Gophers Go Pro, Poach Rival Coach, and Announce HUGE Basketball Showdown!

Gopher Athletics Ignites with a Flurry of Major Announcements

MINNEAPOLIS – It was a whirlwind week for the University of Minnesota's Gopher Athletics, marked by professional dreams realized, strategic coaching acquisitions, and a major non-conference basketball matchup put on the calendar. The news cycle was buzzing with developments across multiple sports, signaling a period of significant momentum for the program.

Highlighting the week's excitement, the Gopher baseball program saw two of its own take the next step in their careers. Pitchers Hayden Vucinovich and Seth Clausen heard their names called during the Major League Baseball Draft, a monumental achievement that underscores the strength and pro-level talent being developed within the team. Their selections sent a wave of pride through the Gopher community and put a definitive exclamation point on their collegiate careers.

In a strategic power move, the Gopher gymnastics team announced a significant addition to its coaching staff. Sam Scherwinski, formerly an assistant coach at rival Big Ten institution Nebraska, has been hired to join Minnesota's program. The move is seen as a major coup, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective from a competing powerhouse to help elevate the Gophers' already impressive squad.

Hoops fans also have a major event to look forward to. The men's basketball team has officially scheduled a marquee neutral-site game against the University of San Francisco. The high-profile contest is set to take place next November at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D., promising an electrifying atmosphere as the Gophers take their show on the road for a key early-season test.

International success was also on display, as members of the volleyball program, including Coach Cook, Kelly Kinney, and Jordan Taylor, played pivotal roles in leading Team USA to a silver medal at the prestigious 2025 U19 World Championships. Meanwhile, the soccer team finalized its 2025 schedule, with fans now able to circle dates and start times on their calendars.

Beyond the competitive arena, the program showcased its commitment to excellence in the classroom. Numerous athletes were recognized with CSCAA Spring Scholar All-America Honors, proving their dedication extends to their academic pursuits. The week's updates were capped off by Athletic Director Mark Coyle and Tim McCleary presenting the Gopher Athletics' annual report to the Board of Regents, providing a comprehensive overview of a program clearly on the rise.