Northwest Notes: May 2, 2026

NIC tabs Babson as women's soccer coach

North Idaho College has been named Luke Babson as head coach of its women’s soccer program, the school announced on Friday.

Babson previously served as head coach at Heartland Community College from 2024 to 2025, where he led both the men’s and women’s programs. The women’s team posted a 17-4-1 record and finished as NJCAA Division II national runner-up in 2025. Babson was named Region and District Coach of the Year honors, and the program produced four All-Americans.

“We are excited to welcome him as our head women’s soccer coach and are confident he will build a competitive program while fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the field,” NIC athletic director Shawn Noel said.

Babson also led Southwestern Oregon Community College from 2021 to 2022, guiding the men’s program from a 1-11 season to a 9-3-2 record and its first NWAC playoff win. He spent seven years as an assistant women’s soccer coach at Western Oregon University, where he contributed to recruiting and player development resulting in multiple all-conference honors.

“I’m incredibly honored and excited to join North Idaho College as the head women's soccer coach,” Babson said. “This is a program with strong potential, and I’m looking forward to building a culture centered on hard work, accountability and a passion for the game.”

Babson holds a UEFA B Coaching License through the Welsh Football Association and has compiled a 32-16-3 record as a college head coach.

Babson replaces Kellsi Parson, who stepped down after six seasons following last season.

Vandals add Junior College standout Brady Kennison 

MOSCOW — Head coach Alex Pribble and the Idaho men’s basketball coaching staff continued to build their 2026-27 Big Sky title-defending squad this week with the addition of North Platte (Neb.) Community College standout Brady Kennison. 

“Brady is exactly what this team needed,” the Vandals' leader proclaimed when asked about Kennison. “A proven scorer, an elite three-point shooter, and a very good playmaker as well. He’s a great kid who plays the game with a little chip on his shoulder. He’s also a good student, and he will thrive in the Moscow community. We can’t wait to get Brady out here and get to work!”

In 30 games for the Knights last season, Kennison scored 18.5 points per game on a remarkably efficient 41.8% hit rate from the field, while making 111 threes over the course of the year, the most by any player in the NJCAA, to earn himself a first-team All-Region nod. The 6’2” guard posted two points-assists double-doubles and three 30-point performances, including a massive 39-point, 13-20 shooting night in February. During his freshman season at Collin College, Kennison averaged 10 points a night, scoring 20 on two occasions.

The Loveland, Colo. native is the first junior college signee to Idaho’s 2026 class and joins Kase Wynott, Diego Trejo-Delgado, Hudson Ward, TJ Wal, Nolan Newman-Gomez as the sixth spring addition to the 2026-27 Vandal team.