Little Rock Trojans - News - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

Balancing Mind and Muscle: ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Wrestler Stephen Little’s Journey to Graduation

Justin Bates — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000

As he prepares to graduate this fall, Stephen Little has proven that success at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is as much about mental focus as it is physical strength.

A senior psychology major and standout , Little is entering his fourth season on the mat with an impressive 60-12 record and two All-American honors. But beyond his athletic accolades, he’s equally proud of what he’s accomplished in the classroom.

“I chose to major in psychology because I want to go to physical therapy school after I graduate,” Little said. “I spend a lot of time in the training room keeping my body healthy for wrestling, so learning more about how people think, feel, and stay motivated connects really well with understanding recovery and performance.”

For Little, psychology and wrestling go hand in hand. He’s learned to apply lessons from his coursework directly to his performance on the mat — from understanding how the brain processes stress to staying composed during high-pressure matches.

“Studying psychology has taught me a lot about how people handle pressure and emotion,” he said. “Everyone gets butterflies or nerves because we’re all human. What matters is finding your own way to deal with them. For me, I just focus on preparation and trust the work I’ve put in.”

Being a Division I athlete while maintaining academic excellence isn’t easy, but Little credits consistency and discipline for keeping him on track.

“After long practices or lifts, it can be tough to find motivation to study or do assignments,” he said. “But I’ve learned that discipline matters more than motivation. I have goals I want to achieve, so I remind myself that staying consistent in both wrestling and school is what will get me there.”

That steady mindset has paid off. Over four years, he’s not only earned national recognition but also become a leader for younger teammates — someone who models what it means to compete and excel with integrity. Reflecting on his time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Little said the experience has changed him profoundly.

“I’ve had a big mindset change since my freshman year,” he said. “I’ve grown in my discipline, leadership, and time management. Balancing everything has made me more mature and helped me develop habits that I’ll carry with me long after wrestling.”

After graduation, Little plans to attend physical therapy school while continuing to pursue his dream of making the Olympic or World Team.

“Psychology will definitely help me in both areas,” he said. “Whether it’s understanding athletes I work with as a PT or staying mentally strong through my own training and goals.”

When asked about his most meaningful experience as a Trojan, Little points to a single match that defined his career.

“One of the most meaningful moments for me was the first time I earned All-American honors,” he said. “It was a close match that went into overtime, and I got the takedown to win. Seeing my coaches, parents, and teammates after that match was amazing — it made all the hard work and sacrifices feel worth it.”

As commencement approaches, Little said earning his degree is more than just crossing a finish line — it’s proof of how far he’s come.

“Earning my degree means that all the hard work paid off and I’m one step closer to my goals,” he said. “It represents years of commitment and growth, both on and off the mat, and it’s something I’ll always be proud of.”

The post Balancing Mind and Muscle: ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Wrestler Stephen Little’s Journey to Graduation appeared first on News.

Senior Swimmer Sets Course for Teaching Career

Justin Bates — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Ally DeSordi came to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with two passions: swimming and teaching. Four years later, the Omaha, Nebraska native and senior Little Rock Trojans swimmer will graduate from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock on Dec. 13 in K–12 Health and Physical Education and carries with her the lessons, mentors, and experiences that shaped her into the teacher she’s becoming.

Before DeSordi found her path as a future educator, she spent 15 years competing in the pool – and said swimming is one of her greatest teachers.

“Swimming taught me discipline, patience, and how to keep going when things get tough,” she said. “There were early mornings and long practices when I didn’t see results right away, but I never let myself give up. That’s the attitude I want to bring to my students.”

She added that the sport didn’t just make her tougher – it helped her learn how to support and encourage others.

“I learned the importance of teamwork and celebrating small victories,” she said. “As a teacher, I want to create a classroom where students feel supported, motivated, and confident in themselves.”

Teaching, she said, always felt like a calling.

“I come from a family of educators — my mom, my grandparents, even my great-grandparents,” she said. “Each time someone asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I said a teacher.”
She spent time helping in her school’s special education classrooms as a child. However, it was when she toured ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and learned more about the education programs offered, that everything clicked. She was then encouraged by advisors to pursue the K–12 Health and Physical Education program, and she immediately felt at home.

“Once I started meeting people in the program and working with kids, I knew I had found where I belonged,” she said.

Dr. Rachel Eells, director of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock School of Education, said she has watched DeSordi thrive both academically and personally.

As graduation approaches, DeSordi is preparing to begin ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s graduate program in Gifted, Creative, and Talented Education and plans to stay in Little Rock to continue growing as an educator.

“Ally has been a model student, she’s committed to excellence and ready to be an exceptional teacher,” Eells said. “She’s connected with the community, excelled in her internship, and plans to continue with us in graduate school. We’re thrilled she’s staying in Little Rock.”

Balancing life as a Division I swimmer, a student-teacher, being a pep band musician, and working at the Aquatics Center in the Donaghey Student Center wasn’t easy.

“There were early mornings, late nights, and long days,” she said. “But I had great friends and people who helped me get through it. It pushed me to grow in new ways. I’ve never been someone who asks for help, but this changed that. I learned it’s okay — and sometimes necessary — to reach out.”
Through it all, she discovered a strength she didn’t know she had, realizing that every moment—good or bad—was shaping the teacher she is becoming and revealing just how resilient she truly is.

One moment from her internship affirmed everything. DeSordi recalled a student who often came in moody and reluctant to participate.

“I pulled her aside to talk, and I think we connected because I was already having a rough day myself,” she said, noting that after their conversation, the student returned to the activity with a smile. “Her whole attitude changed. She was laughing and participating, and I was smiling and laughing with her.”

Driving home afterward, DeSordi felt a rush of purpose.

“I was exhausted but proud,” she said. “I thought, ‘I love what I’m doing, and I can’t wait to do this full-time.’ Moments like that make all the chaos worth it.”

Although she said swimming guided her to becoming the person she is today, it’s teaching and continuing to learn that pushes her forward.

“I’m excited for the next chapter and the chance to help students believe in themselves the way my teachers and coaches believed in me,” she said.

The post Senior Swimmer Sets Course for Teaching Career appeared first on News.

Save the Date: ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Homecoming 2026

Justin Bates — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock invites alumni, students, and friends to mark their calendars for Homecoming 2026.

The week will feature student-focused events beginning Monday, February 23, and running through Saturday, February 28.

Key alumni activities are scheduled for Thursday, February 26, and Saturday, February 28.

“Homecoming is a meaningful time for our community to come together and celebrate what makes ��Vlog��ý Little Rock special,” said Chancellor Christina S. Drale. “We’re excited to welcome everyone back to campus.”

Highlights of the week will include the Distinguished Alumni Luncheon, the Cardboard Boat Regatta for students, Greek Alumni Night on Thursday, alumni tailgating on Saturday, and much more.

“Our alumni play a vital role in supporting our student-athletes, and we can’t wait to have them in town for several events, and in the stands cheering on the Trojans,” said Kristi Smith, associate vice chancellor for alumni and development.

Homecoming basketball begins Thursday with the Trojans taking on Morehead State. The women will play at 5 p.m., and the men will tip off at 7 p.m.

Saturday’s Homecoming doubleheader features the Trojans vs. Southern Indiana, with the women’s game at 1 p.m. and the men’s game at 3 p.m.

“We’re building something exciting in Trojan Athletics, and Homecoming is a great moment to rally around that momentum,” said Frank Cuervo, director of athletics. More details about Homecoming festivities will be announced in the coming months. Visit and for more about Homecoming 2026.

The post Save the Date: ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Homecoming 2026 appeared first on News.

Little Rock Trojans Announce New Director of Athletics

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 14:30:12 +0000

University of Arkansas at Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale has named Frank M. Cuervo as its new Director of Athletics for the .

Cuervo brings a 26-year career in intercollegiate athletics, marked by leadership roles across all Division I institutions – FBS, FCS, and I-AAA. He has served in senior level administrative, fundraising and comprehensive revenue generating roles at ��Vlog��ýB, Missouri State, Indiana and Missouri.

“Frank Cuervo is uniquely qualified to lead Little Rock Trojans Athletics into the future,” said Chancellor Drale. “His extensive experience, coupled with a proven track record of success in enhancing athletic programs and developing strong community and university relationships, makes him the ideal choice for this critical role.”

Before joining ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, Cuervo served as the Deputy Director of Athletics/Chief Revenue Officer at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), where he played a pivotal role in community engagement, driving revenue, fundraising, and building championship-caliber programs. His efforts contributed to significant growth in ticket sales, donor engagement, and overall athletic success.

“On behalf of my wife, Michelle, and my son, Nathan, I want to thank Chancellor Drale and the search committee for the incredible opportunity to come to Little Rock to lead the Trojan Athletics program,” incoming Director of Athletics Frank M. Cuervo said. “We are thrilled to be here and look forward to becoming ingrained in the Central Arkansas community.”

Some of his notable career successes include securing invitations to join prestigious conferences, spearheading facility upgrades, and boosting academic achievement among student-athletes.

“��Vlog��ý Little Rock is an institution, and an athletics program, that is on the rise, and I welcome the opportunity to work with our supporters to shape its future. We want to build a program the people of Arkansas can be proud of, striving for comprehensive excellence in the classroom, in the community, and in competition, as we compete for championships and place the Trojans on a national stage,” Cuervo said. “I am eager to partner with our 275 talented student-athletes, our elite group of head coaches, and the entire athletics and campus administration, as we utilize athletics as a vehicle to highlight all the incredible things happening at this world-class institution. The future for Little Rock has never been brighter. Go Trojans!”

Cuervo holds a Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Sport Management from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Public Relations from the University of Florida, where he was also a walk-on member of the baseball program. He will be joined in Little Rock by his spouse Michelle, a Missouri native, and a son Nathan.

“I would also like to thank George Lee for his diligent and dedicated service as our Athletic Director these last four years,” said Chancellor Drale. “During his tenure, he has helped lead the athletic department through the rapidly changing landscape of NCAA college athletics including conference realignment, the development of the transfer portal, and growth in name image and likeness. We look forward to his continued contributions to our community.”

Cuervo will be on campus for a formal introduction to the university and local community on Wednesday, March 27 at 11 a.m. in Engel Hall at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center.

The post Little Rock Trojans Announce New Director of Athletics appeared first on News.

Little Rock Trojans Start Season Early with Foreign Tour of Italy

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 14:15:49 +0000

The Little Rock Trojans will get a head start to the 2023-24 season as they depart for a foreign tour of Italy on Aug. 7.

During the 11-day tour, the basketball players and coaching staff will visit Rome, Florence, Venice, and Lake Como. They will play three international exhibition games at Rome on Aug. 10, Venice on Aug. 14, and Lake Como on Aug. 16 before returning to Little Rock on Aug. 17.

“We are thrilled to be able to have this opportunity to take our team and staff over to Italy this year for a foreign trip,” Head Coach Darrell Walker said. “With so many new faces, this will be great for our guys to be able to get more comfortable with each other’s games throughout the 10 extra practices that are allowed and the three games.”

NCAA rules allow a team taking a foreign tour to hold 10 days of practices on campus before leaving for the tour. The Little Rock Trojans are welcoming 10 talented newcomers to this year’s squad, and the foreign tour will give them a chance to grow as a team.

“This tour provides top competition, and I’m excited to see how our guys respond playing against some older, more experienced players,” Walker added. “It’s also an opportunity for our guys and our staff to get to spend some quality time together off the court, and we’re just excited about who we’ve brought in and can’t wait for our fans to see it this year.”

In addition to the opportunity to play against international opponents, the basketball players will experience the culture and sites of Italy. In Rome, they will visit historic sites including the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica, and the Roman Colosseum.

Additional tour stops will include a guided city tour of Florence, a guided bike tour of Bologna, a guided tour and gondola ride in Venice, a food tasting and cooking class in Verona, as well as a boat tour from Lake Como to Bellagio.

The trip will be a familiar experience for Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Julius Hodge, who previously played in Italy with the Italian Serie A teams Cimberio Varese and Legea Scafati.

“The differences are vast,” Hodge said. “In Italy, you have to put the ball on the ground first before you move, but our guys will adjust quickly. The basketball is also smaller and a little bit firmer than basketballs in the U.S. Playing in a foreign country helps the team gain international experience. Every time I’ve been on a trip like this, I’ve seen the players bond in a way that wasn’t possible before.”

The post Little Rock Trojans Start Season Early with Foreign Tour of Italy appeared first on News.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Student Recalls Harrowing Experience to Find Dog Lost During Tornado

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 13:52:42 +0000

They say that cats have nine lives, but one ��Vlog��ý Little Rock student-athlete believes it’s a miracle that she found her beloved dog, a 4-year-old Australian Shepherd named Remy, alive and well after he was trapped in her apartment for almost a day following the devastating tornado that struck Little Rock on March 31.

Lindsey Hutcheson, a member of the , was running with teammates during a practice when the tornado siren alarms went off on Friday afternoon. She and her teammates took cover in the basement of the university’s dormitory while they watched news coverage.

“I was panicked because my dog was home alone,” Hutcheson said. “I was crying the whole time because I could see on the news where the tornado hit my apartment complex.”

Lindsey Hutcheson’s apartment at Calais Forest Apartments suffered significant damage from the March 31 tornado.

After the tornado passed, Hutcheson made her way to her third-floor apartment at Calais Forest Apartments, located at 500 Napa Valley Dr. in Little Rock. She had to park about three-quarters of a mile away because of the blocked roadways. She was met with utter destruction.

“I saw that some of the buildings in my complex were completely destroyed,” Hutcheson said. “In my building, my apartment was the only one whose roof got torn off. When I saw it, I ran down because I was panicking. I went under the caution tape, but I was told I couldn’t go in. I fell on the ground crying because my dog was in there.”

Hutcheson’s parents, who live south of Hot Springs, made it to her apartment about half an hour after she did. The family was eventually able to search the apartment, but it was covered by pieces of roof, insulation, rubble, and debris. They didn’t find Remy, nor could they hear him.

Confusion ensued. They noticed that part of the wall was torn open and wondered if Remy might have jumped out of the apartment and wandered off. Further complicating matters, a neighbor told Hutcheson that they had seen someone rescue Remy from the apartment. Believing it to be the apartment’s maintenance staff, Hutcheson was once again disappointed to learn that they had no idea where the dog was.

With it not being safe to go back into the apartment, Hutcheson went home with her parents where she got just a few restless hours of sleep. They returned the following morning to search the apartment again. This time, Hutcheson’s mom Paige tried kicking in the door to her bedroom, which was blocked by pieces of insulation, and that is when Hutcheson spotted Remy.

“I tried to dig the insulation out, and then I saw his little butt sticking out of the debris,” Hutcheson said. “I don’t know how or why, but he’s fine. I probably lost everything else. Honestly, he is all I cared about. Everything else can be replaced, but I just wanted him to be found.”

Hutcheson now believes that Remy was likely in his bed in her bedroom when the tornado hit, and that he got trapped under the debris, but does not know why he didn’t respond when they searched the apartment the first time.

Hutcheson’s mother made a that was shared more than 15,000 times on Facebook. Hutcheson is thankful for all the people who took the time to try to help them find Remy.

“It means the world to me that people would take time out of their day to read our post,” Hutcheson said. “If Remy was out there and that’s how we found him, we would have been so grateful. I am so glad that people care, and that they did that for me.”

A picture of Remy after he was found in Lindsey Hutcheson’s apartment.

Hutcheson, who is earning an MBA, will graduate from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in May. Until then, she is grateful to be staying with a family friend in Little Rock. With the state of her apartment, it’s unlikely she will be able to return there. Her parents, who both work in insurance, are helping her with her insurance claim. Meanwhile, she feels incredibly lucky that she wasn’t at home when the tornado struck, and that she has been reunited with her best friend.

“It could always be worse,” she said. “I know there are people who have it worse than me right now, so I can’t complain. I’m just glad Remy was found.”

Hutcheson is scheduled to compete for the Trojans this Friday at the Little Rock Invitational, the program’s annual home meet held at the Coleman Sports Complex. She is scheduled to run in the 1,500-meter at approximately 1:40 p.m. and then again in the 800-meter race at approximately 3:10 p.m.

The post ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Student Recalls Harrowing Experience to Find Dog Lost During Tornado appeared first on News.

Little Rock Trojans Aid Runners During 2023 Little Rock Marathon

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 12:40:47 +0000

Giving back to the community is a point of pride for Little Rock Athletics, who continued their efforts by hosting their annual aid station during the Little Rock Marathon on March 5.

In support of Little Rock’s largest sporting event, members of Little Rock Athletics volunteered to provide water and Gatorade to the participants as they passed by.

“It’s always a pleasure to work with the organizers of the Little Rock Marathon and volunteer on race day,” said Darius Maize, deputy athletic director for internal operations and special projects. “As Little Rock’s Team, it’s essential that we find ways to get out and support the community. Our student athletes enjoy providing encouragement and support to the participants each year too.”

Dr. Katie Helms, associate professor of sports management, was the pace group leader for the 3 hour, 55 minute finish time. As an on-course race representative, her job was to set a pace for other runners to follow. As a participant who had run the Little Rock Marathon over 10 times, she looked forward to seeing the Trojan aid station during the event.

“I knew it would be full of good support and crowd energy, because they know how important that is to other athletes,” Helms said. “I also knew that I would see some friendly and familiar faces there, which always gives me a boost!”

Volunteers from Little Rock Athletics provide refreshments and encouragement for runners during the Little Rock Marathon.

Aid stations are essential safety checkpoints in large events like the Little Rock marathon. The volunteers have instructions from race officials regarding procedures in a variety of scenarios, including a health or weather emergency. They also provide important front-line customer service by answering questions and problem-solving during the event.

“They give as much energy as they can back to the runners, and this aspect is invaluable for athlete support,” Helms said. “I can tell you that aid station personnel are the hardest working volunteers on the course.”

As part of the sport tourism industry, the Little Rock Marathon is an important way for Little Rock to showcase itself to the rest of the country. Not only does it promote the city, but it encourages residents of the state to join in the fun and be healthy.

“I’m happy that the race participants, whether they were local or from other parts of the country, got to experience who ‘Little Rock’s Team’ is,” Helms said.

The post Little Rock Trojans Aid Runners During 2023 Little Rock Marathon appeared first on News.

Little Rock’s Angelique Francis to Receive 2023 Pat Summitt Most Courageous Award

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 21:30:50 +0000

After a childhood filled with punishments instead of presents and abuse to go alongside her accolades, as a survivor of eight suicide attempts to come out on the other side as an advocate for mental health awareness, Little Rock forward Angelique Francis has been named the 2023 recipient of the Pat Summitt Most Courageous Award as announced by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association on Thursday.

Francis has been open about the issues she has faced, helping create a dialogue about the challenges shared by many other athletes. She will be honored at the upcoming Women’s Final Four in Dallas.

The senior forward has said “Basketball saved my life,” but by bravely sharing her story of fortitude, self-belief and vulnerability, she is touching many others’ lives in a positive way. As a child in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, she endured years of childhood mental and physical abuse and struggled through the process of emotionally healing from those wounds. Through sports and supportive mentors and coaches, she found an outlet.

The announcement, coming just two days after Little Rock was named the USBWA’s National Team of the Week, is the first time an Ohio Valley Conference player – men’s or women’s – has ever won such a national award.

As a 15-year-old, Angelique began a foundation called ALF – which stands for Angelique Lizette Francis – to help youth dealing with abuse. She delivers motivational speeches to local schools and appeared at the Save AR Students Rally Focused on Preventing Substance Misuse, speaking on the steps of the state capitol alongside Governor Asa Hutchinson.

“It is truly an honor and blessing to receive this award, one that is named after an icon,” Francis said upon learning of the honor to be bestowed. “I hope that my journey helps to inspire others to never give up and to keep pushing because you have a purpose in life. I want to thank my family for all the love and support, as well as my coaching staff, teammates and everyone who has believed in my vision. Thank you to the USBWA for this amazing opportunity. And for anyone out there that ever has doubts, know that you are valued and loved.”

On the basketball court, she averages eight points per game and 6.2 rebounds per game while shooting a team-best 53 percent. Her leadership has not only guided Little Rock to first place in the Ohio Valley Conference standings, but the Trojans have already clinched at least a share of the OVC regular season title in the OVC Tournament with two games still to play. Thanks to Francis’ tenacious post play, Little Rock ranks fourth nationally in scoring defense by holding opponents to just 52 points per game and has held four different teams to less than 40 points in a game this season.

The USBWA has presented a Most Courageous Award since the 1977-78 season. Since 2012, the association has also recognized winners from women’s basketball with the Pat Summitt Most Courageous Award. Last season, the men’s Most Courageous Award was named in honor of Perry Wallace, the SEC’s first Black athlete to play a full four-year career in any sport. This year’s winners, Terrence Hargrove of Saint Louis and Connor Odom of Utah State, have also spoken out about their experience overcoming mental-health issues.

The USBWA chose Francis, Hargrove and Odom not only to honor their courage in coming forward to discuss their mental health and helping remove any stigma still associated with that, but to acknowledge the many issues college basketball players – and athletes in all sports – have faced before, during and after the pandemic.

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. With some 900 members worldwide, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. It has selected an All-America team since the 1956-57 season. For more information on the USBWA and its award programs, contact executive director Malcolm Moran at 814-574-1485.

The post Little Rock’s Angelique Francis to Receive 2023 Pat Summitt Most Courageous Award appeared first on News.

Little Rock Trojans - News - ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

Balancing Mind and Muscle: ����Vlog��ý Little Rock Wrestler Stephen Little’s Journey to Graduation