Vanderbilt Tennis Legend Julie Ditty Qualls Dies At 42

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Julie Ditty Qualls. Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

Former Vanderbilt Tennis legend and Vanderbilt Athletics Hall of Famer Julie Ditty Qualls passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 31, at the age of 42 after a six year battle with cancer.

Ditty Qualls, a member of the class of 2002, made huge impacts on the Commodores tennis program and went on to have an extremely successful professional career. She ranked as high as No. 89 in the world by the WTA, played in all four grand slams in both singles and doubles, and represented the United States in Federation Cup play while clinching a captivating 2009 win over Argentina.

“We have lost a legend,” former Vanderbilt head coach Geoff Macdonald says in a statement made by Vanderbilt. “Her contribution to Vanderbilt Athletics is simply remarkable. She was an ever better human being than she was a tennis player, and she was one of the top 100 tennis players in the world.”

The Ashland, Kentucky, native led the team to the NCAA Tournament Round of 16 in 1998 as a freshman. It was just the second time in school history, and she became the fourth Commodore to compete in the NCAA Women’s Singles Championship. As a sophomore, she became the first Commodore to win a match in the Women’s Singles Championship. As a senior, she was the first to reach the third round of that event.

Ditty Qualls earned All-American accolades in each of her final three seasons at Vanderbilt and was named the 1999 Tennessee Athlete of the Year. The tennis program grew along with her, playing for the national championship for the first time when she was a senior in 2001.

“Our hearts are completely broken for Josh, Atreyu and the entire Ditty family,” Vanderbilt head coach Aleke Tsoubanos says. “To say her passing is devastating would be an understatement. Julie was a teammate and an incredible friend. During my freshman year, Julie led us to Vanderbilt’s first ever national championship match, which was a journey with a team I will never forget. I am so grateful for our time together. Both Vanderbilt and our tennis family have lost a genuinely amazing human being and a true legend. I wish her family and friends the strength they need during this very sad time.”

Ditty Qualls retired from the sport in 2011 and served as a volunteer assist coach at Vanderbilt for the 2012-13 season. She was inducted ingot the Southern Tennis Hall of Fame in 2019, and continues to give tennis lessons in Ashland up until the week before her death.

Ditty Qualls is survived by husband Josh and son Atreyu.

College Corner: Liza Corso, MTSU Football & Bonnaroo, Hall Of Fame Tip-Off Tournament

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Lipscomb Freshman Liza Corso Wins Silver At Tokyo Paralympics 

Liz Corso. Photo: Courtesy of Lipscomb Athletics

Lipscomb track & field runner Liza Corso took home the Silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics in the 1500m T13 on Saturday (Aug. 28). Corso finished with a personal best time of 4:30.67 to claim the medal.

Corso, a graduate of Portsmouth Christian Academy in Dover, New Hampshire, is the first Lipscomb student-athlete to compete and/or win a medal in the Paralympic Games. The 18-year-old is legally blind and has been running and participating in team sports since she was a young girl.

Corso will come back to Nashville with her Silver medal and is set to compete with the Bisons Track & Field and Cross Country programs this fall.

 

 

MTSU Football Offers Free Entry To Season Opener For Bonnaroo Ticket Holders 

MTSU is giving Bonnaroo ticket holders free entry into Saturday’s football opener between the Blue Raiders and Monmouth University on Sept. 4. The Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival was cancelled on Tuesday (Aug. 31) due to campground conditions from rain caused by Hurricane Ida.

“Our athletic department hurts for our friends in the Middle Tennessee community because of this setback,” says Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. “MTSU has a long history of the university and its alumni supporting Bonnaroo every year, both as guests and in its operation, and we hope that this offer to come to our campus and enjoy some Blue Raider football this Saturday can help those affected make the best out of an unfortunate circumstance.”

Ticket holders can show their Bonnaroo tickets at box offices located at Gates 1, 3 and 4 the day of the game to receive reserved seat tickets, while supplies last. Fans can enjoy many of the game day amenities around Floyd Stadium, including tailgating in the Grove, the Family Fun Zone, and the Blue Raider Beer Garden.

 

 

Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tickets On Sale September 10

Tickets for the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament will go on sale to the general public Friday, Sept. 10. The tournament will feature four teams, including the University of Tennessee.

The Volunteers will face Big East powerhouse Villanova while the University of North Carolina takes on Purdue in Connecticut from Nov. 20-21.

The Vols’ opening game against Villanova tips off at 12 p.m. CT on Saturday, Nov. 20 and will be televised on ESPN News. Also on Saturday, Purdue is slated to face North Carolina at 3 p.m. CT.

Pending the outcome of those two games, Tennessee will be matched up with Purdue or North Carolina on Sunday, Nov. 21 in either the championship game, televised on ABC at 12 p.m. CT, or the consolation game at 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.

Belmont Partners With INFLCR To Help Student-Athletes In NIL Era

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Belmont University has announced a multi-year partnership with content platform company INFLCR to help its student-athletes prepare and transition into the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) era. Belmont’s men’s and women’s basketball programs will leverage INFLCR’s content delivery platform and mobile app to help grow Bruin student-athlete brands. The partnership allows for additional Bruin teams to be added in the future.

“We are excited to announce our partnership with INFLCR to support Belmont student-athletes and celebrate team successes,” says new Belmont Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Corley. “INFLCR will strengthen our ability to tell the Belmont story, providing tools and educational resources in the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) landscape, streamlining the process for student-athletes to engage in compelling social media content.”

Belmont is the latest institution to partner with INFLCR to seamlessly share digital media with its athletes through the INFLCR app. The Bruins join over 100 colleges and universities that are using INFLCR’s technology to power messaging, student-athlete brand-building and NIL education.

“We’re thrilled to launch partnerships with the men’s and women’s basketball programs at Belmont,” says INFLCR founder and CEO Jim Cavale. “Through internal creative teams and national media, Bruin athletes will have access to vast amounts of digital content that they can easily share across their social feeds from their INFLCR app.”

INFLCR allows athletes and brand ambassadors better access to their content galleries through the INFLCR mobile app and can then share the content to their personal social media accounts. After the fact, schools are able to measure the increased audience engagement coming from the much-larger collective audience of those athletes and brand ambassadors.

Belmont Athletics Partners With Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant

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Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant has partnered with Belmont Athletics, becoming the official barbecue of the Belmont Bruins. Central to the partnership are several new initiatives that will enhance the ticket package offerings for Belmont fans this season as well as give fans an opportunity to enjoy their favorite Puckett’s classics.

In addition to the official barbecue designation, Puckett’s will have use of official marks and logos and receive brand visibility via Belmont Athletics in-venue signage, broadcast media rights as well as digital and social channels.

“We’re excited for the opportunity to be the Official Barbecue of the Belmont Bruins and align our brands as two Nashville community staples,” Andy Marshall, CEO and Owner of A. Marshall Hospitality says. “We are excited to provide several new ticket enhancements for Belmont fans to enjoy a game at Curb Event Center and look forward to seeing Belmont fans in all of our area locations after a big win!”

The partnership will offer fans the “Puckett’s Flex Pack,” giving fans flexibility to attend Belmont basketball games around a busy schedule, and is available to be purchased as a 10 or 20 game pack of ticket vouchers that can be used throughout the season. New this season, each purchase of a 10 or 20 game Puckett’s Flex Pack includes a $10 Puckett’s gift card.

Additionally, Puckett’s is the proud sponsor of the Military Appreciation Ticket Program. Thanks to Puckett’s and Belmont Athletics, all active and retired military personnel will receive free single game admission to any Belmont home game in the 2021-22 season with a valid military photo ID.

College Corner: Vanderbilt Upgrades, MTSU Fan Experience, UTK Trailblazers

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Vanderbilt Football Updates Game Day Fan Experience 

Photo: by Daniel Dubois/Vanderbilt Athletics

Vanderbilt has upgraded the fan experience for football game days heading into the 2021 season.

The univeristy has added live music and food trucks to the Vandyville experience. Located outside the stadium along Natchez Trace, Vandyville will feature close to 90 tailgating tents, food trucks and up to three stages of live music as only Nashville can provide it.

Other upgrades include previously announced concessions upgrades like the “Craft & Draft” stand and “End Zone Market” stations. Additionally, local and regional vendors have partnered with Vanderbilt Athletics for the upcoming season, including Slim & Husky’s, Daddy’s Dogs, Conecuh Sausage, IceCrown, Kernels Nashville Popcorn, Community Coffee, Puckett’s, Chick-fil-A Rivergate and Corner Pub.

Upgrades to the video board, team entrances, and the addition of polytechnics will also be new to fans this season.

 

 

MTSU To Welcome Back Beer Garden, Family Fun Zone To Floyd Stadium

Photo: by Sam Doughton/MTSU Athletics

MTSU is preparing to open Floyd Stadium at full capacity this football season and will be welcoming back a few fan favorites including the Blue Raider Beer Garden, partnering with Hop Springs Beer Park and Steel Barrel Brewery.

The beer garden will also include grilled food for fans to enjoy underneath the umbrellas and tables in the end zone alongside games like corn hole and giant Jenga. The Beer Garden opens with the gates to the stadium and will serve through the end of the third quarter. Entrance is free to fans 21 and up with their admission ticket to the game. Also returning after a successful 2019 debut is the Family Fun Zone, located behind Sections 1A-3A. Featuring inflatables, face painting, balloon animals and various carnival games throughout the season, the Family Fun Zone will also serve as the check-in for the Blue Raider Kids’ Club. New to the Family Fun Zone this season will be the inclusion of MTSU Creamery chocolate milk. The cafeteria tradition for generations of Blue Raiders will now be made available inside of Floyd Stadium.

“We’re extremely excited to welcome back our fans to Floyd Stadium,” says Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. “Fans can enjoy the return of game day traditions both before and after kickoff, there are more reasons than ever to cheer on the Blue Raiders this fall. I know our players and coaches are ecstatic to run out on the field before a full house of loud and proud Blue Raiders.”

 

 

Tennessee To Unveil Statues Honoring Football Trailblazers

The University of Tennessee will unveil a new and permanent tribute to four trailblazers from throughout the storied history of Tennessee football as a kickoff to Neyland Stadium’s year-long centennial celebration. They will be celebrating Lester McClain, Jackie Walker, Condredge Holloway and Tee Martin whose statues will be unveiled in the plaza outside Gate 21 at Neyland Stadium on Sept. 2 before the team’s season opener.

Tennessee has proudly led the way in providing opportunities for Black student-athletes to excel on the Southeastern Conference gridiron. Beginning in the 1960s, Tennessee’s progressive posture on racial equity led to legendary Volunteers recording several history-making firsts.

“It’s an honor for this university to be able to permanently recognize the impact of these men in such a powerful way,” says UTK’s Director of Athletics Danny White. “We are proud of what their names represent, and I believe this is a fitting tribute. They carried themselves with strength and grace as they led the way for so many others. I love that our football student-athletes will pass by this installation during every Vol Walk. I hope it serves as a reminder of those who came before them and paved the way for progress.”

Vanderbilt Shares Updates On Vandy United Campaign

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Vanderbilt University has unveiled updates  of the ongoing Vandy United campaign, sharing new details about facility upgrades and enhancements. Working in conjunction with the Populous firm, Vanderbilt released an aerial map that includes key first-phase projects. 

“We continue to be excited about the transformation of Vanderbilt Athletics,” says Candice Lee, vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletic director. “Commodore Nation’s response to Vandy United has been nothing short of overwhelming. There is much work that remains, but it’s great to see our future begin to take shape.”

Announced in March, Vandy United is an ongoing fundraising campaign that will invest $300 million in student-athletes and the athletics program through major facilities and operational enhancements. The first phase of construction will include an indoor practice facility, a football operations center, and expanded McGugin Center, a South end zone facility and upgrades in the basketball operations center and north end zone stadium.

The indoor facility will include a full-length football practice field adjacent to an outdoor practice field. The football operation facility will house team-specific needs for football, such as meeting rooms, offices, training room and an expanded locker room. The project will benefit all student-athletes and teams and include a new training room, sports medicine facility, and sport performance center.

The upgrades to the South end zone facility will house premium seating options, hospitality spaces, upgraded food and beverage options and other fan amenities, as well as a new student-athlete dining center. Meanwhile, the basketball ops facility will include team-specific needs for men’s and women’s basketball, including dedicated practice courts, a weight room, locker rooms and offices, as well as more premium seating options for the north end zone of the football stadium.

“Vandy United is guided by the same core values we all share at Vanderbilt: Collaborating across the Vanderbilt community to realize a bold vision and pursuing excellence no matter what obstacles may lie ahead,” says Chancellor Daniel Diermeier. “Candice and I are equally committed to solidifying a student-athlete experience at Vanderbilt that is second to none—a place where talented college athletes can compete in the nation’s best conference while receiving a world-class education that will serve them well for life. We are fortunate to have the support of so many people as we launch this vital initiative.”

Along with the upgrades shown in the aerial map, additional changes are planed for the Vandy United project, including upgrading and expanding the Currey Tennis Center which is the home of the men’s and women’s tennis teams. Other investments include changes to the track and field complex and exploring options for enhancing its baseball facilities.

“Vandy United is a bold project to bring together everyone who is passionate about Vanderbilt Athletics to rally around a vision that will enhance and deliver the best experience for our student-athletes,” says Vanderbilt baseball coach Tim Corbin. “Candice is very passionate about this mission and is determined to create a positive shift in facilities, resources and opportunities for all of our athletic programs. We’re united about an even brighter future for our baseball program, and I’m excited to be part of the Vandy United effort.”

Vanderbilt has also announced that the Barton Malow company will lead construction efforts. Construction is projected to begin at the conclusion of the 2021 football season.

Vanderbilt Stadium Updates Concession Options For 2021-22 Season

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Vanderbilt Stadium. Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics/Daniel Dubois

Vanderbilt Athletics is providing a new and improved lineup of food, drink and service options to Vanderbilt Stadium for the 2021-22 football season. The Commodores will host seven home games during the season. All payment transactions will be cashless, with vendors and concessionaires accepting cards only.

Patrons will also have the ability to place orders from their seats on mobile devices for quick pick-up at the nearest concession stand. The “Fan Favorite” concession stands will offer game day essentials like hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, nachos and more. The reimagined “1873 Grille” station will provide burgers, hot chicken, sandwiches and fries, among other offerings. The “Craft & Draft” stand and “End Zone Market” stations will provide local craft beverages to fans, while self-service fountain stations featuring Pepsi products will provide free refills to decrease time spent in concession lines.

“When our fans return to Vanderbilt Stadium this season, they will enjoy new concessions offerings, including options that represent our great city of Nashville,” says Candice Lee, Vanderbilt’s vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletic director. “We remain focused on enhancing the game day experience for our fans, and our partnership with Vanderbilt Campus Dining elevates those efforts in our venues.”

The stadium’s premium bridge seating area will feature full bar service. In-seat service, multiple walk-up bars and a chef-crafted, made-to-order menu will be available in the north end zone premium seating area. Additionally, local and regional vendors have partnered with Vanderbilt Athletics for the upcoming season, including Slim & Husky’s, Daddy’s Dogs, Conecuh Sausage, IceCrown, Kernels Nashville Popcorn, Community Coffee, Puckett’s, Chick-fil-A Rivergate and Corner Pub.

Belmont’s Scott Corley Promoted To Vice President, Director Of Athletics

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Scott Corley. Photo: By Bronte Lebo, courtesy of the Belmont Vision

Belmont University Director of Athletics Scott Corley has been promoted to vice president, officially joining the university’s Senior Leadership Groups, Belmont University President Dr. Greg Jones announced.

“Athletics–the staff, the coaches and the student athletes–have helped write Belmont’s history up until now, are a significant part of who we are today, and will play an important role in shaping our future,” says Jones. “As such I can think of no more appropriate action than to have Scott’s exceptional voice and vision represented in leading the University from this point forward.”

Corley, a Belmont basketball player himself, graduated from the university in 1990. Since becoming Director of Athletics in the summer of 2016, Corley has helped the Bruin athletic program to overwhelming success, winning 43 conference championships (16 team, 27 individual) and earned 15 NCAA Tournament invitations. Corley’s tenure includes women’s basketball’s victory over Gonzaga in the 2021 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship.

“I am extremely honored and humbled to be added to the University’s Senior Leadership Group,” says Corley. “To be able to work more closely with such a talented and dedicated team of leaders is very exciting for me. I want to thank Dr. Jones for the confidence he has shown with this appointment. It is an exciting time to be at Belmont and I look forward to helping lead athletics and the university to greater heights.”

This past year, 10 of Belmont’s 15 participating athletic teams placed first or second in conference standings or had an NCAA postseason qualifier. Belmont University claimed a conference academic achievement award for the 18th time in the last 20 years, with a league-high seven teams earning team academic achievement awards.