AUSTIN (KXAN) — After missing out of the Men’s College World Series last season, Texas is back in Omaha competing for the coveted national title with seven other opponents. While there’s been many contributing factors to the team’s resurgence this year, two of the Longhorns freshmen additions have stood out from the rest.

Relief pitcher Sam Cozart and outfielder Anthony Pack Jr. have been revelations for Texas, and this week they were recognized for their key contributions to a national championship contender.

Pack was announced as Baseball America’s National Freshman of the Year, becoming the fifth Longhorn to win the honor. Pack has been a mainstay for Texas at the top of the order, slashing .359/.485/.597 for the season with 74 hits, 58 runs and 20 steals as well (all top-four among Power Four freshmen).

The 5-foot-10, 190-pound outfielder from Lakewood, California also received the SEC Freshman of the Year award last month, and was named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Freshman All-American earlier this week.

On the other hand, Cozart was named as the NCBWA National Freshman Pitcher of the Year, becoming the third Texas pitcher to win the honor. Cozart had to earn his way to the team’s closing role, but once he did, he was never giving it back.

The 6-foot-6, 260-pound stalwart led Division I pitchers in WHIP (0.69) and batting average (.132), while also ranking second in ERA (1.64). In his 22 appearances, Cozart has recorded 71 strikeouts, only 12 walks and nine saves, including the one on Sunday against Oregon which sent the Longhorns to the MCWS.

Texas has plenty of talent elsewhere, but it’s hard to imagine a scenario where it makes it to Omaha without the help of its two freshmen stars.

AUSTIN, Texas — A five-time Olympian is speaking out against Austin ISD’s proposal to eliminate its water polo program.

Tony Azevedo, a silver medalist and CEO of 68 Sports, said Texas has become the fastest-growing state for water polo and is on the verge of producing its first Olympic-level players from the region.

“For the first time, you have 30 to 40 players playing Division I,II, III college water polo across the board,” Azevedo said. “And for the first time, you have multiple players on national teams, where probably in this or maybe the next Olympics, you will have your first Texas Olympic water polo player.”

Austin ISD is weighing whether to cut its water polo program as part of a broader effort to close a $181 million budget deficit. The proposal, which would save $89,000, is set for a final board vote June 18. Students and parents have pushed back, arguing the district is unfairly targeting the sport.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Austin ISD athletes ask district to reconsider cutting water polo teams

Azevedo said eliminating the program would effectively bar athletes from ever competing at higher levels, arguing water polo cannot simply be picked up outside of an organized team setting the way other sports can.

“If you take water polo from these athletes, every single athlete you’re taking the sport away from doesn’t have a chance to succeed in our sport,” he said. “And that’s the bottom line.”

He also raised concerns about equity, warning that eliminating the high school program would leave club sports as the only option.

“Only the rich can play this sport,” Azevedo said of a club-only model. “Only the ones who have the money to go and pay for the club to travel.”

Azevedo said the sport carries benefits that extend beyond athletics, including water safety and mental health. He argued cutting it sends the wrong message to young athletes whose sports don’t generate revenue.

“Our kids should all be given the opportunity and equality to play whatever sport they want,” he said.

He urged parents across Texas to speak up before the board’s vote.

“Talk about how important the sport is to you and why it’s important to your kids,” Azevedo said.

The Austin ISD Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on the budget proposal June 18.

AUSTIN, Texas, June 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Velocity Credit Union is proud to celebrate the opening of its new Southwest Austin branch, a modern, expanded facility designed to better serve its growing membership across Central Texas. Located at 3419 Davis Lane, Austin, TX 78745, the full-service branch opened in late May and offers enhanced convenience, expanded services, and a welcoming space for members and the community.

Image caption: Photo caption: Velocity Credit Union’s new modern, expanded Southwest Austin branch is located at 3419 Davis Lane, Austin, TX 78745.

The new location replaces Velocity’s former Southwest Austin branch at 4220 S. Lamar Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704, as part of the credit union’s continued investment in serving members where they live, work, and thrive.

To mark the opening, Velocity Credit Union hosted a grand opening celebration featuring special product offers, including loan and mortgage discounts, promotional certificate rates, exclusive sweepstakes giveaways, and opportunities for members and community partners to tour the new branch.

Designed with Members in Mind:

The new Southwest Austin location reflects Velocity’s continued commitment to delivering convenient, modern financial services in a welcoming and flexible environment.

Members will enjoy:

• Two ITM drive-thru lanes offering 24/7 ATM access or live teller service during business hours
• A spacious, comfortable branch layout designed for flexibility and a stress-free experience
• Private offices for confidential conversations about loans, accounts, or financial planning
• Expanded services to support everything from everyday transactions to complex financial needs

“This new location represents an important investment in our members and our community,” said Debbie Mitchell, President & CEO. “As Central Texas continues to grow, we are committed to growing with it—providing innovative solutions, expanded access, and personalized service every step of the way.”

The new branch will also offer expanded hours for greater convenience:

Lobby Hours
Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Drive-Thru Hours
Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Velocity Credit Union looks forward to welcoming members to this modern facility and continuing help them manage their financial lives with the trusted, personalized service they expect.

For more information, visit: https://www.velocitycu.com/.

About Velocity Credit Union

Velocity Credit Union has served Central Texans for more than 75 years with a mission to provide exceptional financial products, personal service, and support for the communities it serves. Membership is open to those who live or work in the five-county Austin area. Velocity Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Equal Housing Lender.

Photo 300dpi: https://www.velocitycu.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Velocity-Southwest-Austin-Branch-4×6-1.jpg

Photo caption: Velocity Credit Union’s new modern, expanded Southwest Austin branch is located at 3419 Davis Lane, Austin, TX 78745.

News Source: Velocity Credit Union