Football, basketball, volleyball, golf, soccer, cross country, gymnastics, wrestling, swimming, track & field, and more filled our feeds this past year, featuring all the good news about our Region athletes in their respective sports. There is so much talent to go around in our area, and we had a blast attending games, matches, meets, and more to help others see the action from a unique perspective.
Whether it was nation-wide tournaments, deep dives into high school and club sports, athlete awards ceremonies, or anything in between, we shared it all in 2024 on behalf of the high schools and colleges that make our Region proud.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 sports articles on NWI.Life to recap the good news in 2024!
Valparaiso Vikings at Lake Central Indians Boys & Girls Basketball Double-Header 2024
On Thursday, January 18, the Valparaiso Vikings girls and boys basketball teams traveled to Lake Central High School to take on the Indians in a matchup that could very well determine the champion of the Duneland Athletic Conference (DAC).
All four of these teams were undefeated in conference play heading into tonight’s matchup.
Indiana University Northwest celebrates student athlete excellence at annual Champions and Leadership Awards event
On May 2, Indiana University (IU) Northwest students, athletes, and coaching staff gathered with their family members in the Arts and Sciences Theater for the second annual Champions and Leadership Awards event. On this special occasion, the IU Northwest Athletics Department recognized the athletic and academic accomplishments that IU Northwest's student-athletes have made in the past year. Student-athletes dressed in their finest and took full advantage of the IU Northwest-themed photo backdrop – complete with a red carpet – that was set up for the event. They made sure to take plenty of photos with their coaches, friends, and family. The attendees also enjoyed a delicious meal during the reception preceding the event.
The exciting world of high school softball in Northern Indiana
High school softball is more than just a sport—it's an experience that shapes athletes, fosters teamwork, and creates lasting memories. In communities across the country, high school softball teams showcase talent, dedication, and the thrill of competition. Let's delve into the dynamic world of high school softball and explore what makes it so special.
High school softball serves as a crucial platform for developing young athletes. From honing fundamental skills like hitting, pitching, and fielding to mastering strategic gameplay, student-athletes gain invaluable experience that prepares them for higher levels of competition. Coaches play a pivotal role in nurturing talent and instilling a passion for the sport.
The inclusive spirit of Unified Track and Field extends beyond athletics
At schools across the Region, the Unified Track and Field program is more than just a sports initiative – it's a testament to inclusivity and equality. In an exclusive interview with coaches from different parts of the Region, GreatNews.Life (GNL) explored the roots of the program and what inspired its initiation.
High School Bowling teams all across Northwest Indiana are on a roll
Bowling in Northwest Indiana (NWI) is a hot commodity, especially in a high school environment. Schools like Valparaiso High School, Michigan City High School, Munster High School, Lowell High School, Wheeler High School, La Porte High School, and much more are competing in the Lakeshore Indiana High School Bowling Conference (Lakeshore IHSB).
NSA Fast Pitch World Series kicks off with Skills Competition & Heavy Hitters Camp, featuring College World Series Champions from the University of Oklahoma
Countless athletes and coaches, along with a fleet of parents congregated at the Crown Point Sports Complex on Tuesday afternoon to take part in the 2024 National Softball Association (NSA) Fastpitch World Series Kick-Off Day.
Organized by the NSA in partnership with the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority (CVA), the World Series sees nearly 200 teams from across the country come together and compete across 13 divisions, ranging from 8U to 23U/women’s. Activities and games last until Sunday, and typically begin with the annual Skills Competition, where teams compete in a series of challenges that test their baserunning and fielding abilities. This year, however, the NSA added a special event to the calendar – the Heavy Hitters Camp, where multi-time College World Series Champions Kierston Deal and Kinzie Hansen of the University of Oklahoma worked directly with the young athletes in attendance.
Nicki Monahan-Keith showcases her vision for RedHawks basketball at press conference
Indiana University Northwest introduced Nicki Monahan-Keith in the McMahon Student Athlete Resource Room to as the next head coach of the RedHawks’ women’s basketball team.
After serving as an assistant coach for the past five seasons, she earned this role and is one of the university's most accomplished women’s basketball student-athletes.
As the program’s second all-time leading scorer with 2,319 points, she had her number 22 retired in 2022. She also captured A.I.I. Freshman of the Year, was a two-time conference player of the year, and a three-time NAIA All-America selection.
South Shore CVA welcomes thousands to the Region at NSA Fastpitch World Series Opening Ceremony
The 2024 National Softball Association (NSA) Fastpitch World Series is underway and thousands of athletes, coaches, and parents celebrated with an Opening Ceremony parade and block party in downtown Crown Point.
Hosted by the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority (CVA), the NSA Fastpitch World Series features over 100 teams from across the Midwest battling it out on softball fields across the Region. The event, which has decades of history, is steeped in tradition – including the parade, which sees participating teams dress up in costumes – from cops and robbers to Minions and tropical vacationers. Plenty of other activities packed Bulldog Park as well, such as food trucks, bounce houses, hair braiding, face painting, and more.
Crown Point welcomes youth baseball players from five countries to Cal Ripken 10U World Series
The City of Crown Point and the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority (CVA) welcomed 25 baseball teams and nearly 400 players representing five countries to the Cal Ripken 10U World Series. Hosted at Jerry Ross Park, a premiere facility featuring three fields, the teams are set to spend the next week battling for a World Series crown.
The array of competitors includes teams from Indiana, Alabama, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington. Four international teams, representing Australia, Czech Republic, Germany, and Panama are also taking the field. The tournament opened on Friday, August 9, with an opening ceremony that included a parade of teams, a flyover, and plenty of local food.
Purdue Northwest Sports Fest unites campus and community with exciting activities and matchups
Purdue University Northwest (PNW)’s Homecoming Sports Fest brought students, alumni and fans together to show PNW pride and support the university’s sports teams at Hammond’s Dowling Park on Sept. 8.
This annual event, the highlight of Homecoming Week, features games, food, music, and various activities.
