Ron Sanchez's Charlotte program revolved around one player. That player still calls him an "older brother." But after their biggest win, things changed. Aly Khalifa moved on. Sanchez retraced his own steps. Today, two years later, their paths converge.

Carla Williams has a podcast now. It's a mouthpiece, a foghorn for the athletic director in a sea of babble. It's also crucial to the athletic department's new bottom line.

https://t.co/3Ii9Mkpck6

Elijah Gertrude being miffed at his SpongeBob ice pop’s lack of gumball eyes may be the best thing you see this week.

The instructions? They were simple. Do not kill the president.

Virginia is "ecstatic," Carla Williams says, about the House settlement, the one that had loomed over college sports, like an alien mothership, until it landed recently. Revenue sharing. Scholarships. The athletic department. The collective. What we know:

The secret weapon languished in the backyard, and yet no one was using it. It was like having a cutting-edge driver nestled in your golf bag, the only one in the world, and instead teeing off with a rusted 7-iron. A 21-year partnership peaked this year.

CONFIRMED: Brian O'Connor leaving UVA for MSST. Per @DavidSewall12 and @xandertilock:

Baylor’s Scott Drew has hired Ron Sanchez as Associate Head Coach, per release. Sanchez was the interim head coach at Virginia last season.

Virginia assistant coach and alum Kip Turner is leaving his role for a position outside of college coaching. Turner spent 10 seasons as a UVA coach and 15 years overall as a college coach. Was also the ‘Hoos starting goalie on their undefeated ‘06 team.

Scott Stadium will host next year’s Championship Weekend, plopping the biggest event on the lacrosse calendar into the middle of Grounds.

Transfer News: Johnny Hackett is staying with @UVAMensLax. Hackett entered the Transfer Portal after a limited role in 2025 culminated in five goals and six starts (after 100 points in two seasons at Bryant). Conversations with coaches and captains helped Hackett reverse course.

Breaking: the 2026 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships will be held at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Va., according to multiple sources. With next summer’s FIFA World Cup headed to Foxborough, among several other cities, a new location was needed.

An update on TBT:

Georgetown coach Ed Cooley is hiring former Virginia associate head coach Jason Williford, source told @TheFieldOf68. Williford, a former Virginia player, was integral in the program’s success over the past decade-plus under Tony Bennett.

A dark day, George Fulton called it. A dark year. Unacceptable, Lars Tiffany preferred. He said his coaching staff didn't do its job well. It'll be a long offseason.

Kansas State center transfer Ugonna Onyenso has signed with Virginia, @chris_hummer and I have learned for @cbssports/@247sports. The 7-foot, 245-pound former top-35 overall recruit who began his career at Kentucky. Started 14 games for Kentucky during the 2023-24 season.

Virginia’s men’s lacrosse team fell just short of securing a postseason berth, losing 10-9 in overtime against Duke. A potential game-winning shot was stopped inches from the goal. ✍️ @michaellieb01 https://t.co/jmYzitJuOr

Virginia grappled to within inches. Of binning the most baffling losing streak in college lacrosse. Of nabbing a postseason berth. Of beating Duke on Saturday.

After it all, it comes down to this. To one game, one chance to somehow salvage a postseason berth. Roundtable:

Senior defender Tommy McNeal of Virginia men's lacrosse is the only athlete living on UVA's prestigious Lawn this year. Editor @michaellieb01 has the full details. https://t.co/bck5qTBSJR