Mitchell Northam
@northam67.bsky.social
Sports at USA Today
Buy my book: https://tinyurl.com/shorehoops 🏀
The Women’s Basketball Podcast: https://linktr.ee/miaandmitch 🎙️
Buy my book: https://tinyurl.com/shorehoops 🏀
The Women’s Basketball Podcast: https://linktr.ee/miaandmitch 🎙️
Pinned
Mitchell Northam
@northam67.bsky.social
· Mar 20
The coach that helped Kara Lawson build Duke back into a contender
Tia Jackson is the through-line between the great eras of Duke women’s basketball and she’s helped mold Kara Lawson into a head coach.
www.sbnation.com
“She’s been the most important figure in my growth and maturation as a head coach."
After 12 years, Duke is back on top in the ACC. The connective throughline from the last great era of Blue Devils basketball to now is Tia Jackson.
Went long on her and Kara Lawson:
www.sbnation.com/2025/3/20/24...
After 12 years, Duke is back on top in the ACC. The connective throughline from the last great era of Blue Devils basketball to now is Tia Jackson.
Went long on her and Kara Lawson:
www.sbnation.com/2025/3/20/24...
USC Upstate is the 13th Division I school to announced the addition of a varsity women's flag football team: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
13th NCAA Division I school to add varsity women’s flag football team
USC Upstate is the 13th NCAA Division I program to add a women's flag football team at the varsity level and the second in the Big South Conference.
www.usatoday.com
February 5, 2026 at 4:50 PM
USC Upstate is the 13th Division I school to announced the addition of a varsity women's flag football team: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
The Winter Olympics are here, so I’m resharing one of my favorite stories from my time at WUNC, on curling and a little club in Durham.
This was my first full length radio feature. The web version also has photos from the great Kate Medley:
www.wunc.org/sports/2022-...
This was my first full length radio feature. The web version also has photos from the great Kate Medley:
www.wunc.org/sports/2022-...
The Triangle Curling Club has bounced back from COVID, just in time for the Olympics
Every four years, around the Winter Olympics, the sport of curling finds some new fans. Not surprisingly, it’s a sport played, primarily, in very cold locations. But curling also has a home right here...
www.wunc.org
February 5, 2026 at 3:40 PM
The Winter Olympics are here, so I’m resharing one of my favorite stories from my time at WUNC, on curling and a little club in Durham.
This was my first full length radio feature. The web version also has photos from the great Kate Medley:
www.wunc.org/sports/2022-...
This was my first full length radio feature. The web version also has photos from the great Kate Medley:
www.wunc.org/sports/2022-...
Been bummed out all day by the Washington Post cuts. Working for that sports section was always my dream job. I admired so many of the great writers there, and was lucky to call a few of them friends.
Incredibly idiotic, short-sighted and damaging move by Jeff Bezos.
Incredibly idiotic, short-sighted and damaging move by Jeff Bezos.
February 5, 2026 at 4:40 AM
Been bummed out all day by the Washington Post cuts. Working for that sports section was always my dream job. I admired so many of the great writers there, and was lucky to call a few of them friends.
Incredibly idiotic, short-sighted and damaging move by Jeff Bezos.
Incredibly idiotic, short-sighted and damaging move by Jeff Bezos.
the new T.I. song sounds like it came out in 2008. To be clear, this is a high compliment.
February 4, 2026 at 6:12 PM
the new T.I. song sounds like it came out in 2008. To be clear, this is a high compliment.
BRACKET WATCH - #ncaaW
- The SEC is grabbing seven top 16 seeds.
- Big opportunities loom for Clemson, Virginia Tech to get off the bubble.
- Arizona State needs help.
Read here: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
And my full bracket in yellow pad form below… 🏀📈
- The SEC is grabbing seven top 16 seeds.
- Big opportunities loom for Clemson, Virginia Tech to get off the bubble.
- Arizona State needs help.
Read here: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
And my full bracket in yellow pad form below… 🏀📈
February 4, 2026 at 3:18 PM
BRACKET WATCH - #ncaaW
- The SEC is grabbing seven top 16 seeds.
- Big opportunities loom for Clemson, Virginia Tech to get off the bubble.
- Arizona State needs help.
Read here: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
And my full bracket in yellow pad form below… 🏀📈
- The SEC is grabbing seven top 16 seeds.
- Big opportunities loom for Clemson, Virginia Tech to get off the bubble.
- Arizona State needs help.
Read here: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
And my full bracket in yellow pad form below… 🏀📈
Reposted by Mitchell Northam
Some **PERSONAL NEWS** as the go-getters say.
@burnitalldownpod.com has been on a hiatus for a couple of years. We are SO READY to return, but need your help because we don't have backing by a corporation, and need this to be sustainable.
Enter Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/bur...
@burnitalldownpod.com has been on a hiatus for a couple of years. We are SO READY to return, but need your help because we don't have backing by a corporation, and need this to be sustainable.
Enter Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/bur...
Burn It All Down, the feminist sports podcast you need
A new season of what haters have called a "capitalist-hating, Trump-hating, NFL protest-loving group of far-Left women."
www.kickstarter.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Some **PERSONAL NEWS** as the go-getters say.
@burnitalldownpod.com has been on a hiatus for a couple of years. We are SO READY to return, but need your help because we don't have backing by a corporation, and need this to be sustainable.
Enter Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/bur...
@burnitalldownpod.com has been on a hiatus for a couple of years. We are SO READY to return, but need your help because we don't have backing by a corporation, and need this to be sustainable.
Enter Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/bur...
Now at George Mason, Vanessa Blair-Lewis has turned three programs into conference champions. @MasonWBB is 10-0 in A-10 play for the first time ever this season.
Wherever she goes, she wins.
"For us, it's always been the player inside the jersey."
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Wherever she goes, she wins.
"For us, it's always been the player inside the jersey."
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
How Vanessa Blair-Lewis built a women's basketball winner at George Mason
Vanessa Blair-Lewis has won titles at three different Division I programs and is the longest tenured Black woman head coach in women's basketball.
www.usatoday.com
February 3, 2026 at 4:22 PM
Now at George Mason, Vanessa Blair-Lewis has turned three programs into conference champions. @MasonWBB is 10-0 in A-10 play for the first time ever this season.
Wherever she goes, she wins.
"For us, it's always been the player inside the jersey."
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Wherever she goes, she wins.
"For us, it's always been the player inside the jersey."
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
UNC's win at NC State was crucial. It was the first Quad 1 win of the season for the Tar Heels, and Courtney Banghart's first victory at Reynolds.
But on #Play4Kay night, UNC fought for Coach Jo, their associate head coach who has battled cancer.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
But on #Play4Kay night, UNC fought for Coach Jo, their associate head coach who has battled cancer.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Inspired by Coach Jo’s cancer treatment, UNC defeats NC State
On Play4Kay night at NC State, the UNC Tar Heels women's basketball team played for assistant Joanne Aluka-White who has breast cancer.
www.usatoday.com
February 3, 2026 at 4:57 AM
UNC's win at NC State was crucial. It was the first Quad 1 win of the season for the Tar Heels, and Courtney Banghart's first victory at Reynolds.
But on #Play4Kay night, UNC fought for Coach Jo, their associate head coach who has battled cancer.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
But on #Play4Kay night, UNC fought for Coach Jo, their associate head coach who has battled cancer.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Wes Moore wasn’t as enthusiastic about the idea of playing UNC in a non-conference game:
“Hadn’t even thought about it. Not saying it wouldn’t happen, but we play a pretty tough schedule, so it’s not like we’re shying away.”
“Hadn’t even thought about it. Not saying it wouldn’t happen, but we play a pretty tough schedule, so it’s not like we’re shying away.”
This week's women's basketball notebook:
- Could UNC and N.C. State play in a non-conference game in Greensboro?
- How Zanai Barnett-Gay is powering Tim Taylor's Navy in the Patriot League
- Boston College, UCF on hot seat watch
- Could UNC and N.C. State play in a non-conference game in Greensboro?
- How Zanai Barnett-Gay is powering Tim Taylor's Navy in the Patriot League
- Boston College, UCF on hot seat watch
Around women's hoops: Could UNC, NC State play in non-conference?
Could Tobacco Road rivals UNC and NC State meet in a non-conference game? Also, hot seat watch and a check-in on Zanai Barnett-Gay and Navy.
www.usatoday.com
February 3, 2026 at 4:21 AM
Wes Moore wasn’t as enthusiastic about the idea of playing UNC in a non-conference game:
“Hadn’t even thought about it. Not saying it wouldn’t happen, but we play a pretty tough schedule, so it’s not like we’re shying away.”
“Hadn’t even thought about it. Not saying it wouldn’t happen, but we play a pretty tough schedule, so it’s not like we’re shying away.”
For the first time ever, Courtney Banghart has won inside Reynolds Coliseum. Tar Heels get their first victory in Raleigh since 2019, 61-59.
It's also the first Quad 1 win of the season for UNC. Indya Nivar (16-7-6) and Lanie Grant (18 points) led the way.
It's also the first Quad 1 win of the season for UNC. Indya Nivar (16-7-6) and Lanie Grant (18 points) led the way.
February 3, 2026 at 12:59 AM
For the first time ever, Courtney Banghart has won inside Reynolds Coliseum. Tar Heels get their first victory in Raleigh since 2019, 61-59.
It's also the first Quad 1 win of the season for UNC. Indya Nivar (16-7-6) and Lanie Grant (18 points) led the way.
It's also the first Quad 1 win of the season for UNC. Indya Nivar (16-7-6) and Lanie Grant (18 points) led the way.
Reminder: a Courtney Banghart-coached team has never won at Reynolds Coliseum.
February 2, 2026 at 11:10 PM
Reminder: a Courtney Banghart-coached team has never won at Reynolds Coliseum.
Zam Jones, wearing a mask, drains a 3-pointer to give NC State its first lead, 13-12, mid-first.
February 2, 2026 at 11:09 PM
Zam Jones, wearing a mask, drains a 3-pointer to give NC State its first lead, 13-12, mid-first.
After 12 seasons, Beth O’Boyle is out as VCU’s head coach.
Sources around the sport describe it as an “elite” mid-major job. So, who might get it? Here’s four names to consider:
🏀 #ncaaW
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Sources around the sport describe it as an “elite” mid-major job. So, who might get it? Here’s four names to consider:
🏀 #ncaaW
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Four women's basketball candidates to replace Beth O'Boyle at VCU
Beth O'Boyle is the first fired of the 2026 women's college basketball coaching cycle. Names to replace her at VCU include Tennessee's Gabe Lazo.
www.usatoday.com
February 2, 2026 at 8:22 PM
After 12 seasons, Beth O’Boyle is out as VCU’s head coach.
Sources around the sport describe it as an “elite” mid-major job. So, who might get it? Here’s four names to consider:
🏀 #ncaaW
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Sources around the sport describe it as an “elite” mid-major job. So, who might get it? Here’s four names to consider:
🏀 #ncaaW
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
This week's women's basketball notebook:
- Could UNC and N.C. State play in a non-conference game in Greensboro?
- How Zanai Barnett-Gay is powering Tim Taylor's Navy in the Patriot League
- Boston College, UCF on hot seat watch
- Could UNC and N.C. State play in a non-conference game in Greensboro?
- How Zanai Barnett-Gay is powering Tim Taylor's Navy in the Patriot League
- Boston College, UCF on hot seat watch
Around women's hoops: Could UNC, NC State play in non-conference?
Could Tobacco Road rivals UNC and NC State meet in a non-conference game? Also, hot seat watch and a check-in on Zanai Barnett-Gay and Navy.
www.usatoday.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:30 PM
This week's women's basketball notebook:
- Could UNC and N.C. State play in a non-conference game in Greensboro?
- How Zanai Barnett-Gay is powering Tim Taylor's Navy in the Patriot League
- Boston College, UCF on hot seat watch
- Could UNC and N.C. State play in a non-conference game in Greensboro?
- How Zanai Barnett-Gay is powering Tim Taylor's Navy in the Patriot League
- Boston College, UCF on hot seat watch
We picked a preseason All-American team for college softball over at USA Today. Season starts on Thursday:
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
USA TODAY Sports' 2026 NCAA softball preseason All-Americans
USA Today Sports selects preseason All-Americans for NCAA softball in 2026. Stars like NiJaree Canady and Jordy Frahm are featured.
www.usatoday.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:28 PM
We picked a preseason All-American team for college softball over at USA Today. Season starts on Thursday:
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Simply put, Notre Dame playing in March Madness is no longer a guarantee this season.
The Irish have two problems: The first is roster construction. And the second is that the team Niele Ivey assembled is terrible on defense.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
The Irish have two problems: The first is roster construction. And the second is that the team Niele Ivey assembled is terrible on defense.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Notre Dame women’s basketball officially on March Madness bubble watch
After losing at Cal on Thursday night, Notre Dame is on bubble watch for the NCAA Tournament. Hannah Hidalgo's awards aren't guaranteed either.
www.usatoday.com
January 30, 2026 at 7:36 PM
Simply put, Notre Dame playing in March Madness is no longer a guarantee this season.
The Irish have two problems: The first is roster construction. And the second is that the team Niele Ivey assembled is terrible on defense.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
The Irish have two problems: The first is roster construction. And the second is that the team Niele Ivey assembled is terrible on defense.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
NEWS: The folks behind the Fiesta Bowl are putting together the first-of-its-kind national championship for women's flag football.
Eight teams, including Alabama State, invited to a bracket competition in April in Arizona.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Eight teams, including Alabama State, invited to a bracket competition in April in Arizona.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Fiesta Bowl to host national championship for women’s flag football
Organizers behind the Fiesta Bowl will host the first of its kind national championship for NCAA women’s flag football. Eight teams are invited.
www.usatoday.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:01 PM
NEWS: The folks behind the Fiesta Bowl are putting together the first-of-its-kind national championship for women's flag football.
Eight teams, including Alabama State, invited to a bracket competition in April in Arizona.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Eight teams, including Alabama State, invited to a bracket competition in April in Arizona.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Reposted by Mitchell Northam
Muffet McGraw calls it like it is.
Muffet McGraw calls Trump a fascist, says he should be removed from White House
In a social media post, former Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw laments Alex Pretti's killing and calls for change in White House.
www.usatoday.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:37 AM
Muffet McGraw calls it like it is.
Reposted by Mitchell Northam
Muffet McGraw not holding back
January 29, 2026 at 3:26 AM
Muffet McGraw not holding back
Charleston Southern is the 12th Division I school to add women's flag football as a varsity sport:
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
12th NCAA Division I school to add varsity women’s flag football team
Charleston Southern is at least the 12th Division I program in the NCAA to add women's flag football, which is growing with the NFL's help.
www.usatoday.com
January 28, 2026 at 6:58 PM
Charleston Southern is the 12th Division I school to add women's flag football as a varsity sport:
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
It’s not in the story, but I did sketch out a full bracket. If you can read my bad handwriting and excuse the white-out, here you go:
January 28, 2026 at 3:59 PM
It’s not in the story, but I did sketch out a full bracket. If you can read my bad handwriting and excuse the white-out, here you go:
BRACKET WATCH: Has Duke played their way back into contention for a top 16 seed? I think so.
And the difference between the ACC getting seven and 11 teams in rests on the bubble. Right now, Clemson and Virginia Tech are in.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
And the difference between the ACC getting seven and 11 teams in rests on the bubble. Right now, Clemson and Virginia Tech are in.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Women’s basketball bracketology: Duke back in top 16 contention
Early season was rough for Duke, but it's riding an 11-game win streak and back in contention for a top NCAA Tournament seed.
www.usatoday.com
January 28, 2026 at 3:58 PM
BRACKET WATCH: Has Duke played their way back into contention for a top 16 seed? I think so.
And the difference between the ACC getting seven and 11 teams in rests on the bubble. Right now, Clemson and Virginia Tech are in.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
And the difference between the ACC getting seven and 11 teams in rests on the bubble. Right now, Clemson and Virginia Tech are in.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
anyways... very thankful I'm not an NC State beat writer who has to cover this incredibly silly story about Will Wade and the SLOBBERIN WOLF
January 28, 2026 at 4:53 AM
anyways... very thankful I'm not an NC State beat writer who has to cover this incredibly silly story about Will Wade and the SLOBBERIN WOLF
nah man. y'all ain't gonna have me out here feeling sorry for Belichick.
This is hilarious.
This is hilarious.
January 28, 2026 at 4:51 AM
nah man. y'all ain't gonna have me out here feeling sorry for Belichick.
This is hilarious.
This is hilarious.
Aaliyah Chavez is the latest superstar freshman to emerge as the bus driver for her team.
To lead a team as a rookie, a player needs to have the trust of her head coach and teammates. Chavez has that from Jennie Baranczyk and the Sooners.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
To lead a team as a rookie, a player needs to have the trust of her head coach and teammates. Chavez has that from Jennie Baranczyk and the Sooners.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
How Oklahoma women’s basketball's freshman star is powering a rebirth
After an upset win over South Carolina, Aaliyah Chavez looks like the next star in women's basketball. She has the keys to Oklahoma's success.
www.usatoday.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Aaliyah Chavez is the latest superstar freshman to emerge as the bus driver for her team.
To lead a team as a rookie, a player needs to have the trust of her head coach and teammates. Chavez has that from Jennie Baranczyk and the Sooners.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
To lead a team as a rookie, a player needs to have the trust of her head coach and teammates. Chavez has that from Jennie Baranczyk and the Sooners.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...