The Reveille 8-25-2025

Back to School Special Edition

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How do you pronounce

BY JASON WILLIS Editor in Chief

REV-uh-lee.

That’s how you say our name, and we here at the Reveille hope you’ll get used to saying it and seeing it.

The Reveille is LSU’s one and only student newspaper, run entirely by students for students since 1887. The Reveille is your one stop shop for all things LSU.

From being in person to witness world class sports to keeping watch on the university’s institutions and reporting on its shortcomings and successes, the Reveille is there. We have a team of over 60 students all committed to chronicling what happens at LSU, telling the stories of this storied campus and getting details to its students.

We question politicians and LSU administrators, and we’re there on election nights. We have all the best tips on what to do and where to go in Baton

the Reveille? And why you should be reading it

ERIN BARKER / The Reveille

Jason Willis, Editor in Chief of the Reveille, LSU’s student newspaper. Rouge. We provide top-notch analysis of LSU sports live and in person, as far as Omaha or Atlanta or Spokane.

So what is a reveille? It’s a military song played to wake up soldiers at sunrise. The name is a nod to LSU’s military school

origins, but it’s also perhaps a suggestion — maybe you should start your day by picking up a copy of the Reveille.

As you make your trek to class each day, there’s a 99 in 100 chance you’re walking past a purple Reveille box. If you grab one and open it up, I promise you’ll learn something. Maybe you’ll crack a smile or even shed a tear (I can dream, can’t I?)

But more than anything, you’ll feel like a part of a shared community. The Reveille’s committed to catering content for students and for all corners of the campus, even those traditionally underrepresented.

I’ve worked at the Reveille for six semesters, and this will be my first as its editor in chief, which I’m incredibly excited for. One thing I’ve learned in that time is that a newspaper can only be measured by how it engages with its readers.

If you have a suggestion or a

criticism for the Reveille, or you just want to see what we’re up to, I’d love for you to stop by our newsroom at B-16 Hodges Hall, leave us a news tip or a letter to the editor on our website or send me an email at editor@ lsu.edu.

Another way to engage with the Reveille is by participating in our Back to School giveaway — by posting a photo with our newspaper before Thursday and tagging us, you could win prizes like a hoodie, a Bluetooth speaker and a $50 Cane’s gift card. More details here.

For now, though, I hope that while you settle into LSU’s always hectic first few weeks, the Reveille can find a place in your routine, maybe somewhere between indefinitely circling campus for a parking spot and waiting 30 minutes in the Union Chick-fil-A line.

We’ll always work hard to produce stories worthy of your attention and your trust.

The

Freshman admittance is rising. Here’s LSU ResLife is responding

BY ALAYNA FORD Staff Writer

The LSU class of 2029 is taking the university by storm. With the previous class holding well over 7,900 students, this year’s freshman class has them beat by roughly 250 more students. This has raised concerns within the student body with worries of overpopulation and a lack of housing.

LSU Residential Life has been working with the administration to accommodate the incoming

One strategy being used is what Trentacoste explained as the “melt” strategy, which utilizes The Cook Hotel on campus as alternative housing. ResLife has put aside 100 beds in the hotel to house roughly 80-100 students for the first two weeks of the semester.

These students will move into on-campus housing as space opens up. Trentacoste estimated 100 students on average cancel their housing plans last minute.

“We’re already getting those cancellations right now,” Trentacoste said, “So we’re gonna start making those phone calls and getting assignments made for those students, so that by the time this week is done, they’ll be moving into their assignments for the fall.”

ResLife partnered with the Ion Baton Rouge apartment complex for a more extended time

freshmen and the upperclassmen already living on campus. However, with the intake of students being greater than the space available, they have had to find alternatives.

Policies such as guaranteeing freshmen housing if they apply by the priority deadline make on-campus housing a scarce resource.

For the past four years, Peter Trentacoste has been the executive director for ResLife. He says the next steps to opening campus doors for more future residents

period. ResLife obtained 100 beds at the Ion for a semesterlong stay for freshmen who cannot move on-campus due to lack of dorms.

The melt plan is considered a success by staff, Trentacoste said, and is in the works to be reused for the next academic year. They are planning to reserve more beds to allow more students to move-in and are hopeful that it will be the last time doing so before the new dorm is built.

But students have reported issues with their accommodations, with some freshmen posting on TikTok about having roaches in their rooms at the Ion. When asked about the alleged infestation, Trentacoste said it is not a widespread issue across the complex.

“There’s not an infestation. We had one single incident that we worked with,” Trentacoste

depend on the new dorms that are currently under construction.

“Four hundred sixty-six beds that will be ready by fall 2027, and we’re aggressively getting that project off,” Trentacoste said. “And you can see there’s dirt being moved, right across from the business school down there.”

The dorms are currently being built on top of Touchdown Village where a major commuter lot was held. They will hold 1,200 students and cost over $215 million.

stated. “So again, everyone can speak on what they want but for us, anytime we get a complaint, we’re gonna work on it. We’re gonna take care of it very fast and certainly that’s one we did right away.”

Unlike last year, freshmen placed in these two off-campus locations will not be provided a shuttle to and from campus. Trentacoste says this is because the locations chosen are within walking distance from campus.

“Last year, we did have a shuttle that went in and we are not there this year… same thing with Lod Cook – it is definitely walkable,” Trentacoste said.

For reference on the distance freshmen will walk, it would take 16 minutes to walk from The Cook Hotel to the LSU Library and about 11 minutes from the Ion, according to Apple Maps.

Freshmen almost always have the first pick of on-campus living, followed by out-of-state students. Trying to accommodate everyone is not realistic, and others like upperclassmen have a harder time.

“There’s definitely a lot of people that are still hoping to get in,” Trentacoste said. “We are doing our very best to get as many upperclassmen in as we can.”

ResLife assures students they will be able to request a move from one on-campus dorm or apartment to another after the first two weeks of the semester. A hold is placed on switching temporarily to account for no-shows, cancellations and last minute arrangements.

This also applies to students placed in the Ion with a year-long lease with ResLife. It is recommended to reach out to ResLife with any concerns with your current living situation.

“Now, somebody comes to us and is like, look it’s just not working out, just like with any

Incentives were not introduced this year. Last year, many in-state students were offered financial compensation to live off-campus to make room for the class of 2028. Students may have noticed

of our options, come talk to us, we’ll tell you what’s available. We’ll try to work with you.” Trentacoste said.

That applies to LSU students of all classifications, not just freshmen. Upperclassmen are equally encouraged to reach out to ResLife with any concerns. Housing may be limited, but Trentacoste says the staff is working diligently to accommodate everyone.

“We absolutely care about all of our students,” Trentacoste said, “and all students that have a situation that needs to be accommodated.”

this year that housing cancellation fees were not disbursed. That was done purposefully because the demand for space outweighed the money lost from cancellations.

“When we need cancellations, we don’t actually usually hold that whole lot. So we did delay that,” Trentacoste said.

BY JASON WILLIS Editor in Chief

WHO TO KNOW

LSU is a university in the midst of a leadership transition. Many things don’t look like they did last year, and they won’t look the same by the end of the year.

Former President William Tate IV, the university’s first ever Black president, left for Rutgers University this summer, and several other high-ranking officials departed in the months leading up to that.

LSU had to appoint a string of interims with permanent hires tabled until a new president is picked. All through the year, the Reveille will be covering that search for a new campus leader.

Matt Lee

Interim President

“ ”

We’re all moving towards a common mission, which is academic excellence, the pursuit of becoming a top-tier research university.

Blanchard is another interim appointee and long-time LSU employee. Before he was the provost, he was the dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Blanchard grew up in Baton Rouge and has a doctorate, master’s and bachelor’s from LSU. As provost, he’s the chief academic officer that keeps the university moving toward its new research goals. He’s also placed an emphasis on LSU academics elevating the state of Louisiana as a whole.

Athletic Director

“ ”

We believe that this group now is such that we can compete for a championship.

Lee is tasked with leading the university through this phase. He was formerly the vice president of agriculture and dean of the College of Agriculture.

He told the Reveille that despite being an interim, he won’t be hesitant in his decisions regarding the university. He wants to keep LSU on the trajectory it was on under Tate, when it made huge strides in academics and spent $543 million on research during the 2023-24 academic year, the most in its history.

Since arriving at LSU in 2022 after leaving Notre Dame, where he was the winningest coach in Fighting Irish history, Kelly’s won 29 games and lost 11. His team hasn’t made the College Football Playoff, and he also hasn’t won a season opener in any of his three years in Baton Rouge.

A lot rides on Kelly’s fourth year with a team full of talented, expensive transfer players. Outsiders have speculated that time is running out for Kelly to prove he’s the coach to lead LSU — and to prove he’s worth the money he’s making.

Woodward is known as one of the most aggressive athletic directors in all of college sports, and that reputation has held true since he returned to his alma mater in 2019. There are very few teams on LSU’s campus that he hasn’t made his mark on with a high-profile coaching hire.

Under Woodward, LSU has nimbly adjusted to the name, image and likeness era.

Woodward and LSU, a university which relies heavily on athletics to build its national brand, bring in revenue and attract enrollment — almost to a fault — is a match made in heaven.

Mulkey has transformed LSU women’s basketball into a contender faster than anyone thought possible.

Mulkey’s fiery style and frequent outbursts have made her a polarizing figure. In Louisiana, though, she’s beloved. Louisiana is where Mulkey played her junior high and high school basketball and where she became a college All-American at Louisiana Tech, later becoming a rising star in coaching. She returned to win her home state’s flagship university a title, and she did just that.

Even though we’re in a period of transition, we have stability. We have continuity. The overall momentum and direction of everything we’re doing is going to remain stable.

“ ”

“

I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure that we’re rowing this thing in the right direction.

”

Brian Kelly

“

I wanted to make the state proud, not just LSU people. I came back here to be a positive.

Letter from Student Body President Lavar Henderson

My Fellow Tigers,

I’m thrilled to serve as your Student Body President this year, and I’m excited to see you all return to campus.

My LSU journey started as a first-generation college student — and it truly was one of the greatest days of my life when I was accepted into this university. I am glad that I can give back to the place that has given me so much.

Throughout my time here, I’ve often reflected on what LSU really is and what it stands for. It’s more than just a collection of academic buildings and an athletics program. It’s a way of life and a global brand that we all get to share in. In my first few months as your president, I’ve had the chance to see just how much our university means not only to our state but also to our nation.

This university, fueled by us — everyday students — facilitates change and powers the future. We are leaders across all disciplines and industries, which cements our status as an elite student body. From leading in research to winning national championships in all sports, this is the standard that has been set for many years, and one we now must strive to maintain and improve upon.

Beyond that, LSU is home. It’s where we belong. It’s those days when you walk along the lakes, those days on the Parade Ground, and those electrifying

nights in Tiger Stadium. It’s the gold standard of the SEC that attracts talent from all over the world.

To our incoming freshmen, know that we are eagerly awaiting your arrival on campus. As our upperclassmen move on, we will be entrusting you with the rich history and traditions that have long defined this institution since its inception.

As we begin the year, let’s remember that LSU’s story is being written by us. A new chapter in our university’s history is being written every day, so let’s push for progress, celebrate our victories, and embrace the standard we’ve set for ourselves.

I know this year will be full of exciting new changes and even bigger challenges, but there is nothing we can’t accomplish if we do it together. We are fortunate to have a state that invests in us, a Board that champions us, and faculty and administrators who are deeply committed to our success.

In closing, my highest responsibility as your Student Body President is to represent you with integrity, dedication, and respect. The standard of this office is clear — to always act in the best interest of LSU, and that means in the interests of its students. Know that my door is always open, and I look forward to welcoming you all back to campus.

Our shared story, written in purple and gold, will forever stand as a testament to LSU’s enduring pride and commitment to excellence.

Geaux Tigers and Forever LSU, Lavar R. Henderson

ENTERTAINMENT

How does LSU sorority rush work? A look inside the process

BY OLIVIA TOMLINSON Managing Editor

A crowd of young women in dresses and heels scatter throughout West Lakeshore Drive each year, despite sporadic rain showers and a persistent temperature above 90 degrees, hoping to find their new home.

Sorority recruitment is a week of multi-round selection processes, termed Rush Week, where women interested in joining a sorority can visit the houses to see which chapter is the best fit. Largely popularized by a side of TikTok known as RushTok, the recruitment process at SEC schools has gained the attention of more people now than ever.

“Anyone that’s posting about RushTok or recruitment is just sharing their own personal story,” Vivian Kirkpatrick, vice president of recruitment on the LSU Panhellenic Council said.

“We encourage everyone to be as open and honest about their recruitment experience as they’d like to.”

Preparing for recruitment

The recruitment process at LSU begins long before freshmen arrive on campus in August. A lengthy application opens on May 1 and closes on August 4. The application asks questions about the women, along with general information such as GPA and high school involvement, with an optional video submission. The Panhellenic Council received a little over 1,600 applications from women across the country this year.

“We really like to tell girls that’s like our first round of recruitment, so we really encourage them to put their all into that application,” Kirkpatrick said.

The application requires a $150 application fee, which is how the entire week is funded. The money gained from every application pays for the vendors, T-shirts, tote bags and even road security, which allows the women to walk freely from house to house down Sorority Row. With this money, the Panhellenic Council is also able to provide free supplies like band aids, medicine, electrolyte packets, water bottles and even super glue for when their heels break. Kirkpatrick encourages all women rushing to bring a reusable water bottle and a handheld fan because of the heat.

Though the application fee is the only necessary financial investment to rush, many women who decide to participate in Rush Week spend their summers searching the web for outfits to match the dress code of each

day. Some women even prepare with a sorority rush coach.

“People feel like they have to spend a lot of money on the outfits,” Sloan Anderson, owner of Getting The Bid, a sorority coaching business, said. “I’m not a huge believer in that. You can wear something out of your closet, and as long as you feel good and confident and feel amazing, you should wear that.”

Anderson began Getting The Bid in 2020 after realizing a majority of the information about the recruitment process online was outdated. As an Alpha Gamma Delta alumna from the University of Georgia, she first began an advice blog; it soon took off. Today, she helps hundreds of women across the country, including women who attend LSU, prepare for the busy week.

Women interested in a sorority rush coach apply to Getting The Bid, anytime between November and March of their senior year, to practice conversations and attend an in-person retreat.

“We just really encourage women to show up as their most authentic self and be who they truly are,” Kirkpatrick said. “If it makes you feel more confident to run through it with someone and talk to someone that knows a lot about the sorority process, then we definitely think that that can be helpful for you, but we also think that it’s not always necessary.”

Rush Week

Potential New Members (PNMs) kick off the week by meeting up with their recruitment counselor, also known as a Gamma Chi. Gamma Chis are assigned a small group of women and act as a guide for each PNM throughout the week, offering advice, suggestions and emotional support throughout each round.

PNMs are shown a threeminute video of each chapter at LSU to narrow down the first of many decisions in the first round called Ice Water. After watching every video, the women will select their bottom three sororities.

Ice Water is the most casual round, with women mostly wearing athleisure since it’s typically what PNMs find themselves most comfortable in; however, the women can wear anything they would like, Kirkpatrick said. The next day consisted of an empty schedule, giving the new women on campus a chance to explore Welcome Week events before diving in headfirst.

The Philanthropy Round is

the first official round of recruitment, which lasts two days. This round allows the women to learn about the service each chapter undertakes. PNMs are immersed in videos and testimonies demonstrating the hands-on work each chapter contributes to the community.

PNMs are required to wear a T-shirt provided by the Panhellenic Council that matches the year’s theme. This year’s theme was “home is where the heart is,” so a wide view of Sorority Row and the lake was displayed on the shirt. PNMs typically pair that shirt with a cute mini skirt and any type of shoes that they would like, Kirkpatrick said.

The women arrive at Sorority Row bright and early on day three for the Sisterhood Round. The women wear dresses on this day, with the dress code being referred to as brunch attire. On this day-long round, sororities use this time to show off their bonds with one another, and active members share stories of how special their chapter is to them.

The final day of recruitment is the Preference Round where PNMs visit their final two chapters to have more quiet, serious conversations, diving into details on why the active members have a deep and personal connection to their sorority.

“The sorority typically does some sort of ceremony to allow the girls into a more inti -

mate version of their sorority,” Anderson explained. “It’s an incredible experience. Some girls will cry during it, because it’s just so emotional, and it’s really cool to watch.”

This day is many of the PNMs’ favorite round because of the connections made throughout the week. Women are usually paired with an active member that they previously spoke to during another round, making it easier to have those deeper conversations.

“I was so excited when I walked into my top house and saw that I was going to get to talk to the sorority member I had talked with for Sisterhood,” Lindsey Daigre, a kinesiology freshman, said. “Getting to see and speak to her one last time made my choice really clear.”

PNMs will lock in their preferences that night, head home and arrive the next day, ready to reveal their new home.

“The songs, the president’s speech, the flowers given in representation of each PNM, and being with my best friend made it all so special,” Portia Fleming, a psychology freshman, said. “It brought me to tears knowing that I had found my home.”

Gamma Chis meet their group of PNMs on Bid Day to reveal their own sorority affiliation after hiding it to give unbiased advice to their small group of women all week. After that, each girl is handed a card

What’s next?

with the name of their sorority. Opening the card in unison creates a whirlwind of excitement throughout the room as the girls run home with their new sisters. Sorority rushing at LSU is not just an emotional investment, but also a financial one, with expenses tallying up to the thousands.

“Just like college, it’s an expense that someone wants to participate in,” Anderson said.

Each chapter’s dues vary; however, new member dues range from $1,388 to $3,074 per semester, with their first semester being the most expensive. The full list of finances can be found here. The Panhellenic Council offers scholarships, with most financial aid being available after new members become initiated around October of their first semester. One memorial scholarship, the Frazier scholarship, also goes to a handful of freshmen each year.

“I just think it’s a very empowering environment for someone to go through, especially when it’s their first time being on LSU’s campus,” Kirkpatrick said. “I just think it’s a really good introduction to LSU and the communities that are within LSU.”

A guide to the best bars, restaurants and cafes across BR

BY LEXIE WARE Entertainment Editor

BARS RESTAURANTS

Fred’s

Though there are many bar options to choose from in Tigerland, Fred’s is undoubtedly a staple among LSU students. Founded in 1982, it is regarded as one of the best places to go after a football game for drinks and dancing. Fred’s also frequently hosts concerts and drink specials.

Radio Bar

Mid City hangout Radio Bar is well-liked among those looking for a laid-back night out in Baton Rouge. With classic arcade games and an interior retro feel, one could say it never misses a beat. The bar occasionally partners with LSU’s own KLSU for music-themed nights.

The Revelry

The Revelry is located on Highland Road right off of LSU’s campus, making it a popular spot among students. The bar is best known for hosting unique theme nights, often paired with special drink deals and musical performances.

Jinya

Instead of eating instant ramen in your dorm, stop by Jinya on Perkins Rowe. From spicy chicken ramen to Tokyo curry rice, the restaurant delivers a chic yet comforting Japanese dining experience to all its patrons. As Jinya’s motto says, “ramen is all the craze.”

CAFES

Highland Coffees

Have an hour between classes? Highland Coffees is the place to go. The cafe has only increased in popularity since its founding in 1989 and is widely regarded as a campus staple. It is known for its comforting atmosphere and familiar patrons.

Elsie’s Plate & Pie

Elsie’s Plate & Pie in Mid City offers a variety of classic homestyle Louisiana dishes, as well as—you guessed it—pie. The pie options range from typical dessert flavors to more savory flavors, such as crawfish pie. Customers can purchase a slice or an entire pie.

Louie’s Cafe

Breakfast diner Louie’s Cafe has been located right off of LSU’s campus for over a decade, and its loyal patrons swear by its vintage aesthetics and attentive staff. The Reveille’s own Opinion editor, Garrett McEntee, declared that the spot is “perfect for early Friday mornings with friends.”

Cherrybomb Coffee Co.

Cherrybomb Coffee is a recent addition to the Baton Rouge cafe scene. The coffee truck was founded by an LSU alumni and now resides on West Chimes Street. Its Baton Rouge location also features exclusive LSU-themed drinks: Mike’s Matcha and Bengal Brew.

Light House Coffee

If you’re looking for a cheerfully lit and welcoming location to study, Light House Coffee is one of your best bets. The cafe features a variety of cozy drinks, as well as freshly baked treats. Its owners aim to bring a safe place to Baton Rouge, especially for impoverished refugees.

SPORTS WE’RE SO BACK

BY CHLOE RICHMOND & AINSLEY FLOOD

What to expect from LSU fall sports following a busy offseason

MEN’S BASKETBALL

LSU men’s basketball outsourced heavily this summer after another early end to its postseason, adding seven from the portal.

After key forwards hit the portal in the spring, LSU was in need of scoring talent. Junior Mike Nwoko (Mississippi State) and fifth-year senior Marquel Sutton (Omaha) add great height to the team with both standing at nearly seven-feet tall. Two four-star guards were also added to the roster: junior Rashad King and sophomore Dedan Thomas.

The Tigers have four incoming freshmen, all of which are four-star recruits. In total, LSU ranks No. 16 in transfers and has the No. 23 recruiting class.

Basketball Head Coach “ ”

We certainly didn’t come here to LSU to play in the NIT.

MATT

In April, head coach Matt McMahon appointed a new assistant coach, Yasir Rosemond out of Indiana. Not even a month after signing his contract, Rosemond left on an offer from Oregon.

Despite the loss, McMahon brought in a new general manager in former player and NBA executive Ronald Dupree and a new director of scouting in Jack Frost. Former SEC Player of the Year Marcus Thornton also joins the support staff, helping players develop by mentoring them off the court.

The 2025-2026 schedule is officially complete, and the Tigers will spend the fall preparing for their first round of non-conference matchups.

The season will begin on Nov. 5 when they take on Tarleton State and build their campaign for

VOLLEYBALL FOOTBALL SOCCER

Fall camp is over, which means LSU football’s season has officially begun. This year’s squad consists of 64 returners, 18 transfers and 28 true freshmen.

After losing seven players to the 2025 NFL Draft, LSU revamped both sides of the ball with the No. 1 transfer portal class and a top10 recruiting class.

Redshirt junior Aaron Anderson is the only returning top-five receiver, but missed some of fall camp with a knee injury. Transfers Barion Brown (Kentucky) and Nic Anderson (Oklahoma) join him in starting contention.

Head coach Brian Kelly said the receiver room is the deepest he’s ever had.

Offensive tackle Will Campbell is a big loss, and tight end Mason Taylor also left big shoes to fill.

Other drafted Tigers include Emery Jones, Sai’vion Jones, Bradyn Swinson, Miles Frazier and Garrett Dellinger.

Fifth-year senior transfer Bauer Sharp (Oklahoma) and sophomore Trey’Dez Green have been battling for the tight end position.

Braelin Moore joined the Tigers this year after two with Virginia Tech, already emerging as a star center for LSU. Former center and redshirt sophomore DJ Chester is working on transitioning to left guard as well.

Despite the losses, LSU returns a lot. Fifth-year quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was awarded the No. 18 jersey – the first quarterback since Matt Mauck – for his display of leadership this offseason. Junior Whit Weeks and redshirt junior Harold Perkins also return fresh off of injuries that occurred last season. Perkins will sport the No. 7 jersey for his dynamic playmaking abilities.

The three are preseason AP All-American honorees and will be the vocal leaders for LSU this season.

Head coach Tonya Johnson enters her fourth season with the Tigers and returns most of last year’s starting lineup. She also hit the transfer portal for some depth.

Junior and sophomore middle blockers Angelina Lee and Jessica Jones look to continue their defensive contributions this season. On the pins, LSU returns senior Ana Tevdoradze, sophomore Laniee Pyles and redshirt freshman Bri Watson, who’s coming off a foot injury.

Junior Ella Hemmings and sophomores Aly Kirkhoff, Remi Nuss and Sophie Bonnaffee all return to battle for a spot in the back row.

The greatest get for the Tigers is AVCA All-America honorable mention junior outside hitter Nia Washington. Washington joins LSU after a first team All-SEC performance last season with Ole Miss.

Washington will complement junior outside hitter Jurnee Robinson, who spent her summer with the U23 National Team. Robinson brought home gold after helping the U.S. go undefeated in the NORCECA Pan American Cup.

LSU added transfers in redshirt junior opposite hitter Tireh Smith (South Carolina), sophomore libero Emilee Prochaska (Houston softball) and junior setter Lauren Brooker (UC San Diego).

To cap off LSU’s roster, Johnson recruited four freshmen in Laurel Cassidy, Camryn Jeffery, Sanaa Donaie and Takyla Brown.

The biggest question mark for LSU is the setter position after graduating Bailey Ortega.

TONYA JOHNSON Volleyball Head Coach “

The future of LSU volleyball is bright.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

LSU women’s basketball is going to have a new look this year, with only five players from the 2024-25 squad returning to the roster this season.

Senior guard Flau’Jae Johnson highlights the returners, coming off first team All-SEC and AP third team All-America honors. Another first team AllSEC honoree returns in junior guard Mikaylah Williams, who started all 37 games. Senior guard Kailyn Gilbert also appeared in every game, playing a big role in the Elite Eight run during her first year with the Tigers.

LSU also returns sophomore guard Jada Richard and senior guard Izzy Besselman.

Former team captain and 2023 national champion Emily Ward also returns for the Tigers, but in a new role. After some brief time away from the program, Ward is now on staff as the director of women’s basketball operations.

To fill the holes in LSU’s roster, head coach Kim Mulkey hit the transfer portal and brought in some big names. Among the three transfers are senior forward Amiya Joyner (East Carolina), sophomore forward Kate Koval (Notre Dame) and junior guard MiLaysia Fulwiley (South Carolina).

Along with the transfers, Mulkey and the recruiting staff have brought in the No. 1 ranked freshman class. The Tigers add four five-stars in Grace Knox, Bella Hines, Divine Bourrage and ZaKiyah Johnson, along with four-star Meghan Yarnevich.

LSU women’s hoops may have lost much of last year’s roster, but it quickly reloaded with undeniable talent. That in combination with veteran leader Johnson and star transfer Fulwiley, the Tigers will likely pick up where they left off.

LSU soccer’s season kicked off in early August with two exhibition matches before the regular season began with a shutout victory at home against South Alabama.

The Tigers then lost on the road to national runner up Wake Forest, but only let up one goal. They rebounded in the program’s first-ever matchup with Florida Gulf Coast, taking a commanding 6-1 win to mark head coach Sian Hudson’s 100th win through five seasons.

LSU returns some from last year, including shots leader junior Ava Galligan. Last season’s goal leader Ida Hermannsdottir also returns, as well as senior goalkeeper Sophine Kevorkian, who had a stellar postseason performance last year.

Midfielder Makena Dominguez is LSU’s biggest portal win. The graduate student was on the championship-winning UNC team in 2024. Fellow graduate student Morgan Witz is another addition, transferring from California Baptist.

Aside from the portal, Hudson also looked internationally. The Tigers welcome Catalan national team members Gadea Blanco Gonzáles and Sol Taboada Martínez, Spanish youth national team member Daniela Hellin, Maud Ferriére from France and Mireia Sánchez from Spain.

SIAN HUDSON Soccer Head Coach “

I think you’ve always got to be excited just to get the first win of the season under your belt.

This season, seven players were named to 2025 SEC Preseason Watchlist: Gabbi Ceballos, Sydney Cheesman, Jazmin Ferguson, Amy Smith, Dominguez, Galligan and Hermannsdottir.

WELCOME WEEK

Students enjoy university activities during welcome week held Aug. 17 to 24.

Photos

by

Alexis Persicke

Page Design by Rei Zimmerman

2029 CLASS OF

LSUPD chief advises students on campus safety, offers tips

BY TORI BONIN Staff Writer

As the academic year begins and students return to campus, LSUPD Chief Marshall Walters explained the resources LSUPD provides to stay safe on campus and offers tips for students.

Walters emphasized that safety is a shared responsibility for both LSUPD and the community. LSUPD’s role is to ensure that campus security is up-to-date with the latest technology and staffed with professionally-trained officers to patrol the campus. The community’s responsibility is to be aware of its surroundings and take the necessary precautions to stay safe.

“Some of the things they [the community] can do is just being aware as you’re moving through campus,” Walters said. “It’s an open campus, so it’s not just students here, and being the flagship university of the state and being LSU in Louisiana, we know that we’re an attraction. We know that people want to come here whether they are students or not. We welcome those, but we want everyone to stay safe.”

Walters recommended students take their headphones off when walking around campus, walk in groups and avoid poorly lit areas. Walter also stressed the importance of calling LSUPD immediately if students feel uncomfortable on campus.

“The thing that we ask the most is if you don’t feel comfortable, call us immediately,” Walters said. “We’re gonna respond. We’ll have officers come check out whatever the concern is, and if it’s nothing, there’s no harm, no foul.”

Being in college means many young adults are on their own for the first time. LSUPD is here to help students, including changing a tire on the side of the road.

“Here at LSUPD the ‘serve’ part of our job is just as much as the ‘protect’ part,” Walters said. “We understand that young adults may be on their own for the first time and dealing with situations they’ve never had to deal with, so, yeah we are more than happy to send officers out to assist, whether it is changing a tire, jumping a car or anything like that.”

The LSU Shield app is one of the most important safety tools on the LSU campus and is available for everyone. It offers resources like filing a non-emergency report, requesting safe transit from the police after 12 a.m., self-defense courses and a list of emergency resources. Also on the app is Friend Watch, which lets students share their location with friends when walking alone on campus.

LSUPD works seven days a week, 365 days a year to serve and protect the LSU community.

To contact LSUPD, call (225)-5783231.

Every winning team has a set of standards that define its success. At LSU, our standards for connection, respect and safety build teams that win not only for Louisiana, but for the world. This fall semester will bring the excitement of new experiences, new people and lifelong memories. Yet, with these new opportunities comes a shared responsibility for every Tiger.

College campuses across the nation recognize the months of August through November as the “Red Zone,” the period when the majority of sexual assaults occur during the academic year. Being aware of this critical time gives us the power to counter it by embodying LSU’s standards for connection, respect and safety.

Here’s a quick guide to help you do your part in keeping our den a place where every Tiger thrives.

Engaging with your campus community is an essential part of the college experience.

At LSU, we are committed to creating a learning and living environment where every Tiger feels safe and supported throughout their journey. One of the best ways to build that sense of safety is to connect with your peers, whether through student organizations, roommates or classmates who share your journey.

Building a team of peers helps reduce isolation, which is a known risk factor for both experiencing and causing harm. Make an effort to engage in thought-provoking conversations with those around you. When we connect to communi -

ties larger than ourselves, we learn from one another, build trust and create supportive spaces that challenge harmful norms and behaviors.

“no,” the standard is clear: (1) stop immediately; (2) check in with one another; and (3) model honest communication.

We also share responsibility for holding one another accountable. When someone falls short of these expectations, we should step in, support our peers in need and help keep our campus community strong.

At LSU, one of our core values is encouraging every member of our community to embody integrity by acting with honesty, empathy and respect each and every day. Within this core belief, respect is a twoway principle that motivates us to show up as our best selves, especially during the Red Zone. Respecting everyone means giving respect and expecting it in return. In practice, that looks like respecting the word “No” as a complete sentence during any intimate encounter, no matter your relationship status. If you or a peer hears the word

Perhaps, the most important component of the LSU campus culture is knowing how and when to use the many resources available. When we know where to go and who to turn to, we build confidence in seeking support and break down the stigma that sometimes keeps people silent.

At LSU, the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX works along-

side partners such as the Lighthouse Program, Student Advocacy & Accountability, LSU Police and community organizations like the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault (LAFASA) and more around the state. Together, these resources promote safety, consent and accountability to ensure every Tiger has a fulfilling LSU experience.

Reaching out for help is a sign of strength and one of the most powerful ways we can keep our community thriving. Being part of LSU means more than wearing purple and gold, it means living our standards of connection, respect and safety. Together, we can turn the Red Zone into a season of prevention, awareness and winning support, because when every Tiger does their part, our whole team wins. Learn more about the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX and our resources at www.lsu.edu/ engagement/ocr-tix.

OPINION

New to LSU and need tips for adjusting? We’ve

The newness of college never leaves you Hi, class of 2029. Welcome to LSU.

One of the most comforting things to have when you’re a freshman is a guiding light. Lucky for you, there are Reveille columnists ready to help you the best way we can by sharing some words of wisdom.

This is the era of new beginnings.

It’s okay to enter LSU with a plan for how your college journey plays out. However, life throws us curveballs, so it’s important to be aware of the possibility of change, evolution and detours. You may be rerouted at some point during your college career and sometimes that’s for the best.

Even as a senior, I still don’t have everything figured out, and that’s okay. Everything is going to be new your first semester from your dorm to the characters you meet on campus, etc.

There’s always new opportunities, new challenges, new dorms, new apartments, new jobs, new clubs. That newness follows you through freshman year and beyond.

Francis is a

Don’t selfcare into isolation

As an incoming senior, I remember starting college as one of the classes that first began integrating back into society.

It was so important for me to utilize this fresh start to put myself out there and in positions for opportunity. I have Covid to thank for this, with its trend of all things selfcare. I learned to take time aside for myself and romanticize my everyday life whilst locked up.

Staying inside and having no other company but your own kickstarted this generation’s self help obsession. I’ve noticed, however, that too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing. Self-care doesn’t equal isolation like it used to.

College doesn’t last forever, and it’s important to find a balance that works for you. Take yourself on a Barnes & Noble date weekly, buy that inexpensive lip gloss here and there. Take care of yourself however that means to you. Remember, though, that sheet mask you’ve been waiting to use will still be at home waiting for you.

But some opportunities are only here for a fleeting moment. Don’t knock everything until you’ve tried it.

Blair Bernard is a 21-year-old theatre major from Lafayette.

Make good trouble

While delivering a speech in Selma, Alabama, famous civil rights activist John Lewis offered his audience a challenge: “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble and help redeem the soul of America.”

Of course, very few of us will become members of Congress like Lewis and still fewer will feature in the pages of history textbooks as he has. We’re just college students, after all. But “good trouble” doesn’t have to mean revolting against the system; it can mean reporting professors for abusive behavior, starting a club or participating in a protest.

We are navigating higher education at a critical moment in American history: Our current political climate is defined by governmentsanctioned infringement on free speech, Gestapo-esque ICE raids and unprecedented cuts in federal funding for university-led research.

Besides, no one’s favorite college memory involves sitting alone in a dorm room. That’s just lame. So find the space to make your voice heard, and if you can’t, carve one out for yourself.

Cade Savoy is a political science and philosophy major from Breaux Bridge.

Get involved early

One of the most important things you can do to maintain good mental and social health along with bettering yourself academically and personally while in college is to find an extracurricular activity that suits your passion and dive headfirst into it as soon as possible.

In high school, I was a fairly active student on campus as a member of multiple clubs, but when I went into college, the sheer amount of options proved intensely overwhelming.

I ended up only attending a few meetings of different clubs here and there throughout the first semester. A couple months in, and I felt like a ghost ship. I was just floating through the days aimlessly with nothing to anchor myself to, sometimes barely leaving my bed.

Then, I was pushed by my best friend to join the Reveille, which was one of the best decisions ever. It forced me out of my room, and it gave me an outlet to express myself to others.

So, all freshmen, I implore you: find your outlet as soon as possible, and throw yourself at it completely.

Gordon Crawford 19-year-old political science major from Gonzales.

Know yourself; text anxiety vs general anxiety

As another school year begins, you may feel yourself grow anxious. However, before you start self-diagnosing, it’s important to understand the difference between feeling anxious and having anxiety.

Rather than seeing a doctor, we often Google symptoms that we’re experiencing. A 2024 study says over 1000 high schoolers showed that 55% of students self-diagnosed mental health conditions using social media.

The APA states that true anxiety is seen in the “absence of a stressor.” If you’re anxious because school is too much, that’s likely a skill issue. However, generalized anxiety disorder affects your ability to function, like: “insomnia, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, muscle tension, and irritability.”

Staying up too late and forming irregular sleep patterns isn’t your cue to think you have insomnia. This issue can be fixed.

LSU has services, such as the Student Success Center or the Career Center, dedicated to helping students’ juggle responsibilities. Utilize them. College is meant to stress you out.

The Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, The Reveille or the university. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to editor@lsu.edu or delivered to B-39 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must provide a contact phone number for verification purposes, which will not be printed. The Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration while preserving the original intent. The Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Reveille’s editor in chief, hired every semester by the LSU Student Media Board, has final