represents a big moment for a player and their family. Trocheck had been highlighted in the Road to the Winter Classic special, which the Rangers recently played against the Florida Panthers , showing off some of her designs and how something so simple grew into a business. Photo owned by Statement Threads for editorial use only There’s another layer to representation. Inclusivity is being represented with Kalani Bagsby . Partner of the Dallas Cowboys , Tyler Booker. Both Bagsby and Booker have been together since college. Bagsby has created her own inclusive line,  First and Fine . Bagsby highlights inclusivity, and doesn’t shy away from not only representing herself, her fashion, by doing so, but she also allows others to feel seen and represented, and that in and of itself can be underrated at times. What Bagsby brings is a different energy to game day fashion. One that has the potential to inspire. Photo owned by Kalani Bagsby for editorial use only Small brands are growing and taking up space in the overlap of sports, fashion, and lifestyle spaces. Linechage Co  and Offseasonbrand are a couple of examples. Each brand holds a different mission and portrays its work. LineChange Co, created by Angela Price and Julie Perry, bases their mission around what female fans wear. Which has become a common theme when looking at the larger picture. Perry and Price take it one step further and assist in shaping how they give back by giving a portion of the proceeds back to charities.  Photo owned by Line Change Co. for editorial use only Small brands are finding success. It is not a one-size-fits-all business model. It’s rooted in more than that. Maybe it’s a good story, or it’s a passion that connected with something more to grow a brand. One of those smaller brands that allowed a glimpse into her process is Charlotte Dundas, who runs her design brand, Bychardundas . Dundas got her start in the design world early on. At six years old, she created pieces that would raise money for causes such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. She would do that again with Dundas, finding a way to give back to the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020. It wasn’t about making money. Dundas highlights that art is more about the finances. She mentions finding a voice and building relationships as other elements. But it would be a very close relationship that would propel her to the next level.  While her mission is to give back and gain inspiration from designers, she found inspiration from her mom. Before settling down, her mom had been a cardiothoracic surgeon who then transitioned to running an emergency room in Dundas’s town. Medicine and art had been blended, and gave her daughter the space to do that as well from a young age.  Jumping ahead, Dundas would notice the lack of options that would be hung in a team store, and the style wasn’t there. The standard of what women should be wearing to feel their best hadn’t been met. She had new ideas. It was a wide market, and she would find her spot. The popularity of WAG jackets was growing, which helped to shape the work that was about to be done. Dundas believes that, though there is an evolution in how these jackets are presented and designed, there should be timeless elements, instead of a trend. Maybe these pieces of art should be looked at as a collectible, and that would paint a strong picture of that chapter in someone’s life. To make sure she keeps up with the evolutions, she studies the practices around those details that are symbolic, placement, and typography.  The influence around her work is not only personal, but it’s one she admires. Her perspective is important, not only being a WAG herself, but as a woman in a world that is similar to sports, which is dominated by men at times. Dundas mentions that the voice of the woman is important, as she will be the one wearing it. The understanding is intertwined in stories, personalities, and connections. That connection builds community. No journey will be the same. The designs that Dundas creates reflect those individual journeys. She believes that these jackets have become a cultural piece in the bigger picture of sports. Being a partner of an athlete can leave moments of unpredictability, a feeling of being suspended between two places. Dundas understands that firsthand. The pieces she creates stem from the independence of having something to hold onto in those moments that need a little extra navigating. But it also celebrates sports and all that encompasses. The humanizing element of it all is important. The symbolism clicks and becomes a full-circle moment. The jackets are beautiful, but they represent much more than that. It can be individual to them and their story, whether they keep it close to themselves or share it. It’s personal to Dundas, and that ensures a story within the pieces is represented.  Large household fashion brands are also starting to jump on board. Lululemon partnered with the NHL to create athleisure, branded with NHL teams. Sports broadcasting powerhouse Erin Andrews created WearbyEA , a brand that has options that span the major leagues. Kristin Juszczyk , wife of  San Francisco 49ers  player Kyle Juszczyk, is a self-taught fashion designer with people like Taylor Swift and Simone Biles now wearing her design from her brand Offseason. The custom pieces created are now influencing a larger market. Offseason formed partnerships with the National Football League , Women’s National Basketball Association , and Team USA .  Photo owned by Fanatics for editorial use only At the college level, it hasn’t quite reached the level of custom designs one may see when partners walk into an NHL arena. And that’s not a bad thing. It feels authentic and creative in its own way. Maybe those pieces that are created serve as some inspiration for the next game, and what the look should be, and how that would be best represented. College colors and mascots, maybe some that serve as something for those who are in the know, maybe a nod to the team, player, or school, could be an element. Whatever it may be, there’s a good chance it will be highlighted. But over time, inspiration is likely to grow into tapping into larger brands.   Women also want options to play the game. For example, a round of golf. Getting into a sport like that. The recent Professional Golfers Association's Ryder Cup, hosted in Bethpage, New York, on Long Island, was a large showcase of how high fashion and sports work in tandem. Along with the designer being on display at the Ryder Cup, they will again show off winter designs at the upcoming Winter Olympics. Fans are now seeing large, luxury fashion brands pair up with events, creating more accessibility to fans. The influence is offering more options and eliminating a one-size-fits-all approach on how fans should look, and moving towards how they want to look. Female fans especially crave options, which led to looking beyond a team store. There are now Etsy stores and independent brands helping fans design elements or simply buy one-of-a-kind designs from these small brands that support individuality, and it probably wouldn’t be something a fan would find at a team store. Small brands have a chance to take on a market that wants something different and can feel left out, in turn offering them more than what is on a rack.  If those fans can’t find it, then they’re probably making it. Which is how many of these small brands got their start. Now, playing the game comes with new ideas. Brands like Fore All  are growing in popularity, along with women taking notes from golf content creators like Hayley McCartney (formerly Bookholdt)  on inspiration when hitting the course. McCartney bridges golf pieces with pieces you can take on and off the course. Creating a classic, neutral-based, timeless look. Women are looking to get away from the ideas on how they should look and take on updated looks so they can play a game they enjoy. Sara Falkson  took on redesigning and reengineering the sports bra. While she’s the girlfriend of New York Yankees First baseman Ben Rice, she is also educated to take on this project. Faulkson is now at Harvard for Graduate school and previously attended Dartmouth College. She created Robyn  to support body confidence for women playing the sports they enjoy. Fans can follow the developing brand and the journey on social media.  Photo owned by Fore All for editorial use only While looking cute, fashionable, sporty, whatever it may be, can be done in an oversized shirt with a logo. The idea of not having to settle goes beyond that. There is growth and opportunities in something catered towards women, not often seen in sports, which in turn, also supports growing the game towards this market. Whether the game itself, or outside perhaps as a fan, the intersection of athletics and fashion is noticeable. The influence is casting a bright light, more so than ever before. There is storytelling within the pieces and much more to be seen from the women wearing them.

Gallery by So Kim | March 10th, 2026 Minnesota Frost earned a 3 - 2 overtime win over the Toronto Sceptres, with Pannek scoring the game-winning goal. These photos are owned by HAZZE MEDIA, LLC. . They may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

By Brylea Smith | March 6, 2026 A match between the NC Courage and San Diego Wave FC in Week 14 of the 2025 NWSL regular season at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC-Saturday,August 2,2025. Photo by Lewis Gettier By the time Riley Jackson signed her first professional contract, the sacrifices had already started stacking up. While other seniors were counting down to prom and the last normal moments of high school, she was balancing training sessions and travel. She learned in real time that chasing the game she loved sometimes meant giving up pieces of the life she thought she’d have. Jackson, now a midfielder for the North Carolina Courage , has been surrounded by soccer for as long as she can remember. Her parents met while playing the sport, and she grew up watching them on the field before eventually joining in herself. By the age of three, Jackson was playing at a local club, coached by her father until she was 12. Soccer quickly became a constant in her life. Although Jackson always loved the game, she didn't fully understand how serious the sport would become until around 10 or 11 years old. Photo provided by Riley Jackson At 12 years old, Jackson faced her first real rejection after being cut from the Olympic Development Program (ODP). Seeing her friends make the team while she didn’t lit a fire in her to strive to be the best. The next year she tried out for the team again, this time making the roster. “I learned that failure actually makes success much sweeter,” she explained. “Making the team felt even more meaningful after being cut the first time. I carry that lesson in my daily life, understanding that failure is so important to growth and often an unseen part of success. For a long time I struggled with perfectionism, but experiences like this have helped shift my mindset to striving for excellence without tying my worth to perfection.”  As Jackson continued progressing through elite club soccer, she also played under one of the most influential coaches of her career, Garvin Quamina. She credits him for changing her perspective on the game and for pushing her beyond what she believed her limits were. Quamina often reminded her that “to be the best, you have to make sure that you are doing something different than everyone else.” He also taught her lessons that still show up in her daily life, including how confidence and humility can exist together, and the importance of continuing to push through difficult moments. Her early teens soccer career included participating in national team camps before being called up for her first tournament with the national team at 16, the Concacaf U-17.  The team would eventually win the tournament, with Jackson bringing home the title of Most Valuable Player for her performance as captain. While these opportunities were rewarding, they also made balancing high school responsibilities at the same time more difficult. Jackson played high school soccer during her first three years and said it was an experience she valued, especially because she got to play with her friends and under her dad’s coaching. During her freshman year, her team won a state championship, which she called one of her favorite memories from youth soccer. However, she said the pressure of pursuing national team goals while still playing high school soccer was challenging. “My junior season, I really struggled because I felt the pressures of achievement and was not enjoying high school soccer as much because I felt like I had outgrown playing in that environment, but I did not want to let down the people around me,” she said.  The injury gave Jackson the chance to take a step back from the game, giving her the chance to see a new perspective on how much of her identity is tied to soccer. “I didn’t know what to do when soccer wasn’t going my way, because I put my entire identity in the sport,” she explained. NC Courage midfielder Riley Jackson (16) during a match between the NC Courage and the Washington Spirit in Week 24 of the 2025 NWSL regular season at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC-Saturday, October 11, 2025. Photo by Lewis Gettier After rushing back too quickly from her injury, what began as a stress fracture became a broken foot. That summer, she also had the opportunity to train with the NC Courage, a club she grew up watching. Although she had to leave training early because of pain, the experience changed her future. Jackson was previously committed to Duke, but while she was training with the Courage, former head coach Sean Nahas called her into his office and offered her a professional contract. she never expected to have the opportunity to go pro before college. “I never imagined that I would even have the opportunity to go pro before college,” she said. “My whole life I had planned out, I was going to go to college and then go in the draft, which would lead to my pro career. I have always needed structure in my life, so I didn’t know how to react when this opportunity presented itself.” In the end, she signed with the Courage after a call from Quamina, where he told her that this was everything that she had been working towards. However, Jackson still had her senior year to finish, which was a weird feeling, being a professional athlete and high schooler at the same time. In January of her senior year, she moved to North Carolina, finishing her second semester online. She missed out on a lot of normal things, like prom. But signing a contract didn’t mean everything instantly clicked, it only marked the start of a new kind of pressure. Her first year and a half as a pro wasn’t what she expected. Jackson wasn’t getting as many minutes as she hoped. Her joy for the sport was deeply tied to her performance, causing her to withdraw into herself when she didn’t have many stats to find joy in. “I didn’t feel like my love was to its max,” she expressed. “There was a joy that I knew in soccer, and there wasn’t a joy that first year and a half. I thought that this is just what it feels like to play professionally. A part of me had settled that this is how I’m going to keep feeling and I’m just going to have to deal with it.” Last season, everything switched. She released the pressure she was building due to her own high expectations. She also started building community outside of the sport, especially through church, family, and close friends, which helped her feel grounded again. After that, she was able to start to find her joy again.  NC Courage midfielder Riley Jackson (16) during a match between the NC Courage and Angel City FC in Week 20 of the 2025 NWSL regular season at First Horizon Stadium at Wake Med Soccer Park in Cary, NC-Saturday, September 13, 2025. Photo by Lewis Gettier “These past six months of playing for the Courage, I have been happier than I’ve ever been in my entire life,” she said. “Even when I was young and having all that success, I wasn’t as happy as I am now. I’ve realized that soccer is not what makes me, me. It’s a cool part of me and a really important part of my life, but it’s not me. Having a community that knows me as Riley, not Riley the soccer player has really changed my life.” Now, Jackson’s definition of success has expanded beyond minutes and stats. While she is still competitive and wants to win, she said she values the process and the growth that comes along the way. “My definition of success has evolved,” she said. “It’s no longer just about the final achievement; it’s about everything in between, the small wins, the setbacks, the relationships built, the growth, and the daily experience of being an athlete. Success for me also means being fully present, exactly where my feet are, and soaking in each moment of my career. I don’t want to look back one day and feel like it all passed me by.”  NC Courage midfielder Riley Jackson (16) and Chicago Stars FC midfielder Julia Grosso(21) during a match between the NC Courage and the Chicago Stars in Week 9 of the 2025 NWSL regular season at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC-Saturday, May 17, 2025. Photo by Lewis Gettier Last January, she enrolled at Kennesaw State as a part-time undergraduate, adding something new to her routine beyond the game. School has always mattered to her, not just as a backup plan, but as a way to build goals that exist outside of soccer. She’s especially drawn to journalism, a path that would let her stay close to sports long after she’s finally hung up her cleats. This past fall, Jackson got the opportunity to intern for Duke, the college she was supposed to play for. There, she was able to be a contributing writer for the women’s soccer program.  “Being able to work directly with the players and staff and step into the role of asking questions gave me a new perspective on storytelling,” she said. “It helped me realize how unique each athlete’s journey truly is and how personal experiences shape them both on and off the field. Seeing how different moments impact athletes beyond just performance deepened my understanding of their stories and made me more intentional about how those stories are told.”  Through injuries, pressure and major life transitions, Jackson has learned that soccer will always be part of her, but it does not have to define her. While success is still important to her, now that she has set goals outside of soccer, she is learning to appreciate every step in her journey, not just the results.

Gallery by So Kim | March 3, 2026 On March 3, the Montréal Victoire edged the Toronto Sceptres 4–3, with Marie-Philip Poulin scoring the game-winning goal. These photos are owned by HAZZE MEDIA, LLC. . They may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

Gallery by Christina Winnegar | March 4th, 2026 The Orlando Solar Bears topped the Atlanta Gladiators  in a 5-1 win at the Kia Center on Wednesday night. The game concluded with a hat-trick completed by #81 Anthony Bardaro . Other goals of the game were scored by #67 Cole Kodsi , assisted by #43 Andrew Bruder , and by #43 Andrew Bruder , assisted by #26 Dustin Geregach and #27 Dyllan Gill . The single goal for the Gladiators was scored by #61 Kalan Lind , assisted by #2 Brendan Less . These photos are owned by Hazze Media and the ECHL. They may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.