Emma Thielbahr, University of Colorado Soccer 

After three years at mid-majors, San Diego and Denver, Thielbahr has emerged as a key piece of the Colorado Buffaloes’ women’s soccer program. The Sandpoint native has played over 50 minutes, including two full games, through seven games this season.  

Thielbahr notched her first point in the third game of the season against California State Fullerton, assisting a goal in the 27th minute to help the Buffaloes earn a 3-2 victory over the Titans. She earned her second assist in the team’s lone loss to Michigan State. The Buffaloes’ defender found the back of the net for the first time in 2026 against New Mexico in the 13th minute of Colorado’s 3-0 win over the Lobos. 

Colorado has opened the season on a tear, going 5-1-1. Thielbahr will face her former team, Denver, on Friday night before the Buffs start Big 12 Conference play next Thursday. For those looking to watch the hometown kid star in Boulder, all of Colorado’s games are streamed on ESPN+. 

Jerzie Bair, Bushnell University Volleyball 

Bair, a Bonners Ferry High alum, has continued to add to her hot start to the season for the Bushnell Beacons. In her last three games, Bair has 20 kills with only three errors, six digs and eight blocks. She played a key role in Bushnell’s sweep of the No. 4 ranked Corban University on Sept. 2, totaling eight kills, two digs and three blocks. 

The Beacons went 2-1 in the last week, improving to a 7-2 record on the season. Bair has 55 kills, 29 blocks and 17 digs this season. Bushnell is set to face Evergreen State College on Sept. 11 and Northwest University on Sept. 12. Both games can be watched on the Cascade Collegiate Conference Network. 

Aubree Lane, Lewis-Clark College Volleyball 

Fellow NAIA school Lewis-Clark College is also off to a roaring start, in part thanks to Sandpoint High grad Aubree Lane. The senior posted a terrific night against Montana State-Northern on Aug. 29 with six kills, eight digs and one ace. Lane cooled off against Oregon Tech with one kill in two sets. 

The Warriors are off to an 8-1 start and played Warner Pacific on Thursday night. They’ll be off for the next week before they return to the P1FCU Activity Center in Lewiston for two home games against Evergreen State College and Northwest University on Sept. 18 and Sept. 19, respectively. 

Lilliana Brinkmeier, University of Colorado – Colorado Springs Soccer 

The Sandpoint High graduate got the nod between the posts for the UCCS Mountain Lions against St. Edwards on Sept. 3. Brinkmeier played the entire 90 minutes, facing eight shots, making two saves and allowing one goal in the Mountain Lions’ 3-1 victory over the Hilltoppers.  

UCCS faced Cal Poly Humboldt on Thursday and continued its California swing on Sunday, Sept. 13, against Chico State. 

Matyus McLain, Washington State Football 

McLain, a former star at Priest River Lamanna High, racked up two tackles in Washington State’s opener against Washington on Sunday. While McLain didn’t stuff the stat sheet and was called for a roughing the passer penalty, he was a key part of a defense that balled out against the Huskies. 

Despite taking the 24-10 loss, the Wazzu defensive front kept Washington quarterback Demond Williams off balance for much of the game and held the Huskies to under five yards per carry. McLain and the Cougars' defense kept the game close while their offense sputtered but couldn’t contain Washington late. While Wazzu may not have claimed the Apple Cup, they appear ready for a competitive season in the reformed Pac-12.  

The Cougars will look for redemption on the road against the Kansas State Wildcats on Saturday at 9 a.m. PDT. The game will be available to watch on TNT or on HBO Max. 

    Jerzie Bair.

    Aubree Lane.
  

  

    Lilliana Brinkmeier.
  

    McLain