The Quinnipiac Chronicle, Volume 96, Issue 25

‘This isn't the end for us’

Quinnipiac rugby gets demoted to club status, athletes feel support from community but not the university

By AVA HIGHLAND AND CLAIRE FRANKLAND

After 17 years, three national championships and an Olympian, Quinnipiac Athletics announced April 14, per a press release, its women’s rugby program would transition from varsity to club status at the conclusion of this year’s competitive cycle.

The news not only rocked the Bobcat community but also shocked the rugby world, as Quinnipiac’s program was one of the founding programs for women’s rugby in the nation when it started up in 2011 and has been led by head coach Becky Carlson since its founding.

This came as a shock not just to the Quinnipiac community but also to the team itself, who had no forewarning of the announcement. The athletes were called to a meeting the morning of April 14, but those who had to attend class under NCAA requirements received a brief email with the announcement.

Quinnipiac Athletics cites that “the initiative aligns institutional resources with long-term competitive priorities, fiscal sustainability and the University’s ongoing commitment to Title IX compliance,” according to the press release.

While rugby moves from varsity to club status, Quinnipiac will be bringing on a men’s indoor and outdoor distance program.

Bringing on the men’s team “advances both competitive and gender equity objectives.”

Several questions have risen in regard to the athletes’ and teams’ future, including their scholarships. Many speculated the athletes would lose their scholarships, however Quinnipiac Athletics confirmed this to be untrue.

“Quinnipiac will honor all existing commitments in accordance with NCAA and institutional policies,” according to Quinnipiac Athletics. “Scholarship and financial aid considerations are being managed carefully to ensure fairness, com-

pliance and continued student athlete support.”

Some, like former Bobcat wing Caitria Sands ‘18, have also questioned where rugby’s Bobcat Challenge money from the fall fundraiser would be going.

“They are now threatening to take that money for who knows what, which they are not giving it to women’s rugby anymore and we’re trying to get a hold of them to make sure that they either give us our money back or that they truly give it to women’s rugby,” Sands said. “Because none of us alums or anyone who donated are allowing our money to be given to anyone but Quinnipiac women’s rugby.”

However, Associate Vice President for Public Relations John Morgan says the money will still go to the club women’s rugby team.

“Athletics will collaborate with relevant campus groups to support the continuation of women’s rugby as a club activity and will work with students to help ensure a smooth transition,” Morgan wrote in a statement to The Chronicle. “Any remaining team-raised funds will continue to benefit the women’s rugby program as a club sport.”

To advocate for women’s rugby and the recent uprise in Title IX across the university, QU S.T.A.T. organized a protest in front of the Arnold Bernhard Library April 21.

President Marie Hardin was present, supporting students, such as the rugby team, who have been affected by the university’s recent decisions.

“I believe we could work on these issues together and we can succeed,” Hardin said. “So I want you to know that I hear you and we hear you now, unfortunately, and I apologize for this.”

Additionally, seniors lock Kelsey Thomas and hooker/fanker Lucy Lamborn spoke on behalf of the rugby team, presenting statements.

“What does not make sense is the need to cut and remove programs from a woman’s sport

Quinnipiac students lead protest, demand change and accountability in Title IX office

By AVA HIGHLAND Managing Editor

Over 40 students gathered on the steps of the Arnold Bernhard Library on Quinnipiac’s Mount Carmel Campus demanding change in the Office of Title IX led by QU S.T.A.T, Tuesday afternoon.

Spearheaded by three students, QU S.T.A.T. (Speed, Transparency, Accountability, Training) was formed to organize the protest, demand change and accountability to Quinnipiac’s Title IX office and spread awareness.

in general, or the women’s sex, especially one that has been systemically and historically disenfranchised to give to another,” Lamborn said. “While men deserve the opportunity to participate in sports, it does not equate to remove a woman’s sport that is not acceptable, and we will not stand for this.”

Following the protest, Morgan, on behalf of the university, ensures that the athletes are understood.

“To the members of our women’s rugby team, we understand your disappointment and acknowledge the dedication you have shown,” Morgan wrote in a statement to The Chronicle. “You are valued members of this university, and our staff will continue to support you as you navigate next steps.”

The Chronicle reached out for comment from Director of Athletics Greg Amodio and Deputy Director of Athletics Sarah Fraser, but was referred back to the press release.

ATHLETES

“I’ve worked my whole life to get to be a Division I athlete, and to have that taken away on a random Tuesday, I don’t believe it still,” freshman fly-half/scrumhalf Emily Hartman said.

And these feelings aren’t exclusive to Hartman, with a roster of 28 athletes, each and every girl has felt the aftermath of this decision like a punch to the gut.

“The last couple days have not felt real at all,” junior prop/flanker Macey Dunn said.

For Dunn and sophomore wing/scrumhalf Reagan Perez, this experience is all too familiar. Both Bobcats joined the squad this season, transferring from Central Washington University after the university cut both its men’s and women’s rugby programs last season.

See RUGBY Page 2

“This demonstration is about everyone who has been harmed by the Title IX office,” third-year law and society major Emma Homenick said to the crowd from the steps of the library. “Change needs to happen. We need to demand it, because the administration clearly won’t do anything.” Homenick, along with second-year history major Thomas Potter were inspired to form the protest to demand change after being filled with upset and anger following the op-ed published by The Chronicle detailing an experience with Title IX. They later brought in fourth-year justice and community engagement major Angelina Giordani, who has been working on the backside of the proposed Office of Victims Advocacy (OVA). Tuesday’s peaceful demonstration drew a large crowd of students, faculty and administration across the quad. Several Department of Public Safety officers were also in attendance to ensure safety.

“We thank the students who gathered today to share their perspectives,” Associate Vice President for Public Relations John Morgan wrote in a statement to The Chronicle. “The concerns raised are important, and university leadership is taking them seriously. We are committed to a thoughtful and genuine review of what was presented today and to continued dialogue with our campus community.

Homenick shared QU S.T.A.T.’s demands, which have been sent to Quinnipiac administration. Students in attendance also had the opportunity to sign their name at the bottom of those demands to later be given to administration as well.

“Our office is ineffective, overloaded and unsupported,” Homenick said. “We are here today to demand speed, transparency, accountability and training in the Title IX office.”

The demands include visibility for the Title IX office and their procedures, holding the university and Title IX office accountable, student advocates in the office, trauma sensitive training in the office and for Public Safety, along with several other requests.

The S.T.A.T leaders were joined by about 12 other students who have been working behind the scenes with them along with several other students outside the library with signs raised. At the top of the stairs were also members from the rugby team who later spoke, as did author of the aforementioned op-ed Lillian Curtin and a member of the Survivor Advocacy Alliance.

MEET THE EDITORS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Claire Frankland

MANAGING EDITOR

Ava Highland

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Taylor Huchro

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Ryley Lee

ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR

Chloe Grant

OPINION EDITOR

Joanna Farrell

ASSOCIATE OPINION EDITOR

Vivian Gage

ARTS & LIFE EDITOR

Sophie Murray

SPORTS EDITOR

Cooper Woodward

ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITORS

Emily Marquis

MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTION EDITOR

Harper Ferraro

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

Tyler Mignault

ASSOCIATE PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

Lily Zahka

ASSOCIATE DESIGN EDITOR

Liliana Mirabella

COPY EDITORS

Anthony Angelillo

Adriana Cerbone

Cayden Stewart

The views expressed in The Chronicle’s opinion section are those of the respective authors. They do not reflect the views of The Chronicle as an organization.

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RUGBY from cover

“I came from a university who also cut both their rugby programs and this school, like, promised me more,” Dunn said. “Promised me that it wouldn’t be like that, and that, like, basically gave me faith in them, just for them to do it all again, not like, literally, a year later, I was sitting in the conference room as they’re reading off the paper like just shocked, like I could not believe it was happening again.”

All 28 athletes worked their whole lives to get to the pinnacle of college athletics, especially in a sport like rugby. Since rugby is not NCAAsponsored, for athletes to compete at the Division I level, only a small number of colleges offer programs. As a result, many of Quinnipiac’s athletes come from all over the country, making this decision that much harder on these athletes.

“Most of us are from very, very far away, so it’s not like we can just go home and be with our families right now, like this is who we have and just like going through this process together,” junior prop Grace Hinton said.

For these girls, the Bobcats’ family-like community has made all the difference in supporting one another over the past couple of days.

“Just like trying to be there for the ones that, like, have families further away,” Thomas said. “I live off campus, so we’ve opened up our house to like people coming over whenever they want to.”

For Thomas, she was fortunate to have four years of a collegiate career. And in the midst of it all, she is spending her final weeks of senior year, being here for her teammates who won’t get four years of rugby in Quinnipiac blue and gold.

“I wasn’t a starter, like many people on the team,” freshman hooker/flanker Marcela Aguilar-Martinez said. “This whole season, I’ve been working really hard to try to get that spot. And, like, even next year, like, I’m just, like, working really hard, and I just, like, now we just don’t get to do that.”

Similar to Aguilar-Martinez, freshman lock Carolyn Melody expresses the same frustration, after an injury during the fall sidelined her for most of the season.

“I was out for the rest of this season halfway through, and it opened my eyes to how grateful I am to be here and have that purpose, but also how quickly it can be,” Melody said. “It’s a matter of a play that can take you out, and in this case, it was a matter of people that decided to take it out.”

For these girls, the effects of this decision stem further than rugby, with many accounting that they lack motivation during the final weeks of the academic year.

“I know it’s only been three days, but for me, it feels like a lot,” sophomore wing/scrumhalf Layla Cox said. “I know for the team, it feels like a lot as well. I know I’m kind of not motivated to do any work, and I’m trying to just keep my head strong, but it’s kind of really hard for me right now.”

Melody recalls the moments after the news broke like a scene from combat.

“I’ve told people in the days following, it looks like a battle scene,” Melody said. “Girls are laying across the field crying and on the phone with their parents.”

When the news broke, the athletes received an email calling for a brief meeting, with many girls in class when the announcement was made. As a result, athletes in class received the news via email, telling them their program was being transitioned to club status.

we must make life altering decisions under extreme duress,” Thomas said.

For these girls now, it’s all about spreading awareness and having their voices heard, not only to save their program, but the future of women’s rugby.

“If Quinnipiac can do this to us, the longest standing women’s rugby program, then who’s to say that they can’t do it to them?” Dunn said.

As rugby has continued to grow over the course of the last decade, these Bobcats hope there continues to be light at the end of the tunnel for their own program and their sport.

“We will get our program back, and this isn’t the end for us,” Hinton said. “This isn’t the end for women’s rugby, and it’s not the end for women’s sports.”

BECKY CARLSON

“(Becky’s) the last person who deserves this, and she gives everything she has to this sport and the school represents it so well, and just to be treated like that is just insane,” Dunn said.

Carlson, who’s been an advocate for women’s rugby, started as a player and has coached at Quinnipiac for the past 15 years. In Carlson’s first year coaching at Quinnipiac, the team “became the second Division I NCAA rugby program in NCAA history,” according to Quinnipiac Athletics.

“This program is coach Carlson’s child,” Perez said. “She built this from the ground up and she’s been here for over a decade.”

Prior to coming to Quinnipiac, Carlson conducted research for over 30 NCAA schools looking to add women’s rugby.

“Quinnipiac currently remains the only NCAA women’s rugby program in the nation to begin without a prior existing club program,” according to Quinnipiac Athletics.

ALUMNI

Along with the petition, alumni are constantly working to spread awareness and push for reinstatement. Former players are calling and emailing several involved parties, including Amodio, Fraser and Hardin.

Sands took to TikTok to spread awareness, posting videos about the situation and calling on others to sign the petition.

But Sands notes that this isn’t the only responsibility for alumni.

“We are trying to do everything that we can to help support the current students because I cannot imagine the position they are in to have to speak and do all these other things on top trying to make a decision if they stay or not,” Sands said. “So as an alum, I think we especially need to take more of the burden of taking as much off their plate as possible.”

When Sands found out the team was being demoted, she was in ‘disbelief’ yet ‘in a way not shocking.’

Sands isn’t the only alumna using her platform to spread awareness regarding the situation, with former Bobcat center Ilona Maher ‘17 speaking out against the decision.

Maher, who led Quinnipiac to three consecutive titles between 2015 and 2017, took to her Instagram shortly after the decision was announced, posting a screenshot of the press release, writing, “Shame on you @quathletics @quinnipiac.”

‘I FELT WE WERE LIKE THE UGLY STEP SISTERS’

women’s rugby and for women’s sports at Quinnipiac — but some wonder if that outspokenness is a cause of the demotion.

“Coach Carlson is very outspoken and always would fight for us and because of that there was always this fear at least in us athletes of retaliation,” Sands said. “It is still very shocking don’t get me wrong, but out of all the sports, it doesn’t shock me that they did this to women’s rugby because of how outspoken Coach Carlson is for women’s sports and how outspoken she is for women’s rugby.”

Since the news broke, the athletes still haven’t felt support from athletics.

“(Frasier) does not answer my calls nor does Greg, which also goes to show his only involvement in women’s rugby was to tell us our program was cut and has no further answers for us,” Hartman said.

PETITION AND GOFUNDME

Just hours after the news broke, former assistant coach Colleen Doherty created the petition “Reinstate Women’s Rugby at Quinnipiac University” which has reached over 23,700 signatures at the time of publication.

“Quinnipiac University’s recent announcement of athletics realignment cites long-term financial sustainability, competitive success, and Title IX compliance as guiding priorities,” Doherty wrote. “However, the decision to eliminate the women’s rugby program directly contradicts these stated goals and undermines a program that has been central to Quinnipiac’s national identity, athletic success, and leadership in women’s sports.”

The petition quickly circulated across social media platforms and reached 10,000 signatures in just 24 hours.

A GoFundMe to reinstate the team was also created by Lamborn.

She highlights that “women’s rugby at Quinnipiac is one of the least financially burdensome programs at $128,000 per year.”

At the time of publication, there are 107 donations for a total of over $11,300 raised.

OUTSIDE SUPPORTERS

On Saturday morning, Sacred Heart University women’s rugby head coach Michelle Reed took to Instagram to share her heartbreak, sadness and support for Quinnipiac rugby. For Reed, Quinnipiac rugby has a special place in her heart as her and Carlson’s friendship goes back to playing college rugby together.

“(She’s) one of my closer friends who I played with in college and we coached together at Quinnipiac and helped build that program,” Reed said. “It was a whole circle moment that I really enjoyed and two days later it was torn down when Quinnipiac decided to demote its varsity program to club.”

Reed goes on to express her sadness that Quinnipiac would tear down a program that not only brought three national champions to Hamden but also an Olympian.

“We need to sign the petition,” Reed said. “We need to sign the petition that Colleen Doherty put together to save and reinstate Quinnipiac rugby. Please do whatever you can, repost, sign, talk on social media about how this is wrong. We need Quinnipiac rugby back.”

In addition to nearby coaches, Quinnipiac has received immense support from programs across the nation.

Staff Meetings on Tuesdays

at 9:15 p.m.

“I was actually in class when I heard the news,” Hinton said. “I found out via email while the rest of my teammates were in that meeting, and when I opened that email and read it in class, I immediately walked out, just began sobbing and called my mom to tell her that I was no longer a college athlete. I just couldn’t believe it.”

Additionally, with the transfer portal closing soon, these athletes are facing immense stress and pressure trying to find a place where they could continue playing rugby at the Division I level.

“The timing of this announcement limits our ability to transfer as roster spots and scholarships are taken up at other schools with portal set lines on July 1 and May 1, for our incoming players,

Even with several national championships under their belt, several current and former rugby athletes have not felt support from the university, even before the recent news.

“I felt we were like the ugly stepsisters when it came to anything Quinnipiac Athletics, we were always just the thorn in their ass,” Sands said. “Even when we’d win it’d be like ‘fine you won cool.’”

During Sands’ sophomore fall semester, the rugby team was left without their own field, with theirs being given to field hockey.

“We just won a national championship, the school’s first ever national championship and we didn’t have a field,” Sands said. “And then we went on to win another one and we didn’t have sufficient bleachers.”

Carlson has always been an advocate for

“I’ve reached out to teams in California, and they’re giving us support,” Hartman said.

April 12th, Quinnipiac hosted its Quinnipiac 7s Tournament, with the Bobcats facing off against teams from Sacred Heart, West Point and Navy.

“I was in Hamden, playing in the Quinnipiac 7s Tournament on Sunday (April 12),” Navy head coach Murph McCarthy said.

That tournament took place only three days before Quinnipiac announced it would demote the program’s status to club, evoking confusion from coaches like McCarthy, who found the atmosphere at Quinnipiac to be lively around rugby.

“Everybody’s confused because rugby’s growing, women’s rugby even more specifically, is growing quickly,” McCarthy said.

Early in the demonstration, President Marie Hardin presented a statement, assuring students that they are heard and she is working to make change.

“You care deeply, but I also want you to know that so do I, and so does my team,” Hardin said. “With that common foundation, I believe we could work on these issues together and we can succeed. So I want you to know that I hear you and we hear you.”

While the S.T.A.T. leaders appreciated Hardin’s statement, they still are looking for concrete change to be made.

“While I’m glad that (Hardin) came out and spoke, because that is, in a sense, like a slight bit of accountability and a slight bit of acknowledging that there is a problem,” Giordani told The Chronicle. “However, I will not feel satisfied until there is actual, concrete change.”

Potter echoed the same sentiment.

“I’m disappointed, I was really hoping for more from administration, especially after our meeting, especially after all the turnout that came out from this,” Potter told The Chronicle. “…I was really hoping for something stronger.”

Throughout the protest, speakers raised several concerns and presented QU S.T.A.T.’s demands for the university.

A large area of concern noted by Homenick is the Title IX office’s location as listed on Quinnipiac’s website. The website lists the office’s location in the academic building Tator 142, however the office is actually found on the backside of Irmgarde Tator Residence Hall. Homenick noted that this is “a potential violation of Department of (Education) standards.”

Reflecting on the turnout, the first word Potter thought was “wow.” Potter along with Homenick and Giordani all shared gratitude as well as surprise for Tuesday’s turnout.

“This was on another level,” Potter said. “We are incredibly grateful that everybody, not just students…faculty and admin, came out to listen to all the issues that students are having, and we’re incredibly proud.”

BEHIND THE SCENES OF S.T.A.T.

“Change takes time, but they’ve had time to make change,” Homenick said.

S.T.A.T. is based around those four goals of speed, transparency, accountability and training being implemented in the Title IX office.

“Accountability, I think, was something

we struggled with, how do we hold the university accountable when we’re not going to say you have to do this with this person, or tell me how many people there are on campus, they’re not going to do that. There are laws, there are contracts,” Homenick said.

This is where a push for OVA comes in.

“So we’re hoping to get student advocates who are trained in survivor and victim advocacy and different things like that, who know about the Title IX process, and they would work with the students to keep them updated on their case,” Homenick said.

After forming the idea for S.T.A.T., they began with establishing an Instagram account, email and petition on change.org — with 231 signatures at the time of publication — to spread awareness through campus and beyond.

Found on the Instagram account is an anonymous form where anyone can share their experience with the Title IX office, showing how many people have been affected.

Aside from Giordani’s with OVA, the three are fairly new to this kind of advocacy in planning a protest.

“It’s overwhelming… but rewarding knowing that we are making a change on this campus, and knowing that there is so much support for making Quinnipiac a better place for people,” Potter said.

April 13, S.T.A.T. met with President Marie Hardin and Vice President for Inclusive Excellence John Armendariz to discuss

their demonstration and advocacy — with all three students leaving in agreement that they felt heard throughout the meeting.

“We know Title IX is slow, we know that we know that care is slow, but to have it written out from a student experience proves to administration that it’s even more of an issue and they can’t ignore it,” Homenick said. “So that was a big part of the meeting. They said, in regards to what we wanted to get done, they kind of, they kept it like discussion based, and they said that there’s change that we don’t know about, but change is slow and that there’s money to think about.”

However, a big factor in S.T.A.T.’s formation is acknowledging that those changes still have not been made.

“These are things that can be done,” Potter said. “These are things that are realistic. These are things that would make the process far, far better than it is right now. And I think we’re all under the same mindset that it’s kind of shocking that it’s not been done already, and that it’s taken this long for stuff to come out about this.”

S.T.A.T. pushes for these changes to be made so students can have more resources, support and not feel afraid to forward about their story.

“It’s an opportunity for the university to take an extremely strong stand in support of helping students,” Giordani said.

SGA cabinet elected for 202627 year with 14% increase in voter turnout

By AVA HIGHLAND Managing Editor

Quinnipiac University’s Student Government Association welcomes 25 students into their respective positions for the 2026-27 academic year, per an April 14 press release announcing the results.

This year, voter turnout increased 14% from the previous year for a total of 1,177 votes, according to the press release.

“The election committee and I were super happy with the increased voter turnout this Spring,” SGA Vice President for Operation and Chair of Election Committee Elisa DeWitt wrote to The Chronicle. “With five uncontested executive board elections it is expected to be a little bit slower, but all our candidates did an amazing job campaigning and getting to know the wants and needs of the student body. I cannot be prouder and more excited for this incoming senate; it’s going to be a great year.”

Current class of 2028 Senator Josh Parr received 1,081 votes to secure the position of SGA president for the upcoming school year.

“I am very excited to step into the role of President,” Parr wrote to The Chronicle. “My goals for my term are centered on support, transparency, and communication. I will work hard to make sure that every student has the space to be heard, and work my hardest to amplify those concerns and thoughts to those who can help. I understand the responsibility I am undertaking, and I promise to put my best foot forward every day to push QU forward for every student.”

Parr will follow current SGA president Zachary O’Connell, who has served in the position for the 2025-26 year.

“Serving this year as SGA President, I wanted to start by thanking you for trusting me to advocate for students’ voices across campus,” O’Connell wrote to The Chronicle. “We have taken firm stances as an organization to support and address student concerns raised to us. If there is one thing this role has shown me, it is how fortunate we are to have a student body that embodies the passion for advocacy of our campus community.”

Quinnipiac celebrates second annual “Dancing in the Shadow of Sleeping Giant” Powwow

By CHLOE GRANT Associate News Editor

Hosted by the Office of Inclusive Excellence and the Indigenous Student Union (ISU), Quinnipiac celebrated its Second Annual “Dancing in the Shadow of Sleeping Giant” Powwow Sunday, April 19 in the Burt Khan Court.

The Intertribal Powwow serves as a way of celebrating indigenous cultures and traditions through traditional dancing, singing and drumming, according to the Quinnipiac website with details on the gathering.

The event featured more than 15 unique vendors offering a variety of Indigenous regalia, jewelry, crafts and more. Small business owner Keith Rood shared his thoughts on preserving Indigenous culture and his excitement in being a part of this year’s event as one of its vendors.

“A lot of us that have the native crafts are taught by our elders, and we pass this on for the next generation,” he said. “When the dancers are out there dancing, a lot of times, the regalia that they’re wearing is made by their elders, or they’re great el -

ders, so it goes from generation to generation, so it keeps them moving forward, and it also allows us the opportunity to teach non native people about our culture.”

There was also a section of the venue dedicated to educational opportunities for attendees, including information on Indigenous cultures, how to become involved with these communities, etc.

Powwow attendee Howell Gallagher shared some of his thoughts on the educational aspect of the event and expressed the excitement he feels in bringing his fiance, Alex Caluori to similar celebratory events.

“I think it is nice to bring people with me that aren’t indigenous. Being able to share this with my fiance is nice, and being able to teach him about the different regalia, or asking me, ‘what is that made out of, or why are they wearing a certain color, or what does this mean?’ So I think it’s a great opportunity for people to learn and share culture with anybody that wants to learn about it,” Gallagher said.

Dancing in the Powwow and member of the Mohegan tribe, Amanda Gremo ex -

plained her hopes of educating spectators on Indigenous cultures like hers.

“I just hope that they take a little knowledge more than what they walked in with,” Gremo said. “So I hope that they just feel comfortable learning about other people’s cultures, and it’s kind of opening a door to be able to do that.”

The Powwow opened playing what was presumed to be traditional Indigenous music made by drumming and singing/chanting. Chairs were scattered for attentees in a wide circle to the right of Burt Khan leaving room in the center of the circle for the scheduled dances to occur.

After some brief words from the event’s MC, the music resumed and dancers registered to perform during the event, were welcomed to the floor for the “grand entry.”

Dancers were draped in traditional Indigenous regalia including jingle dresses, ribbons shirts and moccasins, with some wearing festive headdresses and headbands.

Event Coordinator, Arena Director and founder of the Powwow Kiara Tanta-Quidgeon followed their performance with a few

words about her start with the ISU at Quinnipiac and the importance of the “Dancing in the Shadow of Sleeping Giant” Powwow. She acknowledged the importance of Indigenous cultures given that QU was given its name after the Indigenous tribe of Quinnipiac that used to inhabit the greater Southern Connecticut area.

Following Quidgeon’s words, audience members and general spectators were encouraged to participate in what is known as “the potato dance.” A lighthearted social dance often held at modern powwows in North America.

With the two remaining pairs at the end of the dance being awarded a free t-shirt, Quinnipiac University President Marie Hardin, came forward with remarks about the event. Touching on her past experiences with the Indigenous community during her time at The Pennsylvania State University. After a brief intermission, the rest of the day was followed with festivities and dancing until the events closing at 5 p.m..

Senior Sendoffs

Don't ever apologize for taking up space in the room

By ALEXANDRA MARTINAKOVA Former Editor-in-Chief

Something I recently realized about myself is that I’m very prone to making split second decisions.

It’s how I decided to move across the ocean to a new country by myself. It’s how I decided to pursue an English degree instead of Psychology. It’s how I decided to add Journalism as my second major. And it’s how I decided to start writing for this newspaper.

For the life of me I can’t remember who I talked to at The Chronicle table at the engagement fair in my first-year — it was like three and a half years ago, to be fair and I ran away right after. Whoever it was though, that made me put my name down on the sign-up list has probably done me one of the biggest favors in my life.

I still remember the first meeting I went to, though. Hiding in the back in the Sports section behind a group of guys with the only other women there at that time — former Q30TV President Brianna Trachtenberg and former QBSN Chairwoman Brittney Bronleben, who later turned into my roommates — I felt invisible. If then-Associate Sports Editor and former Managing Editor Ben Yeargin didn’t come over to talk to us I might not have ever come back.

Even though I did, that invisible feeling didn’t go away for a while.

I kept coming back because I enjoyed writing. I wrote my recaps, left the meeting right after signing up for games and barely talked to anyone. I tried to take up as little space as possible, I wasn’t confident in my writing and a little ashamed of my accent — which I didn’t realize I had until I moved here.

Applying for associate sports editor at the end of my freshman year was yet another split second decision.

Former Editor-in-Chief Katie Langley refuses

to admit that I absolutely bombed my first interview with her — it literally took like five minutes cause I had nothing to say, while my second one took like half an hour, you can’t convince me I’m wrong Katie — and I rightfully didn’t get the position I applied for. She still decided to take a chance on me and bring me on as a copy editor, which was the best decision she could’ve made for me.

How else would former News Editor Cat Murphy been able to kidnap me into news?

Working alongside Cat is what taught me most that I know about being a reporter and showed me what a dedicated journalist looks like. I don’t think I would be where I am if it wasn’t for her guidance and I am so grateful to her for that.

Despite all the chaos, being part of that editorial board that earned the title of 2024 NENPA College Newspaper of the Year is something I’ll always look back at fondly.

Making the jump from copy to news editor was a little daunting, but not as daunting as being named editor-in-chief heading into my junior year. I didn’t come into this with the ambition of ever being one. It never even crossed my mind, until most of the e-board my sophomore year was graduating and they started planting those thoughts in my head.

Katie, Ben, former Digital Managing Editor Jack Muscatello and former Creative Director Peyton McKenzie clearly saw something in me that I didn’t at that time.

My first deadline in this role Sept. 3, 2024 ended in a panic attack in the women’s bathroom. I wish I could say that was the only time.

I was in over my head. I was desperately trying to live up to some expectations I had set for myself without really taking reality into consideration. I was trying to mimic the work of those who came before me, not understanding that’s not how this works. It took me a while to reset that mentality.

It took countless conversations with Ben and Peyton whenever I saw them and begged for advice. It took a lot of sleepless nights and working myself to the bone, threatening to quit every other week — I give a lot of credit to my Managing Editors Colin Kennedy and Gina Lorusso for putting up with my dramatics and sticking by me. And it took me getting called out on my bullshit.

I was pitying myself, fighting off that imposter syndrome every day because I felt like I didn’t deserve my position. I thought that the seat at the

table that I was given was too big for me. What a load of bullcrap.

I worked my way up fair and square. I learned fast and dedicated most of my life to this newspaper. For God’s sake, I was working in my third language in a country across the ocean from my home and clearly I was good enough at it to get this position. Once I realized all that, I stopped shrinking myself.

I deserved to have that seat at the table. I learned how to trust my decisions and not second guess my every move. I learned how to accept criticism but also realize that this paper is in my hands and no one can dictate how I run it. I fought for Chron every time I could, including having people travel across the country covering various sports teams, from Connecticut to New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and California, including myself.

This newspaper granted me opportunities that I didn’t even know were possible, and no sleepless days, anxiety, arguments or other issues can ever taint my memories of it.

I had the pleasure of spending four great years with this organization, meeting people who I will

ever had but also always called me out when I rightfully deserved it. I will forever admire the way you write.

Editor-in-Chief Claire Frankland and Managing Editor Ava Highland, two girls that I couldn’t be more proud of. You both have grown immensely from where you first started and I have utmost confidence you will take The Chronicle to a new height.

My managing board last year — Colin, former Marketing Director Emily Adorno and former Creative Director Tripp Menhall — that got on that sinking ship and helped me bring it back to life.

My managing board this year, Gina, Emily and former Creative Director Tyler Mignault, who I am so incredibly grateful for. You have made this year so incredibly fun and I love you all. I hope we never lose touch.

To the seniors leaving with me — former Opinion Editor Lillian Curtin, former Copy Editor Amanda Dronzek, former Multimedia Production Editor Quinn O’Neill, former Social Media Editor Elisabeth McMahon, Emily and Gina — thank you for being on this rollercoaster with me and I

“I deserved to have that seat at the table. I learned how to trust my decisions and not second guess my every move. ”

– ALEXANDRA MARTINAKOVA FORMER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

never forget.

Because in the end that’s what it is about for me. The bylines are great, the experiences are unforgettable, but the people that sat in the media suite with me every Tuesday? That’s what made me fall in love with Chron as much as I did.

Cat, Ben, Katie and Peyton who truly heard me complain probably more than anyone before but were always there for advice or to scold me. Former Opinion Editor Michael LaRocca who was my first friend in the organization. Brittney and Brianna, for whom I’m so grateful and will always cherish the fact that we all led our respective organizations in the same year.

Former Sports Editor Cameron Levasseur, who has supported me more than anyone else

wish you all only the best.

To my parents who would probably never let me forget it if I left them out and who gave everything so I could come here, and my badass mom who taught me what it means to be a strong, confident, independent woman.

And to everyone else, thank you. You guys have made my choice to come back for the second year so incredibly worth it and I am so excited to see you all grow from afar. I hope I was at least a little bit as unforgettable for you as you guys have been for me.

Fifty-three news, seven opinions, 26 A&L and 88 sports articles later, I am officially signing off. Thank you The Quinnipiac Chronicle. for everything.

Do it tired, do it stressed, do it anyway

By GINA LORUSSO Former Managing Editor

I can’t believe that my time has come to sit down at my laptop one last time for The Chronicle and write this piece.

Three years, three e-board positions, countless articles and never ending deadline days — I’ve made it to the other side with no regrets.

I was once a terrified little freshman, ready to take on the award-winning college newspaper that is The Quinnipiac Chronicle. My first article was a double byline with my best friend, Grace. We thought we did so great covering that tote bag

painting event. Little did we know, the editors would rip it to shreds and we would feel terrible because we didn’t think we were good enough.

I took that disappointment and I turned it into passion. I wanted to make it in this organization — I wanted it bad. Now here I am as the former Managing Editor, former Arts & Life Editor and former Associate Arts & Life Editor who did, in fact, make her mark on this organization.

I held two positions this year — one as Managing Editor and one as acting Arts & Life Editor. I was helping run the organization as a whole, but also heading an entire section with the help of a newly appointed associate. Every minute was worth it, and I can gladly say I feel confident to take on whatever life throws my way professionally.

To some, it looks like just a silly college newspaper. It was never just a silly college newspaper to me.

I learned so many unforgettable life lessons in that media suite, and I have everyone on that editorial board to thank. We all found a home in those 12 pages, and certainly found a home within each

other. Yes, we argued, we butted heads, but at the end of every Tuesday, we left the media suite a dynamic family.

As managing editor, the experience is determined by who you work next to. The members of this managing board have never faltered, even during hard times. We have always been there for our team of editors and writers, this organization and each other. For me, they made my job a fun and exciting experience. This team, of the four most dedicated people I’ve ever met, had turned Chron

“We all found a home in those 12 pages, and certainly found a home within each other.”

– GINA LORUSSO FORMER MANAGING EDITOR

from something I had to do, into something I wanted to do.

To Alex, the greatest mentor I’ve had in college, and the greatest Editor-in-Chief Chron has ever seen. You always believed in me since our very first interview together when I applied for Associate Arts & Life editor. You’ve taught me the ins and outs of being a student journalist, the strength it takes to run an organization and showed me true kindness along the way. Working alongside you these past three years has been such a blessing, I certainly couldn’t have done it without you. I will forever be grateful for our time as editors together and even more grateful for our friendship.

To former Creative Director Tyler, who fixed my layout every week this year, thank you for all of your hard work and dedication. Thank you for being a reliable colleague and friend, even though I was a pain in the ass every Tuesday. You never failed to show up for this organization despite a busy schedule outside of it, you will forever have my respect and I’m so excited to watch you suc-

ceed in the future.

To former Marketing Director Emily, who matched my energy on a whole other level. I don’t know what I would have done without someone else who had the same amount of sarcasm as me. You have never failed to make me laugh and I have loved watching you grow this organization with your talent and drive. Every moment spent with you is a moment never wasted. I can’t wait to see what you do in the professional world, I know you’ll do amazing things.

To Ava and Sophie who I happily pass my batons to. You two have been such an inspiration, it’s been an incredible experience watching you

grow as writers and editors. I know you two will do great things for this organization, I have so much faith in you guys.

And to the new Editor-in-Chief, Claire, I am so incredibly proud of you and the woman you’ve become in this organization. I have never seen determination quite like yours. My advice to you is don’t be afraid to make noise. Make people angry, make people put in the work and make people earn your respect. You have what it takes.

Above all, my biggest thank you goes out to my daddy who read every article I wrote. He was my biggest supporter in anything I did, but losing him this past Dec. made me want to give up. I didn’t want to write anymore, I didn’t want to put

in the work, but nonetheless, I did. I did it while grieving, I did it stressed, I did mentally and physically exhausted — I did it. I showed up, never missing a day, pushing through to make him proud and I will continue to do that with everything I set my mind to. I have never been more proud to have his last name in every single one of my bylines and on my first degree come May 9.

The biggest lesson I learned in this organization is to do it anyway. Do it no matter your mood, no matter what you’re dealing with. In the end, you’ll feel accomplished — just like me.

Nobody can take this feeling away from me and I have only myself to thank for persisting.

Measure with your heart Our

By EMILY ADORNO Former Marketing Director

If you told a younger version of me to “measure with your heart,” I would have taken that as a personal challenge.

I’d dump the entire bag of chocolate chips into cookie dough, add an aggressive amount of peanut butter to my toast, pack so much cheese into a quesadilla that it could barely fold and put extra chocolate syrup in my milk. Measuring with your heart, to me, meant more.

More flavor, more fun, more life.

And if I’m being honest, I kind of miss her.

Because somewhere between move-in day and my final undergraduate year, that version of me got quieter. Now, when someone says “measure with your heart,” my brain doesn’t celebrate. It calculates. It negotiates. It tracks. Suddenly, it’s not about joy, it’s about control. The heart I’m supposed to be measuring with tightens instead of expands.

It’s strange, realizing how much you can change without even noticing it happen.

Quinnipiac is where I grew up in a lot of ways. It’s where I learned how to write, how to lead and how to speak up in rooms that used to intimidate me. My people are here, the ones who are there to clean up a messy night out, the ones who you stand in the hall talking to for over an hour before bed because you can’t stop talking and the ones who make this place feel like home on the days you’re missing your own.

It’s also where I got lost.

That’s the part of the college experience we don’t always put on brochures. There are no campus tours that stop and say, “And over here

is where you might forget how to listen to your body,” or “This is where you’ll learn how easy it is to tie your worth to things that were never meant to define you.”

At some point during my time here, my relationship with food, with control and with myself shifted into something I didn’t recognize. Living with anorexia nervosa is not just about food. It’s about the constant noise in your head. It’s about rules that don’t make sense but still feel impossible to break. It’s about turning something that should be simple into something exhausting.

And for a while, I let that voice be the loudest one in the room.

But here’s the thing about Quinnipiac: even when you’re losing yourself, there are people here who help you find your way back.

My friends were the first to remind me of who I was before everything got so complicated. They were the ones who made

“Let yourself have more. More joy, more connection, more grace for yourself.”

– EMILY ADORNO FORMER MARKETING DIRECTOR

me laugh when I didn’t think I could, who cheered me on always, who showed me that connection matters more than perfection. They didn’t try to fix me. They just believed in me to find my strength again.

The staff, professors and mentors I met here did something just as important. They were there when I did not believe in myself. Even on the days I was most confident, they were there to help me find more academically and personally. I feel seen by them, not for what I was struggling with, but for the kind of student and young professional I am.

Nothing in life is a straight line, and recovery sure was no exception. But even in the messy and uncomfortable, I started to rediscover that younger version of myself. No fear, measuring every moment of my life with my heart.

She never actually left. She was just waiting for me to come back.

When I think about my time at Quinnipiac, I won’t just remember the classes, the endless deadline Tuesdays or even the stress (although there was a lot of that). I’ll remember the small moments. Sitting on the quad when it finally got warm again. Going to The Rat and chatting with Chester. Having to run out of the shower freshman year when the fire alarm started going off. The feeling of walking into a room and realizing you belong there.

And I’ll remember the quiet, harder moments too. Because those are the ones that changed me.

If there’s anything this place has taught me, it’s that growth doesn’t always look the way you expect it to. Sometimes it looks like success and confidence. Other times, it looks like learning how to ask for help. Sometimes it looks like leading a group project. Other times, it looks like simply getting through the day.

It all counts.

As I leave Quinnipiac, I’m not the same person I was when I got here. I’m more aware, more grounded and maybe a little more honest with myself. I’ve learned that control isn’t the same as strength, and that vulnerability doesn’t make you weak, it makes you real.

And I’m learning, slowly but surely, how to measure with my heart again.

Not perfectly. Not all the time. But enough. Enough to laugh without overthinking it. Enough to enjoy the extra chocolate chips. Enough to trust that I don’t have to earn every good thing in my life.

So if I could leave one thing behind, it would be this: let yourself have more. More joy, more connection, more grace for yourself. Measure with your heart, even when it feels unfamiliar. Because the version of you that does? They’re still in there.

And they’re worth finding.

Hot takes and thanks

By LILLIAN CURTIN Former Opinion Editor

I’m writing this after my final meeting, sobbing in my bed. Saying goodbye really is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, but I am so blessed to say that it hurts this much to let something go. It’s torture.

Before I get into the origin story cutscene, I need to thank a few people right off the bat, though that’s what most of this is going to be.

Hey Gramps. I know you’re reading this. For those who don’t know, despite my talking about him more than I can remember, my Gramps is one of the best men in my life. He’s never fallen short when it comes to my sisters and me, and I’m incredibly lucky to have his support. Gramps, know that even if I don’t respond to every text, or I don’t see you as much as I wish I could, I love you. More than I have words to express. Next, on a less sentimental note, my guy, Gage. Friggin. Skidmore. Do I know Mr. Skidmore personally? Nope. But you’ve probably seen his attribution on my political pieces, as his free photos on Wikimedia Commons have been used for the past three years. Thanks, king. Anyway, let’s take it back to when I first got here.

I’ll admit: I wasn’t excited to go to the Engagement Fair. I was required to go to it for my First-Year Seminar class. Little did I know that

this was going to be a butterfly effect. Aug. 30, 2023. The day of the fair was the day that former Opinion Editor AJ Newth handed me a “Beat Yale” poster. She asked me if I liked to write, and I said yes. Well, AJ, I hate to break this to you, but I was BSing a lot of it.

To be honest, I did like writing, but at this point in time, I didn’t realize how much. Throughout high school, believe it or not, I was not an academic person. It’s crazy now, looking back. How different that version of me was from this version of me now.

I knew I wanted to switch it up when I got to college, so when I met AJ and the other Opinion Editor Mike LaRocca, I took the chance to make that switch. They, along with former Editor-in-Chief Katie Langley, allowed me to do so. This switch was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life.

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I was insanely involved in extracurriculars in high school, but that’s because I never found a place that was truly my own. I was doing it to stay busy and to make other people happy. It was never my place.

I joined The Chronicle on a whim; something was pulling me to it, and I couldn’t leave the Quad without going to that table.

I’ll stop talking about high school in a second. But I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t take the chance to thank three very important people, who shaped who I was before I stepped foot on this campus.

Science teacher, and one of my father figures, Scott Percival. You helped me navigate life, and were a parent to me when you didn’t have to be.

Civics teacher Erin Killilea, whose class taught me to find my passion in politics and political science. You became a role model.

English teacher Craig Southard. You never had me as a student, and I don’t even know if you remember this, but right before COVID-19, when I was a freshman in high school, you brought a few other students and me to CCSU to speak with journalism professors and professionals.

You don’t know this, but that was one of the most defining moments in my life. I never forgot it throughout high school, and when I saw that small table at the engagement fair that said “The Quinnipiac Chronicle,” I thought of that trip and said, “It’s now or never.” I owe you so much. When I first joined The Chronicle, I had no idea what I was even going to write. I mean, I had no journalistic experience whatsoever. Nonetheless, I was welcomed with open arms by my original editorial board, who I will never forget.

Katie, former Managing Editor Ben Yeargin, former Creative Director Peyton McKenzie and former Digital Managing Editor Jack Muscatello. You guys were my first insight into what good leadership looks like. I remember looking up at you all in awe. I was shy and quiet when I first came into Chron, but the warmth you all projected allowed me to grow out of that girl who felt so scared to try something new, and into a role that allowed me to take one step closer to my potential.

Former News Editor Cat Murphy. What a star you are. You left behind a legacy I could only ever wish to emulate. The power that you hold makes me so proud to say I worked with you. You also taught me to chase the buzz (pun intended) of

By AMANDA DRONZEK Former Copy Editor

My mom has always told me that I can do hard things. She tells me I can stop the chattering in my teeth during a panic attack. She tells me I can stay calm at dinner with my aunt, who has made it abundantly clear for almost 21 years that I am an obligation, not a niece.

I heard mom’s words in my head when I left The Quinnipiac Chronicle at the end of my sophomore year. My position on the editorial board was one of one: I was the first female sports editor of this newspaper. I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am to have been that.

I’ve always known who I wanted to be when I grew up. “Sports journalist” has been the answer to any career questions since I was eight years old, still writing synopses of “Wild Kratts” episodes on easel paper.

But when you’re 19, hidden in the back of a routine press conference after a men’s hockey game and you can’t open your mouth to ask a single question, you have to wonder if something might be wrong.

pushing buttons to get the answers people deserve.

AJ. You guided me through everything, and you were everything I wanted to be. Your light is indescribable, and it would be an injustice to the world if you were to ever change.

Mike. Thank you for being a mentor and friend. Your kindness was not unnoticed.

You both raised me to become someone worthy of this org. You were with me for my first Opinion controversy, one that shall not be named… but what a time. Definitely prepared me for the last couple of weeks. (Hey, Title IX office.)

Filling the shoes of AJ and Mike was nearly impossible, and it took a while to even come close. I fell short so many times. Thank you to Ben Busillo, who was able to hold down the fort, even when I couldn’t.

By some miracle, my Editor-in-Chief , Alexandra Martinakova, decided to take a chance on me.

Hey Alex. I can’t really get through this without tearing up. Go ahead and call me “dramatic” as you do. You’ve been here with me since the beginning. You have become not only a leader, but a friend. You’ve seen me laugh until I can’t breathe, and cry when I’m at my worst. Most of what I’ve learned is because of you.

Former Managing Editor Gina Lorusso. My genie weenie. Please never change. I don’t know what this organization is going to do without their comedians, but knowing Associate Photography Editor Lily Zahka and Associate Sports Editor Emily Marquis, I think it’s in good hands. You'd better continue to send me TikToks and Reels at 6 a.m. while you’re getting jacked. Don’t forget to keep that mouth open, and never give a singular gaf.

Former Marketing Director Emily Adorno, former Copy Editor Amanda Dronzek and former Social Media Editor Lis McMahon. Y’all are some of the funniest and most inspiring people I’ve ever met. You are all such amazing people by yourselves, but then you all come together and it’s like Quinn, Brittany and Santana.

Former Creative Director Tyler Mignault. You are such a gift to The Chronicle, and a gift to all of us. I think I speak for everyone when I say we could not have done a majority of the things we’ve accomplished this year without you. You have the ability to make everyone’s visions, and your own, come to life. It’s a rare trait, but one you undoubtedly have.

Former Multimedia Production Editor Quinn O’Neill. You are a prime example of other

types of media, besides writing, being just as important in print journalism. Your talent and contributions added so much to this team, and I know you’ll go far.

Former Design Editor Kat Parizkova. When May 9 comes, and we close our neighboring doors for the last time, I’ll be a mess. Thanks for letting me do basically whatever I want with my graphics. Alex may not be happy, but I sure am. How else could I have made Boomer have hairy toes, and get as close as I was to making Bryon Noem’s big boob pictures?

Managing Editor Ava Highland. You have a special place in my heart, and you always will. Poor first-year Ava couldn’t escape me. I was your honors mentor, then your peer catalyst, and now I’m so blessed to be able to be your friend.

Editor-in-Chief Claire Frankland. I watched

“It hurts so bad to let go, but I’m grateful I have something to let go of to begin with.”

– LILLIAN CURTIN FORMER OPINION EDITOR

you grow from Contributing Writer to EIC. That experience was nothing short of amazing. You are going to allow this organization to grow. I’m so excited to watch it from a distance.

I know you both are going to lead this team with that fire that I love so much. Not to be egotistical, but I think we, along with Gina, ate down as an all-female section head team. I am so proud of both of you, and watching you grow over these two years has been one of the most amazing experiences of my time here at Quinnipiac.

My dearest, sweetest, newer friends. Sports Editor Cooper Woodward, Arts & Life Editor Sophie Murray, Lily Zahka, Emily Marquis, Marketing Director Taylor Huchro, Creative Director Ryley Lee, Multimedia Production Editor Harper Ferraro, Copy Editor Anthony Angelillo and Associate News Editor Chloe Grant. You guys were the best additions to happen to The Chronicle since I started. No world exists in which this team would be the same

You can do hard things

The moment your passion becomes tainted by fear is devastating. I got to a point last year, right around this time, where being a writer was taking more from me than I was willing and, truthfully, able to give.

This industry is unforgiving. I’ve heard that a thousand times. I’ve grown to understand that statement.

It is my absolute pleasure to graduate as a member of this paper. I will never say it was easy.

In late March 2025, I was sitting in class, simultaneously watching a presentation and figuring out who besides me was being sent to cover men’s hockey in the NCAA Regional in Allentown, P.A.

The e-board knew I was leaving at the end of the semester. I’d been through a decent amount of personal and professional shit that was visibly breaking me down.

At that moment, I was completely overwhelmed by the realization that, to be blunt and ruin some dreams, this job has an unbelievably high ceiling, but it also has no end. The work fol-

“I am exactly where I should be. I’m helping people do what I do best. ”

EDITOR

without you guys in it. The only gripe I have with you all is that you weren’t here sooner, and my time with you is limited. I am so proud of you all; there are not enough words in the AP Stylebook to tell you just how much.

You may not see my name in the newspaper anymore, but you can always find my name on your phone. Don’t be a stranger, and don’t hate me when I come back like an annoying alumnus. It just breaks my heart to say goodbye, so I’m giving you a heads up: this is not that. If you ever need anything, I am one phone call away. I will always, always answer.

And to the newest additions. Copy Editor Cayden Stewart, Associate Design Editor Lily Mirabella and Copy Editor Adriana Cerbone. You guys are going to do amazing things. I have no doubt. Lily, I’ve had the privilege of being close to you outside of The Chronicle. And Adriana, as I sat with you the other day, I was so upset that we only got one day together.

Last but not least, Opinion Editor Joanna Farrell and Associate Opinion Editor Vivi Gage. I’m going to tell you the same thing that AJ told me in her senior sendoff: “The future of Opinion is yours, you got this!” You both are the Opinion section now, and it could not be in better hands. I can’t wait to witness you guys tackling this brutal world with your passion and heart.

Before I say goodbye. I have some last minute opinions that need to be said. Ahem.

“Edging” should be in normal everyday vocabulary for when you’re teasing someone with information you can’t tell them.

The “Fifty Shades of Grey” trilogy are some of the best movies of all time. Forget about the smut, they’re action movies.

Ok, back to business.

To my team, the family I gained three years ago, I love you all. Thank you for being you. I’m going to miss you, our 3 a.m. Google Doc conversations, conversations that begin with “off the record” and top secret things we’re not supposed to know.

To The Chronicle. Thank you for everything you’ve given me. Before I was here, I was just a girl who was struggling to find a solid group of friends, a purpose and joy. There was once a time when I prayed to, begged and pleaded with whoever would listen, for a list of things. All of which The Chronicle has given me: friends, joy, laughter and my spark. It hurts so bad to let go, but I’m grateful I have something to let go of to begin with.

lows you, feeds on you every hour of every day. A lot of people chase that chaos their whole careers. I’d rather not.

I left The Chronicle right after that class, days before the regional semifinals.

Part of living with OCD is understanding that gratification is an illusion. Your brain convinces you to follow a compulsion or entertain a thought, knowing that you will never be satisfied. And you blindly do what it asks because there is always the smallest chance you might actually feel better this time. You never do.

As long as I was the sports editor, I would never be satisfied. I was in a rush to get ahead of something I’d always be behind on.

I couldn’t sit through another lecture from an industry professional who worked 60 hours a week, wondering if they had never chosen this path, would they have a family by now? Was the sacrifice really worth it?

I didn’t leave The Chronicle because I hated the organization. I left because I needed to do the hard thing, the selfish thing, and pause. Not stop, pause.

For a while, I thought I had just stopped. I had lost my motivation, my purpose as a student. The Chronicle gave me something priceless, and I felt like I gave it all up instead of just changing out my meds and shaking off whatever depressive episode this was.

But then, there was this pretty smart guy named Nick Pietruszkiewicz, an assistant

professor of journalism. In Nick fashion, he pretended to look annoyed and begrudgingly waved me into his office to talk me off the ledge. He did this quite often.

This time, he told me: If I didn’t miss the paper, I made the right choice. And if I did miss it, who’s to say I couldn’t try again?

E-board applications rolled around last fall. I had been Chron sober for almost a semester. Surprise, surprise, I missed it. So I did the hard thing. I unpaused and re-applied.

I went for a low-stress role as a copy editor. I didn’t know if my editor-in-chief would give me the time of day after what I’d done. But I knew that if I got the position, it would keep me in the room I so desperately craved and give me the chance to be a mentor again.

I think that’s why I felt so guilty when I first walked away. I abandoned a bunch of incoming Amandas. And I remember that girl. The first game recap I ever wrote was on women’s rugby. A ladybug landed on my laptop, and I just took that as a sign that I was where I was supposed to be.

I genuinely adore being a writer. I’m hesitant to say I’m a journalist, because ultimately — and according to my elementary school self — I am a writer. And at the risk of sounding arrogant, I’m pretty good at what I do. But I need stability. I need balance. I need a plan. Copy editing made me fall back in love with this field because I had structure. I never once dreaded writing random pop culture reviews, outlandish opinions or the occasional sports column

because I went at my own pace. I know I can’t pick and choose the way I work in the real world. Good thing I’m not there yet.

This is nothing like the road I thought I’d take. I thought I’d be getting my Bachelor’s degree with a Quinnipiac Chronicle stole around my neck that read “Sports Editor.”

I’m prouder than I have ever been in my life knowing it will say “Copy Editor” instead.

Thank you to the sports editors before me, Cam and Ethan, for answering a text from a wildly enthusiastic 18-year-old version of myself. Pointing

and laughing because we’re all washed now.

Thank you, Cam No. 2, also known as Athletics Cam, to my parents, because we know a lot of Cams. Joke’s on you, I have another year here, so I’m requesting a “She’s back” post. You understood what was going on in my head more than most. If it’s OK with you, I’d like your job one day, or at least part of it.

Thank you, Alex, my wonderful EIC, for not turning me away after everything that happened. I will never, ever forget what you did for me.

Thank you, Claire, Emily and Cooper for inspiring me and reminding me why I love

to write. I always wanted to look back on the sports section and see the kind of dedicated, passionate staff I worked with freshman year. I see that in each of you.

Thank you, Nick, for listening and advocating for me time and time again. You’ve always said your students are like your kids. I certainly feel that way.

And finally, thank you to the ladybug that sat with me in Sept. during that match three years ago. I am exactly where I should be. I’m helping people do what I do best. I can do hard things. So can you.

Find the story within the frame

By QUINN O’NEILL Former Multimedia Production Editor

Find the story within the frame. These are words former Creative Director Peyton Mckenzie said in his senior sendoff that I have lived by since the end of my freshman year.

When I came into Quinnipiac as a freshman I thought I had my story figured out. I knew how everything was gonna play out from day one because that's how I scripted it out to be. Yet as the days went by, my script was burnt up in flames, and I couldn’t be happier.

In order to truly appreciate my story here at Quinnipiac, I want to go through some of the best moments of my college tenure and the amazing people I have met along the way.

One of my most memorable moments with the Chronicle is covering the Quinnipiac men’s basketball game against Fairfield in my freshman year. I was able to cover that game with Peyton Mckenzie and former Photography Editor Aiden

Sheedy who were both seniors at the time. Obviously, they were a lot better than me when it came to photography, so being able to make them impressed with the shot I got of Amarri Monroe hitting a buzzer beater made me feel like I was taking the right steps in order to be as good as them one day.

I can’t pick a specific one, so I’m gonna go with all of my 24-hour film challenge experiences. There’s something about the stress of making an entire short film from scratch in such a short amount of time that is so addicting to me. Not only that, but the memories I have made with friends each time we do it. From running around Tator Hall at 4 a.m., to staining the upstairs CCE carpet, to going back to back Sophomore and Junior year. These experiences have helped me grow as a filmmaker and have taught me how to adapt in crunch time.

Being able to shoot and edit Chron 60 and Chron’s Quad has also been a highlight of mine. Recording multiple takes with former Marketing Director Emily Adorno, former Social Media Editor Lis McMahon and James Nolan was such a blessing since I was able to do it with people I’ve known since freshman year.

All of these experiences and wonderful people I have met along the way have shaped me for who I am today. Combining this with what Peyton once told me, maybe my story can’t fit in just a single frame, instead it’s more than that.

My story isn’t limited to my academic achieve-

ments, it goes above and beyond that. It contains late night walks around Mountainview and receiving over a hundred noise complaints. Playing Wii golf with Ben Busillo in the common room till midnight. It includes making a mini hoop basketball league in my tiny Larson common room. A lot of people reminisce and regret things they should have done differently, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Instead, my unscripted frame is perfect. No structure, lots of work, lots of laughs, and lots of drama. It took me a while to finally understand that the way to live the college experience is without structure. Without that structure may come a lot of failure and hardship, but where people see hardship, I seek opportunity.

“All of these experiences and wonderful people I have met along the way have shaped me for who I am today.”

– QUINN O'NEILL

FORMER MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTION EDITOR

Maybe it really is the people that make the place

By ELISABETH MCMAHON Former Social Media Editor

My mom has always told me that I’d find my forever friends in college, and that might be the truest thing she’s ever said.

I didn’t really have a conventional high school experience. I went to a small Catholic school until eighth grade and then transferred to a public high school, where I knew a total of three people. High school me was not the outgoing, friendly type. In fact, talking to new people was probably my biggest fear, so as you could imagine, I was not exactly a people person.

When COVID shut the entire world down towards the end of my first year of high school, I really put the distance in “social distancing,” so new friends weren’t exactly on the horizon.

The summer before coming to Quinnipiac, I was terrified of having to constantly meet and talk to new people. My worst nightmare, truly. But I had my mom’s words in the back of my head, and that gave me the strength to take the leap and put myself out there.

God must have been on my side because I didn’t have to do much leaping. Thank you, Quinnipiac ResLife, for making the 3+1 Comms LLC in Mountainview. Out of the seven girls I was placed with in my freshman year dorm

room, four of those girls were the forever friends my mom had promised were waiting for me.

These girls, without a doubt, have shaped me into the person I am today, and I could not be more thankful for them.

Emily M., thank you for always encouraging me to speak my mind and to never be scared to be the loudest in the room. Before meeting you, I rarely spoke up and was scared to talk to new people, but you’ve never failed to make me feel seen, heard, and supported. You’ve helped me realize that my voice matters, and that I don’t need to shrink myself to fit in. Because of you, I’ve become a more confident, unapologetic version of myself, and for that, I am beyond grateful.

Jules, I have never laughed more than I have with you. Thank you for introducing me to “Vanderpump Rules” and “Summer House,” because yes, watching people fight on reality TV does make me feel better about myself. You’ve taught me that not everything in life needs to be taken so seriously, and to remember to take care of myself when I’ve had a stressful day. Sometimes, all I need to make my day better is you by my side and three episodes of “Summer House” queued on the TV.

Emily A., you radiate sunshine. You have taught me that even when life isn’t on your side, there’s always something positive to focus on and that embracing that positivity can change your life. You were there for me during all the rougher parts of college, offering a shoulder to cry on, reminding me that brighter days were ahead. And when those brighter days finally showed up, you were in my corner, cheering the loudest.

Last but certainly not least, Amanda. My Quinnipiac day one. You entered my life right when I

needed it the most. You’ve taught me that I can do hard things. Your strength and perseverance through all the highs and lows remind me that no matter what comes my way, I am capable of getting through it. I know life hasn’t always been easy, but you’ve pushed past every challenge with resilience and determination that is truly inspiring. And because of that, you will always be someone I look up to.

When I look back on my three years at Quinnipiac, the first thing that comes to mind is my friends. I think about the Sundays where we spent the entire day on the couch watching the worst reality dating show we could find, the Spring days outside when the weather finally broke and the mornings rehashing our nights out.

To my girls: we’ve laughed (a lot), cried (even more), and screamed (sometimes at each other), but every minute of our friendship has been laced with happiness. I love you guys from the bottom of my heart.

Someone play “Ribs” by Lorde.

“When I look back on my three years at Quinnipiac, the first thing that comes to mind is my friends.”

– ELISABETH MCMAHON FORMER SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

Amanda Dronzek

1. Men's hockey season preview and analysis

2. 'Remembering my roots:' A walkthrough of Quinnipiac hockey's goaltender's helmets

3. Men put your Gucci Flip Flops away

1. Instagram post for "People magazine crowns first openly gay Sexiest Man Alive, 'Wicked' heartthrob Jonathan Bailey

2. Instagram post for Fall Fest 2025

3. Chrons Quad These pieces can be found at quchronicle.com

Arts & Life Sab-chella

Everything you need to know about the pop star's contriversial Coachella performance

By GABRIELLA COZZI Contributing Writer

Singer-songwriter Sabrina Carpenter famously commented “see you back here when I headline” during her 2024 Coachella set. Now, her prediction has come true with two performances on April 10 and April 17 at the 2026 Coachella festival.

Both of these shows lasted an hour and a half, and featured 20 songs from her albums “Short n’ Sweet,” “Man’s Best Friend” and “Emails I Can’t Send.” Included in these 20 songs were four songs that she has never played live before. These were “Sugar Talking,” “When Did You Get Hot?,” “We Almost Broke Up Again” and “Such a Funny Way.”

The production value of this performance alone makes it worth watching. The pop star had multiple set pieces, including a “SABRINAWOOD” sign, a bar set, a recording studio set and much more. There were also many costume changes, as many as six throughout one performance. The outfits changed colors for weekend two, reminiscent of her “Short n’ Sweet” tour, where her outfits changed colors each night.

During weekend one, there was a lot of controversy pertaining to the singers interaction with a fan who was performing a Zaghrouta, which is a celebratory ululation done in Middle Eastern and North African cultures in times of joy. Carpenter mistook this noise for a yodel, sarcastically and snarkily responding instead of respectfully acknowledging it.

There is a unique discourse online about her response to this fan. Some argue that the artist reacted disrespectfully, and commenting that the sound was “weird” and that she “didn’t like it” was too far, insulting the cultural traditions of many. Others argue that it may have been hard to hear, and Carpenter may have mistook this genuine expression of culture as a kind of trolling.

Carpenter’s response was insensitive and ill informed, and people have a right to be upset.

I have also seen people argue that during the song right before, Carpenter sings “I tell them it’s just your culture,” and it could be easy to believe in the heat of the moment that this fan was referencing that line. Carpenter took to social media to respond to

I could have handled it better! now I know what a Zaghrouta is! I welcome all cheers and yodels from now on.”

In online spaces especially, there is a tendency to either completely love or completely hate a celebrity. There should be a level of inbetween — a gray area. Something midway between “Sabrina Carpenter is evil” and “She didn’t do anything wrong.” This controversy is important to talk about when talking about the show at all.

The pop star featured many special guests in her performances. During weekend one, actor Will Ferrell played a stage technician who was fixing a “blackout,” rushing to turn the stage lights back on before the next act. He was replaced with actor Terry Crews for weekend

Actresses Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis were also present, one for each weekend, each playing an older version of Carpenter and giving a speech detailing her fame and rise to stardom. This speech was noticeably shorter during weekend two, following many fans pointing out that the long length and somber nature interrupted the show.

During weekend two, Carpenter surprised the crowd by bringing out the Queen of Pop, Madonna, for performances of “Vogue,” “Like a Prayer” and a new unreleased song set to appear on Madonna’s upcoming album. Fans speculated this would happen, as Carpenter added 10 minutes to her show time, and that their collaboration was confirmed on this upcoming release.

The closing of the show itself was stunning, and a nice relief for Coachella fans who had been standing out in the heat. Carpenter was raised in the air while sitting in a car on the set of the stage. This acted as a kind of water fountain, spraying the surrounding fans and parts of the stage as well as Carpenter herself.

Overall, this Coachella performance was a welcome addition to the trio of headliners, premiering four never played songs and many bits that will most likely stay culturally relevant for years to come. Insensitive comments and a healthy dose of internet controversy currently colors the performance in a negative light, and how Carpenter responds in the future to fans expressing their culture will ultimately bend and shape this perception as the years progress.

Is my frontal lobe developing?

By SOPHIE MURRAY Arts & Life Editor

During winter break, my friend and I, who I hadn’t seen in months, decided to spend the day together. We’ve been friends for years, which usually means defaulting to the same kinds of plans, but this time, we wanted something different. Something that felt a little more intentional and sophisticated than our usual routine.

We decided to take the train into Boston, get coffee and spend the day at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. And to preface, this is not our usual kind of hangout.

We planned the day out, wore cute outfits, fully aware that we’d be standing in front of the paintings for a little too long, pretending we understood them on a deeper level. In the end, it wasn’t really about the museum, it was more about the fact that we liked the idea of doing something that felt “adult” to us.

We joked the whole day, “it feels like our frontal lobe is developing.”

But is it really? Or are we just pretending like we have our lives together because we did one thing that felt sophisticated?

Because there’s a weird shift that starts

happening. You start wanting different things, nothing life-altering, but small, more intentional choices. Suddenly you’re thinking, “I want to go to a museum and feel cultured,” as if that one activity is going to unlock a fully developed brain.

Meanwhile, nothing else has changed.

One day you're making thoughtful “adult” plans and choices, and the next it looks like a bomb exploded in your room or you have like five unanswered texts. It’s like your brain is trying to test out “adult mode” but keeps glitching.

That’s why the whole “frontal lobe developing” thing feels less scientific and more like a joke to justify your occasional good decisions.

Technically yes, it is developing. The part of the brain that is responsible for decision making, planning

and self-control is still under construction, which explains a lot. But it doesn’t show up as a clear transformation, it shows up in fragments.

Like wanting your time to feel more intentional and meaningful rather than just filled, catching a spiral before it happens, or making slightly better choices. Like for me, forcing myself to eat broccoli at the dining hall because I can’t remember the last time I’ve had something green.

And that feeling becomes a little more noticeable at the end of a school year.

Maybe because everything starts to feel like a closing chapter.

The routines you’ve had for months change and you’re suddenly hyper-aware of your time. Maybe it’s the subtle, and very scary fact, of the age that you’ll be turning soon. Like there’s an unspoken expectation that you should start getting it together and

thinking about your future more seriously a little more than before.

And suddenly, that joke about your frontal lobe developing starts to feel a little more real, which can feel scarier, but it also means things are shifting.

Because if you’re having these “adult” instincts or feelings — wanting to do more, be more intentional and try new things — you might as well lean into it.

Go to the museum, go to a play or musical, hangout with your friends without phones, talk about what you want your future to look like, even if you have no clear answers.

Even if we pretend it’s not fully real yet, playing “adult” can be fun.

And it doesn’t prove you have everything together, it means you care what your life feels like.

So if you're turning a scary age this year and feel like you don't have it together, nobody does.

But noticing a shift? Wanting more for yourself? Doing something different with my time? That counts.

Even if it just means staring at a painting and pretending to overanalyze it.

Hollywood stopped making characters that matter

By ANTHONY ANGELILLO Copy Editor

There used to be a time when you would walk out of a movie theater and the main character stayed with you. Not the action scenes, special effects or even the soundtrack. No, it was the person. You thought about them driving home, while also talking about them at school.

Those characters were the ones that would be remembered decades after the fact and legacies would be built just around them. Now, in 2026, that kind of reaction is only getting harder and harder to find.

I am not saying good movies stopped being made. They did not. What stopped was the commitment to building characters that audiences would never forget.

Studios are spending more money than ever on visual effects and sequels, but the people at the center of those movies keep getting flatter and more forgettable. At some point, the industry traded characters for content and the return on investment has already been seen.

Back in 2024, every movie in the top 10 of the domestic box office was somehow a sequel. “Inside Out 2,” “Deadpool & Wolverine,” “Despicable Me 4,” “Moana 2” and “Dune: Part Two” led the way, with none of these movies having an original character that people would actually care about.

So let’s go back in time, shall we? It’s the year 2000 and eight of the top 10 movies were brand new stories with brand new characters. “Gladiator,” “Cast Away” and “Meet the Parents” were all original bets with all of them paying off because the characters at the center were worth watching.

Studios used to trust that a character could,

in fact, carry a film on name recognition alone. Now the only name recognition that matters belongs to the franchise, not the person on the poster.

You know, I grew up on characters that far surpassed my generation. You have “Star Wars: A New Hope,” which came out in 1977 and wasn’t even called “A New Hope,” yet, it was just “Star Wars.” However, I still treated Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Darth Vader like they belonged to me.

Filmmaker George Lucas created a shared universe, where he gave each character real plots, stakes and flaws and that was enough to surpass generations. The fact that kids born decades after 1977 still care about those

something similar with Tony Stark. Before 2008, most people outside of comic books had no idea who Iron Man was. Downey changed that so much that the original film was inducted into the U.S. National Film Registry for its cultural impact.

Over the next decade, Stark carried the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, and when he sacrificed himself in “Avengers: Endgame,” people in theaters cried. That is why my favorite superhero is Iron Man, because he was the cool, funny but smart, businessman that Downey portrayed so perfectly that my own vocabulary can’t describe. That’s what characters should do because that kind of connection does not

ILLUSTRATIONBYKATERINAPARIZKOVA

Actor Heath Ledger did it in a single movie. Now you may say, “Well, Joker isn’t an original character,” and yes, you may have a point. But if you have ever watched The Dark Knight, Ledger's Joker was so powerful that even an actor like Timothée Chalamet said watching the film at 13 is what made

Almost 20 years later, people still quote Ledger’s performance in everyday conversation.

After his death, Ledger won a posthumous Oscar and changed what a villain could be in a hit movie.

With modern Hollywood today, money cannot replace the commitment that these characters have in today’s society.

“Avatar,” for example, made nearly $2.9 billion

worldwide and remains the highest-grossing film ever, but in a viral YouTube video from Jacksfilms, people on the Santa Monica Pier could not name a single character from the movie.

Canadian filmmaker James Cameron’s creations are some of the biggest movies in history and his characters barely left a mark. Mind you, he created three movies and over $7 billion later, they managed to sell only tickets, not the characters.

It does not always have to be this way. Filmmaker Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” proved that audiences will absolutely show up for original characters when the story is there.

Michael B. Jordan’s dual role earned a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and the film opened as the biggest original debut since “Us” in 2019. It became the first original film to cross $200 million domestically since “Coco” in 2017, earned a record 16 Oscar nominations and grossed nearly $370 million worldwide. Coogler put the character at the center and the audience responded. The formula still works when someone actually uses it.

The bigger problem is that only nine new franchises launched in 2025, down from 20 the year prior. The domestic box office failed to crack $9 billion for two consecutive years, sitting more than 20% below where the industry was before the pandemic. Theaters are now programming re-releases of “Kill Bill” and “Back to the Future” to fill slower months, because they will still pay to see characters they actually remember.

So the question now is whether the movie industry will start becoming original again, or keep chasing sequels and hoping that a familiar logo is enough to make people care.

Jonathan is gone too quick

By REX NAYLOR Staff Writer

When goaltender Jonathan Quick was drafted in the third round of the 2005 NHL Draft by the Los Angeles Kings, no one knew what to expect from him. Fast forward 21 years and Quick is the winningest American goaltender and is a lock for the NHL Hall of Fame.

Before Quick jumped to the NHL and college, he attended Hamden High School before transferring to Avon Old Farms School where he was a standout. He was recruited to the UMass Amherst Minutemen holding a .926 save percentage and 54 wins over two seasons.

Quick led the Minutemen to their first ever NCAA tournament appearance in the 2006-07 season before departing for the bright lights of Los Angeles.

Quick’s first real season of action for the Kings saw him start 41 games, posting a .914 save percentage and a 2.48 goals against average. From then on he was the all-and-out starter for the Kings and widely considered a top goaltender in the league for years to come.

Starting in the 2009-10 season the Kings found themselves to be a playoff regular making five consecutive appearances. In the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons the Kings were bounced in the first round as Quick’s performance just wasn’t enough to propel the Kings further.

A goaltender’s performance is the number one thing a team needs in order to make a deep playoff run and in the 2011-12 season, something

playoffs for the third consecutive year.

Their offense was pitiful, ranking second worse in goals scored, however their defense was ranked second best with Quick to thank.

The Kings dismantled the Vancouver Canucks in five games in the first round, the same team who went to game seven of the Stanley Cup Final just a year prior.

Next was the No. 2 seed St. Louis Blues who were swept in four games. The Kings were 8-1 in very unfamiliar territory against the No. 3 seed Phoenix Coyotes, who the Kings beat in five games again.

The Kings met the New Jersey Devils in the Stanley Cup Final where the Kings won in six games, earning Quick his first Stanley Cup. During the playoffs, Quick posted a .946 save percentage and 1.41 goals against average earning him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the playoffs.

Two years later, the Kings were in the Stanley Cup Final once again despite having their backs to the wall in the first round. The Kings were down 3-0 in the seven game series yet miraculously won the next four games comfortably.

The Kings and Quick were pushed to their limits in the 2014 NHL playoffs as each series went to seven games against the Anaheim Ducks and defending champion Chicago Blackhawks.

The Kings then made light work of the New York Rangers in the Stanley Cup final

in five games, winning Quick his second cup in three years.

In the next four seasons, Quick remained a rock between the pipes for the Kings and remained their starter up until the 2021-22 season.

Quick was dealt to the Columbus Blue Jackets in May 2023, then traded again to the Vegas Golden Knights as the backup to Adin Hill where he won yet another Stanley Cup.

Quick played the last few seasons of his career with the New York Rangers and helped them largely when starter Igor Shesterkin wasn’t at his best.

Quick posted a .911 save percentage and a 2.62 GAA as a 37 year old, something very few goaltenders ever did apart from the greats.

During his time with the Rangers, Quick attained his 392nd career win making him the winningest American-born goaltender in NHL history, passing goaltender Ryan Miller who retired a few years prior.

Quick was able to notch his 400th career win in late Feb. becoming the next big name to chase for American goaltenders Connor Hellebuyck and Jake Oettinger.

Three Stanley Cups, a Conn Smythe, 829 games played, 410 wins, 65 shutouts, a career 2.51 goals against average and a career .910 save percentage are Quick’s final career stats. He led Team USA in the 2010 and 2014 Olympics and continues to be an inspiration to thousands of American goalies who now play in his wake.

Cate Bendowski breaks single season point record

By EMILY MARQUIS Associate Sports Editor

Quinnipiac women’s lacrosse senior attacker Cate Bendowski continued her stellar campaign, breaking the team’s single-season points record in a 16-9 win against the Sacred Heart Pioneers Saturday afternoon.

In 15 games for the Bobcats, the Rockville Centre, N.Y. native has scored 28 goals and 46 assists for 74 points. Bendowski broke the previous record of 70 points, set by Katie Latonick ‘10 in her senior season. The record stood for 16 seasons.

“Certainly proud of her, and she does so much for this team not just on the field, but off the field as well,” head coach Jordan Solari said. “It’s really cool for someone who puts so much in to get something like that out of it.”

Bendowski aims to extend her record in the first round of the MAAC Tournament against No. 3 Canisius Sunday, April 26. Face-off is set for noon.

Perfect Again Men's Lacrosse: Building a new Bobcat way

Quinnipiac women's tennis clinch regular season championship, back to back perfect seasons

By

Quinnipiac women’s tennis has done it again, clinching its second straight MAAC regular season championship with its win over the Fairfield Stags April 16 and its sec ond consecutive unbeaten MAAC season with its win over the Niagara Purple Eagles April 18.

The wins give Quinnipiac its fifth regular season title since the 2020-21 season and ex tends its conference win streak to 18 straight matches dating back to the 2024-25 cam paign. Part of that success has come with key contributions from the best that head coach Paula Miller’s program has to offer.

Leading the way in that charge is sophomore Willow Renton who is in the midst of yet another great season.

In her freshman campaign, Renton made her presence felt. She led the Bobcats to their 10th MAAC Championship in program history, won MAAC Rookie of the Year and MAAC Player of the Year, and finished with one loss in singles play and a perfect record in doubles action with her partner junior Caitlin Flower.

This season Renton continued that dominance to the tune of a perfect singles record

By EMILY MARQUIS Associate Sports Editor

Quinnipiac men’s lacrosse has been on a steady journey up from the end of the 2025 season. Then, the Bobcats only won three games, its worst mark since 2022. Quinnipiac struggled immensely to close out tight match-ups. Both the offensive and defensive units struggled in key moments. The Bobcats failed to win a game at home all season. All symptoms of the team’s spiral.

Yet, with just two conference wins, the Bobcats found themselves in a playoff position.

“(We) kind of backed out way into the MAAC post season a little bit,” head coach Mason Poli said. “It was nice to kind of end the season with a win, especially a MAAC playoff win. Some thing we can build off of.”

Building a team back from the brink doesn’t happen in a day. It’s a process that extended through the long offseason, and into the 2026 campaign.

“I’m gonna compare this season to this kind of scar tissue, kind of took some battle wounds last year,” Poli said. “At the beginning of the year, we had some reminders.”

Those reminders weren’t just in the back of players’ heads. History was seeming to repeat itself in front of their eyes. In its opening month of play, Quinnipiac fell to UMass Am herst, St. John’s and Bryant, just as the squad had the prior season.

It would be easy to count the Bobcats out. After taking its first game against UMass Lowell, Quin nipiac lost seven straight contests, including five non-conference games where the squad was outscored by opponents 71-34.

product yet.”

But, even before the results began to fall in the Bobcats favor, hints of what the team was building were evident. In MAAC contests, Quinnipiac began to put together the missing pieces. Securing its first conference win over

Duncan Zielke and sophomore midfielder Jake Gallose have helped the Bobcats go from one of the worst goal differentials in the MAAC in 2025 (- 4.2) to one at the top half of the conference in 2026 (- 1.9).

That simple mentality of “playing our way”

campaign in 2024, graduate student goalkeeper and 2024 MAAC Defensive Player of the Year Mason Oak has held firm in his command of the Bobcat net.

But on March 7, halfway through an 1118 loss to Siena, Poli would pull up senior goalkeeper Evan Miner to take Oak’s place between the pipes.

Despite the struggles, Poli’s message remained the same.

“It’s early in the season. We’re not a finished

sophomore campaign to fix the Bobcats’ scoring woes, scoring 23 goals and 44 points this season. Marsala also is a familiar face near the top of the MAAC standings, ranking third in assists per game (1.62) in the conference. Recent contributions from freshman attacker

But scoring goals and playing the Bobcat way isn’t all it takes to fully rebuild a team. Building often requires creativity and searching for solutions in unexpected places.

For the Bobcats, that unexpected place was its goalkeeper depth chart. Since his breakout

“Going into Siena, (I) didn’t really expect to go in, but the ball wasn’t falling the right way defensively,” Miner said. “Got called into the coach’s office, told I was going to play against Canisius.”

From then on, the Santa Monica, Calif. native has made the most of his first real chance at collegiate lacrosse. In seven starts, Miner has posted a 10.56 goals against average and a .575 save percentage, as well as a .500 record. Miner’s save percentage would top the MAAC leaderboard if he reached the minimum number of starts, and his goals against average would be good for third best.

“I think you look at the defense in front of him, and they’re just playing with more confidence,” Poli said. “They have an understanding of what shots he wants to see.”

It’s clearly what the Bobcats needed.

Two wins later, and Quinnipiac is once again back in the postseason, clinching its fourth straight MAAC Tournament appearance. Not only that, with a win against Manhattan Wednesday, April 22, Quinnipiac may have an opportunity to finish as high as third in the conference regular season standings. However, scoreboard watching isn’t for the Bobcats. The message there is simple, and one that has rang true on the team since that unexpected win in the 2025 MAAC Tournament proved they could turn this thing around.

“I think we’re just going to focus on us,” Watson said.

Quinnipiac looks to get one more home win this season, taking on Manhattan in its season finale Wednesday, April 22. Face-off is set for 3 p.m.

Quinnipiac Chronicle 2025-26 Sports Awards

Men’s MVP: Ethan Wyttenbach

Freshman forward Ethan Wyttenbach made noise in his first year as a Bobcat. In 36 appearances, the Roslyn, N.Y. native recorded a nation leading 59 points and a team leading 25 goals. In the annual Battle of Whitney Ave., against Yale on Feb. 7, Wyttenbach recorded a career high five points. Wyttenbach’s 59 points tied Quinnipiac’s single season record.

Women’s

MVP:

Felicia Frank

In sophomore Felicia Frank’s first season as the Bobcats starting goaltender, she earned her way to the top of ECAC and national rankings, helping the team earn its first ECAC Championship since 2016. Frank played in all 41 of the Bobcats’ games this season, finishing the season with a 1.56 goals against average and a .942 save percentage as well as setting Quinnipiac’s new single-season save record at 1,035.

Men’s

Best Newcomer: Ethan Wyttenbach

As a result of his stellar campaign on the ice, Wyttenbach was named to the All-ECAC Rookie Team, All-ECAC First Team, a NEWA All-Star, National Rookie of the Year and First Team East All American. The Calgary Flames draft pick will be returning for the 2026-27 season.

By THE CHRONICLE SPORTS STAFF

With the publication of the final print issue of the 2025-26 year, the Quinnipiac Chronicle Sports Staff voted their picks for the 10 annual awards given to Quinnipiac Athletics athletes, coaches and teams, for their performances during their respective seasons.

Women’s

Best Newcomer: Ella Ryan

Freshman guard Ella Ryan broke out in her rookie season with the Bobcats, earning a place on the MAAC All-Rookie Team. In 34 games as a Bobcat, Ryan averaged 10.4 points and 4.1 rebounds, as well as leading the team in three-point percentage, at 41.1% from beyond the arc.

Men’s Most Improved: Elliot Groenewold

Sophomore defensemen Elliot Groenewold had a phenomenal sophomore campaign. In 40 appearances, Groenewold recorded 20 points and a team leading +39 plus/ minus. The Springfield, Vermont native was also named a All-ECAC First Team member, the ECAC’s Best Defensive Defensemen, and a NEWA All-Star.

The awards are as follows: men’s most valuable player, women’s most valuable player, men’s best newcomer, women’s best newcomer, men’s most improved, women’s most improved, men’s coach of the year, women’s coach of the year, men’s team of the year and women’s team of the year.

Women’s Most Improved: Milena Silva

Senior middle blocker Milena Silva came into the season under-utilized in the Bobcats rotation. She’d change that in 2025, recording career highs in kills (162), digs (34) and hitting percentage (.286). Silva also led Quinnipiac in blocks (100) and blocks per set (0.85), earning her place in the starting line-up for the first time in her career.

Men’s Coach of the Year: Rand Pecknold

Men’s ice hockey head coach Rand Pecknold has been the definition of consistent success. Pecknold’s squad finished the conference best 2025-26 season with a 17-4-1 ECAC record, producing four members of All-ECAC Teams. Pecknold’s 693 wins are the most of any Quinnipiac head coach in history.

Women’s Coach of the Year: Cass Turner

Cass Turner has finally reached the mountaintop again after winning the ECAC Championship in her first season as head coach back in 2015-16. Under her guidance the Bobcats were 29-9-3 this season, making it to the NCAA Regional Finals for the first time since the 2022-23 campaign.

Men’s Team of the Year: Ice Hockey

Quinnipiac men’s ice hockey put together another solid season, winning the ECAC regular season title for the ninth straight season and making the NCAA Tournament for the seventh straight season. Despite the success its season ended in heartbreak, getting swept by Clarkson in the first round of ECAC playoffs and falling 5-0 to the North Dakota Fighting Hawks.

Women’s Team of the Year: Ice Hockey

Women’s ice hockey had one of its best seasons in program history, winning the inaugural women’s ECAC Championship in Lake Placid, N.Y. The Bobcats finished the season 14-62 in conference play, capping off a 29-win campaign. The Bobcats fell 6-0 in the NCAA Regional Finals to the Wisconsin Badgers, who went on to win the national title.

@QUCHRONSPORTS

‘I'm

super proud of our group’

Previewing Quinnipiac versus Canisius

By COOPER WOODWARD Sports Editor

“They have a belief in themselves and a belief in the program where they are destined to do something great. It’s going to take everyone but they are ready to do it.”

Those were the words of Quinnipiac women’s lacrosse head coach Jordan Solari before the 2026 season, talking about her squad and their mentality heading into the new season. The Bobcats were hungry to prove that their 10 win 2025 campaign was not a fluke and that they were here to stay.

including a 15-14 victory over Quinnipiac March 25. The key to those victories? Offense. The Golden Griffins have outscored their opponents by an average of 5.1 goals per game, leading the MAAC in goals scored (246), points (22.8) and shots (30.8) per game. Freshman attacker Ella Forcucci has been a huge part of this success. Not only does the Orchard Park N.Y. native lead the team in goals, but she leads the entire conference in goals scored with 58 while also recording four five-goal games and 13 multi

17 goals in her debut season and Miller-Ayala ranked third on the team in points with 43 across 15 starts in her sophomore season.

It’s a testament to the culture Delmond and Bendowski are building not only in the offensive group, but the team as a whole.

“Individually, so many people have grown into a better lacrosse player,” Bendowski said. “As a unit on the offensive end we’ve grown to play into each others strengths. The defensive mentality is amazing to watch from the restraining line.”

high powered offenses with the goal of moving one step closer to that coveted MAAC Championship. The Bobcats have a tall task in front of them, stopping the best offense the MAAC has to offer.

But just as they have all season, the Bobcats are believing in themselves and believing in the three pillars they entered the season with: passion, grit and discipline.

“They’ll fight for anything and they’ll fight for each other,” Solari said. “Truthfully, I’m proud of them. I’m proud to be associcrosse players that they are. I’m just so proud to