Sport

Loughborough Lightning’s Jess Shaw is focused on a successful 2026 season, aiming for both Netball Super League glory and a place in the England squad for this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The 29-year-old has returned to the Lightning after a four-year absence, having previously played for Team Bath, Severn Stars, and Birmingham Panthers. Shaw’s return to the NSL runners-up comes as she seeks to refine her game and solidify her position on the international stage.

Ahead of Saturday’s season opener against LexisNexis Dragons, broadcast live on Sky Sports, Shaw outlined her ambitions for the year. The experienced midcourter is eager to contribute to a team that has consistently reached the NSL final, appearing in the championship game for the past five consecutive years. Shaw believes that a strong performance with Loughborough Lightning will be crucial in securing her spot in the England team for the Commonwealth Games, which will take place in July, and August.

“This squad is really exciting,” Shaw told Sky Sports. “They’ve been in finals now for five consecutive years, so hopefully we get into that final again this year. With it being a Commonwealth Games year, for me, coming to Lightning is going to help me perform. I’ve got the team behind me and if I am performing, I’ll be out on that court.”

Shaw’s return to the Lightning has already begun positively, with the team winning the Super Cup earlier this year. She as well intends to utilize her versatility, aiming to gain playing time in both the wing attack and centre positions. “Coming into a Commonwealth Games year, it’s really important that I am at the top of my game and playing across both positions, so hopefully I can get that this season,” Shaw explained.

The athlete’s journey to the top of the sport is particularly inspiring given her diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes as a teenager. Shaw continues to manage her health carefully, using her platform to motivate younger individuals living with the same condition. She emphasizes that a diagnosis doesn’t preclude achieving success in elite sport.

“I still find it really challenging living with Type 1 diabetes,” Shaw said. “It still catches me off guard depending on different games and things.” But she added, “Over the years I have started to get a bit more to grips with what works for me on gamedays, and training around that. But again, some days it’s just out of my control and I’m really struggling to kind of get it in that range.” Shaw views her success as a source of encouragement, stating, “For me, it’s just doing it for the ones that are younger and look up to me as a role model, to know that even living with Type 1 diabetes, it doesn’t stop you and when you do get to the top it’s actually a lot sweeter.”

Fans can watch the Netball Super League live on Sky Sports, with the season kicking off on Friday, February 27, featuring a match between champions London Pulse and Manchester Thunder, broadcast on Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports+ from 7:25pm.

Jess Shaw’s career has seen her represent Yorkshire Jets, Team Bath, Loughborough Lightning (previously), Severn Stars, and Birmingham Panthers, according to her Wikipedia profile. She was initially selected for the full-time Vitality Roses programme in 2016 and won a bronze medal with the England U21 team at the 2017 Netball World Youth Cup in Botswana, as noted by England Netball.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, and Shaw is determined to be a part of the England squad. Her focus on developing her versatility and maintaining peak performance will be key to achieving this goal. The Netball Super League season promises to be a crucial stepping stone in her journey.

What are your thoughts on Jess Shaw’s return to Loughborough Lightning? Share your predictions for the Netball Super League season in the comments below!

Bobby Douglas, a pioneering figure in collegiate wrestling and the longtime head coach of the Iowa State Cyclones, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the age of 83. Douglas’s impact extended beyond the mat, as he broke barriers as the first Black wrestler to compete for the United States in the Olympic Games.

Douglas led the Iowa State wrestling program from 1993 to 2006, achieving significant success and leaving a lasting legacy in Ames. His tenure was marked by 52 All-America performances, 10 individual NCAA titles, and three NCAA Championship runner-up finishes. He amassed 198 dual victories during his time at Iowa State, solidifying his place as one of the most successful coaches in program history. He was inducted into the Iowa State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023.

Before arriving at Iowa State, Douglas had already established himself as a transformative force in the sport. He competed in the 1964 and 1968 Olympic Games, finishing fourth in the featherweight division at the 1964 Tokyo Games and serving as captain of the U.S. Olympic team in Mexico City in 1968. His presence on the world stage helped pave the way for future generations of Black athletes in wrestling.

Douglas began his coaching career at Cal-Santa Barbara in 1973 before taking the helm at Arizona State in 1975. He spent 19 years with the Sun Devils, leading them to a national title in 1988 – a landmark achievement that broke the dominance of Iowa and Iowa State in the sport. That 1988 championship, won in Hilton Coliseum, was a major upset and signaled Douglas’s coaching prowess.

Securing Douglas to lead the Cyclone wrestling program was considered a major coup for Iowa State prior to the 1992-93 season. Under his guidance, Iowa State consistently ranked among the nation’s elite programs, finishing in the top-6 at the NCAA Championship seven times. The 1995-1996 squad, despite qualifying only five wrestlers, achieved a remarkable second-place finish at the NCAA Championship, with all five qualifiers earning All-America honors and three reaching the finals.

The 1999-2000 Iowa State team posted a 20-2 dual record, winning the National Duals before narrowly losing to rival Iowa at the NCAA Championship. Four Cyclones reached the finals that year, showcasing the depth of talent Douglas cultivated. His 2001-02 team also finished second at the NCAA Championship, boasting three individual NCAA champions.

Douglas’s influence wasn’t limited to wins and championships. He was known for his dedication to his wrestlers’ academic and personal development, fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the mat. He instilled a sense of pride and purpose in his athletes, preparing them for success long after their wrestling careers ended.

The passing of Bobby Douglas marks the end of an era for Iowa State wrestling and the broader wrestling community. His legacy as a competitor, coach, and trailblazer will continue to inspire athletes and coaches for generations to approach.

Details regarding memorial services have not yet been announced.

What comes next for the Iowa State wrestling program is a continuation of the standard Douglas set – a commitment to excellence, academic achievement, and the development of well-rounded student-athletes. The program will undoubtedly honor his memory as they strive for future success.

Share your memories of Coach Douglas and his impact on the sport in the comments below.

TURIN, Italy – Galatasaray defied a spirited comeback from Juventus, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory (7-5 on aggregate) in extra time to reach the Champions League last 16 for the first time since the 2013-14 season. The Turkish side withstood a determined effort from the Italian giants, who fought back from a 5-2 first-leg deficit and played much of the second half with ten men.

The match at the Allianz Stadium was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli opening the scoring with a first-half penalty after a foul by Galatasaray’s Lucas Torreira on Khephren Thuram. However, a controversial red card for Juventus defender Lloyd Kelly in the 49th minute – upgraded from a second yellow card after a VAR review for a challenge on Baris Yilmaz – appeared to swing the momentum in Galatasaray’s favor. Despite being a man down, Juventus rallied, with Federico Gatti leveling the score and Weston McKennie putting the hosts ahead, forcing the game into extra time.

it was Galatasaray’s attacking prowess that proved decisive. Victor Osimhen, who has been linked with a potential move to Juventus, according to Yahoo Sports, fired the visitors ahead in extra time, and Yilmaz sealed the victory with a late goal, sending Galatasaray through to the knockout stages. The result marks a significant achievement for the Turkish club and a disappointing exit for Juventus.

Locatelli’s penalty in the 27th minute ignited the home crowd, giving Juventus hope of overturning the first-leg deficit. The goal was a composed finish, sending the Galatasaray goalkeeper the wrong way. However, the sending off of Kelly proved to be a turning point. The VAR review determined that Kelly’s landing after an aerial duel resulted in a dangerous challenge on Yilmaz, leading to the straight red card. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Juventus demonstrated resilience, with Gatti tapping in a cross from Pierre Kalulu in the 70th minute to make it 2-1 on the night.

The Allianz Stadium erupted when McKennie headed home in the 82nd minute, briefly leveling the tie at 5-5 on aggregate. However, Galatasaray weathered the storm and capitalized on fatigue in extra time. Osimhen’s clinical finish in the 98th minute, assisted by Yilmaz, restored the visitors’ lead, and Yilmaz’s composed finish in the 119th minute put the result beyond doubt. The Sun reported that Osimhen’s goal broke Juventus hearts.

Galatasaray’s victory sets up a last-16 clash against either Liverpool or Tottenham. This marks their first appearance in the Champions League knockout stages in over a decade, a testament to their improved form and tactical discipline. The team, currently featuring Victor Osimhen on loan from Napoli – where he won the Serie A Best Young Player award in the 2021-22 season, according to Wikipedia – will be looking to build on this impressive result as they progress in the competition.

The match was a captivating display of European football, showcasing both resilience and attacking flair. Juventus, despite their valiant efforts, were ultimately undone by Galatasaray’s clinical finishing and ability to capitalize on their opponent’s misfortune. The Turkish side’s victory is a significant moment for the club and a signal of their growing ambition on the continental stage.

Galatasaray will now turn their attention to the upcoming round of 16, where they will face a formidable opponent in either Liverpool or Tottenham. The draw will determine the exact schedule and venue for the matches, but one thing is certain: Galatasaray will be eager to continue their impressive run in the Champions League. Fans will be watching closely to see if they can replicate this performance and make a deep run in the competition.

What are your thoughts on Galatasaray’s stunning victory? Share your opinions in the comments below!