From World Cup call-ups to NCAA breakthroughs, local colleges make news
MIKE MAYNARD | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months, 2 weeks AGO
MOSES LAKE — Even when the academic calendar reaches its end, college athletics continue their work into the summer. See below some of the latest headlines from local Washington colleges.
University of Washington
Huskies soccer alumnus Cristian Roldan was named to the United States World Cup roster, according to a statement by UW Athletics.
“Obviously, very emotional,” Roldan said after the announcement. “I’ve been waiting for this decision for a very long time. It’s a dream come true. As kids, this is what you want to do. When you think of your idols, you think of the World Cup, and now to be able to be part of it, it’s seriously a dream-come-true.”
Roldan earned national and conference honors during two seasons with the Huskies before being selected by the Seattle Sounders in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft.
Now one of the club’s most decorated players, he has helped lead Seattle to multiple titles while becoming a mainstay on the U.S. Men’s National Team. His World Cup selection holds special meaning, with matches set to be played in both his hometown of Southern California and Seattle.
Eastern Washington University
In the Eagles Track and Field program, Cort Gebbers is exceeding expectations at the NCAA West First Round, according to a statement from EWU Athletics. Gebbers, who was originally ranked 47th regionally, has climbed to 11th which helped him qualify for the NCAA Championships.
He secured his spot with a personal-best throw of 56.86 meters (186-6) on his final attempt, then nervously waited as later competitors tried to surpass him. His breakthrough performance comes after missing regionals by one centimeter as a freshman and reflects significant mental growth, resilience, and a strong bond with coach Majesty Tutson.
“Coach Maj has been by my side every practice, every time I've been here, even out of practice,” Gebbers said. “A lot of times it's not about the throw. It's about the relationship. She's always been there for me.”
And for anyone facing adversity, his message is simple, the statement said.
“Believe in yourself,” Gebbers said. “Even on the days that you feel terrible, on the days and weeks where it just doesn't work, one day it will click. Keep going, don't give up. You're going to get there.”
Central Washington University
The Wildcats womens soccer program welcomes Hailey Still, a Washington native to their coaching staff, according to a statement by CWU Athletics.
“I'm beyond excited to have Hailey join our staff and come into the fold of what we're collectively building with the women's soccer program here at Central,” Head Coach John Hawks said. “The fact Hailey is a native of Washington, has playing experience at the highest level both collegiately and as a youth, and knows the landscape of the PNW soccer community as a player and coach will serve our group well.”
Still recently completed her collegiate playing career at the University of Portland and the University of Washington, where she totaled 18 goals and 38 points combined, according to the statement. A former standout at Thomas Jefferson High School in Auburn, Still brings both high-level playing experience and familiarity with the Pacific Northwest soccer landscape.
“Coming directly from my collegiate playing career, I recognize how unique it is to step into a coaching role at this stage of my journey, and I am humbled by the trust that has been placed in me,” Still said.
Hawks highlighted her character and ability to connect with players as key assets as the program builds toward the 2026 season.
“More importantly, who Hailey is as a human being, and the impact she'll have on our staff, the women within the locker room, and the program as a whole is undeniable; we will all be better for it on and off the field,” Hawks said.
Washington State University
According to a statement by WSU Athletics, sophomore distance runner Evans Kurui placed sixth in the men’s 10,000 meters at the 2026 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. His performance earned him First-Team All-America honors for the second straight season.
Kurui clocked 28:10.73, running with the lead pack and briefly taking control in the final laps before finishing 10 seconds off the podium. His performance marks the first time a Cougar has earned back-to-back first-team honors in the event since Jeshua Anderson (2008–11).
The Cougars returned to the track Thursday for the opening day of the women's competition, WSU Athletics stated. Rosemary Longisa and Caroline Jepkorir will compete in the semifinals, looking to qualify for Saturday's finals. Longisa will compete in the 1,500-meter run beginning at 5:21 p.m., followed by Jepkorir at 5:38 p.m. in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.
ARTICLES BY MIKE MAYNARD
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