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Volume 59 Issue 11
Thursday, December 9, 2021
THE USD VISTA
The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Diego since 1968
New COVID-19 variant “Omicron” threatens study abroad The announcement of a new COVID-19 variant
creates discourse around upcoming study abroad opportunities KARISA KAMPBELL NEWS EDITOR The end of the semester is nearly in sight, as is the completion of a relatively normal semester; students start to become hopeful of a post COVID-19 world. However, the announcement of the new COVID-19 variant “Omicron,” smothers this normality with a possible lockdown. Specifically, the students who were hopeful about studying abroad over Intercession or the Spring semester are becoming fearful that the Omicron variant will once again put their plans on pause. While not much is known about the new Omicron variant, it is hypothesized that the variant may be less dangerous than the Delta variant, according to “The Hill.” The Omicron variant has already caused travel restrictions in South Africa and the United States, however it is possible that this is only the beginning. Many USD students have plans to study abroad over
Intersession and the Spring Semester, however, many are beginning to have legitimate concerns about whether or not a semester abroad will be possible. USD sophomore, Evelyn Shetzline, who is supposed to go to Italy over Intersession as part of the Second Year Experience (SYE) program, shared her concerns about the new variant. “The new variant can be tricky with traveling, but I feel that since I’m vaccinated I feel less stressed. The university is closely monitoring it and allegedly will get back to us within two weeks about our travel plans,” Shetzline said. “I’m scared that the day before my flight they are going to say we can’t go, as USD has not given us a lot of notice in the past before on this type of stuff.” As a requirement for some majors such as the international relations (IR) major, studying abroad is an outstanding component making it difficult for IR students to plan ahead. USD sophomore, Erin Miller, shared her IR major concerns.
See Omicron, Page 2
Students struggle to plan for upcoming semesters as study abroad plans remain in flux due to the pandemic. Photo courtesy of Yuya Hata/Unsplash
Best of Fall 2021: Torero sports Some of USD’s best sports moments this fall
JAREK MORGAN ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
Anti-abortion speaker See News, page 3
This sports season was unlike any other. It was defined by overcoming adversity and the ever-present unknown — mostly if the sports we love could continue. However, there were still moments of triumph, trailblazing athletes, longstanding school records broken, and several championship performances that will remain in USD’s history. Looking back, the year will be remembered for the unknowns, the uncertainties and the adjustments made by both coaches and student athletes, and in between it all there were exciting and incredible moments
Kyle Rittenhouse See Opinion, page 4
Holiday activities USD golf celebrates their first team win of the season in Maui in November.
that won’t be soon forgotten. Here are some of the best moments that were achieved by our fellow student athletes at USD this Fall 2021 season, in no particular order.
Don’t miss the latest news. Find us online: @USDVista
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Cross-Country Early this year, senior captain, Ethan Steiner, of the men’s cross-country team outlined some of his personal goals for the upcoming season. Steiner was not shy about what he believed he could accomplish with hardwork and dedication. “It’s simple, for me and my time goals I want to run 24:30 or better in the 8K,” Steiner said. “I
Photo courtesy of usdtoreros.com
know what I am capable of and I want to prove that this season.” In a picture-perfect fashion, late October, Steiner achieved his goal when he ran a personal and school best of 24:27. There has never been another Torero athlete that has run a faster time, and it could not have been done by a more dedicated and talented student athlete other than Ethan Steiner.
See Shining Stars, Page 12
See Feature, page 6
Cuffing season do’s & dont’s See A&C, page 9
Women’s basketball wins See Sports, page 11
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The USD Vista
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December 9, 2021
NEWS
Omicron variant raises concern
Study abroad plans potentially threatened for Intersession and Spring Omicron from Page 1 “Personally the country I am planning on studying in is on lockdown. I am hoping that by the fall it will be open since they are taking precautionary measures now. I think that for a semester in the fall abroad, it is too early to make the call, however for people to,” Miller said. Miller also has a roommate studying abroad in the SYE program and shared her thoughts on the way the university is currently handling the situation. “I think the university should be more realistic about the situation, especially with SYE, so I don’t know if upcoming trips abroad are going to happen,” Miller expressed. The new Omicron variant is causing everyone who plans
The Omicron variant is reportedly less contagious than the Delta COVID-19 variant.
Photo courtesy of Jeremy Bezanger/Unsplash
on studying abroad to, yet again, have to re-evaluate major scholastic decisions. Luckily, students like Miller remain positive through the hardships. “I am still optimistic about the situation, so I am trying to be hopeful that at one point, regardless of the Omicron variant, I will go abroad,” Miller shared. While USD Study Abroad was approached for comment, they have yet to respond to any emails. Omicron may have impending fears surrounding the new solution, however it is important to remain optimistic through these ever-changing times. While study abroad may be a large factor up to chance because of the developing situation, the only thing students can do is remain diligent against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trial of Ghislaine Maxwell enters its first week of many Viral court case highlights many A-list celebrities
COLIN MULLANEY ASST. NEWS EDITOR In the midst of the summer of 2020, the FBI conducted a raid on a secluded New Hampshire property that resulted in the apprehension of British publishing heiress, socialite, and alleged child predator, Ghislaine Maxwell. Purchased entirely in cash with around-the-clock security, Maxwell’s New Hampshire estate was her bunker during the fallout of businessman and ex-boyfriend, Jeffery Epstein’s, arrest and subsequent death in 2019. Almost a year after Epstein’s arrest, Maxwell too was arrested on six counts, including “transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity” and perjury. In victims’ accounts and public statements, Maxwell is depicted as not only Epstein’s enabler, but wholly complicit in the crimes he committed against them: Epstein’s co-conspirator. With her trial beginning on Nov. 29, Maxwell is accused of grooming vulnerable, underaged girls and coercing them into illegal sexual activities with Epstein at his many private residences in New York, New Mexico, Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and aboard his private jet, though Maxwell denies having committed any crimes. In the indictment read following Maxwell’s arrest, Acting U.S Attorney Audrey Strauss stated, “she pretended to be a woman they could trust. All the while she was setting them up to be sexually abused by Epstein and in
Maxwell seen with former president Donald Trump and Anne Dexter Jones. Photo courtesy of @celebswithghislaine/Instagram
some cases, by Maxwell herself.” Allegedly, Maxwell often posed as a modeling scout, handed out business cards to girls at local malls, and pressured victims to accept large cash gifts and “scholarships” following illegal acts committed by Epstein. If convicted, 58-year-old Maxwell could face up to 70 years in prison. In the first week of her trial, Maxwell’s defense team compared her “to Eve (as in Adam and Eve), saying that women have always been blamed throughout history more than men” that Maxwell is being scapegoated for Epstein’s crimes, according to Mairead Elordi, an investigative reporter for The Daily Wire. The defense team also tried to distance Maxwell from Epstein, reminding the jury, “you are not here to judge Epstein. You are here to determine if Ghislaine Maxwell
committed these crimes.” Furthermore, Maxwell’s lawyer, Bobbi Sternheim, “accused Maxwell’s accusers of being after money… of having false memories, or contaminated memories,” according to Elordi. However, NPR reported that “an expert witness for the prosecution, psychologist Lisa Rocchio, testified that ‘survivors open up about their experiences when they feel safe doing so,’” and that the accusers’ memories likely had not been significantly altered by the passage of time since Epstein’s abuse. Judge Alison J. Nathan granted a motion to conceal parts of the case, citing a “craving for that which is sensational and impure.” Since news of Epstein’s arrest and wrongdoings began to emerge in the national media in 2019, the case gained significant
attention due to Epstein’s personal connections to the wealthy and powerful. Bill and Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, Bill Gates, and the British royal family, among many others, are frequently mentioned in association with Epstein and Maxwell. Former President Donald Trump responded to allegations that he had any connection to Epstein, stating, “I had a falling out with [Epstein] a long time ago. I don’t think I’ve spoken to him in fifteen years. I was not a fan of his, that I can tell you. I was not a fan of his.” Trump banned Epstein from his Mar-ALago estate in 2008, following allegations that Epstein had made inappropriate comments and advances toward another club member’s daughter. The Clintons have also distanced themselves from Epstein and Maxwell since 2011, though Bill Clinton invited Maxwell to a private dinner with staffers as recently as 2014. Jeffrey Epstein’s arrest and subsequent death in custody made headlines in 2019, not only because of the high-profile nature of his connections, but also the questionable circumstances surrounding his death. Although Epstein’s official cause of death was ruled a suicide, anomalies in his autopsy report, including a fractured hyoid bone – common among victims of homicide more often than suicide – led some to dispute the official medical examiner’s findings; an independent review by renowned forensic pathologist Michael Baden claimed that Epstein was
likely murdered via strangulation. Further inconsistencies regarding the night of Epstein’s death at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York, such as defective security cameras outside of his cell, only fueled speculation. The phrase, “Epstein didn’t kill himself” entered into common vernacular, much like the saying “jet fuel can’t melt steel beams,” as the latest accusation of conspiracy and collusion on the part of self-interested, shadowy elites. However, these sentiments that Epstein could have been murdered were not limited to popular meme culture; in 2019, then-Attorney General William Barr opened up a Department of Justice investigation citing, “serious irregularities.” Regardless of Epstein’s fate, Maxwell has been detained in a different facility in Brooklyn to the one where Epstein was held. Her trial, happening in federal court, will feature no cameras, live streams, or photos and is expected to last up to six weeks. Some have come to view Maxwell’s trial as justice for Epstein’s victims, who were never properly answered to, while others have come to see her trial as a referendum on the justice system and its ability to hold wealthy citizens accountable: whether elites are subject to the same laws that govern the everyday person. However, the jury in Maxwell’s trial was warned “not to be biased against affluence and opulence” in their determination of Maxwell’s guilt or innocence, only to consider the relevant facts to the case.
Volume 59 Issue 11 ◆
NEWS
The USD Vista
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President of Students for Life speaks at USD’s campus
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College Republicans invite Kristan Hawkins to USD
SPENCER BISPHAM CONTRIBUTOR (CW: abortion) When Kristan Hawkins (she/her) arrived at USD’s campus in the middle of November, tensions were high. Founder of the organization Students for Life, Hawkins was invited by USD College Republicans to give a talk titled ‘The Future is Anti-Abortion’ in front of students and alumni. The school was a stop on her nationwide speaking tour, but her arrival on campus was also cause for other Toreros to protest against the event. Hawkins began her speech by addressing some of the controversy surrounding the topic of abortion. “Anytime you hear someone like me talking about the evil of abortion, we are talking about abortion, not individual people,” Hawkins said. “In the pro-life movement, we need to be clear about what our intentions are. We want to see an antiabortion future, where abortion is made illegal and unthinkable. [It] is the greatest human rights injustice to ever exist.” She went on to explain more about the reasoning behind her conviction. “It’s very simple, our arguments are very simple,” Hawkins said. “There is a human life, that human life has value, and all human life has value. That human being has equal value and dignity to you and I. Fundamentally, we all once were zygotes. If you have value now today, you had value then.” During her speech, a group of student protesters surrounded the entrance to Maher Hall, led by the off-campus organization, USD Gender Equity and Sex Positivity Collective (GESP). The school’s administration was initially informed it would be a silent protest, but it very quickly turned the opposite. Students held signs that read phrases like ‘REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE’ or ‘BANS OFF OUR BODIES,’ while chants of a similar manner echoed throughout the plaza. Even before the event began, a significant number of Toreros were outside of Maher as Hawkins and her hosts posed in front of them for pictures. One of GESP’s executive board members, Christina Ledford (she/they), gave some context
Students gather outside of Maher Hall to protest against anti-abortion speaker Kristan Hawkins.
Kristan Hawkins speaks in front of students at Solomon hall about a world without abortion.
as to why the group was there. “We had quite a few people in attendance, probably around 70, maybe 80 folks there,” Ledford said. “It was really great seeing everybody there advocating for reproductive justice, especially on a Catholic campus. I don’t think we see enough of that. It’s really about bodily autonomy and the ability to make choices for themselves.” At around 8:15 p.m., the protesters moved from the front of Maher to the balcony right outside of Solomon Hall. USD Public Safety officers promptly removed them from the balcony but they maintained their presence in the courtyard, their chanting still audible inside the room. Hawkins addressed the protesters at several points during her speech. “Those who disagree with us
have a right to be there,” Hawkins said. “Is it worth engaging with that crowd? I always engage. If you can’t engage in a way that’s calm, you shouldn’t engage.” She also mentioned that at the beginning of the event, she invited some of the students outside in hopes they would come in and listen. “I was outside trying to give some of the protesters the tickets,” Hawkins said. “Sadly, no one would come in and do a Q&A.” Ledford, however, disagrees with Hawkins’ interpretation of events. “A few people I know actually did take tickets,” Ledford said. “I saw her hand them to two people at the protest, some even went inside.” This was not the first time she faced protesters. Just one
The USD Vista Taylor DeGuzman - Editor in Chief Tyler Pugmire - Executive Editor Maria Watters - Managing Editor Samantha Anciano - Copy Editor Marissa Esteban - Art Director Karisa Kampbell - News Editor Olivia Synek - Opinion Editor
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Spencer Bispham/The USD Vista
Spencer Bispham/The USD Vista
month before her stop at USD, students at Wellesley College in Massachusetts were upset when Hawkins was invited to share her views on their campus. When the event at USD wrapped up, Hawkins was escorted through a separate exit by USD Public Safety as the protesters made their way back to the front of Maher. It was there that several arguments broke out; those who came out of the building were confronted with the crowd of protesters who demanded justification for the event. Included in the exchanges were several non-students, community members, and alumni who had come to see Hawkins’ presentation. First-year student Claire Fernandez (she/her), didn’t agree with how the protesters went
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about confronting the other side. “I find when people protest, and do it in a way where you’re saying ‘f*ck you’ and calling the speaker ‘fat and ugly’ it really turns off the other side to your point of view,” Fernandez said. “I feel like one of the biggest things with being a conservative on this campus is that you don’t want to interact, not only because you don’t know who will come at you but also because it’s better to show the more calm and collected side of conservatives.” Sophia Romei (she/her), also in her first-year, was part of the GESP protest and had critiques for the event’s participants in turn. “Interactions between protesters and attendees got heated,” Romei said. “Both sides felt disrespected. The difference is that they’re acting victimized by our response to their event as if someone is fighting to take away their rights. It’s ironic.” In the end, students on both sides of the issue dispersed, leaving a damage-free scene behind. Leadership from both USD College Republicans and USD Students for Life declined to comment directly on the events which transpired, while the former released a statement online. On their Instagram, @usdrepublicans gave a summary of what happened. “We were absolutely thrilled with the outcome of our event and it was such a success,” USD Republicans wrote. “We have accomplished the following: made our voices heard on campus in hopes to apply pro-life values on our campus, sparked conversation and dialogue on abortion, [and] changed minds and influenced students to be more involved in the pro-life movement.” They ended on a note of gratitude for the speaker as well as the event’s attendees. “We are so proud of our members for showing up and we remain thankful USD was able to grant us this opportunity to host Kristan! USD College Republicans is proud to be antiabortion!” USD Republicans said. As of now, the University of San Diego has not released a statement on the speaking event, protest, or the student organizations involved. Despite rumblings of the story being picked up on a larger scale, the story has yet to receive attention.
The USD Vista publication is written and edited by USD students and funded by revenues generated by advertising and a student fee. Advertising material published is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as an expressed or implied endorsement or verification of such commercial venues by the staff or University. The USD Vista office is located on the fourth floor of the Student Life Pavilion in room 403B. All inquiries should be sent to: The USD Vista 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110 Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego or of its student body. Letters to the Editor can be submitted to The USD Vista office. Letters should be limited to 300 words and must be signed. For identification purposes, USD identification numbers and writer’s year must be included in the letter. The USD Vista reserves the right to edit published letters. Any content sent to the editor will be considered for publication unless otherwise stated.
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December 9, 2021
E DI TOR IA L
How the Rittenhouse and Arbery verdicts failed us
High-profile trials do not give people the justice they deserve MEGAN VALADEZ ASST. OPINION EDITOR On Friday, Nov. 19, I was sitting in the second row of my criminology class, waiting for class to begin, when I got a notification on my phone from CNN revealing that the verdicts were about to be read in the Kyle Rittenhouse case. Everyone else in my class got the same notification, including my professor. We all listened as the jury read “We, the jury, find the defendant, Kyle H. Rittenhouse, not guilty” five different times. Being in a sociology class where every day we discuss how unjust the criminal justice system is and how it favors White people, we really were not surprised with the verdict. This past week, we received the verdicts of two high-profile cases. The first was in the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse for the Aug. 25, 2020 killings of two people in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The second was that of Gregory McMichael, Travis McMichael, and William Bryan for the 2020 killing of Ahmaud Arbery. A single trial, though, is not a referendum on social justice, and looking to criminal convictions to solve our problems only further entrenches them. But, despite the outcomes – an acquittal for Rittenhouse and convictions for Mr. Bryan and the McMichaels – no verdict can resolve the systemic issues in the criminal justice system. Convictions in highprofile cases, like that of Kyle Rittenhouse, are not paths to justice in my book. It does not matter that Rittenhouse was a 17-year-old who shot and killed two people with a military caliber weapon and then fled the scene. Rittenhouse having a gun while underage does not matter when he is pleading self-defense. What matters in these cases is the fact that the jury is tasked with applying a specific set of laws to a specific set of facts. In this case, Rittenhouse’s defense used Wisconsin’s selfdefense law to his benefit. This law allows a person to use deadly force if he or she “reasonably believes” it is necessary to prevent “imminent death or great bodily harm.” I, and most people, thought that Rittenhouse would at least be found guilty of weapons possession, because he was a 17-year-old with a rifle, who also crossed state lines. According to Wisconsin law,
A guilty verdict does not mean justice for Black lives as the justice system is still a work in progress. Photo courtesy of Logan Weaver/Unsplash
Kyle Rittenhouse’s verdict sparked a huge protest in Los Angeles, as well as many other cities around the U.S. Photo courtesy of Mike Von/Unsplash
minors are not allowed to carry guns, but one subsection could be interpreted to exempt long rifles from this law. It was known that Rittenhouse had an AR-15, which is a long barrelled, semi-automatic, military-style weapon, and the judge dismissed the charge. The story that an officer told while testifying is most interesting. He stated that Rittenhouse approached his car with a weapon on his chest and his hands up in surrender, but the officers ordered him to move out of the way because they were in search of the shooter. The shooter was standing right in front of him, with a weapon, yet it did not register
in their minds that a young, white teenager could be the one to kill multiple people. Of course, police believed it had to be someone in the crowd of protestors or “looters” because that is usually who our society chooses to hyperfocus on when looking at violence. I think it is also important to talk about the fact that people who are on trial in high-profile cases have the money and resources to have very powerful defense attorneys, which most people do not have the luxury of having, especially people of color. Kyle Rittenhouse even posed for pictures with the judge, Bruce Schroeder, unhandcuffed in the courtroom. That would never be
the case for any person of color. Using these trials to repair social damage is not possible at all. Our criminal justice system was built on slave codes that still serve to reinforce racial hierarchies. As Americans, we are told that punishment will solve all problems, but it does not. Even though I was relieved to know that the McMichaels and Mr. Bryan will be going to prison for killing Ahmaud Arbery, that does not mean that the murders of innocent black people will stop. Just because Derek Chauvin will rot in prison for killing George Floyd does not mean that police brutality will just magically go away.
Injustice is much deeper than just police abuse. There are endless other injustices in our society, such as voting restrictions, homelessness, public housing, food scarcity, and so much more. It is clear that wins for the prosecution in the Arbery case or the Floyd case do not address any of the real problems or racist ideals that exist in today’s legal system. Our legal system needs abolition. In order to create change, we need to build an entirely new system that is not built on the racist ideas of old white men. Abolition seems pretty impossible, especially considering how many brainwashed racists still exist in our society today. But, I think a solid step in the right direction includes equality for all – which in this case, means equal representation for all. People should not be found not guilty for murdering two people just because they have the money for a good defense attorney. In the same criminology class I mentioned earlier, we learned about what goes on inside the Cook County Courthouse in Chicago, Illinois, where we see a double system of justice – one for people of color and the poor, and one for the wealthy whites. There are visual terms of racial segregation in this courthouse, like a parking structure for lawyers, judges, jurors, and cops, and limited, metered parking for the poor people of color. This one example shows the way racism pervades the criminal justice system. Most of these low-income people of color spend their entire day at the courthouse just for a judge to make a decision about their case within minutes. Most people do not even have representation, and if they do, they meet their public defenders minutes before entering the courtroom. This makes me think about the structures that must be dismantled or changed in order to create the change we want. Guilty verdicts in highprofile cases are a step in the right direction, but are not enough whatsoever. We must address all of the problems our criminal justice and legal systems face each day in the courthouse and out on the streets. Maybe then low-income people of color will be afforded the same dignity in which was given to Kyle Rittenhouse.
The views expressed in the editorial and op-ed sections are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego, or its student body.
Volume 59 Issue 11
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OPINION
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The USD Vista
E DI TOR IA L
Learning body positivity one day at a time Combatting the harmful effects of media on our bodies MARIA SIMPSON ASST. OPINION EDITOR Hi. My name is Maria Simpson. I write stories for The USD Vista almost every week, but today I wanted to share a more personal story about finding self love and battling the harms of fitness and beauty influencers. The fact of the matter is, when not practiced in a healthy way, both physically and mentally, fitness influencers and workout culture can be toxic and can have long-lasting effects. I first began to fall under the influence of fitness and beauty media in high school. I started becoming more conscious of my body and appearance. Thoughts of working out, eating healthier, and striving to look a certain way were often at the back of my mind. I could hear that little voice pestering me, telling me that I needed to look more like the girls I saw on magazines and my newly created Instagram account. Those high school years flew by. Before I knew it, it was already my last semester. Everything was going well until March 2020 (and we all know
how that story goes). No prom, no graduation, no district or state tournaments, no last chance to say goodbye to my high school friends and teachers before closing that chapter of my life. When quarantine began, I immediately hated staying locked up day in and day out. This was a terrifying and depressing time, and little did I know, it was the perfect opportunity for that old pestering voice to resurface. Staying at home, I began to allow that voice to come out. I started paying more and more attention to my body, hating the way that I looked. This was also when fitness influencer, Chloe Ting’s “Get Abs in 2 Weeks!” YouTube workout soared to popularity through TikTok and, like many other young women, I became obsessed. I had to have that perfectly flat and toned stomach. After all, she made it look so simple in the videos. Just ten minutes a day and I could be perfect, too. Of course, that simple 10-minute routine was like a gateway drug to so much more. The fortress in my mind had been destroyed, allowing this falsified lifestyle to totally ensnare me. I found more of Ting’s videos
and decided that I needed to go all-in to construct that sculpted “Barbie-like” body. I also started a habit of becoming concerned with what I was eating, and hated myself whenever I was not eating as clean as the YouTube fitness guru did. How else could I expect myself to look like her? How else could I expect myself to look beautiful? Those kinds of scam fitness videos rarely ever work. And if there is any visible change, it is temporary. Influencers like Ting give the impression that their workouts are effective and will quickly restore any body to its “perfect form” when, in reality, no 10-minute workout is going to provide real lasting results. This puts the idea in young women’s minds that there is something wrong with them because they are the ones without those toned abs and flat stomach. When my body showed no change, I was so angry. But not at Chloe Ting or TikTok or any other form of media; I was angry at myself. I felt like I was not doing enough. It was almost impossible to see through a rational lens and recognize that I was not the problem. I was very fortunate during
this time to have a friend who was struggling in a very similar way. I was able to confide in her when no one else even knew what was going on inside my mind, and, likewise, she confided in me and I encouraged her to care for and love herself. I cannot remember the exact moment that it hit me, but I know that, eventually, I came to the realization that if I could tell my friend to take proper care of herself and I could fully believe that she was perfect exactly as she was, then why couldn’t I say those same things to myself? I started to seek out body positivity activists on social media, instead of only looking at deceiving workout routines and picture-perfect models and influencers that we are berated with across media platforms. I worked to change my mindset about my body and self-love. This is not an easy task, and it is still a work-in-progress even now, over a year and a half later. I still have bad days where I look at myself and wish that I was thinner or taller or shaped differently in some way. And that struggle is completely normal. But I also have a lot more good days where I look
into the mirror, smile at my reflection, and tell myself that I am beautiful. I have also built a better relationship with fitness. Now, I don’t search for workouts or head to the gym so that I can lose weight. I workout to stay healthy and to get stronger. To anyone else reading this who also finds themselves comparing how they look to those around them or the models on social media; remember that your body does so much work for you every single day. Even just eating or sleeping is a miraculous feat of life. It deserves love. And I know it is difficult to stop comparing and to stay away from the temptation of quick fitness and beauty tips. Luckily, there are many women out there who are dedicated to sharing true body positivity and educating people that everyone’s version of “healthy” looks different. No two people are alike and you cannot measure yourself worth with a scale. Believe me when I say that you are created perfectly exactly how you are right now, and no YouTube video or model influencer can ever take that away from you.
The civics test should not define citizenship Why having political knowledge is more important than U.S. history OLIVIA SYNEK OPINION EDITOR I was sitting in my Political Communications class when my professor put on a YouTube video titled “Jaywalking Citizenship Test.” This video featured Jay Leno walking up to strangers on the streets and asking them simple questions that would show up on the U.S. Citizenship Test, or the civics test. They were all citizens of the United States. The first question Jay asked was, “What country did we fight in the Revolutionary War.” Citizen #1, Debbie, answered France. He then asked Debbie, “If the President and the Vice President were to die, who would then become president?” Debbie claimed it would be the Secretary of State. She was wrong both times. In order to become a U.S. citizen, immigrants need to take a test that asks several questions regarding the U.S. Questions range from details about the Constitutional Amendments, branches of our government,
high political positions, the colonial period, etc. For instance, the test could ask the name of three Supreme Court Justices. I am a U.S. citizen, but off the top of my head I can only name Sonia Sotomeyer and Amy Coney Barrett. Does that mean I should get my citizenship revoked? Absolutely not. Why is it important for me to be able to remember “one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for” or to be able to recall “the last day you can send in federal tax forms” or to be able to define the “rule of law?” The civics test deems this important information Not only were the citizens in the video unable to answer the questions, but even I was struggling to find the answers to a few. I am a White female whose first language is English – no one would second guess my U.S. citizenship based on how many questions I can answer. Yet, we are having immigrants, some who may even be asylumseekers, spend excessive time studying for this pointless test. I say pointless because it
makes no sense why someone who wants to live in America should know the answers to most of the questions, considering every day U.S. citizens would fail the test. I would even fail the civics test, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know what is going on in America. Passing the citizenship test should not deem you a U.S. citizen. The citizenship test is outdated and not proactive considering people who were born and raised in America do not even know the answers to some of these questions. It is important and crucial for all Americans to have political knowledge, in order to be able to vote in elections, which is one of the main rights of a U.S. citizen. If immigrants are expected to be tested on their knowledge of the U.S., it should be present knowledge not questions I answered on my middle school American history final. Every citizen should have political knowledge in order to cast a well-informed vote. If immigrants are going to hopefully become U.S. citizens, I do think
it is important for them to have some political knowledge so that they can cast an educated vote. I think it is naive of Americans to not educate themselves on politics. No matter what your political beliefs are, it is so crucial that we exercise our right to vote, protest, and petition. For me, it is crucial because now I can vote in favor of minority groups who may not be able to vote themselves due to continuous efforts of voter suppression, a lack of citizenship, or being too young. As college students, we may have similar views or we could have polarizing opinions. No matter what it is, reading the news is necessary, as is learning about politics in a college classroom. I highly recommend downloading both national and local news apps such as CNN and NBC 7, then turning on notifications. Because I do this, I’m aware of any breaking
local or national news stories. This way I stay on top of what’s going on in America and around San Diego. We are responsible for educating ourselves on the major topics circulating around American news because we are responsible for casting a well-informed vote. Increasing their political knowledge is what U.S. citizens should be focusing on. That being said, increasing and having political knowledge is also what soon-to-be U.S. citizens should be focusing on. Although Susan B. Anthony was an American feminist hero, she should not be the reason an immigrant cannot pass the civics test. America is not going to become a better country by continuously educating and testing citizens and non-citizens about it’s history. America will grow when political knowledge grows, as it is necessary for our democratic society.
America is not going to become a better country by continuously educating and testing citizens and non-citizens about it’s history.
The views expressed in the editorial and op-ed sections are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego, or its student body.
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December 9, 2021
ART S & FEATURE
Reimagining STEM for kids USD senior Taylor Brown unpacks STEM topics in her children’s book YANA KOURETAS FEATURE EDITOR During much of Taylor Brown’s adventurous summer spent in Sweden, she auctioned her time off between conducting research in a lab and writing a children’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) alphabet book — two seemingly different activities that Brown managed to interconnect.A senior industrial and systems engineering student at USD, Brown began the process of writing and assembling the children’s book during this past summer in Sweden. Her book titled, “What do you know about STEM?”, sought to introduce STEM-related topics to younger audiences, in a way that could be easily processed and understood. Over the course of two and a half months, many manuscript drafts later, and the utilization of Canva for illustrations and images, Brown logged onto Amazon and became a self-published author. “I have always wanted to write a children’s book ever since I was a child. It was something that my mom encouraged me to do for a while and I was just pushing it off. Over the summer I had an internship in Sweden and I talked to my mom and I
was like ‘I’m kind of bored after work and I don’t know what to do,’” Brown said. And her mom said, “‘Oh, you should get started on writing your book.’” Because she found out that self-publishing on Amazon was super easy. When brainstorming what kind of children’s book Brown wanted to make, she decided to create an alphabet book because it was the option where she could generate the greatest range of ideas and information within STEM. Brown stressed the significance of her approach: introducing an assortment of things one could do, topics to learn about, and cool facts in STEM fields and careers. “The reason why I decided to do STEM was because I noticed that I wasn’t really introduced
Author, Taylor Brown and her book.
Photo courtesy of Taylor Brown
to the idea of being an engineer until I was in high school,” Brown said. “And I thought that this idea should be introduced sooner and I thought the best way to introduce this topic in a fun, creative way would be to make a children’s book targeted for young kids so they could get excited about it and get more interested and maybe start trying a little bit harder in their science class, and it can sprout from there.” Although writing a children’s alphabet book might seem like a direct process, as a current senior in college, Brown had to reimagine herself in her fiveyear-old shoes – one of the more difficult tasks of the entire undertaking. Consequently, Brown took more complex concepts and associated them with more familiar terms that a child would likely know. “I was just trying to put my head in the space of a child; like what would I find interesting, what’s interesting and cool to me, what do I want to learn about, what can I handle, that was probably the most challenging part; leaving out the technical words and keeping it light and fun,” Brown said. “So for example, ‘A’ is for astronaut, so that is a career they can follow, but ‘B,’ is for bear, which is an animal, so that is kind of getting them interested in animals, and leading
A page from Brown’s book.
Photo courtesy of Taylor Brown them into veterinary medicine.” In addition to wanting to serve her passion and interest in STEM through this book, Brown is equally as passionate about STEM outreach. For her, a children’s book symbolizes a great possibility: having the space to ensure that underrepresented individuals and people of color in STEM could be introduced as early as possible to younger audiences. “I am currently Vice President of USD’s chapter of the National Society of Black
Engineers and one of their main mission statements is to increase the amount of underrepresented people in engineering roles,” Brown said. “So I feel like this is me contributing to that goal by preaching to younger kids and getting them excited about STEM and showing them that they can do it too and that it’s fun and interesting, and not something scary.” Moving forward, Brown looks to continue her bookmaking ventures, especially with children’s alphabet books. However, for her next project, she is interested in catering to a slightly older audience, one that is looking at potential career paths in STEM. Additionally, Brown plans to continue to highlight underrepresented, established individuals in STEM professions, so that younger generations can look up to successful women, engineers, and people of color. The experience of writing and publishing a book is like no other. Through something outwardly simplistic, such as a children’s book, Brown used a lens to apply her experiences as an engineer and looked at what she wishes she would have known about the field growing up. She leveraged her power to write and saw it as an opportunity and a responsibility to bring accessible information to a younger audience.
USD undergradate play raises awareness How the theatrical production brought attention to LGBTQ+ issues HALEY JACOB ASST. FEATURE EDITOR Before Thanksgiving break, the Undergraduate Department of Theatre completed their four-show run of the play, “fml: how Carson McCullers saved my life.” The show ran from Nov. 19 to Nov. 21, bringing in audiences eager to attend the department’s first in-person production since the pandemic. The play tells the story of a lesbian high school student who struggles to find her place amidst the peers of her Catholic institution. The themes of self-discovery and self-acceptance are profound as the character learns to own her sexuality in the face of bigotry from the community. The plot addresses heavy topics such as homophobia and hate crimes to stress the message of perseverance through adversity and inspire audiences to show empathy to human differences. The Director of the Undergraduate Theatre program, Scott Ripley, shared his reasons for selecting the play.
“fml: How Carson McCuller’s saved my life” was put on in the Studio Theatre in Sacred Heart Hall. Photo courtesy of Arlene Gill “I wanted our LGBTQ+ LGBTQ+ experience to USD. Ripley shared that having community to know that we love “I think there needs to be the play take place in a Catholic them. I was like, ‘how can we do more visibility on this campus. school made him nervous, and that?’ Well, we produce a play My experience as a queer person he didn’t know how audiences that’s from their perspective. is that it’s not easy to find other would receive the content and We tell their story,” Ripley queer people, and when I do, it’s message. However, he knew the said. “We have a big LGBTQ+ great, but the allyship on our LGBTQ+ community deserved community here on campus, and campus has been lackluster,” to be represented and celebrated. I want them to feel supported Long said. “What we really “I was definitely nervous. and honored and respected; I need is that outward show of But, you know what, I go in my want everyone to feel like that.” ‘we’re here for you.’ This play classroom pretty much every Assistant Scenic and is important because it’s a way week and tell people they’ve got Projection Designer and USD of creating visibility into an to be brave. Well, then I have to sneior, Daniel Long, shared aspect of queer culture that be brave. It’s not fair for me to his student perspective on people wouldn’t otherwise ask my students to be brave if the importance of bringing have access to, and wouldn’t I’m not brave,” he said. “I was a play that highlights the be able to express otherwise.” like, we have to tell this story,
and if in some way it hurts me, I will accept that. But luckily, we have these progressive people like Jim Harris, Gail Baker, the Provosts, and my entire chain of command in support.” Senior cast member, Jazmine Mitts, who played Emma, shared the message she hopes people took away from the performance. “I hope this play made people realize the issues queer youth face and how even if they’re not directly contributing to their struggles, being a bystander has an effect as well,” Mitts said. “Not speaking up can cause a ripple.” The decision to perform a play that acknowledges and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community on our campus is a step in the right direction for making USD a welcoming environment for all students. The play’s message of acceptance and empathy towards marginalized peoples sparks important conversations crucial for achieving greater inclusivity and open-mindedness. After all, to be a changemaker campus means allowing for every story to be told, especially those often silenced.
Volume 59 Issue 11 ◆
ARTS & CULTURE
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The USD Vista
A RT S & C U LT U R E
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Cuffing season: more than just mistletoe ‘Tis the season of reconnection
ANNA VALAIK ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
Traditionally, the holiday season is filled with festive celebrations, wintery treats, and fun moments with loved ones. However, in more recent years, Gen Z/millennials have created another season that too coincides with the changing weather and cozy mood of November and December; it’s called “cuffing season.” However, this season is maybe not what you think it is. Yes, it’s a romantic phenomenon for some, but it’s also a reminder that the holiday season is all about spreading love and enjoying time with our loved ones. After the crazy year and a half the world has gone through, we should all be embracing the mood of cuffing season. Let this be a gentle reminder to build new friendships and rebuild the forgotten ones when given the opportunity. At a time of such busyness and chaos, especially with the end of finals season, all college students deserve the chance to find connection with whomever they choose, which could simply just be choosing yourself. “So, what is cuffing season?” one might ask. Cuffing season is the time period in which single people search for a short-term partner to keep them company during the colder months. For many, October, November, and December (although months of celebration), are marked by colder temperatures, fewer activities, and just generally lonelier times. It’s no longer the summer season – where there seems to be endless things to do and people to see thanks to the beautiful sunshine. So, when the sun fades into grayer days and people are less motivated to leave their homes, humans naturally begin searching for a partner to hunker down with. This tends to
be during the holiday season, as well. As most college students know, it’s becoming more and more common to return home for Thanksgiving break and have that one annoying uncle ask why you are still single. On top of that, it’s becoming less and less likely to make genuine, long-lasting romantic connections in an age that prioritizes hookup culture. Yes, the holidays are a time of rest, but they also involve finals, travelling, and oftentimes intense emotions for most college students; it isn’t always just snowflakes and Santa Claus. On top of that stress, this is also the first semester back inperson for USD students. This means, for many, it’s been busy and chock-full of schoolwork, reconciliations with friends, and extracurricular activities. Since everyone has been so busy, many have lost touch or drifted away from even their close friends. It’s hard to juggle so much at once, and the transition back to school has not been perfect for anyone. All in all, students haven’t had the chance to just take a step back and breathe. For this reason, it’s time to normalize cuffing season for everyone, not just those searching for romantic partners. Cuffing season is more than just Netflix and chill; it can be a time of connection, which can look different for everyone. During this time, students should challenge themselves to reconnect with old friends, spend those extra few moments with their parents, or simply just practice some much-needed self-love. Considering the semester ends and many go back to their hometown, this means people can finally take a break and refocus their priorities. They can finally slow down and enjoy the present moment. Everyone, and especially college students, deserve to know and be reminded that they are worthy of love and support. So, the next time you hear “cuffing season” and stress about being single or not taking part in this trend, reframe the narrative. Here’s some inspiration on how to do it. Plan a date with a hometown friend
The holidays are a time to reconnect. Anna Valaik/The USD Vista
Because many of us attend school away from our hometown, the holiday season is the perfect time to reach out to high school, grade school, or work friends from home. Last year, COVID prevented us from seeing these people in person, so take advantage of this precious time if you feel comfortable. If you don’t, even setting up a long FaceTime call would help you reignite friendships and remind you that you have people who care about you everywhere.
All these “dates” and more will give you that beautiful feeling of community and connection with someone else. Reconnect with a sibling or family member As annoying as it can be to return home and no longer feel the independence of college, it’s also a blessing in disguise. You can finally let loose and take a break from all the mundane adult responsibilities that come with college life. In turn, you will find yourself spending an inordinate amount of time with your family. So, if you and your sister haven’t hung out for a while or if your mom is dying to go Christmas shopping, spend time with them. Many students don’t get to see their family as often as they once did, and because of that, family time for some is incredibly important to fostering happiness and a sense of belonging. Date yourself Finally, and arguably most importantly, cuff yourself. At the end of the day, the way we feel and think about ourselves affects how we will act toward and treat others. Feeling secure and comfortable in your own skin is a beautiful thing, and something we should constantly be working towards. Often, college involves a whirlwind of emotions: confusion, stress, imposter syndrome, and discomfort. When school maintains a go-go-go pace, rarely do we take a chance to wonder how we are genuinely feeling. It’s incredibly difficult to internalize experiences and emotions when we are juggling countless responsibilities. With that being said, the holidays truly are the time to reconnect with ourselves. We have finished all our tests, group projects, and presentations, and now can just do what makes us feel good, what makes us happy. Although cuffing season is branded as something only for romantic partners, that simply is just not the case. Life isn’t all about constantly searching for someone to affirm and love you. Life is about loving yourself first, and then letting all the beautiful connections flow seamlessly into your life after that. Reframing narratives to fit your unique life is important, and reflecting on cuffing season is no different. It’s a beautiful season, to say the least. Let’s promote connection and community, no matter who it may be with or what it may look like. It’s obvious the world needs it right now, and all USD students deserve this sense of inner peace, too.
Check out student media’s student-run news station, USDtv! Follow them @usdtvnews
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December 9, 2021
How to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder Avoid “getting SAD” this holiday season
MEI FLORY ASST. A&C EDITOR
The months of November and December are supposed to be the happiest of the year, with families and friends coming together to celebrate national holidays and engage in other festivities. Plus, winter break means no school and all the time in the world to relax and sleep in. As much as everyone wants this to be reality, it isn’t always true. Seasonal Affective Disorder, ironically known as SAD, is commonly referred to as “seasonal depression”, “holiday blues”, or the “finals funk”. According to the Mayo Clinic, extreme cases of SAD are rare, but an estimated 20 percent of the population will experience a mild form of SAD during the holiday season. The actual cause of SAD is relatively unknown, but researchers believe that a drop or disruption in the balance of serotonin and melatonin levels may affect whether an individual feels SAD. Additionally, the lack of sunlight during the winter months may throw one’s circadian rhythm (also known as the biological clock) off track, which can affect emotions and the body’s internal sense of time. Symptoms of SAD include: oversleeping, weight gain, fatigue, appetite changes, feeling depressed, loss of interest in activities or hobbies, and having
Cloudy days in San Diego can contribute to cloudy, sad moods. Mei Flory/The USD Vista
difficulties concentrating. It’s easier said than done to not worry and just be happy. Stress, anxiety, and other negative feelings can occur during busy times like these, and it’s totally normal. But, persistent feelings that prevent people from completing their work and enjoying the holiday season can have larger consequences on mental health. To prevent SAD from limiting one’s enjoyment of life, there are many ways to help combat its effects, especially in mild cases. The Mayo Clinic suggests trying calming practices such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. Some popular apps like Headspace and Smiling Mind are designed to lead users through guided meditation sessions to help relieve tension and stress. Other simple but effective suggestions include engaging in self-care practices, trying out stress management
techniques, and exercising. Self care can involve participating in calming, creative activities such as painting and drawing, or it could be staying in and watching a new Netflix show. Some students may find that studying with friends, taking a walk around campus or going for a run can also help clear their minds and make them feel refreshed. Rachel Fernandez, a USD junior, shared some other ideas for self-care and stress management. She finds that listening to calming music, napping, and journaling help her not just during finals, but throughout the entire semester. Fernandez really likes watching and listening to the “Zenimation” meditation series on Disney+, as well as playing piano or lo-fi music when studying. “Talking with friends and practicing self-care such as taking long showers, putting
on face masks and painting my nails really help my selfesteem. When I take care of myself and feel like I look better physically, I feel better emotionally,” Fernandez said. Dianne Catapang, a USD junior, also feels the effects of SAD each year, especially during finals season. She takes prescribed antidepressants for when she feels her worst, but Catapang has other ways of reducing her levels of stress and anxiety. “I have a self-care journal where I log how much I eat, physical things I do and mental things I’m thinking. I sometimes write songs,” Catapang said. Catapang described what she found to be the quickest way to calm down. “If I’m anxious, I like to sit in a corner and breathe because I have two walls to lean against for extra support. I like taking walks and going on drives with friends. Not to anywhere really, but just the ride itself,” Catapang said. Since darkness, colder temperatures, and finals stress tend to heavily contribute to SAD, other ways of reducing negative feelings involve changing up one’s environment and going outside. Instead of going to Copley Library, try studying at the UC’s. Or, instead of eating inside at the SLP, try grabbing a table outside La Paloma. A brighter, sunnier environment can help boost serotonin levels, which can help lessen the stress.
A part of what makes SAD difficult to deal with is the lack of control that an individual may feel. To regain a sense of control, individuals could try re-decorating their room or reorganizing their desk. Sometimes cleaning up seemingly trivial things such as emails or sorting one’s Spotify playlists can create a therapeutic effect that helps individuals feel productive and motivated. As always, if one is experiencing SAD, one does not have to experience it alone. USD provides students with great mental health resources such as the Wellness and Counseling Center. Talking with friends, reaching out to trusted professors or other faculty members, and contacting family members can help. For more extreme cases or intense feelings of depression, getting in touch with a therapist or a counseling center can also be a great source of help. SAD is normal, but extreme cases are a cause for more concern and may require prescribed medications. Seasonal Affective Disorder happens, and that’s okay. But it’s important for everyone to remember that someone cares about them and loved ones are always there for support. It can be challenging to reach out to others, but there are many ways to take care of yourself this holiday season that can help combat experiencing SAD.
Virgil Abloh passes away after battle with cancer at 41 Remembering the admirable fashion designer and his legacy
SPENCER BISPHAM CONTRIBUTOR
On Sunday, Nov. 28, Virgil Abloh’s seven million Instagram followers opened their phones to a heartbreaking post from his account. The 41-year-old designer lost a two-year-long private battle with cardiac angiosarcoma — a particularly aggressive form of heart cancer. While he endured treatment behind closed doors, Abloh was responsible for overseeing footwear collaborations with his personal brand, Off-White, curating art exhibitions, and creative directing for Louis Vuitton (LV) menswear. Bernard Arnault, LV’s CEO, released a statement via Instagram about the designer on the day after his passing. “Virgil was not only a genius designer and a visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom,” Arnault said. “The LVMH family joins me in this moment of great sorrow and we are all thinking of his loved ones on the passing of their husband, father, brother, son, and friend.” In addition to his time at Louis Vuitton, Abloh’s resume of professional accomplishments extends far beyond the traditional scope.
He is best known for his brand, Off-White, which is popular for its contrasting, loud, and deconstructed design language. Within this brand, Virgil also produced products in collaboration with companies like Levi’s, IKEA, and Evian Natural Spring Water. The range of these collaborations touched USD senior, Enoch Waiswa, who is interested in pursuing a career in fashion design himself. “The way Virgil let people in on his process was special and exciting to those who were fans of his,” Waiswa said. “His versatility across different mediums was inspiring to see and be a part of.” The most famous of his collaborations, however, is undoubtedly his work at Nike. Since their initial project titled “The Ten” back in 2017, Abloh and the sportswear giant released at least one shoe design per year, most of which have a resale value of more than double the original price. Prior to “The Ten,” sneakers weren’t on the radar of big fashion houses. However, because the shoes were an instant hit, people of all backgrounds became hungry for more of his designs. The Air Jordan 1 silhouette became a token favorite among celebrities, worn by Beyoncé,
Beyonce’s personal pair of Off-White Jordans. Photo courtesy of @virgilabloh/Instagram
Serena Williams, Kendall Jenner, and Frank Ocean. During the process of unveiling another specialedition Nike Air Force 1 collaboration, Abloh curated the “FIGURES OF SPEECH” exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in late 2019. As museum-goers walked through, they were able to see the massive collection of his past, present, and then-unreleased sneaker designs. Not only were these groundbreaking products, but they were presented
to the world in a format that had not yet been seen. In fact, the MCA exhibit represents one of Abloh’s most important contributions to pop culture: the barriers he broke for those after him. Many young, BIPOC fashion creatives are looked over or their designs are outright stolen (ex: Dapper Dan) by luxury brands. Virgil Abloh was one of the only black designers whose work received consistent and positive attention on such a wide scale. His work at Louis Vuitton, Off-
White, and a myriad of other brands allowed other BIPOC designers to feel seen and appreciated in the fashion world. He was known for his work ethic and design quality, as well. In an article for the Wall Street Journal, reporter Jacob Gallagher gave a summary of the impact that Abloh had. “The fashion world has looked down on certain garments. They’ve looked down on hoodies, they’ve looked down on t-shirts, they’ve looked down on sportswear, things that traditionally, if we’re being honest, were cornerstones of Black style,” Gallagher said. “And Virgil was not the first designer to do this, but he was probably the most notable designer in the past few years to take those staples seriously and to treat them as things that could be made at a very high level, that could have price tags that are more than some people’s rent, that belonged on the runway.” Virgil Abloh brought sneakers to the feet of everyone, from the suburbs to the cities, and this is why his legacy will remain untouchable for years to come. Abloh built an empire based around his collaborations, and created the hybrid of luxury-street-style fashion. The world will never again experience a designer like this.
Volume 59 Issue 11
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SPORTS
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The USD Vista
SP ORT S
Women’s basketball starts season off strong
Big wins over San Diego State and Hawaii critical to USD’s early success MARI OLSON SPORTS EDITOR The University of San Diego women’s basketball team started their season on Tuesday, Nov. 9 with a big win over the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and their early success continued as the games started to stack up. The Toreros’ big win over the San Diego State University (SDSU) Aztecs on Wednesday, Dec. 1, was yet another stepping stone towards a highly successful season for USD. The team won 63-51 against SDSU at Viejas Arena, outscoring the Aztecs in all but the second quarter. Senior guard, Steph Gorman, led the Toreros with 14 points on Wednesday evening, while graduate student guard, Sydney Hunter, had 11 rebounds to propel USD to the win. The City Championship, as the rivalry game is known locally, is a big deal for the team’s season. Head coach, Cindy Fisher, described what it meant for the team to topple the Aztecs. “It was a big win, that’s a big rival,” Fisher said. “I think especially for our super seniors, who are back and wanted to go out with a big win against San Diego State, I think it was really special to them.” Coming out of a tough preseason with a 5-2 record in their first seven games of the season puts the Toreros in a good place going forward. Fisher discussed the team’s mentality and focus for these first few
The USD bench celebrates a big win over crosstown rivals San Diego State University on Dec. 1. Photo courtesy of usdtoreros.com
games. “I’ve been really, really pleased with the effort, we’re a big defensive team. [The team] really [believes] in that and they know that’s what makes us successful,” Fisher said. “It’s something we work on every day and continue to get better at.” There were some losses in these first few weeks, however, the team figured out how to overcome them. Fisher notes that players stepped up when asked to perform new roles for the good of the team. “Losing [redshirt senior guard] Myah Pace, who is obviously one of our key players and has been for four years, in the first game against Hawaii to a torn Achilles, you know, it was a little shocking for us,” Fisher
admitted. “But the team has really rallied together and other people have stepped up big in her absence.” The Toreros were also without graduate-student point guard, Jordyn Edwards, for the SDSU game as well as the matchup against the University of Nebraska, which has affected the team as well. “Having those two people not on the floor has been an adjustment for everybody,” Fisher said. “We’ll be really excited to get Jordyn back and back on the floor for us.” Pace and Edwards were both picked as part of the AllWest Coast Conference (WCC) Preseason Team, voted on by the coaches in the league. Even without the two
experienced guards, though, the Torero women’s basketball team is still finding ways to win games, which is the best way to achieve the goals they have set for the end of the season. “Our goals are to win the WCC championship and also be regular season champions outright and then also to be a postseason team,” Fisher explained. “Having a 20-win season and putting ourselves on the top of the WCC going into the tournament is very important to us.” The Toreros are already more than a quarter of the way to that 20-win season, with 29 games in the season, but there is still a lot more work to be done, something Fisher emphasizes to her players.
“With that goal comes a lot of games and a lot of practices and we just have to continue to grow and grow as a unit,” Fisher said. That growth will come in the team’s focus on their defensive tactics, which Fisher said is something she “preaches every day.” “Getting our younger players, freshman and even sophomores from last year up to speed with what our defensive system is and what our philosophy is and really understanding how to execute that,” is key to the Torero’s continued success, Fisher said. “Our defense produces the offense for us. Defensive rebounding, for us to be successful, we’re going to have to continue to do that well.” The Toreros played California State University, Northridge (CSUN) away on Sunday, Dec. 11. USD ground out yet another win, beating CSUN 83-70 in overtime. Gorman led the team again with 22 points, while Hunter had six of the team’s 37 total rebounds. The win was Fisher’s 300th with the USD program. USD’s WCC season will kick off on Dec. 30 against Brigham Young University (BYU), who was picked to win the WCC championship in the preseason poll. The Toreros were picked to finish third. The women’s basketball team will look to capitalize on their early success by continuing to win games. USD will be back at the Jenny Craig Pavilion on Dec. 18 against Arizona State University.
Volleyball makes 12th consecutive tournament appearance Seven Toreros honored with end-of-season awards
MARI OLSON SPORTS EDITOR University of San Diego volleyball headed to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament for the 12th consecutive year, which began on Dec. 2. This is the 25th appearance for the Toreros in the national tournament, and coach Jennifer Petrie’s 21st time leading the team to the biggest stage in collegiate volleyball. USD faced the Rice University Owls in the first round of the tournament. The Toreros could not keep up with Rice’s team,
however, and fell to the Owls in straight sets; although junior opposite, Grace Frohling, led the team with a match-high 15 kills. In addition to the tournament appearance, seven Torero volleyball players earned AllWest Coast Conference (WCC) honors at the conclusion of the regular season. Senior libero, Annie Benbow, sophomore middle blocker, Leyla Blackwell, Frohling, and senior outside hitter, Katie Lukes, were all named to the AllWCC First Team. Sophomore outside hitter, Kylie Pries, was an honorable mention to the All-WCC team, and middle blocker, Haylee
Stoner, and outside hitter, Emily Wilson, were both named to the All-WCC Freshman Team. A special season for USD volleyball culminated in the tournament appearance and the WCC honors, with the team winning 20 out of 28 games total. Big wins over opponents like nationally-ranked Pepperdine University (who also went out in the first round of the tournament) and gritty WCC opponent Loyola Marymount University showcased the toughness of this team. Tune back in Fall 2022 as Torero volleyball will look to make its 13th-straight NCAA tournament appearance.
Junior opposite, Grace Frohling, goes up for a kill at the JCP earlier this season. Photo courtesy of usdtoreros.com
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December 9, 2021
The shining stars of Torero Athletics: 2021 best moments Some of the most exciting plays, records, and wins this season
JAREK MORGAN ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
Shining Stars from Page 1 Golf Team wins are just as important to the university as individuals. And that is what the men’s golf team did this year when they achieved their first team overall win since October of 2020. Redshirt junior, Charlie Reiter, put together three rounds of 70, 69, and 69 strokes for a total of 208, finishing with a tournament-best eight strokes under par for the win at the Hoakalei Country Club on Oct. 26. The Toreros also finished first as a team, scoring 857 over three rounds to top the standings. The dominant performance in Hawaii was very much indicative of how the team has persevered this year. Redshirt junior, Harrison Kingsley, won his first collegiate tournament at the Mark Simpson Invitational in September, hosted by the University of Colorado Boulder at the Colorado National Golf Course. Kingsley shot a tournament record 15-under with scores of 67, 68, and 66. Men’s Tennis Through various great team performances this year by our fellow Toreros, possibly one of the most impressive individual efforts seen was completed by outstanding redshirt senior, August Holmgren. Holmgren, of the USD men’s tennis team, became the first Torero in program history to advance to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) AllAmerican championship match in October. The Dane won fivestraight matches en route to the championship, eventually falling to Florida’s Ben Shelton, 6-3, 6-4. Holmgren took that loss, and turned it into a learning opportunity. He finished the year by becoming only the second Torero to win the ITA Fall National Championshipship when he defeated Stanford’s no.1 ranked sophomore, Arthur Fery, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5. Volleyball Yet another incredible achievement came from the Torero volleyball team. Led by seven 2021 All-West Coast Conference (WCC) honorees, this year’s team competed from start to finish with a tenacity that will be remembered for years to come.
USD cross country competes in the West Regional Championship for their final race of the season. Photo courtesy of usdtoreros.com
Torero football’s graduating players had a major impact on another PFL Championship and a winning season. Photo courtesy of usdtorero.com
into hostile territory and battled a grueling five game series that took every ounce of their best to pull out a victory in the end, beating the Waves 3-2. The team finished another stellar season with a trip to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament where they eventually lost to Rice 25-20, 25-19, 25-20. This makes 21-23 seasons that head coach, Jennifer Petrie, has reached the NCAA postseason tournament, an incredible feat for a collegiate coach.
Redshirt senior, August Holmgren, won the ITA Fall National Championship. Photo courtesy of usdtoreros.com
One of the most anticipated games this year was when the women traveled to no. 24 ranked Pepperdine for a matchup that could have championship implications at the end of the season. Before conference play even kicked off, sophomore Isa Terçariol talked about some goals for herself and her
WINTER BREAK SCHEDULE
teammates this season. “I know for me something I think is a huge goal of mine is when we go to Pepperdine and beat them on their home court,” Terçariol said. “To beat them would be sweet revenge since we lost to them last year.” In early October, the team got their chance to make good on that promise when they went
USD WBB @ BYU Thursday, Dec. 30 7 p.m. Provo, UT
Football Finally, in 1991, a record was set for the school’s longest field goal ever made at an astounding 53 yards. On Oct. 16, 2021 during the homecoming game against Drake University, firstyear kicker Pablo Tager tied that record and in doing so engraved his name in the USD record books. The Toreros held on to win a close 13-10 game against the Bulldogs. In the same game, head coach Dale Lindsey tied Brian Fogarty for most wins as a head coach at 71 total, a record he has since made his own as
USD MBB vs. Gonzaga Thursday, Dec. 30 7 p.m. Jenny Craig Pavilion
they finished the season on a seven game winning streak. As the Fall semester closes, there have been incredible achievements made by all sports programs. This list is just a fraction of those accomplishments so here is a brief list of other honorable mentions to outstanding performances by USD athletics. The team finished with a stellar six game winning streak. In addition to that, this is now the program’s 11th straight season with a winning record, something that takes maximum effort from every player and coach. Women’s rowing The Toreros traveled to Boston this season and competed in the prestigious Head of The Charles Regatta. With a great team effort the team of four finished 10th out of 54 teams and the team of eight finished 11th out of 31 teams. To be selected for this invite a team must compete at the highest level, and while on the other side of the country USD represented themselves proudly. Men’s soccer The soccer team’s record does not indicate how hard they played this season. That is why the WCC recognized four athletes for their outstanding performance. Sophomore forward, Nicklas Clausen, was named to the All-WCC Second Team. Sophomore midfielder, Ross Johnstone, and junior midfielder, Mason Tunbridge, were named All-WCC Honorable mention, and forward Luke Pardoe earned All-WCC Freshman Team honors. Women’s soccer Senior defender, Michaela Foster, was named to the AllWCC Second Team. At the beginning of the season, Foster helped lead the team to a 3-0 start. Foster scored goals in the first three games of the season. This university has some of the nation’s best athletes. The USD community was fortunate to witness so many high quality moments this fall season. The coaches, the players, and staff have so much to be grateful for this year and have put in a lot of hard work to make these moments possible. As we look forward to spring sports, the only real questions are what championship will be won, and what records will be broken next? Stay tuned for much more to come this spring as baseball, rowing, and tennis start up.
USD S&D vs. UNM Saturday, Jan. 8 10 a.m. Sports Center
Mari Olson/The USD Vista