Northwest Notes May 14, 2024

Bayley advances at U.S. Open local qualifier

CALDWELL — Former Lakeland High and Washington State star Derek Bayley won a four-man playoff on the third playoff hole to nab the fourth and final qualifying spot at a U.S. Open local qualifier Monday at TimberStone Golf Course.

A total of 69 players teed it up at TimberStone, with four spots to a U.S. Open sectional qualifier up for grabs. Three players, including former Auburn and Eagle High golfer Graysen Huff, shot 3-under 69s. Bayley was one stroke back at 70.

Sectional assignments will be made soon.

The U.S. Open is June 13-16 at Pinehurst No. 2.

FC North Idaho Avalanche aligns with European soccer club

COEUR d’ALENE — Effective immediately, FC North Idaho Avalanche will be joining the BVB International Academy North America family and will be officially transitioning to BVB International Academy – Coeur d’Alene, the Avalanche announced in a news release.

BVB IA CDA is the first European affiliated soccer club in the Inland Northwest and in the state of Idaho. BVB IA is the official youth academy in North America for the Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund. BVB is globally known as one of the top academies in the world, producing talent such as Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna, who both represent the U.S. National Team.

“We believe in competitive play,” said Jason Steenstra, director of soccer operations for BVB International Academy-Coeur d’Alene. “Each BVB IA CDA player will receive a personalized progression plan to ensure they develop into the best player they can be. Players may also participate in our College Athlete Placement program. BVB IA CDA will also offer parent education programs to ensure they are aware of their athlete’s progress and can support their development.

“We believe in our community. BVB IA CDA will lead the growth of soccer in the Inland Northwest and utilize intense teamwork to develop athletes into future leaders of our community.

“We believe in each other. BVB IA CDA offers players a true development pathway through the BVB IA development pyramid and School of Excellence program to support their growth. BVB IA CDA is intentional about creating lasting bonds between players through the good times and bad that will stand the test of time.

“We believe in ambition. BVB IA CDA Coaches are regularly trained on new innovative approaches through the BVB eAcademy and are required to maintain current accreditation to develop athletes to their soccer potential and eventually ambitious leaders.

“We believe in winning. BVB is a highly successful professional program in global soccer and after beating Paris Saint Germain will compete in the UEFA Champions League final 2024. This winning culture translates to all levels of the development academy.”

Tryouts for the Coeur d’Alene-based squad are scheduled for May 20-25 at Woodland Middle School.

Information: northidahoavalanche.com

Idaho women’s golf signs NIC transfer

MOSCOW — Idaho women's golf head coach Stephanie Young announced the signing of North Idaho College transfer Sofia Lippiello, a native of Pocatello.

Lippiello is a 2023 NWAC First-Teamer with a pair of top-three tournament finishes this spring. She was third place at the Southwestern Oregon Community College League Tournament and finished second at the Highline NWAC League Match.

"We are very excited to welcome Sofia Lippiello to the University of Idaho," Young said. "She has been a great leader and competitor both on and off the golf course for the NIC women's golf program. Sofia will be a tremendous addition to our program, especially in bringing her experience and maturity from Coeur d'Alene to Moscow.  She has a passion for the game and that energy will be contagious to those around her. We are looking forward to her joining the Vandal golf program this fall."

With her help, NIC has won three straight tournaments heading into the NWAC Championship next week in Yakima, Wash.

She is coached at NIC by former Vandal Russell Grove.

Before her time at NIC, she played at Century High and was the Southeast Idaho Athletics Women's Golfer of the Year for 2020-21 and 2021-22.

She joins Idaho this summer ahead of the 2024-25 season.