Sports
Alabama coach Kristy Curry leaves for South Florida post
Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kristy Curry encourages her team during a first-round game between the Rhode Island Rams and Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at the KFC Yum Center, March 21, 2026, in Louisville, Ky. After 13 seasons in charge at Alabama, women’s basketball head coach Kristy Curry is leaving for the same job at South Florida.
Both schools announced the move Tuesday, with South Florida CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins calling Curry “a proven winner at the highest levels.”
“She has guided her teams to the NCAA championship game and built an exceptional resume that includes 16 20-win seasons and 21 postseason appearances over 27 years as a head coach,” Higgins said in a statement. “I’m incredibly excited about the future of South Florida women’s basketball under her leadership.”
Curry, 59, has spent her entire head-coaching career at high-major schools — Purdue (1999-2006), Texas Tech (2006-13) and Alabama — so the choice to move to the American Conference program is surprising.
However, Jose Fernandez built the Bulls into a frequent NCAA Tournament team in his 25-year career there before he took over the WNBA’s Dallas Wings in 2025. Michele Woods-Baxter served as the temporary head coach in 2025-26; the Bulls went 20-12 (13-5 American) but missed the tournament.
“I would like to thank Rob Higgins for the tremendous opportunity to lead a proud South Florida women’s basketball program,” Curry said in a statement. “A strong foundation is in place, and I look forward to building on it as we pursue conference championships and NCAA Tournament success. Rob and the University’s commitment to competing at the highest level–along with the clear vision and alignment at USF–are truly exceptional. I can’t wait to meet Bulls Nation and experience a rocking Yuengling Center.”
Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne thanked Curry for doing “a commendable job” in a statement Tuesday.
“We appreciated her contributions and wish her and her family well moving forward,” Byrne said. “As we begin a national search for our next head coach, Alabama athletics remains committed to the continued growth and investment in women’s basketball.”
The Crimson Tide qualified for each of the last four NCAA Tournaments and advanced to the second round in three straight years. As a sixth seed, the team’s season ended Monday with a narrow 69-68 loss to third-seeded Louisville in the Round of 32.
Alabama (24-11, 7-9 SEC) also received a ranking in the AP Top 25 poll for the second straight year, coming in as high as No. 21. Before Curry, the program had not done so since 1998-99.
Curry is 554-322 as a head coach all-time. She took Purdue to the Final Four in 2001 and beat Missouri State before falling 68-66 to Notre Dame in the title game.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Montreal signs Team Italy captain Nadia Mattivi
Feb 9, 2026; Milan, Italy; Nadia Mattivi of Italy celebrates after the match against Japan in women’s ice hockey group B play during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images The Montreal Victoire signed Italian national team captain Nadia Mattivi to her first PWHL contract.
The 25-year-old defender played at Boston University before launching her pro career in Sweden, where she was the league’s Defender of the Year in 2024-25.
Mattivi tallied two assists in five games for the host country at last month’s Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, advancing to the quarterfinals.
“Nadia is coming off an excellent season in Sweden and also performed very well at Milano-Cortina, and we are happy to have her join our team,” said Victoire general manager Daniele Sauvageau, who was also the GM of the Italian team.
Also on Monday, the Victoire placed captain Marie-Philip Poulin on long-term injured reserve. The 34-year-old Canadian center has been sidelined with a lower-body injury since March 15 and is eligible to return to the lineup on April 5.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Buccaneers LB Lavonte David retires after 14 seasons
Jan 3, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (54) warms up before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David announced his retirement Tuesday after spending his entire 14-year career with the franchise.
David, 36, was a 12-time team captain and Super Bowl LV champion who tied Derrick Brooks’ team record with 1,714 career tackles.
“It’s time,” David told Sports Illustrated. “I’ve been playing football since I was 6 years old. Thirty years straight of football. I never missed a year. A lot of time, man. When it’s time, when you know, you know. I always wanted to be a guy who wanted to retire on my own terms. Right now is the perfect opportunity for that. I give glory to God for me to be able to play football for this long.
“For me, man, 14 years (in the NFL) is enough. I’m comfortable with my decision. I’m satisfied with my career. When I first got into the league, I never, never, ever in a million years expected to play 14 years at a high level for the same organization. And it’s something that doesn’t come around often. I think it’s time that I hang it up and let the next generation of players come in and take over the game.”
David is also the Bucs’ all-time leader in tackles for loss (177), forced fumbles (33) and fumble recoveries (21) and ranks third in games played and started (215).
“For the past 14 seasons, Lavonte David has personified what it means to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. He was a selfless leader both on and off the field, playing with passion and a genuine love for the game. He leaves a legacy as a Super Bowl champion and one of the greatest players in franchise history, setting a standard that will continue to impact our organization for years to come,” said a statement from the Glazer family, owners of the Buccaneers. “Today, we celebrate Lavonte’s legendary career as one of the most accomplished players of his era and thank him for the many memorable moments he provided our fans. Beyond the statistics and accolades, he will be remembered throughout Tampa Bay for his humble demeanor and strong commitment to our community. We wish him well on his journey after football and look forward to honoring his Hall of Fame-worthy achievements in the near future.”
David recorded 114 tackles, 3.5 sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries while starting all 17 games last season. It was his 12th season with triple-digit tackles.
“Lavonte’s mark on our franchise could never be overstated,” Bucs general manager Jason Licht said. “For the entirety of his 14-year career, Lavonte set the standard for professionalism, leadership, and consistency. He embodies everything that it means to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer and he is undoubtedly one of the best players to ever put on this uniform. His contributions to our franchise, to his teammates and to this community will leave an impact far beyond his playing years.”
An All-Pro selection in 2013 and a Pro Bowl selection in 2015, David tallied 42.5 sacks and 14 interceptions since being selected in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Nebraska.
“Before I came to the Buccaneers, I always had immense respect for Lavonte as a special football player,” said Bucs head coach Todd Bowles. “Having had the fortune to coach him for the last seven seasons, I have also experienced the special person and leader he is. He has been the heart and soul of our defense and a Super Bowl champion on the way to being an eventual Hall of Famer. There isn’t anyone more respected by his teammates, and that respect extends to his peers and opposing coaches throughout the league. I, as well as everyone in this organization, will miss him tremendously.”
–Field Level Media
Sports
Rays RHP Ryan Pepiot (hip) to begin season on IL
Sep 23, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Ryan Pepiot (44) throws during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images Tampa Bay Rays starter Ryan Pepiot will begin the season on the injured list with right hip inflammation, manager Kevin Cash confirmed Tuesday.
The 28-year-old right-hander had been scheduled to start Tuesday’s spring finale against the Atlanta Braves. Pepiot made three starts in spring training, allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits in 10 innings while striking out seven and issuing nine walks.
Pepiot will receive an injection to alleviate discomfort in his hip and is not expected to miss a significant amount of time, per MLB.com.
Pepiot was 11-12 with a 3.86 ERA in 31 starts last season for the Rays. He is 24-21 with a 3.54 ERA in 74 career games (67 starts) with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2022-23) and Rays. He has struck out 389 batters and walked 141 in 376 innings.
Tampa Bay visits the St. Louis Cardinals for Opening Day on Thursday.
With Pepiot on the IL, the Rays’ rotation to start the season will feature Drew Rasmussen, Joe Boyle, Steven Matz, Nick Martinez and Shane McClanahan.
–Field Level Media
Montreal signs Team Italy captain Nadia Mattivi
Buccaneers LB Lavonte David retires after 14 seasons
