Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

Serving the UMN community since 1900

The Minnesota Daily

All content by Betsy Helfand

Zahui B. entering WNBA draft

by Betsy Helfand
Published April 7, 2015

Amanda Zahui B. will be the sixth player to leave the Gophers womenâÄôs basketball team this year. After a redshirt sophomore season in which she became the programâÄôs first Associated...

University to undergo federal investigation

by Betsy Helfand
Published January 26, 2015
An anonymous party filed a complaint in November alleging gender discrimination.

University will undergo investigation for alleged Title IX violations

by Betsy Helfand
Published January 23, 2015
A complaint was filed with the Office for Civil Rights.

Toledo ends fall at indoor nationals

by Betsy Helfand
Published November 10, 2014

Leandro Toledo’s stay at the ITA National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships was cut short this weekend. The Gophers senior lost in the first round on Thursday to No. 11 Harrison Adams 6-7 (3),...

Gophers reclaim Floyd of Rosedale

by Betsy Helfand
Published November 10, 2014
Minnesota now possesses three of the four traveling trophies it plays for.

Minnesota begins season on top

by Betsy Helfand
Published November 6, 2014
The Gophers came in second in last year’s NCAA championships.

Leagues away from home

by Betsy Helfand
Published October 29, 2014
The University of Minnesota attracts athletes from around the world. Their transition to a new home brings fresh challenges and opportunities.

Gophers tie for first in tourney

by Betsy Helfand
Published October 29, 2014
Freshman Celia Kuenster recorded a hole-in-one in the tournament.

Laguna, Laorr step up for Gophers

by Betsy Helfand
Published October 23, 2014
The duo placed first and second among teammates at their last tournament.

Bringing a new level of play

by Betsy Helfand
Published October 20, 2014
Guard Rachel Banham is set to shatter school records in her senior season with Minnesota.

Combined program pays dividends

by Betsy Helfand
Published October 16, 2014
Minnesota is in its fourth season as a combined men’s and women’s program.

Mendez paces men’s team to eighth place

by Betsy Helfand
Published October 15, 2014
Both the men’s and women’s team have one more fall tournament.

Minnesota faces quick turnaround

by Betsy Helfand
Published October 9, 2014
Minnesota will begin its second tournament this week on Sunday.

Minnesota finishes 10th in second tourney

by Betsy Helfand
Published October 8, 2014
Freshman Celia Kuenster led Minnesota, tying for sixth overall.

Freshmen make mark

by Betsy Helfand
Published October 6, 2014
The Gophers have three freshmen on their roster.

Dyson, Minnesota take SDSU Classic

by Betsy Helfand
Published October 6, 2014
Redshirt junior Becca Dyson placed first overall in the meet on Saturday.

Urick takes opportunity to step up

by Betsy Helfand
Published October 2, 2014
Redshirt junior Kaila Urick is having a breakout year for Minnesota.

Look around the Big Ten: Hockey’s starting

by Betsy Helfand
Published October 1, 2014

As the Gophers prepare to begin their season, they’ll do so as the top team in the country. Minnesota is the preseason coaches’ favorite to win the Big Ten and enters the season as the No....

Gophers falter in tourney

by Betsy Helfand
Published September 29, 2014
Sophomore Jose Mendez led the Gophers as he tied for 17th overall.

No sophomore slump for Gophers’ star

by Betsy Helfand
Published September 25, 2014

As a freshman, Jose Mendez tied for the individual crown at last year’s Big Ten championships. This season, Mendez has picked up right where he left off, as he’s finished in the top 10 of his...

Young team struggles at tournament

by Betsy Helfand
Published September 23, 2014
Sophomore Jose Mendez finished second overall at the Windon Memorial.

Minnesota adds alumnus to staff

by Betsy Helfand
Published September 18, 2014
Justin Smith golfed for the Gophers from 2001-04 and won a national title.

Laorr leads Gophers in first tourney

by Betsy Helfand
Published September 17, 2014
Senior Anna Laorr led the team with a 1-under par finish at the tournament.

Gophers kick off new season at Minnesota Invitational

by Betsy Helfand
Published September 15, 2014
Minnesota returns many key golfers from last season’s successful team.
Gophers forward Amanda Kessel drives the puck toward the net on January 20, 2012 at Ridder Arena.

Top forward out for season after concussion

by Betsy Helfand
Published September 11, 2014
Amanda Kessel will sit out the 2014-15 season with lingering issues from the head injury.
Sophomore Jose Mendez swings at Windsong Farm Golf Club on Sunday at the Gopher Invitational. Mendez tied for fifth at the tournament and the Gophers placed fourth overall.

Minnesota places fourth at first tournament

by Betsy Helfand
Published September 9, 2014
Sophomore Jose Mendez paced the Gophers, tying for fifth place overall.
Minnesotas Jose Mendez plays at the season-opening Gopher Invitational at Windsong Farm Golf Club on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2013.

Youthful team set to begin

by Betsy Helfand
Published September 4, 2014
Minnesota boasts a young roster with only two upperclassmen.

Head women’s gymnastics coach resigns

by Betsy Helfand
Published August 28, 2014

Head women’s gymnastics coach Meg Stephenson has resigned, the University of Minnesota announced in a release Thursday afternoon. The resignation comes after two University-conducted investigations...

NCAA vote grants “Power 5” more autonomy

by Betsy Helfand
Published August 7, 2014

The National Collegiate Athletics Association Division I Board of Directors passed a vote Thursday morning that will grant the "Power 5" conferences —including the Big Ten — and their...

Gophers womens hockey assistant coach Nadine Muzerall talks to the forwards during a game against North Dakota Nov. 16, 2013.

Coaches keep busy in summer

by Betsy Helfand
Published August 6, 2014
Joel Johnson will lead the U.S. U18 women’s hockey team and Nadine Muzerall will be an assistant coach at the Canadian U18 selection camp.

Pitino adds Pomeday to staff

by Betsy Helfand
Published July 30, 2014

Gophers head basketball coach Richard Pitino announced Wednesday that Nate Pomeday will take over as director of basketball operations. "We are extremely excited about the addition of Nate Pomeday...

Minnesota running back David Cobb protects the ball from Western Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013, at TCF Bank Stadium.

New star Cobb embraces bigger role

by Betsy Helfand
Published July 30, 2014
David Cobb finished 12th in program history in rushing yards last season.
Olympian and former Gophers women’s hockey player Megan Bozek coaches kids at a Pro Ambitions camp at Schwan Super Rink at the National Sports Center in Blaine. Bozek spends her summers coaching for Pro Ambitions at camps around the country.

Megan Bozek leads Pro Ambitions camps

by Betsy Helfand
Published July 23, 2014
The Olympian is leading camps for aspiring hockey players.

Former Gophers football star Bob McNamara dies at 82

by Betsy Helfand
Published July 23, 2014
McNamara also played basketball, and he has influenced University of Minnesota athletics in many ways.
Minnesota middle blocker Hannah Tapp hit a ball over the net against Purdue on Sept. 28, 2013, at the Sports Pavilion.

Tapp competes for USA in China

by Betsy Helfand
Published July 1, 2014
The middle blocker toured China with the U.S. Collegiate National Team.
Former Gophers golfer Clayton Rask participated in the U.S. Open this past weekend.

Former Gophers compete in the US Open

by Betsy Helfand
Published June 18, 2014
It was the first U.S. Open for Clayton Rask and Donald Constable.

Gophers wrap up at NCAA championships

by Betsy Helfand
Published June 15, 2014

The men’s track and field team sent five athletes to the NCAA championships, and all five are returning as All-Americans. Sophomore Wally Ellenson and seniors John Simons and Zach Siegmeier earned...

Coaches sound off on Twitter

by Betsy Helfand
Published June 11, 2014
Many Gophers coaches use Twitter to promote their team, build their personal brand and interact with their fans.

Men’s hockey adds two

by Betsy Helfand
Published June 5, 2014

The Gophers hockey team has added two players to its roster, head coach Don Lucia announced Wednesday in a release. Nick Lehr and Robin Höglund have signed Acceptance of Admission agreements and...

Two former Gophers qualify for US Open

by Betsy Helfand
Published June 4, 2014
Donald Constable and Clayton Rask will play in the U.S. Open this month.

Nelson awaits trial for assault

by Betsy Helfand
Published May 28, 2014
Philip Nelson was released from Rutgers after being arrested for alleged assault.
Athletic director Norwood Teague (left) talks to Gopher fan Ed Donaldson at an American Legion in Willmar, Minn. on May 20. Teague and other Gopher coaches are reaching out to fans in cities across Minnesota until June 4 for the Chalk Talk 2014.

Trip brings athletics department to fans

by Betsy Helfand
Published May 28, 2014
The nine-city road trip began May 20 and is scheduled to end June 4.

Gophers punch ticket to NCAA Super Regional

by Betsy Helfand
Published May 18, 2014
Minnesota will take on Oregon next week in a best-of-three series with a trip to the Women's College World Series on the line.

Gophers finish ninth at NCAA regional

by Betsy Helfand
Published May 17, 2014

Minnesota entered the last day of its NCAA regional within striking distance of capturing fifth place and punching its ticket to the next round. But Sunday’s play knocked it back to a ninth-place...

Gophers’ bats explode in NCAA regional win

by Betsy Helfand
Published May 16, 2014
Minnesota will play North Dakota State on Saturday.

Nelson dismissed from Rutgers; second suspect arrested

by Betsy Helfand
Published May 14, 2014
Former Gophers quarterback Philip Nelson was charged with first- and third-degree assault Monday.

Rutgers releases Nelson; second suspect found

by Betsy Helfand
Published May 13, 2014

Former Gophers quarterback Philip Nelson has been dismissed from Rutgers, head coach Kyle Flood announced in a release. Nelson was arrested early Sunday morning in Mankato, Minn., after an incident that...

Nelson charged in assault, released on $20K bail

by Betsy Helfand
Published May 12, 2014
The former Gophers quarterback allegedly kicked a man outside a Mankato bar early Sunday morning.

Softball wins Big Ten tournament

by Betsy Helfand
Published May 11, 2014

The Gophers softball team won the Big Ten tournament Saturday with a 3-2 victory over Michigan. Freshman Sam Macken hit a walk-off single to give Minnesota the win. Michigan jumped out to a 2-0 lead in...

Walk it out

by Betsy Helfand
Published May 6, 2014
Gophers softball and baseball players discuss their choices of walk-up songs.
Minnesota second baseman Connor Schaefbauer bats against Michigan State on Saturday March 29, at Siebert Field.

No. 6 Florida State knocks off Gophers

by Betsy Helfand
Published May 5, 2014
Heisman Trophy winner and closer Jameis Winston did not play.

Gophers cancel a trio of games due to rain

by Betsy Helfand
Published May 1, 2014

The Gophers softball team’s final home games of the season were canceled due to inclement weather. Minnesota was scheduled to play a doubleheader with North Dakota State on Wednesday night. The Gophers...

Gophers pitcher Ben Meyer pitches during a game against Nebraska at Siebert Field on April 13th.

Family baseball ties help inspire Meyer

by Betsy Helfand
Published April 30, 2014
Ben Meyer has established himself as Minnesota’s best starter this season.

Minnesota sweeps Penn State at home

by Betsy Helfand
Published April 28, 2014
The Gophers got a strong effort from all three of their starting pitchers.

Gophers postpone games

by Betsy Helfand
Published April 24, 2014
Minnesota’s baseball team won’t make up its midweek game with Hamline.
Minnesota catcher Matt Halloran celebrates with his team after hitting a two-run home run against Iowa on Friday, April 27, 2012, at the Metrodome.

Minnesota powers through slew of injuries

by Betsy Helfand
Published April 23, 2014
The Gophers have sustained injuries to numerous key players this season.

Handel given Big Ten weekly honor

by Betsy Helfand
Published April 21, 2014

Junior shortstop Michael Handel was named the Big Ten Player of the Week on Monday. Handel went 2-for-5, scoring a run and driving in another in Minnesota's 5-3 win over North Dakota State on Wednesday....

Minnesota stumbles in finale with Hawkeyes, sits eighth in Big Ten

by Betsy Helfand
Published April 21, 2014
The Gophers gave up six runs in the seventh inning Sunday afternoon.
Gophers catcher Austin Athmann swings at a pitch Feb. 21. Athmann recently returned from an injury.

Minnesota welcomes Athmann’s return

by Betsy Helfand
Published April 17, 2014
Austin Athmann missed more than a month of action with an injury.

Reggie Meyer signs NLI

by Betsy Helfand
Published April 16, 2014

Reggie Meyer, the younger brother of Gophers starting pitcher Ben Meyer, signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball for Minnesota next year Wednesday. Meyer is right-handed pitcher, who currently...

Minnesotas Brian Glowicki pitches against North Dakota State on Tuesday afternoon at Siebert Field.

Gophers win midweek game over NDSU

by Betsy Helfand
Published April 16, 2014
Dan Olinger drove in two runs with a pinch-hit single in the seventh inning.

Gophers update schedule

by Betsy Helfand
Published April 14, 2014

The Gophers baseball team has updated its schedule for this week's midweek play. The Gophers were scheduled to take on Hamline on Tuesday and North Dakota State on Wednesday at Siebert Field. However,...

Tyler Oakes will return to Minnesota to take on his father, Todd Oakes, as a pitching coach at North Dakota State on Tuesday night.

Oakes returns to Minnesota roots

by Betsy Helfand
Published April 14, 2014
Tyler Oakes will face off with his father, Todd Oakes, on Wednesday.

Minnesota struggles in loss to SDSU

by Betsy Helfand
Published April 10, 2014
The Gophers gave up nine runs in the first two innings of the contest.

Gophers walk-on succeeds

by Betsy Helfand
Published April 9, 2014
Neal Kunik didn’t make the team as a walk-on until his third time around.
Minnesota shortstop Michael Handel prepares to swing April 5, 2013, against Ohio State at Siebert Field.

Minnesota takes two of three games from Michigan

by Betsy Helfand
Published April 7, 2014
The Gophers were able to bounce back from a tough series a week ago.

Minnesota blanks D-III Augsburg 1-0

by Betsy Helfand
Published April 3, 2014
The Gophers had only three hits and one run the entire game.

Gophers host Augsburg midweek

by Betsy Helfand
Published April 2, 2014
Minnesota had to postpone its game with North Dakota State on Tuesday.
Three-time Olympian and University graduate Noora Räty gathers pucks during a private lesson for a young goalie early Tuesday morning at the Eagan Civic Arena.

The price to play

by Betsy Helfand
Published April 2, 2014
With no paying professional women’s hockey league in North America, players have limited options after college.
Minnesotas Connor Schaefbauer bats against Michigan State at Siebert Field on Saturday. Minnesota won 4-2 in the Siebert Opener.

Gophers lose two of three to Spartans

by Betsy Helfand
Published March 31, 2014
Minnesota played in its first home series of the season over the weekend.
Minnesota shortstop Michael Handel swings at a pitch against Ohio State on Friday, April 5, 2013, at Siebert Field.

Gophers hope to play first home series

by Betsy Helfand
Published March 27, 2014
Minnesota canceled seven games last year because of weather conditions.

Minnesota postpones first game of the year

by Betsy Helfand
Published March 26, 2014
The Gophers also had to postpone their game against St. John’s last year.
Minnesota defenseman Milica McMillen watches Clarkson players celebrate their NCAA title win Sunday, March 23 at TD Bank Sports Center in Hamden, Conn. The Gophers won the previous two NCAA titles.

[Photo] Gophers miss three-peat with loss in NCAA final

Published March 23, 2014

Minnesota defenseman Milica McMillen watches Clarkson players celebrate their NCAA title win Sunday, March 23 at TD Bank Sports Center in Hamden, Conn. The Gophers won the previous two NCAA titles.

Minnesota pitcher Ben Meyer pitches against Western Illinois on March 9, 2013, at the Metrodome.

Gophers take two of three against Northwestern

by Betsy Helfand
Published March 24, 2014
Minnesota also won four games in California over spring break.
Minnesota defenseman Milica McMillen watches Clarkson players celebrate their NCAA title win Sunday, March 23 at TD Bank Sports Center in Hamden, Conn. The Gophers won the previous two NCAA titles.

Gophers miss three-peat with loss in NCAA final

by Betsy Helfand
Published March 23, 2014
Minnesota had won the previous two NCAA titles.

Gophers beat Badgers, advance to championship game

by Betsy Helfand
Published March 21, 2014
Minnesota junior forward Rachael Bona scored the game-winning goal.

Gophers baseball update

by Betsy Helfand
Published March 21, 2014

The Gophers baseball team finished its California road trip with four wins in five games. Minnesota won two-of-three games against Sacramento State and then swept Saint Mary's in a two-game midweek...

Gophers named All-Americans

by Betsy Helfand
Published March 21, 2014

Sophomore forward Hannah Brandt and junior defenseman Rachel Ramsey were named American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) All-Americans on Thursday. Sophomore defenseman Milica McMillen was named a second-team...

Gophers set for Border Battle in Frozen Four

by Betsy Helfand
Published March 16, 2014

Saturday afternoon, the Gophers women's hockey team defeated Boston University 5-1 to advance to the Frozen Four. Now, the Gophers know their opponent. For the fifth time this season, Minnesota will...

Gophers advance to Frozen Four

by Betsy Helfand
Published March 15, 2014
Minnesota beat Boston University 5-1 on Saturday night.
Gophers forward Kate Schipper chases down the puck during the second period on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014.

Gophers prepare for NCAA title defense

by Betsy Helfand
Published March 13, 2014
Minnesota will take on Boston University in the NCAA quarters.
Minnesota outfielder Bobby Juan up to bat on Friday, Feb. 21, 2014.

Minnesota embarks on long road trip

by Betsy Helfand
Published March 13, 2014
The Gophers will play eight games in nine days over spring break.
President Barack Obama addresses student athletes on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington D.C. on Monday, March 10, 2014. The Gophers womens hockey team was honored at the event.

Obama applauds Gophers

by Betsy Helfand
Published March 11, 2014
Last year’s team toured Washington before a ceremony at the White House.
Minnesota first baseman Dan Olinger stretches to catch the ball against Western Michigan on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at the Metrodome.

Minnesota drops two in South Carolina

by Betsy Helfand
Published March 10, 2014
The Gophers lost a close game to UNC-Greensboro on Sunday.
Womens gopher hockey won their third-straight WCHA Final Face-off on Saturday in Bemidji, Minn. Minnesota will begin its national title defense next weekend.

Gophers win WCHA tournament again, head to NCAAs

by Betsy Helfand
Published March 10, 2014
The women won the WCHA Final Face-Off title Saturday.

Gophers cruise to WCHA final

by Betsy Helfand
Published March 7, 2014
Minnesota beat Minnesota-Duluth 4-1 on Friday night.

Brandt named Patty Kazmaier Top-3 Finalist

by Betsy Helfand
Published March 6, 2014

Gophers sophomore forward Hannah Brandt was named a Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Top-3 Finalist on Thursday by USA Hockey. Brandt is joined by Clarkson senior forward Jamie Lee Rattray and Cornell junior...

Bona emerges as a legit threat on ice

by Betsy Helfand
Published March 6, 2014
Rachael Bona is third in the nation with 53 points in her junior season.
Gophers Austin Athmann swings at the ball on Friday, Feb. 21, 2014.

Athmann fills vital role for Minnesota

by Betsy Helfand
Published March 6, 2014
Austin Athmann is just a freshman but has stepped up after injuries.
Olympic silver medalists Anne Schleper and Lee Stecklein attended Friday nights gopher womens hockey game against St. Cloud State. Schleper is a recent alumna, and Stecklein is an enrolled freshman.

Gophers reflect on Olympic experience

by Betsy Helfand
Published March 5, 2014
The University of Minnesota totaled five medals at the Winter Games.
Minnesota pitcher Ben Meyer pitches against Western Illinois on Saturday, March 9, 2013, at the Metrodome.

Gophers pitchers lead team to two wins

by Betsy Helfand
Published March 3, 2014
Minnesota’s starters gave up only four earned runs in 17.2 innings of work.

Brandt, Bona among top-10 finalists for Patty Kazmaier; Leveille given weekly honor

by Betsy Helfand
Published February 27, 2014

Junior forward Rachael Bona and sophomore forward Hannah Brandt were included as top-10 finalists for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, which is given to the NCAA Division I top player, the USA Hockey...

Minnesota catcher Mark Tatera dives back toward first base Friday, May 24, 2013, during the Big Ten tournament at Target Field. The Gophers lost 7-4 to Nebraska and finished fourth in the six-team tournament.

Gophers change offseason workouts

by Betsy Helfand
Published February 27, 2014
Minnesota made the change to lift five days a week in the offseason.
Gophers goaltender Amanda Leveille stands in the crease on Friday, Nov. 1, 2013. Leveille has recorded 13 shutouts this season.

Minnesota finds answers during season

by Betsy Helfand
Published February 27, 2014
The Gophers lost a lot from last year’s team, but players have stepped up.
The Fighting Mondales play the University ROTC team in intramural hockey Monday, Feb. 10, 2014, at Mariucci Arena.

Mondales represent law school on ice

by Betsy Helfand
Published February 25, 2014
The Fighting Mondales don’t win often, but playing hard helps them escape the stress of law school.
Minnesota shortstop Michael Handel prepares to swing Friday, April 5, 2013, against Ohio State at Siebert Field.

Gophers lose 2 after pitching woes

by Betsy Helfand
Published February 24, 2014
Minnesota allowed 24 runs in a series against Creighton over the weekend.

Eye on Sochi: Team USA takes silver

by Betsy Helfand
Published February 24, 2014

The U.S. women’s hockey team lost to Canada 3-2 in overtime in Thursday’s gold-medal game. Team USA took home the silver medal with the loss, and Switzerland won the bronze. The United States...

Gophers recruit wins Ms. Hockey

by Betsy Helfand
Published February 24, 2014

Gophers recruit Sydney Baldwin was named the 2014 Minnesota Ms. Hockey on Sunday. Baldwin, a defenseman at Minnetonka, is the high school's career leading scorer for a defenseman. Baldwin beat out...

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