Summer at a glance: a brief sports recap

Welcome back, Spiders. While many students donned suits for summer internships or packed their suitcases for vacation, the grind didn’t stop for many UR student-athletes this summer. 

That being said, it’s time to catch up. Here’s a few things what you may have missed over summer break: 

First-year Carson Baez captured Runner-up at National Golf Invitational 

Finishing up an impressive first year playing at the collegiate level, Baez shot a 12-under-par, earning himself Runner-up at the National Golf Invitational on May 18. The score not only matched the second-lowest tournament score in Richmond men's golf history, but also earned him a spot in a playoff against a Utah State University player, which Baez lost on the first hole 

"I'm proud of how Carson handled the week," Head Coach Adam Decker said in a press conference after the tournament. "He was really consistent and stayed in a great frame of mind. It's been a great first year for him and I know he's got the potential for great things at Richmond.”

Baez led the Spiders to a sixth place finish, the team tallying three 1-under-par scores in a row. 

Head Coach Aaron Roussell was named Court Coach for USA Basketball U19 Trials 

Women’s basketball Head Coach Aaron Roussell made his way to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. on June 18 to serve as the Court Coach for USA Basketball U19 Trials.  

“USA Basketball is the pinnacle of opportunities as a coach and has always been a dream of mine,” Roussell said. “It will be an amazing experience, both personally and professionally, and one that will also benefit Richmond Women's Basketball.”

The trials determined the 12-player roster that will represent the United States at the 2025 FIBA U19 Women's World Cup, held July 12-20 in Brno, Czechia.

This serves as just a piece of the praise that has followed Roussell following the Spiders’ historic 2024 season. He also earned his second consecutive Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year honor and was named the 2025 ECAC Coach of the Year. 

Maggie Doogan was invited to USA Basketball Women’s AmeriCup Trials 

Senior forward Maggie Doogan was invited to the 2025 USA Basketball Women's AmeriCup Team Trials, held June 17 in Colorado Springs, Colo. 

Doogan, who scored in double figures in 32 of 35 games and totaled 596 points, 250 rebounds and 133 assists in 2025, has gained national recognition. 

"This is such a huge moment for Richmond women's basketball," Head Coach Aaron Roussell said. "Maggie's invitation shines a light on everyone associated with the program."

While Doogan was not selected to represent the United States in the 2025 FIBA Women's AmeriCup, it marked a major milestone for the Spiders. 

Molly Wise took on the NCAA Championships

Senior jumper Molly Wise managed a 6.18 meter jump, placing ninth at the NCAA East Regional on May 29 and punching her ticket to the NCAA Championships for the first time in her collegiate career. 

"The past couple of days I've just been amazed that I'm even here," Wise said after the meet. "But then I came into today refocused and ready to take advantage of this opportunity." 

Just two weeks later, on June 12, she competed for the national title in Eugene, Ore. Unfortunately, her run was short as Wise fouled on all three of her attempts in the semifinal round.

Three Spiders were selected to USA Field Hockey Senior Nexus Championship

Richmond field hockey had three sophomore midfielders called to the USA Field Hockey Senior Nexus Championship held in Virginia Beach, Va. July 18-20. 

Midfielder Grace Wiggins was named to the squad while teammates Sarah Ellis and Victoria Stockdale were named as alternates. 

As a step along the Olympic Development Pathway program, the championship serves as a selection opportunity for the 2025-26 U.S. women’s national team and other honors.

The annual event hosts 145 elite collegiate and post-collegiate athletes. 

Ullstrom and Team USA earned 2025 USA 3x3 Nations League Americas Title

Senior guard Rachel Ullstrom and Team USA tied off a successful run in Puntas Arenas, Chile, clutching the 2025 USA 3x3 Nations League Americas Title on July 26. 

Ullstrom was announced as part of the team alongside five other elite athletes on July 19 following the 2025 USA Basketball 3X Nationals in Mesa, Ariz. in May. 

Team USA notched 540 tour points, topping Chile, Canada, Argentina and the Cayman Islands. A victory over the host country marked a fourth straight Stop Final victory in the 2025 FIBA 3x3 Nations League Americas Conference. 

Winners of each conference qualify for the 3x3 U23 World Cup, which takes place from Sept. 17-21 in Xiong An, China.

Contact sports editor Abigail Finney at abigail.finney@richmond.edu