Skip to Main Content
Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

All content by Matthew Speakman

Bamalytics: Examining the secret to Alabama soccer's success on offense this season

Matthew Speakman September 22, 2016

Alabama soccer has experienced solid offensive production to start the season. In its first nine games, the team has scored 21 goals, averaging 2.33 goals a game. So, what is the reason behind The Crimson...

Alabama soccer returns home for SEC matchup with Arkansas

Alabama soccer returns home for SEC matchup with Arkansas

Matthew Speakman September 21, 2016

The Alabama soccer team will get the chance to do something it has not done in almost a month: play in front of its home fans.The team has been away from Tuscaloosa for the last six games, and on Thursday...

Alabama soccer finishes with tie against Kentucky

Alabama soccer finishes with tie against Kentucky

Matthew Speakman September 19, 2016

Alabama soccer tied Kentucky in its second Southeastern Conference game of the season. Alabama's record is now 6-2-1 and 1-0-1 in SEC play, while Kentucky's record becomes 4-3-2 overall and 0-1-1 in conference...

Stratton, Alexander lead UA soccer's defense

Stratton, Alexander lead UA soccer's defense

Matthew Speakman September 1, 2016

The anchor of a good soccer defense has to be a strong goalkeeper.Alabama junior Kat Stratton prides herself in being the last line of defense for the Crimson Tide and knows it is her job to stop shots...

GAMEDAY: Games of the Week

Matthew Speakman September 1, 2016

1. Florida State vs. Ole MissLocation: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, FloridaThe Seminoles and Rebels both enter this season with a lot of hype. This is not only the best game of the weekend in terms...

Lacey Clarida scores Alabama soccer its fourth victory

Lacey Clarida scores Alabama soccer its fourth victory

Matthew Speakman August 28, 2016

Alabama soccer improved to 4-0 Sunday, when junior Lacey Clarida scored in the opening moments of the second half to give the team a 1-0 win over Chattanooga Mocs (1-3) in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This...

Lacey Clarida and Abbie Boswell lead Alabama to victory over Campbell

Matthew Speakman August 26, 2016

When sophomore Abbie Boswell transferred to Alabama from Ball State, she wanted to work as hard as she could for her new team and make an impact. In Alabama’s 4-0 victory against Campbell, Boswell had...

Newcomers provide depth, spark to Alabama

Matthew Speakman August 25, 2016

In collegiate athletics, recruiting can be 
everything. When Alabama coach Wes Hart came to Tuscaloosa in 2015, he knew he was going to have to bring in young players to build for 
the future.Alabama...

Soccer overcomes deficit with four second half goals

Soccer overcomes deficit with four second half goals

Matthew Speakman August 21, 2016

Many teams are tested before they can prove to be successful. They have to face a challenge to show that the team will prevail in tough situations. On Sunday, Alabama soccer faced a tough test in Murray...

Tori Gann makes Alabama soccer victorious  in first home game

Tori Gann makes Alabama soccer victorious in first home game

Matthew Speakman August 19, 2016

A storm almost stopped Tori Gann from having the best game of her young career, as the sophomore led Alabama to a 5-0 victory over Sam Houston State in the first home game of the season. After only scoring...

Soccer places two on SEC preseason watchlist

Matthew Speakman August 19, 2016

By Matthew Speakman | StaffTwo Alabama soccer players, junior Celia Jimenez Delgado and sophomore Emma Welch, were selected to the Southeastern Conference coaches' preseason watch list for the 2016 season...

Women's golf wins third SEC Championship

Matthew Speakman April 17, 2016

The Alabama women’s golf team won the 2016 SEC Women’s Golf Championship on Sunday after shooting a 7-under par 281 in the final round. This title is Alabama’s third in program history, with the...

Harris explodes, Scarbrough struggles in A-Day scrimmage

Harris explodes, Scarbrough struggles in A-Day scrimmage

Matthew Speakman April 16, 2016

Heading into spring football, Alabama running back Bo Scarbrough received a lot of hype after coaches and players alike raved about his talent. However, in Alabama’s A-Day game, another running back...

Receivers and defensive backs discuss what its like to face each other in spring practice

Receivers and defensive backs discuss what its like to face each other in spring practice

Matthew Speakman April 15, 2016

The old cliché practice makes perfect, can be tossed around very loosely every so often, but for Alabama’s wide receivers and corners it is something they take to heart. Going up against each other...

Saban reflects on a decade of A-Days

Saban reflects on a decade of A-Days

Matthew Speakman April 14, 2016

Alabama football’s A-Day game can be spectacle in the spring, as the team gives fans a sneak peek at what is to come for the season. The crowds are large, the weather is hot (sometimes) and the excitement...

PRACTICE REPORT: Alabama wraps up final practice ahead of A-Day

PRACTICE REPORT: Alabama wraps up final practice ahead of A-Day

Matthew Speakman April 14, 2016

The Alabama football team had its final practice of the spring season on Thursday, preparing for the team’s A-Day game on Saturday. The team went away from full pads, and only practiced in jerseys,...

Anderson prepares for expanded role

Anderson prepares for expanded role

Matthew Speakman April 14, 2016

Ryan Anderson is ready to elevate his game. In his time with the Crimson Tide, he has been known for his ability to disrupt passing plays.For his senior season, Anderson is ready to show that he is more...

PRACTICE REPORT: A-Day preparation continues in front of former Alabama football players

Matthew Speakman April 12, 2016

Alabama returned to practice after saturday’s second scrimmage to prepare for this week’s A-Day game. Practice went as schedule, as the players ran through many different drills.Coach Nick Saban was...

Alabama adds Brooks Donald Williams to women's basketball coaching staff

Matthew Speakman April 7, 2016

The Alabama women's basketball team made an addition to its coaching staff on Thursday. Former McNeese State head coach Brooks Donald Williams will join the Crimson Tide after spending the last nine years...

Alabama football draws in large audiences at home and in the stands, statistics show

Matthew Speakman April 7, 2016

Alabama fans have been known for their relentless efforts to make it into Bryant-Denny Stadium for football games, or to travel to neutral locations the Crimson Tide is playing at for select games. If...

Saban and players discuss ongoing quarterback competition following first spring scrimmage

Matthew Speakman April 7, 2016

The Alabama football team has seen multiple quarterback changes in the past three years. After the departure of AJ McCarron, the team started two senior quarterbacks in two years. This spring, the Crimson...

Rashaan Evans finds new role at inside linebacker

Rashaan Evans finds new role at inside linebacker

Matthew Speakman April 7, 2016

Rarely do players get to have their biggest performances on the biggest of stages. For Rashaan Evans, he did just that. As a sophomore in the national championship game, Evans set career highs in tackles,...

PRACTICE REPORT: Alabama football works on fundamentals

PRACTICE REPORT: Alabama football works on fundamentals

Matthew Speakman April 6, 2016

The Alabama football team returned to practice on Wednesday, going through many of the team’s usual drills. The team focused on many different aspects of the game as it prepares for the A-Day game...

Racing is rewarding for University freshman

Racing is rewarding for University freshman

Matthew Speakman April 4, 2016

Tyler Audie has always had a calculated perspective on life. So much so, that at the age of nine he earned the nickname, “The Professor,” among his Pop Warner football teammates.When an NFL trainer...

Making a splash: Relay win paces men's swimming to best finish since 1983

Making a splash: Relay win paces men's swimming to best finish since 1983

Matthew Speakman April 4, 2016

As one swimmer dives into the pool, he is racing for more than just individual glory. He is trying to bring his school its first 200-meter medley relay championship in the program’s history.When his...

PRACTICE REPORT: Alabama football back in action after first scrimmage

PRACTICE REPORT: Alabama football back in action after first scrimmage

Matthew Speakman April 4, 2016

After its first spring scrimmage, the Alabama football team returned to the field for practice on Monday. The team went through a pretty routine practice in its ninth session overall.Former Alabama and...

Scarbrough, running backs work in backfield

Scarbrough, running backs work in backfield

Matthew Speakman March 31, 2016

The Alabama football team features players with the same number on both sides of the ball, which can make it confusing when attaching names to numbers. The key distinguisher between two players is size.Defensive...

Saban discusses what players are stepping up along the offensive line

Saban discusses what players are stepping up along the offensive line

Matthew Speakman March 28, 2016

Alabama football has seen multiple great offensive lineman pass through Tuscaloosa during head coach Nick Saban’s tenure. Players like Barrett Jones and Ryan Kelly established Alabama as a dominant team...

Women's basketball picks up transfer from UT Martin

Matthew Speakman March 28, 2016

Alabama women’s basketball added transfer, DaiJia Ruffin, on Monday. She was named Ohio Valley Conference freshman of the week three times, and will transfer to Alabama after playing 17 games for...

PRACTICE REPORT: Alabama continues to develop chemistry in fifth spring practice

PRACTICE REPORT: Alabama continues to develop chemistry in fifth spring practice

Matthew Speakman March 28, 2016

Alabama football returned to practice in full pads and helmets on Monday. The team is starting to get into the rhythm of spring practice as it completed its fifth practice of the spring season.Former Alabama...

PRACTICE REPORT: Alabama football continues spring practice in full pads

PRACTICE REPORT: Alabama football continues spring practice in full pads

Matthew Speakman March 25, 2016

In its second day of full pads, the Alabama football team practiced with clear skies and warm weather. The sun shined down as the players worked through some of the usual drills during the fourth media...

Alabama looks to regain physical presence on defense

Matthew Speakman March 24, 2016

Alabama has lived by having a tough defense year in and year out under coach Nick Saban. Each year, the Crimson Tide loses top talent on the defensive side of the ball to the NFL, and this year is no...

PRACTICE REPORT: Alabama football straps on pads for spring practice

PRACTICE REPORT: Alabama football straps on pads for spring practice

Matthew Speakman March 23, 2016

As a slight breeze rolled in with clear skies, the Alabama football team strapped on pads for the first time during spring football. It practiced outdoors as former players Derrick Henry and A’Shawn...

Alabama football undergoes changes in leadership during spring practice

Alabama football undergoes changes in leadership during spring practice

Matthew Speakman March 21, 2016

Every year, football teams must reload and find new leadership on both sides of the ball. This season is no different for Alabama, as it has to replace many players who were important to the program....

PRACTICE REPORT: Alabama returns from Spring Break

PRACTICE REPORT: Alabama returns from Spring Break

Matthew Speakman March 21, 2016

In front of clear skies and sunny weather, Alabama completed its second practice of spring football on monday. Coach Nick Saban oversaw secondary drills, where players such as Marlon Humphrey and Minkah...

Alabama deals with injuries and chemistry in first spring football practice

Alabama deals with injuries and chemistry in first spring football practice

Matthew Speakman March 11, 2016

Alabama held its first spring practice of the year with many issues to address. Leadership, coaching vacancies, suspensions and injuries  were some of the main things the team had to tackle during its practice...

PRACTICE REPORT: Alabama holds first spring football practice of the year

PRACTICE REPORT: Alabama holds first spring football practice of the year

Matthew Speakman March 11, 2016

Despite the threat of rain, the Alabama football team opened up its spring football schedule, practicing outdoors on Friday afternoon. A light drizzle did not stop the Crimson Tide from taking the field...

Women's tennis falls during first home outdoor match

Women's tennis falls during first home outdoor match

Matthew Speakman March 7, 2016

The Alabama women’s tennis team was unable to take down No. 14 Texas A&M on March 5. In its first home outdoor match of the season, the Crimson Tide dropped a 4-1 decision to fall to 4-6 overall and...

Men's tennis falls to Georgia on the road

Men's tennis falls to Georgia on the road

Matthew Speakman March 7, 2016

The Alabama men’s tennis team traveled to face off against No. 16 Georgia, losing in a 6-1 decision. After the loss, Alabama now falls to 9-6 overall on the season and 1-1 in SEC match ups.The Crimson...

Women's tennis falls to LSU

Matthew Speakman March 5, 2016

Alabama women’s tennis fell in its first conference match up, losing to the No. 9 LSU Tigers in a 4-3 decision. The Crimson Tide, ranked 38, was able to capture a doubles point, but still came up short...

Alabama eliminated from SEC Tournament by LSU

Alabama eliminated from SEC Tournament by LSU

Matthew Speakman March 2, 2016

In the first game of the SEC tournament, the Alabama women’s basketball team fell to LSU, 58-49. Alabama, who came into the tournament as the 12th seed, now falls to 15-15 on the year overall. LSU, the...

Alabama to rematch LSU in first round of SEC tournament

Alabama to rematch LSU in first round of SEC tournament

Matthew Speakman March 1, 2016

On Wednesday, Alabama women’s basketball will travel to Jacksonville, Fl. to participate in the Southeastern Conference Tournament. The Crimson Tide secured its position as the 12 seed in the tournament...

Hegstetter's journey comes full circle at Alabama

Hegstetter's journey comes full circle at Alabama

Matthew Speakman March 1, 2016

When the clock hit double zero, senior Nikki Hegstetter was overcome with emotion as she rushed to embrace her coach, who helped her get to this point. It was her senior night, and she led her team to...

Alabama women's basketball falls in final regular season game

Matthew Speakman February 28, 2016

In its last game of the regular season, Alabama women’s basketball failed to pick up its first win on the road, falling to Mississippi State. The Crimson Tide kept it close for most of the game but ended...

Alabama looking to build momentum heading into SEC tournament

Alabama looking to build momentum heading into SEC tournament

Matthew Speakman February 28, 2016

Playing in its final regular season game, the Alabama women’s basketball will make the familiar trip down Highway 82 to take on the No. 16 Mississippi State Bulldogs. Coming off of an emotional win on...

Women's basketball gets historic victory on senior night

Women's basketball gets historic victory on senior night

Matthew Speakman February 26, 2016

After the buzzer sounded, the Alabama women’s basketball team found itself in a moment it had not experienced since 1984. On senior night, the team defeated Tennessee for the first time since March...

A Farewell to Foster

A Farewell to Foster

Matthew Speakman February 25, 2016

This Thursday will be the last time Alabama gets to play in front of the its home fans at Foster Auditorium. With this game comes senior night, the time of the year where the veterans of the program say...

Alabama can't overcome poor shooting performance in loss to No. 3 South Carolina

Alabama can't overcome poor shooting performance in loss to No. 3 South Carolina

Matthew Speakman February 22, 2016

When Alabama took the court on Monday, the team knew it was going to have to play its best game to take down the No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks. Sometimes, even when a team executes well, shots are just...

Working for what she wants

Working for what she wants

Matthew Speakman February 22, 2016

When freshman Shaquera Wade stepped on campus at The University of Alabama, she knew she had to prove herself to earn a spot in Alabama’s starting lineup. Having to prove herself to others is nothing...

Arkansas scores in final moment to defeat Alabama women's basketball

Matthew Speakman February 18, 2016

In a game that came down to the wire, Arkansas narrowly edged out Alabama, 69-67. After Alabama sophomore Meoshonti Knight hit a three to tie the game at 67, Arkansas freshman Jordan Danberry pulled...

Practice squad sharpens Curry's team

Practice squad sharpens Curry's team

Matthew Speakman February 18, 2016

When coach Kristy Curry arrived at Alabama she knew changes had to be made for the program to be successful. One critical change she made was the creation of an 
all-male practice squad.“They are kind...

Men's basketball hopes to extend winning streak at LSU

Men's basketball hopes to extend winning streak at LSU

Matthew Speakman February 16, 2016

When coach Avery Johnson took the job at Alabama, most people expected him to turn the men's basketball program around in time. What most people did not expect was for Alabama to be on the bubble watch...

Women's basketball loses road meeting to Missouri

Matthew Speakman February 12, 2016

Alabama women’s basketball dropped its second straight game, this time to Missouri on the road, 63-52. I was a back and forth contest right up until the last quarter, Missouri was able to stretch its...

Alabama sidelines Magee for remainder of season

Matthew Speakman February 9, 2016

The Alabama women’s basketball program announced on Tuesday that freshman guard Trista Magee will sit out the rest of the 2015-2016 campaign due to a hip injury. Magee, who missed the first couple of...

Rally falls short at home against Auburn

Rally falls short at home against Auburn

Matthew Speakman February 8, 2016

The Alabama women’s basketball fell to in-state rival Auburn 59-55, for Auburn’s third-straight victory over the Crimson Tide. A packed house in Foster Auditorium saw a game that came down to final...

Alabama hosts rival Auburn in its yearly Pink Game

Alabama hosts rival Auburn in its yearly Pink Game

Matthew Speakman February 7, 2016

In college sports, rivalries are amplified due to fan's personal connections to the schools. Residents of the state of Alabama see the rivalry between Alabama and Auburn everywhere. Being the two largest...

Alabama tops Ole Miss 48-37 in Foster Auditorium

Alabama tops Ole Miss 48-37 in Foster Auditorium

Matthew Speakman February 5, 2016

The Alabama women’s basketball team was able to end its four-game losing streak by picking up an 11-point victory over the Ole Miss Rebels in Foster Auditorium on Thursday. Alabama began a two-game...

Alabama returns to Foster Auditorium to take on Ole Miss

Alabama returns to Foster Auditorium to take on Ole Miss

Matthew Speakman February 4, 2016

Alabama women’s basketball, which has played three of its last four games on the road, will return back home to face the Ole Miss Rebels for the team’s fourth SEC home matchup this season on Thursday...

Alabama loses fourth straight game, falls to Tennessee on the road

Matthew Speakman February 1, 2016

On Sunday, the Alabama women’s basketball traveled to Knoxville, Tennessee to take on traditional powerhouse Tennessee in its third matchup against a top-25 in just as many games. Alabama, who has played...

GAMEDAY: Another one

GAMEDAY: Another one

Matthew Speakman January 22, 2016

Alabama football, which is always loaded with NFL prospects, got even more good news over the weekend when many of its stars (who were on the fence about entering the NFL draft or not) decided to return...

Alabama women's basketball falls to Kentucky

Matthew Speakman January 10, 2016

Alabama women's basketball fell to the no. 10/9 ranked Kentucky Wildcats 73-48 Thursday night in the team's second conference matchup of the season. Alabama's record slid to 12-3 (1-1) while Kentucky improved...

Alabama loses first women's basketball game on the road at UT Martin

Matthew Speakman December 3, 2015

Alabama women’s basketball suffered its first loss of the season on Dec. 2, losing 83-65 to UT Martin. Alabama drops to 6-1, while the Skyhawks move to 3-4 for the season. UT Martin got hot from the three-point...

Women's basketball tops Georgia State 72-56

Matthew Speakman November 24, 2015

Alabama women’s basketball continued its winning ways on Tuesday, defeating Georgia State 72-56 and improving to 4-0. Senior Nikki Hegstetter scored 14 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the win.“It...

Women's basketball tops Mississippi Valley State 98-35

Women's basketball tops Mississippi Valley State 98-35

Matthew Speakman November 23, 2015

Getting off to a good start in any sport is crucial for success. Even though athletes and players can start off slow and still have a good result, it is better to come out firing on all cylinders. Sophomore...

Women's basketball faces Valley State

Matthew Speakman November 22, 2015

Alabama women’s basketball will face off against the Mississippi Valley State Devils today in Foster Auditorium. Alabama enters the game 2-0 with their average margin of victory being 43 points in their...

Alabama swimmer breaks school record on first day of Georgia Tech Invitational

Matthew Speakman November 19, 2015

Alabama swimming and diving traveled to Atlanta, Ga. to participate in the Georiga Tech Invitational against multiple teams. Alabama is currently 2-1 on the year as well as 1-1 in their conference. Two...

Women's basketball tops App State 93-59

Matthew Speakman November 17, 2015

Sophomore Meoshonti Knight recorded Alabama’s first 20-point game of the season as the women’s basketball team took down Appalachian State 93-59, improving to 2-0 on the year. Knight recorded a career-high...

Men's tennis wins eight on day one of CBB Invitational

Matthew Speakman November 14, 2015

Alabama men’s tennis sent six athletes to the CBB Collegiate Invitational on Nov 13-15 in Birmingham, Alabama. The Country Club of Birmingham and The University of Alabama will host the tournament.The...

Farnham-Rose makes home in Tuscaloosa

Farnham-Rose makes home in Tuscaloosa

Matthew Speakman November 12, 2015

Tuscaloosa is a town in the central part of Alabama, as most of the people who live here would know. It is a completely familiar environment to the students of The University of Alabama.This environment...

Women's basketball defeats Faulkner 93-34.

Matthew Speakman November 10, 2015

Alabama women’s basketball defeated Faulkner 93-34 on Nov. 9 in Foster Auditorium. This was the final exhibition game before Alabama kicks off their regular season against Alabama A&M on Nov 13. “I...

Kosgei captures SEC championship

Matthew Speakman November 1, 2015

University of Alabama junior Antibahs Kosgei captured the SEC Championship in College Station, Texas, after finishing the race with a time of 23:24.20. Kosgei lead the entire race and is the first Alabama...

Swimming and diving sweeps South Carolina

Matthew Speakman November 1, 2015

Alabama swimming and diving will traveled to Columbia, South Carolina, where it took on the Gamecocks on Oct. 31 in the teams third meet of the season.“We want to see our swimmers compete with enthusiasm...

Men's tennis sends five athletes to the USTA Player's Choice Open

Matthew Speakman October 29, 2015

Alabama men’s tennis will send five athletes to compete in the USTA Player’s Choice Open Tournament in Birmingham on Oct. 30.Redshirt freshman Langford Hills and freshmen Matthew Rossouw and Spencer...

Tide Tipoff gives basketball fans a season preview

Matthew Speakman October 28, 2015

Alabama’s basketball programs hosted the first annual Tide Tipoff event at Coleman Coliseum on Oct. 27. The event allowed for fans to come out and get their first taste of both the men and women’s...

Rugby holds perfect conference record

Matthew Speakman October 16, 2015

The Alabama men’s rugby team has improved its record to 4-0 after a victory over Vanderbilt on Oct. 9.The team is off to a hot start this season, winning their first four games all by double digits....

Alex Gray aims for ultimate stage

Alex Gray aims for ultimate stage

Matthew Speakman October 8, 2015

Alex Gray is a towering figure. I found the back of my head touching my spine when making eye contact with the 6-foot-5-inch junior swimmer from Birmingham, Alabama. Size can be intimidating, especially...

Cross country teams finish second and fifth at Cowboy Jamboree

Matthew Speakman September 27, 2015

The Alabama Cross Country team picked up a second place finish courtesy of the women, while running to a fifth place honor in the men’s category in the Cowboy Jamboree on Spet. 26.The women, who competed...

Lincoln Parish thriving in new music role

Lincoln Parish thriving in new music role

Matthew Speakman September 16, 2015

Everybody loves music. Everyone has a favorite song or a favorite band that they can listen to everyday and not grow tired off. Music surrounds us. When you turn on the radio, music is usually playing....

Moon Taxi opens the Druid City Music Hall

Moon Taxi opens the Druid City Music Hall

Matthew Speakman August 27, 2015

Moon Taxi and the Lonely Biscuits played the inaugural show at Tuscaloosa's newest music venue, Druid City Music Hall. Housed in the same location as the late Jupiter Bar, Druid City Music Hall has been...

Fighting should not be taken away in hockey

Fighting should not be taken away in hockey

Matthew Speakman November 17, 2014

In most sports, unsportsmanlike conduct and altercations are frowned upon. They draw penalties and can even cause suspension. However, hockey throws this rule out the window. People celebrate hockey’s...