Thursday, September 10th, 2026

Sports

Adapting to the New Era: How VCU Athletics is Maximizing Revenue Sharing in Year Two

September 9, 2026

Tyrese Perkins, Assistant Sports Editor Before the House v. NCAA settlement effective July 1, 2025, athletic departments could not directly share institutional revenue with student-athletes. Athletes could only receive benefits such as scholarships and cost-of-attendance assistance, while Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities primarily came through outside parties. The settlement allowed Division I schools to directly provide athletes with compensation tied to their athletic revenue. This change created a new distinction between the money an athlete receives directly from their university, and money earned through NIL opportunities. “The revenue-sharing process for us is solely focused on student-athletes,” VCU Athletic Director Ed McLaughlin said.  In March 2025, McLaughlin estimated that the university could only afford to spend approximately $5 million annually on student-athlete compensation while remaining competitive. This August, McLaughlin said that entering into year two under the NCAA settlement, would increase their previous $5 million threshold during year one.  “Players may now come and go faster than what we’ve expected, but the reality as an athletic department is that we must be ready to adapt,” McLaughlin said. The majority of VCU’s planned revenue-sharing money would be directed toward men’s and women’s basketball, while athletes across the athletic department would still

VCU falls short against Virginia in straight sets

September 9, 2026

Benney Koch, Staff Writer VCU faced the University of Virginia in the second match of the VCU invitational on Sept. 5.  The Rams lost 3-0 but broke their 17 year old attendance record as 1,677 fans came out to support VCU volleyball. From the start of the first set, UVA controlled the game. While VCU struggled early to find its offense, UVA hit .500 according to statbroadcast, which allowed them to pull away and win the opening set 25-13. Early in the second set, VCU made adjustments and began finding some success against the Cavaliers, taking an 11-9 lead. However, UVA responded with three straight kills from second-year outside hitter Reagan Ennist, second-year middle blocker Caroline Lang and fourth-year outside hitter Lauryn Bowie that would keep VCU from holding onto their lead. UVA would not trail again in the set and ended up winning 25-17, putting themselves within one set of the match victory. After the break, the Rams made adjustments and throughout the third set they were more offensively imposing and in turn able to stay within a few points of the Cavaliers. Rams first-year outside hitter Molly McCall had seven kills on 15 swings in the set according

VCU battles back for 3-2 win over ETSU

September 9, 2026

Devynn Alston, Staff Writer VCU women’s volleyball and East Tennessee State University battled through five sets on Sept. 4 at the Siegel Center, with VCU winning 3-2.  ETSU scored the first point of the match with a kill by third-year outside hitter Makayla Bays. VCU quickly responded with a kill of their own from fourth-year outside hitter Gabby LaPata. At the start, neither team could establish a lead, but ETSU soon took control, building a 10-6 lead.  The Buccaneers continued to extend their lead behind kills from Bays and first-year Karis Chatfield and strong serving, taking a 15-8 advantage at the media timeout. VCU struggled to generate momentum but attempted a late comeback, winning four consecutive rallies in a row to cut the deficit.  That effort was not enough, as ETSU closed out the first set 25-14 following a block assist by third-year middle blocker Gianna Blair and second-year outside hitter Sophia Davis. The second set was a test of wills, as neither team could establish control. ETSU briefly built a three-point lead but VCU responded with timely kills by multiple members of the team to keep the set close.  The Rams tied the set at 21-21 and took a

VCU cross country kicks off new season

September 5, 2026

Ben Martindale, Sports Editor VCU men’s and women’s cross country teams made their season debut Sept. 5 at the Spider Alumni Open. The men kicked things off with a 6k race and the women followed by running 4k. The morning weather was hot and muggy and as soon as the match started, the heat and humidity became a factor. “When it’s hot obviously you’re gonna be working a whole lot harder,” said second-year Jonathan Hess. “The added humidity just makes the air thicker, a little bit harder to breathe, and that can do a lot.” Hess admitted that today was not his best performance, as much of the team’s focus is on staying healthy for indoor track, but he still managed to be one of three men’s team runners to finish in the top 50. Hess’s older brother, third-year Thomas Hess finished first among Rams competitors and 20th overall, posting a 6k time of 19:15.5. “The team performed pretty well,” said coach Austin Savage. “Really our only goal was to get out here and be competitive and for some people that meant being more aggressive and some that meant being more conservative and moving up throughout the race. I think

PRESS BOX: ​​How the U.S. government is using sports to brainwash you

September 2, 2026

Ben Martindale, Sports Editor Sportswashing, a term first coined in 2015, describes how governments use sports and celebrity athletes to manipulate public opinion. Some governments use sport as a red herring, a means of diverting scrutiny from real issues. Others use it as a means to inspire the masses and encourage nationalist fervor. In 1936, Germany hosted the Summer Olympic Games. Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime used the games to distract the world from reports of human rights violations and Jewish discrimination that were beginning to circulate at the time. The Nazis would begin their systemic murder of the Jewish people in 1941. In 2014, Vladimir Putin hoped to use the Sochi Olympic Games as a means of promoting Russian excellence, and in doing so, further his own personal strongman image. To ensure Russian success, the state facilitated what would become the largest doping scandal in sports history. The scheme, which enabled athletes to utilize banned steroids, implicated over 1,000 Russian athletes and was facilitated by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) and high ranking government officials, according to NPR. In 2016, Saudi Arabia unveiled Vision 2030, a program designed to diversify the Saudi economy beyond oil reserves and rehabilitate

RECAP: VCU athletics on the road

September 2, 2026

Tyrese Perkins, Assistant Sports Editor 8/27 – Women’s Soccer vs University of North Carolina VCU women’s soccer battled to a 1-1 draw on the road against UNC. Third-year midfielder Shiori Shintaku scored her first goal as a Ram, assisted by fourth-year forward Jazmin Jackson. Fourth-year goalkeeper Mia Pongratz recorded eight saves in her season debut, combining with Cameryn Nunn for 10 total team saves.  8/28 – Field Hockey vs Northwestern University VCU field hockey lost its 2026 season opener to Northwestern in a 2-0 match. The Rams’ were unable to score any goals. Redshirt third-year goalkeeper Emma Clements made three saves throughout the match to help alongside the Rams’ defense. 8/28 – Volleyball vs Florida Golf Coast University VCU volleyball lost its 2026 season opener in a 3-1 match on the road at Florida Gulf Coast. Fourth-year middle blocker Nina Boledovicova led the attack with nine kills, three aces, and two blocks. Third-year setter Cansin Sendir recorded a double-double with 30 assists and 10 digs. Second-year middle blocker Sarah Dibbs-Frantz and first-year outside hitter Molly McCall chipped in seven kills apiece.  8/28 – Men’s Soccer vs University of North Carolina VCU men’s soccer lost in a 1-0 match on the

Cary Street Gym prepares for overcrowding as MCV gym undergoes renovations

September 2, 2026

Ben Martindale, Sports Editor In recent years, gym culture has exploded in popularity across the U.S. A record high 81 million Americans have gym or fitness club memberships, according to the Health and Fitness Association. Cary Street Gym, the only gym on the Monroe Park campus, is owned by VCU and operated by Recreation and Wellbeing, also known as RecWell. The location has been a beloved training ground for VCU students since it was first converted into a gym in the late 1970s. In 2007, the gym underwent major renovations to keep up with the ever growing student body. “Cary Street Gym is awesome,” said Kyrie Currie, a fourth-year at VCU. “Cary St. is a beginner, intermediate, expert friendly gym. If you’re just starting or doing it for 10 years, it’s an awesome place to be.” Training partners fourth-year Olivia McGowan and third-year Keilani Procopio have been training at the gym for years. They echoed Currie’s appreciation for the community feel at Cary St., but warned against training during peak hours due to overcrowding. “When it gets crowded, you’re really fighting for the machines,” Procopio said. Fourth-year Lynise Grigsby said that she enjoyed training at Cary St., but recommended people

Adapting to the New Era: How VCU Athletics is Maximizing Revenue Sharing in Year Two

September 9, 2026

Tyrese Perkins, Assistant Sports Editor Before the House v. NCAA settlement effective July 1, 2025, athletic departments could not directly share institutional revenue with student-athletes. Athletes could only receive benefits such as scholarships and cost-of-attendance assistance, while Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities primarily came through outside parties. The settlement allowed Division I schools to directly provide athletes with compensation tied to their athletic revenue. This change created a new distinction between the money an athlete receives directly from their university, and money earned through NIL opportunities. “The revenue-sharing process for us is solely focused on student-athletes,” VCU Athletic Director Ed McLaughlin said.  In March 2025, McLaughlin estimated that the university could only afford to spend approximately $5 million annually on student-athlete compensation while remaining competitive. This August, McLaughlin said that entering into year two under the NCAA settlement, would increase their previous $5 million threshold during year one.  “Players may now come and go faster than what we’ve expected, but the reality as an athletic department is that we must be ready to adapt,” McLaughlin said. The majority of VCU’s planned revenue-sharing money would be directed toward men’s and women’s basketball, while athletes across the athletic department would still be eligible to receive compensation, according to McLaughlin. “I’m happy to buy into the revenue sharing, I actually think it’s great for the student-athletes… student-athletes can leave college debt behind and create generational change for themselves,” McLaughlin said. Basketball is VCU’s most prominent revenue-generating program, bringing in about $12 million in annual revenue, accounting for roughly 30% of the school’s entire athletic department revenue, according to College Factual. In October 2025, McLaughlin said that approximately 25 to 30 VCU student-athletes received direct revenue-sharing compensation, while more than 300 did not. VCU has not publicly identified the 25 to 30 athletes awarded or how its revenue-sharing pool was divided among its programs. VCU has already begun looking for new revenue opportunities. The athletic department has plans to rent out the Siegel Center for outside events and there are still conversations around how concession and ticket sales can increase across the athletic programs, along with boosted alumni engagement. “It’s not only about finding more avenues for growth, it’s growing what we already have,” McLaughlin said. VCU’s men’s basketball revenue and attendance increased by 20% in 2025, with men’s baseball and other Olympic-sports also experiencing substantial growth, according to VCU Athletics. In May

VCU falls short against Virginia in straight sets

September 9, 2026

Benney Koch, Staff Writer VCU faced the University of Virginia in the second match of the VCU invitational on Sept. 5.  The Rams lost 3-0 but broke their 17 year old attendance record as 1,677 fans came out to support VCU volleyball. From the start of the first set, UVA controlled the game. While VCU struggled early to find its offense, UVA hit .500 according to statbroadcast, which allowed them to pull away and win the opening set 25-13. Early in the second set, VCU made adjustments and began finding some success against the Cavaliers, taking an 11-9 lead. However, UVA responded with three straight kills from second-year outside hitter Reagan Ennist, second-year middle blocker Caroline Lang and fourth-year outside hitter Lauryn Bowie that would keep VCU from holding onto their lead. UVA would not trail again in the set and ended up winning 25-17, putting themselves within one set of the match victory. After the break, the Rams made adjustments and throughout the third set they were more offensively imposing and in turn able to stay within a few points of the Cavaliers. Rams first-year outside hitter Molly McCall had seven kills on 15 swings in the set according

VCU battles back for 3-2 win over ETSU

September 9, 2026

Devynn Alston, Staff Writer VCU women’s volleyball and East Tennessee State University battled through five sets on Sept. 4 at the Siegel Center, with VCU winning 3-2.  ETSU scored the first point of the match with a kill by third-year outside hitter Makayla Bays. VCU quickly responded with a kill of their own from fourth-year outside hitter Gabby LaPata. At the start, neither team could establish a lead, but ETSU soon took control, building a 10-6 lead.  The Buccaneers continued to extend their lead behind kills from Bays and first-year Karis Chatfield and strong serving, taking a 15-8 advantage at the media timeout. VCU struggled to generate momentum but attempted a late comeback, winning four consecutive rallies in a row to cut the deficit.  That effort was not enough, as ETSU closed out the first set 25-14 following a block assist by third-year middle blocker Gianna Blair and second-year outside hitter Sophia Davis. The second set was a test of wills, as neither team could establish control. ETSU briefly built a three-point lead but VCU responded with timely kills by multiple members of the team to keep the set close.  The Rams tied the set at 21-21 and took a

VCU cross country kicks off new season

September 5, 2026

Ben Martindale, Sports Editor VCU men’s and women’s cross country teams made their season debut Sept. 5 at the Spider Alumni Open. The men kicked things off with a 6k race and the women followed by running 4k. The morning weather was hot and muggy and as soon as the match started, the heat and humidity became a factor. “When it’s hot obviously you’re gonna be working a whole lot harder,” said second-year Jonathan Hess. “The added humidity just makes the air thicker, a little bit harder to breathe, and that can do a lot.” Hess admitted that today was not his best performance, as much of the team’s focus is on staying healthy for indoor track, but he still managed to be one of three men’s team runners to finish in the top 50. Hess’s older brother, third-year Thomas Hess finished first among Rams competitors and 20th overall, posting a 6k time of 19:15.5. “The team performed pretty well,” said coach Austin Savage. “Really our only goal was to get out here and be competitive and for some people that meant being more aggressive and some that meant being more conservative and moving up throughout the race. I think

PRESS BOX: ​​How the U.S. government is using sports to brainwash you

Sports Editor September 2, 2026

Ben Martindale, Sports Editor Sportswashing, a term first coined in 2015, describes how governments use sports and celebrity athletes to manipulate public opinion. Some governments use sport as a red herring, a means of diverting scrutiny from real issues. Others use it as a means to inspire the masses and encourage nationalist fervor. In 1936, Germany hosted the Summer Olympic Games. Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime used the games to distract the world from reports of human rights violations and Jewish discrimination that were beginning to circulate at the time. The Nazis would begin their systemic murder of the Jewish people in 1941. In 2014, Vladimir Putin hoped to use the Sochi Olympic Games as a means of promoting Russian excellence, and in doing so, further his own personal strongman image. To ensure Russian success, the state facilitated what would become the largest doping scandal in sports history. The scheme, which enabled athletes to utilize banned steroids, implicated over 1,000 Russian athletes and was facilitated by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) and high ranking government officials, according to NPR. In 2016, Saudi Arabia unveiled Vision 2030, a program designed to diversify the Saudi economy beyond oil reserves and rehabilitate

RECAP: VCU athletics on the road

Sports Editor September 2, 2026

Tyrese Perkins, Assistant Sports Editor 8/27 – Women’s Soccer vs University of North Carolina VCU women’s soccer battled to a 1-1 draw on the road against UNC. Third-year midfielder Shiori Shintaku scored her first goal as a Ram, assisted by fourth-year forward Jazmin Jackson. Fourth-year goalkeeper Mia Pongratz recorded eight saves in her season debut, combining with Cameryn Nunn for 10 total team saves.  8/28 – Field Hockey vs Northwestern University VCU field hockey lost its 2026 season opener to Northwestern in a 2-0 match. The Rams’ were unable to score any goals. Redshirt third-year goalkeeper Emma Clements made three saves throughout the match to help alongside the Rams’ defense. 8/28 – Volleyball vs Florida Golf Coast University VCU volleyball lost its 2026 season opener in a 3-1 match on the road at Florida Gulf Coast. Fourth-year middle blocker Nina Boledovicova led the attack with nine kills, three aces, and two blocks. Third-year setter Cansin Sendir recorded a double-double with 30 assists and 10 digs. Second-year middle blocker Sarah Dibbs-Frantz and first-year outside hitter Molly McCall chipped in seven kills apiece.  8/28 – Men’s Soccer vs University of North Carolina VCU men’s soccer lost in a 1-0 match on the

Cary Street Gym prepares for overcrowding as MCV gym undergoes renovations

Sports Editor September 2, 2026

Ben Martindale, Sports Editor In recent years, gym culture has exploded in popularity across the U.S. A record high 81 million Americans have gym or fitness club memberships, according to the Health and Fitness Association. Cary Street Gym, the only gym on the Monroe Park campus, is owned by VCU and operated by Recreation and Wellbeing, also known as RecWell. The location has been a beloved training ground for VCU students since it was first converted into a gym in the late 1970s. In 2007, the gym underwent major renovations to keep up with the ever growing student body. “Cary Street Gym is awesome,” said Kyrie Currie, a fourth-year at VCU. “Cary St. is a beginner, intermediate, expert friendly gym. If you’re just starting or doing it for 10 years, it’s an awesome place to be.” Training partners fourth-year Olivia McGowan and third-year Keilani Procopio have been training at the gym for years. They echoed Currie’s appreciation for the community feel at Cary St., but warned against training during peak hours due to overcrowding. “When it gets crowded, you’re really fighting for the machines,” Procopio said. Fourth-year Lynise Grigsby said that she enjoyed training at Cary St., but recommended people

PRESS BOX: ​​How the U.S. government is using sports to brainwash you

September 2, 2026

Ben Martindale, Sports Editor Sportswashing, a term first coined in 2015, describes how governments use sports and celebrity athletes to manipulate public opinion. Some governments use sport as a red herring, a means of diverting scrutiny from real issues. Others use it as a means to inspire the masses and encourage nationalist fervor. In 1936, Germany hosted the Summer Olympic Games. Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime used the games to distract the world from reports of human rights violations and Jewish discrimination that were beginning to circulate at the time. The Nazis would begin their systemic murder of the Jewish people in 1941. In 2014, Vladimir Putin hoped to use the Sochi Olympic Games as a means of promoting Russian excellence, and in doing so, further his own personal strongman image. To ensure Russian success, the state facilitated what would become the largest doping scandal in sports history. The scheme, which enabled athletes to utilize banned steroids, implicated over 1,000 Russian athletes and was facilitated by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) and high ranking government officials, according to NPR. In 2016, Saudi Arabia unveiled Vision 2030, a program designed to diversify the Saudi economy beyond oil reserves and rehabilitate

RECAP: VCU athletics on the road

September 2, 2026

Tyrese Perkins, Assistant Sports Editor 8/27 – Women’s Soccer vs University of North Carolina VCU women’s soccer battled to a 1-1 draw on the road against UNC. Third-year midfielder Shiori Shintaku scored her first goal as a Ram, assisted by fourth-year forward Jazmin Jackson. Fourth-year goalkeeper Mia Pongratz recorded eight saves in her season debut, combining with Cameryn Nunn for 10 total team saves.  8/28 – Field Hockey vs Northwestern University VCU field hockey lost its 2026 season opener to Northwestern in a 2-0 match. The Rams’ were unable to score any goals. Redshirt third-year goalkeeper Emma Clements made three saves throughout the match to help alongside the Rams’ defense. 8/28 – Volleyball vs Florida Golf Coast University VCU volleyball lost its 2026 season opener in a 3-1 match on the road at Florida Gulf Coast. Fourth-year middle blocker Nina Boledovicova led the attack with nine kills, three aces, and two blocks. Third-year setter Cansin Sendir recorded a double-double with 30 assists and 10 digs. Second-year middle blocker Sarah Dibbs-Frantz and first-year outside hitter Molly McCall chipped in seven kills apiece.  8/28 – Men’s Soccer vs University of North Carolina VCU men’s soccer lost in a 1-0 match on the

Cary Street Gym prepares for overcrowding as MCV gym undergoes renovations

September 2, 2026

Ben Martindale, Sports Editor In recent years, gym culture has exploded in popularity across the U.S. A record high 81 million Americans have gym or fitness club memberships, according to the Health and Fitness Association. Cary Street Gym, the only gym on the Monroe Park campus, is owned by VCU and operated by Recreation and Wellbeing, also known as RecWell. The location has been a beloved training ground for VCU students since it was first converted into a gym in the late 1970s. In 2007, the gym underwent major renovations to keep up with the ever growing student body. “Cary Street Gym is awesome,” said Kyrie Currie, a fourth-year at VCU. “Cary St. is a beginner, intermediate, expert friendly gym. If you’re just starting or doing it for 10 years, it’s an awesome place to be.” Training partners fourth-year Olivia McGowan and third-year Keilani Procopio have been training at the gym for years. They echoed Currie’s appreciation for the community feel at Cary St., but warned against training during peak hours due to overcrowding. “When it gets crowded, you’re really fighting for the machines,” Procopio said. Fourth-year Lynise Grigsby said that she enjoyed training at Cary St., but recommended people

Young VCU cross country teams chase fall improvement and success

September 2, 2026

Benney Koch, Staff Writer VCU women and men’s cross country teams will make their 2026 season debuts Sept. 5 at the Spider Alumni Open, returning to the same course that will host the Atlantic 10 Championships later this fall. Last season, the team’s primary focus was development. First-year Jonathan Hess had a strong start to his collegiate career as his performances set him apart among VCU’s top performing runners. Last year Hess earned A-10 Rookie of the Week honors twice and finished at the podium three times as a rookie across five meets. Hess was also able to finish fourth at the South Region Showdown with an 8K personal best of 24:39.9 at the A-10 Championships. He led the Rams finishing 49th overall with a time of 25:11.4. Redshirt fifth-years Julian Lawson and Nahim Abdallah also recorded personal bests at the South Region Showdown. The two were important depth pieces for the team and served as mentors for the rest of the young roster.  Lawson and Abdallah have since graduated, leaving VCU with some new faces heading into the fall. First-year Ethan Havran joins the Rams, along with second-year transfer Jayden Curry, who comes to VCU from LIU. Last season,

SCOUTING REPORT: Women’s volleyball players to look out for at invitational

September 2, 2026

Devynn Alston, Staff Writer The VCU Invitational will give the Rams’ an early-season test against familiar opponents. The invitational runs from Sept. 4-5 at Siegel Center and features VCU, East Tennessee State University, the University of Virginia and the College of William & Mary. VCU will face ETSU and UVA, opponents that the Rams have seen recently. UVA and William & Mary last met in 2024, while ETSU and William & Mary have not faced each other since 2014. VCU Lannah Price, a second-year outside hitter, will look to carry over her preseason momentum into the VCU Invitational. Price, who primarily contributed on the defensive side of the ball last season, showed an expanded offensive presence during VCU’s exhibition match against Christopher Newport University. Price will look to build on last season, where she recorded 76 digs and 14 kills across 54 sets. ETSU Makayla Bays, a third-year outside hitter, enters the invitational as one of ETSU’s primary offensive weapons. Bays was selected to the Preseason All-Conference Team, recording 443 kills, 45 aces, 281 digs and 33 total blocks last season. Her production on both sides of the net makes her a player VCU will have to account for at

Inside the Rise of VCU’s Cross-Country and Track & Field Club

August 26, 2026

Tyrese Perkins, Assistant Sports Editor VCU’s Cross Country and Track and Field Club has experienced a surge in competitive prestige over recent years, breaking multiple club milestones and bringing national recognition back to Richmond. The National Intercollegiate Running Club Association was established in May 2006 during a national conference at Ohio State University. Two decades later, club cross-country and track and field programs continue to experience growth at the collegiate level, with more than 120 active college and university running clubs across the United States. VCU officially joined the association during the fall semester of 2017. The club competes in the mid-Atlantic region. Operating year-round, the club focuses on cross country during the fall semester, before shifting to indoor and outdoor track and field in the winter and spring semester. The program accepts athletes of all skill levels, from casual runners looking to stay active to highly competitive sprinters, jumpers, throwers and distance runners aiming for regional and national championships at NIRCA invitationals. The VCU Cross Country and Track and Field Club resume has garnered national recognition in recent seasons. M’Kayla Murdaugh won a NIRCA national championship in the women’s high jump, sprinters Dameon Lewis and Landon Reeves placed the

Women’s soccer kicks off competition at new VCU Athletic Village

August 26, 2026

Ben Martindale, Sports Editor Devynn Alston, Staff Writer VCU Athletic Village, a 42-acre site which began construction in 2024, is officially in use for VCU athletics. Since 1999, VCU sports have played home games at Sports Backers Stadium. VCU women’s soccer was the first team to play an official game at the new facility, falling 4-0 to North Carolina State University. Development of the VCU Athletic Village is broken into four phases. Phase one was completed in January, according to VCU News. The phase included a 400 meter outdoor track, two long jumps, two high jumps, two pole vaults, circles for hammer throw, shotput, discus, two practice soccer fields and an NCAA game soccer field located inside of the 400 meter track. Second-year defender Bo Price, thinks the new space is wonderful. “The pitch is like a carpet,” Price said. “Really, there’s so many passes that you can play, and the ball never bobbles. So as long as we do our thing, it’s perfect.” Rams’ players also pointed out the benefits of having a dedicated practice field. “It’s really a blessing to have a practice field,” said fourth-year defender/middlefielder Brianna Lawrence. “We’re not ruining our game field so the grass

PRESSBOX: The Kyren Lacy tragedy

October 22, 2025 No Comments

Hayden Braun, Contributing Writer There were so many questions left unanswered when the news first came out that Kyren Lacy took his own life, especially