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Articles by Jakob Arnarsson
Sun Devil Debrief: Football back to form as soccer's season dwindles
Welcome to Sun Devil Debrief, your weekly update of everything in the world of ASU athletics. Freshmen fuel football's win By Bryan Adams Freshman running back Cardae Mack's four touchdown day reignited ASU's offense Saturday as they picked up a key 28-17 conference win over Kansas State. Sixth-year quarterback Mikey Keene started for the Sun Devils, leading the offense down to the red zone twice.
Kierra Blundell's comeback is about more than goals
When junior forward Sierra Bergen's shot rippled the net, junior forward Kierra Blundell knew exactly where to go. She chased her teammate toward the left corner flag, pointing to the waiting cameraman as a reminder of their plan. Then, in sync, the two leapt into the air, landing with their arms spread wide. The pair were imitating Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham's iconic celebration. One they had spent several practices rehearsing.
Randy Bennett brings home his blueprint as men's basketball opens new era
When Randy Bennett made his way from the Bay Area back home to Arizona, he brought more than just familiar faces with him. Senior forward Paulius Murauskas, sophomore guard/forward Dillan Shaw and several staff who played or coached under Bennett at St. Mary's followed him to the desert. But most importantly, Bennett brought his philosophy. The identity he spent 25 years building in Moraga. A brand of basketball rooted in physicality, defensive discipline and rebounding.
From forward to fullback, Mya Angus makes her mark for ASU soccer
When Graham Winkworth settled into his seat in the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol stadium, the game's result wasn't on his mind. He had no clipboard, no canopy overhead or an army of assistants ready to feed him information. The longtime coach was simply there to watch. To enjoy as a spectator, as a fan. But during the United States' 5-0 win over Canada in the 2024 CONCACAF Women's Under-17 Championship, a player caught his eye. She turned his gaze into that of a scout.
Sun Devil Debrief: Football loses at home, while other Sun Devils win on the road
Welcome to Sun Devil Debrief, your weekly update of everything in the world of ASU athletics. Turbulent times test ASU football after Texas Tech loss By Eric Pacheco Lots of questions are surrounding ASU football, internally and externally, after their blowout loss Saturday to Texas Tech. The Sun Devils dropped the contest to the Red Raiders, the defending Big 12 champions, with a final score of 53-25 in Lubbock.
Sun Devil Debrief: ASU football and volleyball take weekend wins, soccer falls
Welcome to Sun Devil Debrief, your weekly update of everything in the world of ASU athletics. Football bounces back from Baylor to beat Rainbow Warriors By Bryan Adams Following a 55-19 loss last week, ASU bounced back with a 30-12 win against Hawaii Saturday, looking to right the ship before they face seven straight Big 12 opponents.
Ryan Vanhoy's Cal Poly running family follows him to ASU program
The Cal Poly runners knew something was happening. In the middle of their summer altitude training, the team was asked to gather for a Zoom call. It included the athletic board. That was when the news broke. Ryan Vanhoy, their director of track and field and cross country, was leaving for ASU for the same role. For distance runners and seniors Chris Caudillo and Kelli Gaffney, it placed a seemingly secure future into limbo.
ASU's soccer freshmen are turning inexperience into an advantage
Being young comes with a certain ignorance — not knowing what to expect in certain scenarios or environments. For the freshmen on ASU's soccer roster, that ignorance has become an advantage. They don't know they are supposed to be intimidated. "Lots of energy," coach Graham Winkworth said when describing his freshmen's qualities. "Lack of fear. The girls don't really know the difference between Buffalo and North Carolina.
Sun Devil Debrief: ASU struggles to find success in week of shaky results
Football falls in blowout loss By Bryan Adams ASU's self-inflicted wounds derailed the Sun Devils as the 2026 season hit an early standstill, losing 55-19 to Baylor. ASU scored first, taking their first and only lead with a field goal three minutes in. Baylor's offense responded with a 63-yard rushing touchdown from freshman running back Ryelan Morris, opening the floodgates.
From the streets to the desert, Bela Puccinelli plays with a creative flair
Bela Puccinelli is a natural entertainer. During her pregame ritual, that characteristic turns her warmups into a spectacle. It's like watching a magician rehearsing their trick. Puccinelli tests her touch, juggling the ball between her feet, so effortless it seems as if her spikes are magnetic. She flicks the ball higher and higher, each time bringing it to a standstill within her stride. "If I see a ball, I always want to be close," Puccinelli said.
ASU soccer enters Big 12 play ready to prove preseason doubters wrong
Before any games were played, ASU soccer already found itself on the outside looking in. In the Big 12 preseason coaches' poll, the Sun Devils ranked 9th. If that prediction holds, it would mark back-to-back seasons coming up short of the conference tournament. The program's struggles since joining the Big 12 provide context for their low expectations, with the Sun Devils going 6-12-4 in their first two seasons. Those shortcomings helped light a renewed fire under coach Graham Winkworth.
Blundell's return to form, leads ASU past Utah in conference opener
For Kierra Blundell, the moment had been brewing for over a year. After winning Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors in her first season with the Sun Devils, her sophomore stint was marred by injuries. She played in only six games, failing to score a single goal. After the lost season, the junior forward remained hungry to return to her previous star form. She had her chance Friday when ASU soccer met Utah at home for the Big 12 opener.
Sun Devil Debrief: ASU sweeps the states, touches down across the pond
Welcome to Sun Devil Debrief, your weekly update of everything in the world of ASU athletics. Football claims Union Jack Classic By Bryan Adams ASU football improved to 2-1 after dispatching Kansas 24-17 at Wembley Stadium in the Union Jack Classic on Saturday. Across the first three games of 2026, the ASU defense has allowed just 285 yards per game. Against KU, they racked up three turnovers. The Sun Devils forced the Jayhawks to fumble twice, with the second flipping the game on its head.
Sun Devil Debrief: ASU football and volleyball fall to Aggies as soccer breaks records
Welcome to Sun Devil Debrief, your weekly update of everything in the world of ASU athletics. Football falters from fourth-quarter frustrations By Eric Pacheco A catastrophic four minutes in the fourth shifted the tide for ASU in its 48-20 loss at then No. 10 Texas A&M. Entering the final quarter, the Sun Devils were firmly in contention with the Aggies battling back and forth in a 24-20 ballgame with 107,523 in attendance at Kyle Field.
ASU women's soccer falls to UNC but leaves with proof it belongs among the best
Game planning for the University of North Carolina means preparing for goals. North Carolina women's soccer brought one of the nation's best offenses to the desert. The Tar Heels entered ranked No. 9 in the country, averaging the fourth-most shots per game (21.6) and the 10th-most goals per game (3.6). Sophomore midfielder/forward Bella Devey's six goals are tied for the 13th most in Division I.
Sun Devil Debrief: ASU football's first game and four-star commitments
Welcome to Sun Devil Debrief, your weekly update of everything in the world of ASU athletics. Football opens with a bang By Eric Pacheco ASU football couldn't have asked for a better way to start the 2026 season in its victory over Morgan State. Junior quarterback Cutter Boley led the way in the 70-7 victory and set a record for most passing yards in an ASU debut, notching 387 yards in the air with six touchdowns, earning himself the honor of a Big 12 player of the week.
$55M donation 'Activates the Valley' with new athletic facility
Before and after every practice, ASU football is forced to play Tetris with golf carts. To get from their lockers at Mountain America Stadium to the Kajikawa practice fields, they have to travel about half a mile. That process sees the team transport their players across Rural Road, one of campus' busiest roadways. To do so, the team relies on golf carts, as well as a 56-seat bus, to get the players back and forth.
Texas Tech shows ASU softball the standard ahead of postseason
With a runner on third and no one out, senior and star pitcher Kenzie Brown knew she needed perfection. It was only the top of the second inning on Friday night, April 24, at a sold-out Alberta B. Farrington Softball Stadium. Facing the No. 2/5 Texas Tech Red Raiders, the Sun Devils couldn't give up early momentum. So, Brown did what she's done most of her Sun Devil career. She struck out Lauren Allred.
Ilya Kharun joins ASU elite with second NCAA individual title
For most, being behind is cause for panic. Seeing someone ahead leads to overcompensation in a desperate attempt to catch up. Or, at worst, a simple resignation, but junior Ilya Kharun is different. It's why, after falling to fifth after the first 50 yards of the 200-yard butterfly finals in the NCAA championships, Kharun remained calm. It was Kharun's last chance to win an individual title, having finished third in both the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard butterfly.
Larkin brothers conclude first chapter in search of ASU glory
Inside the Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Kaleb and Kyler Larkin sat next to each other in silence, covered by darkness. Both absence of light and presence of hurt. Both kept their heads down as they took off their shoes and knee sleeves for the last time this season. Their shared despondency reverberated in the quiet process. They had just lost in theconsolation round fourat the NCAA tournament on March 20.
ASU water polo's Millie Quin leads team during dominant senior season
The first impression of senior attacker Millie Quin depends on the setting. Outside the water, Quin is a wallflower — someone who seeks to avoid attention, who shies away from conversation and generally prefers isolation. But once she enters the water, she transforms into an imposing figure. From quiet to commanding. From demure to dominant. From a soft soul to a fierce competitor. "She's a bit of a psycho," Petra Pardi, head coach of ASU water polo, said.
After 400 career victories, moments still matter most to Hawks hoop coach James Giacomazzi
Not long after the final buzzer sounded, head coach James Giacomazzi transported back to 2019. To the deathbed of his friend. It was sparked by a familiar face, reminding him of the significance of the result. His Hawks had beaten Shasta College, 90-75, in an afternoon matchup in the 46th Annual James Clark Classic. He was all business as he made his way down the sideline, shaking hands with Shasta’s players and coaches. That’s when he saw her. Candace Wilder.
The impact of James Giacomazzi, on the cusp of 400
When Anthony Johnson, then a sophomore at Cosumnes River College (CRC) in 2010, saw the red and blue lights in his rearview mirror and heard the sirens, his heart sank. He knew he was caught. The breathalyzer would reveal his true state. Leaving a party, he’d recklessly gotten behind the wheel. Like most 20-year-olds, Johnson was under the impression that things like this wouldn’t happen to him. That he was immune.
Hawks swimmers clear their own bar at state meet
SANTA ROSA — As the sun descended towards the horizon, marking the end of the final day of the CCCAA Championships, sophomore Chris Guidi sensed a chance for one last victory. One last dash to conclude his season. Right on his tail was Daniel Charan of Orange Coast College. Heading into the last 50 yards, Guidi held just over a second lead over his challenger. Charan dug deeper, going faster in the last sprint. But Guidi went fast enough.
Sarah Dorn adds two more silvers at state
SANTA ROSA — All season long, Hawks women’s diving teammates Sarah Dorn and Ainsley Wade have been competing for first. Every meet. Every practice. Pulling and pushing each other, both with the goal of being the best. It resulted in belly-flops. Hurling their bodies through the air, testing just how many twists and turns they could pull off before gracefully plunging through the pool. “We are very competitive together, but it’s like friendly competition,” said Wade, a freshman from Granada High.
Just nine deep, Hawks men take third in conference
SAN MATEO — Approaching the final turn of the 200-yard butterfly, Larwence Thomas, Christopher Guidi and Ethan Santiago were neck-and-neck. All three churned, seeking one more gear for the sprint home. All are desperate to proclaim themselves the fastest. For the Las Positas Hawks, it’s a sight for sore eyes. They’ve become accustomed to the spirited battles that raged between the three teammates. From practice to the meets spread across the calendar, they consistently produced lively contests.
Hawks women win Coast Conference title
SAN MATEO — Before the results of the last relay race echoed through the crowd at San Mateo College, Hawks’ coaches Jason Craighead and Kelly Gentry started taking off their layers. First, they removed their coats and extra shirts. Then their shoes and socks. The reason wasn’t due to excessive warmth — a bitter chill swept through the surrounding area of the pool, causing most to bundle up. The sun that had provided a warm escape was creeping towards the horizon, adding to the cold air.
A look back at Hawks’ historic season
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Future of the Hawks: Can these experienced freshmen keep the success going?
WALNUT — In the closing minutes of the Hawks’ season finale, the usual big names were sitting on the bench. The Citrus Owls held a commanding lead, dictating the Las Positas coaching staff’s decision to let the season’s benchwarmers get one last appearance on the court. A sign of defeat. A metaphorical throwing of the towel. Yet, the Hawks on the floor didn’t put their tails between their legs. They continued to fight.
James Giacomazzi named NorCal Coach of the Year after leading Hawks to state tournament
This year’s Hawks steadily built a resume as one of the best this season. A resume placing them as arguably the best head coach James Giacomazzi has ever had. They broke several team records, including being named the No.1 ranked team in the state for the first time in program history. “They’re all like your kids,” Giacomazzi said of his different seasons with the Hawks.
Hawks’ magical season ends in disappointment
WALNUT — Another missed layup by Las Positas led to a breakaway for Citrus College, and perhaps the breaking point for the Hawks. Owls freshman guard Amiri Meadows bolted down the right side of the court. Hawks sophomore guard Elijah Mobley, the only defender who could thwart the drive, reacted swiftly, sprinting from the left side to the paint. Meadows put his head down and exploded toward the rim. Mobley squared his shoulders, set his feet and lunged toward Meadow’s dribble.
Hawks take on Owls in first round - which will soar to semifinals?
The Hawks proved they’re capable of pulling off upsets. Even on the road. They went into San Francisco and knocked off the No. 1 team in California. The loss to Las Positas back on Jan. 10 is still the Rams’ only loss this season. The Hawks went into Modesto on March 8 and punched their ticket into the 3C2A Men’s Basketball State Championships by handling the host Pirates. Each time, the Hawks did it by suffocating their opponent.
Hawks show toughness, punch their ticket to the state championship
MODESTO — Sophomore guard Elijah Mobley stood on the edge of the court, battered and bruised. Plastic wrapped around his waist, holding a bag of ice to his lower back. Similar bandages encased both of his knees. He walked across the court with a slight limp, his body exhausted from the fight. Through the course of the game, he hit the deck hard on several occasions, even receiving an elbow to the face. It’s the intensity expected from the playoffs — the nature of win-or-go-home demands it.
Hawks posterize Columbia in playoff opener, set up Saturday showdown at Modesto
Sterling McClanahan decided his bag wouldn’t be necessary. No crossovers or Eurostep to avoid the defender. He didn’t even slow down. Instead, he charged straight at the defender in front of him. A bull seeing red. Or, rather, a hooper seeing rim. “I was like, ‘If he jumps with me, I’m putting him on a poster,’” McClanahan said. “I was already thinking that in my head. I said, ‘If he jumps, it’s bad for him. I’m not shying away from contact.
Division I Bound: Hawks soccer star Saul Tecle commits to take his talents to UC Davis
They took him down Orchard Road, leading to and from practice. They passed the Gunrock, a restaurant on campus which hosts an Aggie hour from 3 to 6 p.m., giving students a 20% discount — something Saul Tecle is sure to take advantage of. They walked down to Aggie Soccer Field, the grass on which his practices and games will take place. Head coach Dwayne Shaffer and assistant coach Jason Hotaling were showing off the campus to their recruit from Las Positas, chaperoning him around the area.
Hawks men nab No. 5 seed in playoffs plus sophomores earn All-Conference honors
The Hawks’ three leading scorers — sophomore guards Elijah Mobley, Sterling McClanahan and Jorren Edmonds — were all named to the First Team All-Coast Conference. The first team honors are a product of the Hawks’ regular season success, which earned multiple conference awards. Perhaps most important, it earned Las Positas men’s basketball a No. 5 seed and a first-round in the 3C2A NorCal Regionals. They will host the winner of No.12 Columbia vs. No. 21 Siskiyous on March 1.
Hawks lose regular season finale in a nail-biter, quickly turn attention toward the playoffs
SAN BRUNO — Heading towards the playoffs, the Hawks sought one last achievement. One more stamp on their resume. A conquest of vengeance. So when the Hawks exited the Skyline Trojans’ court on the wrong end of a 77-74 final on Feb. 21, the feeling of deja vu haunted them. On Jan. 29, the Trojans upset the Hawks 69-68, marking their first loss — usurping their search for a perfect season. The Hawks wished to return the favor — to ruin the Trojans’ Sophomore Night and end the regular season on a high.
Coby Christensen brings life, joy to Hawks road win win
CUPERTIO — With 2:50 left, De Anza freshman guard Yuval Lewit cut toward an undefended basket. He leaped into the air for seemingly two-guaranteed points. But in came freshman guard Coby Christensen. Sprinting from the top of the key, he soared toward Lewit. They met at the rim, with Christensen blocking the layup out of bounds. He immediately turned to the visitor’s bench, mouth agape in astonishment. Christensen, at his 6-foot-1 height and 170 pounds, isn’t a stout shot-blocker.
Hawks women’s hoops limping to end of unexpectedly tumultuous season after forced reset
The Hawks women’s basketball team was distraught walking off their home court. Several players in tears. Including sophomore guard Amaya Jiao. The emotions stemmed from a 66-65 defeat to the Ohlone Renegades on Feb.14. Losses haven’t been rare — it was their 10th in a row. What made this one sting was the battle the Hawks put up. Their sorrow was rooted in what a win would have meant for them. Playoffs were already well out of reach. But it was Sophomore Night.
Hawks celebrate Zach Shamieh on Sophomore Night, his first start, his biggest moment
When Zach Shamieh caught the ball in the left corner, he was ready. His feet were set, eyes towards the basket, his fingers lined up with the grooves of the ball. More importantly, it was his mind that was prepared. He had worked two years, if not his whole life, for this moment. He rose up, flicked the ball towards the rim and swished the three. The Hawks bench exploded. Every single member of the team leaped to their feet. Most into the air. They threw up hand gestures. They yelled. They grinned.
Hawks end two-game skid, easily handle Cañada
Coming off of two straight double-digit losses, the Hawks were hungry for a bounce-back performance. So when sophomore guard Elijah Mobley was lying on the floor holding his knee, squirming in pain, the crowd in The Nest collectively held its breath. With just 30 seconds left in the half, he’d already scored 20 points. The Hawks already had a dent in their once-pristine season, losing two in a row in the No. 1 ranked conference in California.
A Championship Bond? The Hawks are now contenders thanks to their chemistry
Sterling McClanahan, Coby Christensen and Jaden Woodard readied their apartment in mid-December before their guests’ arrival. Their residence, about five minutes from campus in Livermore, made for an ideal meeting spot. They set up the video games — College Football 2025, NBA2K25 and, of course, Fortnite. The snacks of choice: barbecue Lay’s, Hot Cheetos and store-bought cookies. To quench their thirst: lemonades, teas and a selection of sodas.
Five years in, President Dyrell Foster earned his roots at LPC: ‘This is where I want to be’
Sarah Thompson, the Academic Senate president at the time, managed the arduous task of organizing Classified Appreciation Day on the heels of a pandemic. These employees perhaps have never been more worthy of the school’s gratitude after helping Las Positas College (LPC) survive everything COVID-19 delivered. The shelter-in-place order in 2020 prompted the school to move its Classified Appreciation Day, usually near the end of the spring semester, to September.
Times of adversity: Hawks’ second-consecutive loss fueled by struggles on and off the court
Elliot Mobley exited the Chabot court in tears. Walking outside in the cool air, he threw his head up looking into the sky, sobbing. Next to him were two of his teammates — freshman guards Richard Banks and Coby Christensen — attempting to comfort the distraught sophomore guard. The Hawks had just lost their second straight game by double digits. But Mobley wasn’t crushed about the 90-77 loss at Chabot on Feb. 7. His anguish was from a greater loss: his great-grandmother.
With first defeat still fresh, Hawks get back to winning ways at San Mateo
SAN MATEO — Following their first loss of the season, the Hawks were distraught. Some cried. Few slept. The heartbreak of having their perfect record ripped away from them by a one-point home loss cut deep. It would have been easy for the Hawks to unravel. To travel to San Mateo with their heads down. Instead, they found a way to return to their previous form. “We addressed the elephant in the room,” head coach James Giacomazzi said.
With first defeat still fresh, Hawks get back to winning ways at San Mateo
SAN MATEO — Following their first loss of the season, the Hawks were distraught. Some cried. Few slept. The heartbreak of having their perfect record ripped away from them by a one-point home loss cut deep. It would have been easy for the Hawks to unravel. To travel to San Mateo with their heads down. Instead, they found a way to return to their previous form. “We addressed the elephant in the room,” head coach James Giacomazzi said.
Streak ends at 20 wins as Hawks endure first loss of season in OT home loss to Skyline
With 17 seconds left in overtime, Las Positas held a 68-66 lead. It seemed the Hawks had found yet another way to win. To survive and stay undefeated. They needed their usual heroics to get to this point. Sophomore guard Jorren Edmonds hit a tough midrange jumper to tie the game with 0.8 seconds remaining in regulation. Then, in overtime, it was Edmonds and Hawks leading scorer Elijah Mobley trading clutch shots.
No. 1 Hawks route visiting De Anza, push win streak to 20 - ‘We were very dialed in’
The Hawks have had plenty of reason to smile this season. Being ranked No.1 in the state. Being the last undefeated team. Sitting on top of their conference. Against the De Anza Mountain Lions, they earned another. It marked their 18th win of the season by 10 or more. “It seems like,” sophomore guard Jorren Edmonds said, “the trend is that when we win by double digits, it’s because everybody on the court is smiling.” But when the Hawks get off the court, the smiles disappear. It’s back to business.
Undermanned No. 1 Hawks lean on resolve to beat Ohlone, improve to 19-0
The only thing more dangerous than a bear is a cornered one. Who has their back against the wall with nowhere to run. A massive beast, with potential for incredible power, forced to show it. That’s how the Hawks felt going into Ohlone. After two games where the Hawks had danced between the line of remaining undefeated or being usurped, they came into the Renegades building prepared for another fight. Except they came in without all their weapons.
Hawks, once again, survive another ranked foe with late-game heroics - improve to 18-0
REDWOOD CITY — Jorren Edmonds wasn’t thinking about redemption. But his pursuit took him that direction. “What’s going through my mind is, ‘we need to get the ball up the court and get a shot up as quick as we can,” he said. “Just sprint the ball down the floor, get to the rim. If I miss everybody’s crashing.” His plan wasn’t about salvaging his rough night. But as he pushed the ball up the court, his Hawks down a point, the clock inside of 10 seconds, it was clear how to make up for it. Be clutch.
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