Ban on Heading for Youth Soccer Stirs Controversy

byAmanda Atwell

New rules are designed to reduce concussions in young players. But critics say they delay proper training of a crucial skill of the game.

Concussions End Texas Cheerleader’s Career, Altering a Life Once Active and Pain-free

bySydney Fedora

Kaitlyn Behnke lives with constant headaches and tires easily. Six concussions changed the arc of her life.

Olympic Golf Course in Brazil Shows the World a Turf from Texas

byCody McCrary

The grass on the Olympic golf course in Rio de Janeiro was developed at a turf farm in South Texas.

Like Father, Like Wrestling Son – But Better

byTaylor Tillson

By setting a new overall record of 109 wins and four losses in just three years in the state wrestling championship, Jack Skudlarczyk passed the overall high school record of 108 wins and three losses his father Perry set in the mid-1980s.

Family Sacrifice Opens Potential Olympic Lane for UT Swimmer Licon

byLauren Barash

Will Licon, who left home at age 16 to realize his potential as a swimmer, will soon compete for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.

Austin Olympic Hopefuls Won’t Let Zika Threaten Their Medal Dreams

byAaron Schnautz

The chance to compete in the Olympics outweighs fears of contracting the virus at the Summer Games for some aspiring competitors.

Farewell to First Downs: Coach Chooses Family over Football

bySydney Fedora

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor assistant football coach Cody Fredenberg thought he was destined for a life in football. Being unable to spend enough time with his family made him realize he was wrong.

On Court and Off, Duncanville Pair Builds Bond through Basketball at Texas

byJasmine C. Johnson

UT women’s basketball players Ariel Atkins and Tasia Foman have been friends since they were 7, through different teams and shared championships.

The End of Volleyball Is a New Beginning for Kat Brooks

byLauren Barash

“You identify yourself as an athlete for so long,” said the standout player for Texas. “But there is so much more of my life to live.”

Czech Star Makes Waves in the Ice Rink

byJacob Martella

Matej Stransky’s exceptional goal-scoring skills have made him a success in CHL and AHL. The 22-year-old from Ostrava, Czech Republic is now eyeing a spot in the NHL.

Austin Blades Gives Disabled Children Full-Contact Hockey Experience

byMegan Mikaelian

The team is something of a rarity, helping disabled children play full-contact hockey.

Men in Black Help Longhorn Basketball Women Sharpen Their Game

byCaden Kinard

Every practice this past season, five to 10 men scrimmage against the Longhorn women’s basketball team. “If you can stop a guy, then playing against girls seems a little easier,” one Longhorn said.

UT-Austin Gamers Vie for Legitimacy in Collegiate Esports

byAaron Schnautz

Competitive gaming has quickly gained momentum on college campuses, but only a handful of universities actively sponsor their players.

After Car Crash, Lake Travis Standout Works to Return to Football

byCody McCrary

Sammy Ochoa, a 17-year-old defensive tackle, injured his face, ribs, an arm, a leg and shoulder in the car crash. He is now working patiently to recover for the senior season.

UT Basketball Star’s Success Turns Her Nigerian Parents Into Fans

byMelissa Menashe

Nneka Enemkpali showed her immigrants parents that sports could be a path to success, not a distraction from education.

Westlake Volleyball Coach Reflects on Three Decades of Success

byJacob Martella

His teams have taken four state titles, but he says winning isn’t everything.

For Farney, Character Matters More Than Wins

byTaylor Wiseman

She’s one of five Texas high school coaches with 1,000 career wins.

After Cancer, Texas State’s Harrington Looks to Continue Winning Ways

byStefanie Steiner

Now in remission, baseball coach says disease gave him wisdom and perspective.

College Baseball’s New Ball Explains Its Recent Battering

byDoug Waters

Batters are connecting with more hits now that college baseball has a new ball.

Driven by Passion, NASCAR Racer Presents Another Face of Pakistan

bySameer Assanie

Nur Ali is the only Pakistani-born professional racecare driver in the United States and, in 2012, made history as the first Asian-American to drive in NASCAR.