Shaped by Service
Andrea-Rose Oates, SU junior and founder of Girlz Rize, received the Unsung Hero Award recognizing her advocacy for girls’ education
By Delia Rangel asst. news editor
After founding the nonprofit Girlz Rize as a 13-year-old, Andrea-Rose Oates organized a book drive, collecting and donating more than 100 books to her local YMCA. But as an eighth-grader, she worried the children she was helping might prefer toys over a book.
To her surprise, the children treated her like she was Santa Claus. From the entire experience, Oates recalled one moment in particular: a 7-year-old boy beaming at her with excitement and telling her he had never owned a book before. oates page 7
By Duncan Green news editor
Families for Lead Freedom Now is demanding Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh declare a state of emergency following a report by Safe Water Engineering LLC that found water sampling data across the city to be inaccurate and underestimate the impact of lead in the city.
The report found the Syracuse Water Department has recorded exceedances in drinking water lead levels during three consecutive testing periods. Following tests in 2023 that found 26.8 lead parts per billion — almost double the level requiring government action — subsequent findings reported significant decreases, with 15.8 ppb and 17.8 ppb respectively in two different testing periods in 2024.
Elin Betanzo, president of SWE and author of the report, alleged the city has either mismanaged or diluted results since Syracuse’s first reading in 2023. Betanzo, who was active in combating the Flint Water Crisis, said only 52% of the 265 buildings tested for lead in 2024 were registered as Tier 1 homes — family homes with a confirmed history of lead presence.
“This report confirms what Syracuse residents have feared,” FLFN Co-Chair Oceana Fair said. “The quality of our drinking water is indeed a cause for concern. The findings highlight four critical areas the city of Syracuse has minimized, misled, misrepresented and avoided addressing the issue right before them.”
Fair said many of the city’s remaining houses sampled in 2024 didn’t qualify as Tier 1, with some later found to contain pipes with no traces of lead. The Lead and Copper Rule requires all Tier 1 homes to be sampled within a 24-hours of discovering the contamination.
With almost half of the city’s most recent data excluding homes that showed record levels of lead less than two years ago, according to the report, Fair demanded city officials recognize the “diluted” 2024 samples as inaccurate.
“Testing non-Tier 1 homes provides a misleading picture of the lead contamination issue,” Fair said. “The gaps in information have thus far provided no reason for the community members to have confidence in assurances made by water utility officials.”
Even with the allegedly inaccurate results the city reported in 2024, both figures still remain over the 15 ppb threshold the EPA labels as requiring public water supplier action.
Maurice Brown, Onondaga County’s 15th district legislator, called on Walsh and city government to take initiative in accelerating the removal of lead pipes in the city. He said it’s the responsibility of Syracuse officials — not the county or state — to lead the charge.
Brown also encouraged the city to prioritize re-testing buildings that have
andrea-rose oates, founder of Girlz Rize, received the Unsung Hero Award at Syracuse University for her community service and advocacy for girls’ education. She has made an impact empowering girls worldwide. ella chan asst. photo editor
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COMING UP
Noteworthy events this week.
WHAT: Douglass Day 2025
WHEN: Friday, 12–3 p.m.
WHERE: Bird Library, room 114
WHAT: Orange After Dark Palentine’s Day
WHEN: Friday, 10 p.m. to Saturday, 12 a.m.
WHERE: Schine Student Center, The Underground
WHAT: Night at Jasmine’s
WHEN: Saturday, 6 p.m.
WHERE: Schine Student Center, The Underground how to join us
Hamas announces further delay in Israeli hostage release
By Shivika Gupta asst. news editor
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave militant group Hamas an ultimatum following a meeting with his security cabinet on Tuesday morning, threatening to resume fighting if the Israeli hostages were not returned by Saturday afternoon, CBS reported. Netanyahu said the Israeli military wouldn’t stop fighting until Hamas was “decisively defeated.”
Hamas announced it would delay the hostages’ release after Abu Obeida, Hamas’ military spokesman, accused Israel of violating the deal. He said Israel delayed the return of displaced people in the northern Gaza Strip and targeted them with gunfire in various areas of the strip. Obeida also alleged Israel, which controls all aid entering the strip, blocked relief supplies from entering.
On Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces said troops had functioned to separate suspects who presented a danger to them near the strip and fired warning shots at a “suspicious vessel” seen offshore as well as a suspect seen approaching troops in the south.
Hamas announced its plan on Monday to delay the release of the next group of Israeli hostages, currently scheduled for Saturday, NPR reported. Hamas said it remains committed to the set agreement, and clarified postponing the release was only a “warning” to Israel to ensure its commitment to the deal.
The temporary ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has faced complications regarding the release of hostages since it was first reached on Jan. 15. The agreement was set to last six weeks and end the past 15 months of conflict.
Since the start of the ceasefire, only 16 of the 33 hostages scheduled for release have been freed by Hamas and 656 Palestinian prisoners out of an expected 2,000 have been released thus far by Israel. Hamas is set to to release three more hostages on Saturday.
delayed the
of
President Donald Trump issued Hamas an ultimatum on Monday saying the negotiation would be off and “hell” would “break out” if the group didn’t release the hostages by Saturday afternoon.
Trump also said he would withdraw aid to Jordan and Egypt if the countries didn’t take in more displaced Palestinians. He recently
proposed the United States “own” Gaza and develop real estate. He said displaced Palestinians wouldn’t be allowed back.
Netanyahu and other Israeli politicians welcomed Trump’s pressure to complete the hostage release, including his statements regarding a “revolutionary vision for Gaza’s future.”
Residents in Gaza have expressed fear over Trump’s plan to relocate Palestinians to surrounding countries.
Hamas has until noon on Saturday to release the hostages or Israel will carry through with its threat, vowing to resume hostilities with Hamas.
sgupta38@syr.edu state
Hochul names February Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
By Henry Daley asst. news editor
Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation recognizing February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in New York state Tuesday afternoon. She named Feb. 11 Teen Dating Violence Awareness Day and directed all state landmarks to be illuminated orange in its honor.
The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence also launched an
online tool helping teens recognize healthy and unhealthy relationship dynamics, a Tuesday release states.
Kelli Owens, OPDV’s executive director, said in the release teenagers can be vulnerable to online threats or dangers from intimate partners when using the internet.
The proclamation comes after recent studies showed the average teenager spends over eight hours a day connected to screens. About five of those hours are spent using social media, which
can hurt teens’ mental health and ability to foster healthy relationships, according to the release.
Elevated screen time can be associated with higher anxiety, depression symptoms and lower psychological well-being, according to U.S. News and World Report.
The awareness month and the launch of OPVD’s new online tool are the latest efforts by the state to help protect youth online. They come nearly eight months after Hochul signed the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation for Kids Act and the
New York Child Data Privacy Act in June 2024. Syracuse University lights the JMA Wireless Dome in blue each April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
SU students who are experiencing sexual or relationship violence can contact the university’s confidential support hotline at (315) 443-8000. Students can speak with SU’s Sexual and Relationship Violence Response team or a clinician in the Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling. hdaley@syr.edu
Hamas has
release
hostages, putting the ceasefire agreement at risk. Israel has threatened to resume hostilities unless the agreement is upheld. meghan hendricks senior staff photographer
gov. kathy hochul declared February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, with February 11
by landmarks lit in orange. They launched an interactive tool to help teens recognize healthy relationships and protect against online abuse. meghan hendricks senior staff photographer
Flying Forward
The Central New York Flyers sled hockey team is an accessible alternative to ice hockey. Most of its members have disabilities.
Suzanne Wamp first came to sled hockey practice in 2017 to watch her husband, Stephen Wamp, play. The adaptive team allows Stephen Wamp, who has spina bifida, to play the sport. She didn’t expect to be asked to come out on the ice. After just one practice, she fell in love.
“I couldn’t stop smiling and talking about it for hours after,” Suzanne Wamp said. “It got us hooked.”
Suzanne and Stephen Wamp have been playing for the team ever since. The Central New York Flyers sled hockey team is an adaptive recreational hockey team, mostly for players with disabilities as an accessible alternative to ice hockey. The team is a part of CNY Adaptive Sports, a local nonprofit organization that helps people with disabilities participate in athletic activities.
In sled hockey, players sit in specially designed sleds with two hockey skate blades on the bottom, and they propel themselves with two sticks instead of one. Other than these differences, sled hockey games follow the same fundamental rules and scoring guidelines as ice hockey, and the game feels very similar to ice hockey, said Erik Ryan, vice president of CNY Adaptive Sports and a defensive player for CNY Flyers.
“How we get around is certainly different, but it’s played the same way,” Ryan said.
The CNY Flyers don’t play in an organized league. Instead, they practice for an hour each Sunday and participate in various weekend tournaments throughout their October to March season. Rochester and Syracuse-based players team up for these tournaments to play against squads from places like Albany, Massachusetts and Vermont.
The ice is an equal playing field, since the hockey sleds remove differences between players’ physical abilities, Suzanne Wamp said. The co-ed team includes a mix of children, teens and adults, with some players as young as six years old.
“We may all get into the sled differently, but once we are strapped in, we are all equal,” Suzanne Wamp said. Practice is often a family affair. Multiple fatherson duos play on the team, with some fathers who don’t have disabilities playing alongside their children who do. Garth Werner, a visiting instructor at SUNY ESF and assistant coach for the CNY Flyers, began coaching after his son, who has a physical disability, joined almost seven years ago. He’s played stand-up hockey his whole life. Coaching the team has taught him about the adaptive sport and allowed him to watch his son grow and progress.
“Having a physical disability doesn’t mean you can’t do stuff,” Werner said. “We have players of different levels of disabilities, but within that group, they are all on a sled on the ice. And they can all do things that none of their coaches can do.”
Sled hockey isn’t only for players with disabilities. While tournament rules differ — some require a player with disabilities to play goalie or limit the amount of players without disabilities allowed on the ice at once — the CNY Flyers usually play with a mix of athletes both with and without disabilities. The sport’s adaptive nature helps athletes without disabilities as much as it does for those with physical disabilities.
For the team’s manager, Jamie Favata, years of competitive volleyball caused damage to his knees. Sled hockey allows him to continue doing fairly intense cardio
Story by Eliana Rosen asst. digital editor
Photos by Joe Zhao newhouse school
We help each other out and bring each other up when we’re down, we have a real friendship with people on our team.
Suzanne Wamp cny flyers forward
and play alongside his son without further injuring his body, Werner said.
Suzanne Wamp, who plays forward, developed balance issues outside of playing. Sled hockey’s accessible nature allowed her to continue playing.
Sled hockey is still physically demanding. Without the use of their legs, players’ core and upper thigh muscles are more engaged as they use their arms to move across the ice, Werner said.
Especially for those who have only played ice hockey, the sport is a different kind of workout and can take some getting used to.
“When you’re starting out, it’s tough to move, to handle the sticks,” Suzanne Wamp said. “But once you get the hang of it, it’s fun and also challenging.”
Competition in the recreational league is fierce. Tournaments are fun, but stakes are high as teams compete for their chance at a medal. Before and after games, though, the sidelines are filled with hugs and cheers from players who consider their competitors as friends, Suzanne Wamp said.
“I take things very seriously,” Ryan said. “I always want to win every game. And if we’re not winning 10 to nothing, I’m not happy.”
The players have formed a tight-knit community. The majority of the team stayed together in a wheelchair-accessible condo for their Lake Placid tournament a few weeks ago. Time together off the ice has built camaraderie that strengthens connections during the game, Werner said.
Suzanne Wamp still remembers the joy of her first goal and the genuine excitement from her teammates who gave her hugs, high fives and fist bumps when she got off the ice. The coach even saved the game’s puck for her to memorialize it. She said the moment made her feel like a real part of the team and reinforced the team’s feeling of family.
“We help each other out and bring each other up when we’re down,” Suzanne Wamp said. “We have a real friendship with people on our team.”
Stephen Wamp, the team’s goalie, said having a community of friends who also have physical disabilities is important and has had a positive impact on his identity.
“When I grew up, I really wanted to be considered normal,” he said. “I’ve met this group of people who are mostly disabled and I realized I missed out on meeting them a long time ago.”
Adaptive sled hockey allows people with physical disabilities to remain active and enjoy the same participation in competition and sport. This benefits the mental and physical health of players, Werner said.
Especially for the younger players in wheelchairs on the team, they may not have other chances for accessible physical sport, Stephen Wamp said. Adaptive sled hockey teams, like CNY Flyers, allow them to have the same opportunities as other kids, Ryan said.
“If someone is in a wheelchair but doesn’t do any physical activity, that’s going to cause more problems,” Werner said. “Getting out, being active improves your overall health. It’s good for you.”
Ryan said he doesn’t want the team to be patronized. In fact, he hates the use of the word “inspirational” to describe actions of the disabled community. Adaptive sports are nothing extraordinary, he said, but instead simply a group of athletes playing the game they love.
“There’s always been this stigma around adaptive sports,” Ryan said. “I just want to break those boundaries. I’m just a guy who wakes up every day like everybody else and is a big sports fan and wants to go out and compete and do well.”
ehrosen@syr.edu
DOJ sues New York officials for immigration policies
By Duncan Green and Delia Rangel the daily orange
The United States Justice Department is suing multiple New York state officials for state immigration policies that President Donald Trump views as undermining his mass deportation agenda, The New York Times reported.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James and Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark Schroeder are among the officials named for their alleged noncompliance with Trump’s immigration orders. The state joins Illinois as the second to face legal scrutiny from the DOJ for its “sanctuary laws” protecting undocumented immigrants in U.S. cities from Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
As part of Trump’s mass deportation plans, the president promised to detain and deport millions of undocumented immigrants. Under this plan, ICE arrested more than 8,200 people between Jan. 22 and Jan. 31. On average, ICE has arrested 826 people a day since Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
Under current legislation, New York City, similarly to Chicago, is a recognized “sanctuary city,” or a metropolitan area where sanctuary laws apply.
“New York has chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens … it stops today,” U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said at a Wednesday afternoon press conference.
Bondi pointed to New York’s 2019 Green Light Law as one of the administration’s main issues
with the state. The law allows any person over 16 to apply for and obtain a New York driver’s license regardless of nationality or legal status.
Bondi claimed that under the law, New York DMV commissioners are expected to tip off undocumented immigrants anytime a federal immigration agency has approached their office asking for information. She called the law unconstitutional.
Hochul denied this claim in a Wednesday evening statement.
“Our current laws allow federal immigration officials to access any DMV database with a judicial warrant. That’s a common-sense approach that most New Yorkers support,” Hochul said in the statement.
She also said she would not allow federal agents to access personal information from DMV data.
The New York Civil Liberties Union condemned the lawsuit in a statement on Wednesday, saying that state officials are not obligated to enable the Trump administration’s “cruel and destructive deportation plans.” The NYCLU also described the lawsuit as an “attempt to shamelessly weaponize” the Department of Justice.
Hochul’s spokesman said she supports the deportation of violent criminals but does not believe law-abiding families should be targeted, the Times reported.
The announcement served as a warning to other states “not complying with federal law,” the Times reported. Bondi suggested the DOJ would take steps to sue additional states. news@dailyorange.com
it’s been an absolute honor and a privilege, but it’s also just opened me up to even more opportunities for me to serve my community and serve the nation as well.”
been confirmed as contaminated. He said it would require more specific qualifications, such as distinguishing businesses from residential locations, to ensure efficiency and accuracy when addressing the issue.
“We shouldn’t, as the county, come in and say, ‘City of Syracuse, you guys have been messing up, here’s how we do it,’” Brown said. “The city of Syracuse needs to take the lead and say, ‘Onondaga County, here’s how you can help.’ And we need to be willing partners in that.”
Lanessa Owens-Chaplin of the New York Civil Liberties Union said that when recent rounds of testing began in 2018, city officials claimed lead complications were from old paint in homes, dust from the highways and environmental conditions. Owens-Chaplin claimed the city had only alerted the public of contamination in tap water in the past two years, while Fair called the city’s testing and publicity “gross negligence.”
“There is a pattern in practice of trying to cover up how detrimental lead is in water,” Owens-Chaplin said. “Our children are lead poisoned.”
FLFN said an official state of emergency would allow the city to access emergency state and federal funding to accelerate the replacement of corroding pipes across the city, Fair said. She claimed without the funding, it could take the city up to a decade to make the necessary changes. In that time, many families would suffer without an accelerated plan.
The City of Syracuse states on the official website for its Lead Service Replacement Strategy that it is responding “comprehensively and transparently” to the EPA’s lead and copper requirements. According to the website, Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Anderson confirmed the city’s water supply as free of lead in October. The website also states that the city issued a public notice about lead services lines to residents in August.
City officials plan to install 3,000 lines in the coming year and will also replace roughly 2,700 privately owned lead contaminated home sys-
tems, according to the city’s website. Homes are chosen based on an equity score model calculated by the city. The city is scheduled to replace over 14,000 units by the end of the decade.
Above all other demographics, Black children have been most affected by the lead crisis in Syracuse, FLFN co-chair Darlene Medley said. In March 2024, New York Attorney General Letita James reported that 11% of Black children tested in Onondaga County had heightened lead blood levels. 90% of these children were Syracuse residents.
According to the World Health Organization, lead poisoning is most dangerous to children as the toxin accumulates in the body and degrades the central nervous system. While some people with lead poisoning die from complications as children, survivors may develop permanent intellectual disabilities and physiological disorders.
To prevent complications, Medley said it’s the city’s responsibility to educate citizens who are at risk about proper filtration and the long-term effects of lead exposure. A state of emergency would provide the city with funding for these programs, Fair said.
In 2022, Onondaga County allocated $150,000 for the “Lead It Go” program to provide funding to families in affected areas with information and an “educational baseline,” Fair said. Syracuse.com reported the program would also provide services and testing for children in affected areas. Three years later, Fair claimed, the county is yet to release the funds.
According to its website, Onondaga County’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program offers lead testing for children, lead-based paint identification and repairs, education and access to grants and loan programs.
“We’ve seen evidence of manipulated procedures that prioritize optics over public health,” Brown said. “That is unacceptable.”
The mayor’s office was unavailable for comment on the report Wednesday.
Syracuse’s City Common Council’s Public Works Committee is set to hold a meeting on Tuesday at 10 a.m. to discuss the Lead Service Replacement Project.
digreen@syr.edu @duncanigreen
“In that moment, that’s when I knew that I wanted to keep doing that work,” Oates said.
Oates, a junior at Syracuse University double majoring in public relations and policy studies on the pre-law track, has dedicated herself to serving others. In January, she was named the student winner of the Unsung Hero Award, which honors those who make a positive impact on their community without widespread recognition.
Her close friend, Diya Gupta, who nominated Oates, entered her into the pool on a whim. Oates appreciated the gesture but never expected it to lead anywhere. She wasn’t sure how the selection process worked and recalled thinking she wouldn’t be chosen after one of her sorority sisters won the award last year.
“I’ve always known her to be one of the most high-achieving people I know and have the privilege of having in my life,” Gupta said. “And I just really am proud of her, she deserves such awards and recognition.”
The awards honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s mission to create positive change in the world. The award committee, consisting of Hendricks Chapel Dean Brian Konkol, Student Co-Chair Ryan Nkongnyu and 24 committee members, recognized Oates for her dedication to community service. The committee highlighted her work with Girlz Rize, SU’s Black Student Union, Women in Communications and Hill Communications, and her leadership as president of the Iota Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Oates said she grew up surrounded by AKA women and knew she was destined to join as a college student. She became a member in spring 2023, joining her mother and aunts as sorority sisters.
“It was never a question of if but when,” Oates said. “Stepping into the role of being president,
AKA’s motto is “service to all mankind,” which Oates said she and her sisters exemplify through frequent volunteer trips to the Young Women’s Christian Association of Syracuse & Onondaga County and participating in “Sandwich Saturday” at We Rise Above The Streets.
On Saturday, she also won the title of Royal International Miss Pennsylvania. She’ll now spend a year-long reign focused on continuing her community service. Oates said she plans to represent her home state at the Royal International Miss competition in July.
She credits her discipline and love of service to her time in beauty pageants, saying the years of competition helped shape her work ethic and commitment to giving back.
Oates’ mother, Evelyn Sample-Oates, said Andrea wanted to start pageants in fifth grade after her friend competed in a New Jersey pageant.
“She has always been one to kind of take charge. She’s always been a leader. She’s always wanted to do more to help other people,” SampleOates said. “She realizes that not other people are as blessed as she is and always wants to do something to help.”
Even after winning the title over the weekend, she said Oates isn’t one to brag. Gupta said you’d never know Oates competed in pageants for as long as she has just by talking to her. A Philadelphia native, Oates thought people were congratulating her on Monday for the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl win, not her own victory.
Oates said participating in pageants allowed her to raise awareness about Girlz Rize, the nonprofit organization she founded. Girlz Rize aims to empower girls to love learning through literacy programs and donations.
Her mother recalled how Oates learned about Malala Yousafzai, an education activist fighting for Pakistani children’s rights in a global movement. According to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, over 129 million girls worldwide are denied an education. Oates said the statistic is “highly disturbing” and fuels her motivation to advocate for young girls globally.
“She said, ‘Why would they try and kill her because she wants to get an education?’” Evelyn Sample-Oates said. “So she just took it upon herself to start this, Girlz Rize, to say women can rise. Girls can rise and do anything that they want.”
My parents always instilled the belief in me to give back to communities that have given so much to you, and that’s always simply what I’ve loved to do.
Andrea-Rose Oates unsung hero award winner
With Girlz Rize, Oates visits YMCAs across the Philadelphia area to speak to girls about the importance of education and encourage them to get excited about learning. One program she created, “Reading Stars,” helps young girls cultivate a love of books and reading.
Oates said she’s reached girls from Pennsylvania to South Africa and she works to donate books and clothes while empowering them to pursue their education with confidence.
“As someone who was very fortunate enough to grow up going to private school and top-tier
institutions like Syracuse University, I couldn’t have asked for anything more,” Oates said. “But the fact that another young woman my age, halfway across the world, or even younger than me, is simply subjected to housework for the rest of her life or learning and training to be a mother really broke my heart.”
Sample-Oates said she’s immensely proud of Oates and seeing all that she has accomplished reassures her she did a good job raising her. She added that being raised in the church also played a significant role in shaping Oates’ values.
Oates said her upbringing continues to play a pivotal role in her dedication to service and education. She credits her family for instilling the values of hard work, resilience and the importance of giving back.
“I’ve always loved to do community service ever since I was a little girl,” Oates said. “My parents always instilled the belief in me to give back to communities that have given so much to you, and that’s always simply what I’ve loved to do.”
After graduation, Oates plans to attend law school and hopes to become an attorney. Aside from her passion for service, her favorite movie, Legally Blonde, initially prompted that dream as a child.
Sample-Oates emphasized her daughter’s love for SU, saying she immediately knew it was the place for her after stepping onto campus. Even though they visited during a snowstorm, something about the campus made it feel like home to Oates.
“I know that when I leave this earth or when she gets out of college, she’s going to be okay. She’s going to be able to take care of herself,” Sample-Oates said. “She’s going to be able to change some things in this world, and she doesn’t need us to do it. She’s listened, she’s learned and now she’s ready to go off and change this world.”
dsrangel@syr.edu
Families for Lead Freedom Now called for a state of emergency in Syracuse after a report found inaccurate water testing. duncan green news editor
The U.S. DOJ is suing New York officials over immigration policies that obstruct Trump’s deportation agenda, particularly the Green Light Law. francis tang the daily orange photo
CULTURE
BEST DAY EVER
Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob, visited his hometown of Syracuse on Tuesday for a Q&A at SU
A vintage comic book enthusiast, Tom Kenny sorts through comic book archives at Syracuse University’s Bird Library. On Tuesday, Kenny visited SU students and discussed his rise to success and creative entrepreneurship in a panel and Q & A. lars jendruschewitz senior staff photographer
Story by Ben Butler culture editor
Ilustrations by Hannah Mesa design editor
Even as a 6-year-old growing up in East Syracuse, Tom Kenny dreamed of being a “voice-over god.” He worked stand-up and wrote sketch comedy for years, but didn’t perform his first voice-over until he was 30.
“You start to wonder if you’re delusional or crazy, maybe I just suck at this,” Kenny said. “Whatever you want to do in life will kick you in the nards occasionally, and you gotta pick yourself up.”
On Tuesday, Kenny visited Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management with Paul Kozlowski, a fellow comedian and artist. The two held a panel discussion and Q&A with moderator Oscar Arce, manager of Kenny’s band, Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas.
Kenny performed his first paid comedy set at Jabberwocky as an SU student in 1979. Jabberwocky closed in 1985 and became Kimmel Hall. Kenny returns as Kimmel is being torn down for new student housing.
Kenny’s a lot like Spongebob. He’s jittery, holding a travel mug of coffee, which Arce had to take away from him during the panel discussion. He’s also childlike, always joking and grinning in front of the crowd.
Kozlowski recalled meeting Kenny in the 1980s outside a comedy club in Boston, where they were both doing stand-up. Kenny was wearing a sailing hat and a coat down to his feet as he ran up and down the street. Kenny joked that usually, if you see a guy like this, you’d cross the street.
As central New York natives, the “machismo” in Boston’s comedy scene made the pair feel like “outsiders.”
So they formed a comedy trio with another friend and began working together.
Eventually, Kozlowski created the now-closed FAKE gallery in Los Angeles and the AKE gallery in Cortland, New York. Kenny also pursued his career in the LA comedy scene through Mr. Show with Bob Odenkirk and David Cross, and Rocko’s Modern Life — where he met Rocko’s creative
director Steven Hillenberg, who went on to create “SpongeBob SquarePants.”
Kenny mentally goes back in time to the late ‘90s, when a Nickelodeon executive claimed SpongeBob SquarePants would never succeed as a series. Initially, Hillenberg had to “put the show on the line” to have Kenny play the character, Kenny said. Nickelodeon wanted a screen star, like Fred Savage, instead.
Kenny thought Hillenberg did it so Kenny would land the job, but Hillenberg told Kenny it was a selfish decision — he couldn’t envision the character being voiced by anyone else.
“There’s a perceived value on the part of the business in having a recognizable face do it,” Kenny said. “So sometimes you lose out, but sometimes ability actually matters.”
Those words were a comfort to Abigail Shim, an SU sophomore studio arts major. Shim’s end goal is to make a living off her art, whether in character design or another field, and hearing see kenny page 11
Barner-McDuffie House celebrates BHM with artist exhibit
By Spencer Howard asst. culture editor
A “frequent flyer” at the BarnerMcDuffie House, Ilana Robbins has enjoyed the house since her mother’s best friend helped establish it. Last week, Robbins’ art — much of which is inspired by her mother — was on display there.
“She’s always there to support me, always there with me,” Robbins said. “As I go through the pains of growing up, she’s always been there as a backbone.”
The Barner-McDuffie House hosted a student artist exhibit from Feb. 3-7 to celebrate Black History Month. The exhibit featured artists Robbins, Soup Russell, Chelsea Reeves and Mia Morgan, who each brought a personal form of artistry to the display.
Nike sneakers glossed with acrylic paint, vivid ceramic ware, film photography and a photograph of freestanding, Medusa-like braids were just some of the works that showcased Black students’ identities on Syracuse University’s campus.
“(The exhibit) highlighted that Blackness isn’t a monolith and that Blackness isn’t associated with struggle, which a lot of outside groups think of the entire Black experience,” Reeves said.
Robbins based her display on the concept of heritage. Through mixed media like oil paint, charcoal on paper, alcohol markers and acrylic paint, she told a story about her own history as an artist, a journey Robbins said she takes great pride in.
As a chemical engineering major, Robbins rarely gets to show off her artistic side. She said the exhibit was
a chance for her to express this side of herself, while also promoting her small business of making customized Greek paddles.
In Reeves’ portion of the exhibition, she highlights themes of Black expression, women empowerment and Black resilience. With photography, she aims to combat misguided generalizations often made about the Black community. She gained inspiration from her perspective and the lens through which she views the world.
“I just like capturing things that I see with my personal eye and would
like other people to see in some way,” Reeves said. “I think just being your own inspiration, going out there and finding things that resonate with you will bring you far.”
To capture her photos, Reeves used a variety of photography techniques and mediums. She shot some of the photos on film camera, either black and white or in color, and others on a digital camera. She used minimal posing in her work, in an effort to capture the candid essence of her subjects.
Eat Local New York reviews local restaurants
By Irene Lekakis asst. culture editor
Last October, Syracuse local Anthony Tringale posted a video reviewing the house-made Big Milanese Sub at Capone’s Italian Eatery in Rochester. In the weeks after, customers swarmed outside the door, eager to get a taste.
In the year and half since they opened, Capone’s had never seen so much business.
“Once he posted the video it was like, ‘What the f*ck?’” Brian Dezio, Capone’s owner, said. “People were lining up outside, it was flooded in here.”
Eat Local New York began as a marketing company owned by Tringale’s father that promoted restaurants across New York state. Tringale created his Instagram account, @eatlocalnewyork, eight years ago. What started off as an account posting “sh*tty” photos of food has now evolved into his full-time career, Tringale said.
Since his start on social media, he’s gained nearly 63,000 followers on Instagram and almost 30,000 on TikTok. Tringale also hosts the Eat Local NY podcast and works as a social media manager for some of the restaurants he’s reviewed. Last month, Tringale featured Kelsey Ball on the podcast. Ball is the owner of the recently rebranded Kelsey’s Coffee and Friends in Syracuse, formerly known as Peaks Coffee Company.
Tringale’s work doesn’t end when the camera turns off. He also runs Capone’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
After filming his first review for Capone’s, he returned four or five times to try more menu items. Now, Tringale comes in every few weeks to film videos, elevating them from 1,200 Instagram followers to over 9,000.
Tringale pivoted his content to food review videos two years ago, and, since gaining popularity, restaurants in the upstate NY area have requested reviews from him. He keeps track of the ones that reach out to him.
Many smaller restaurants can’t afford larger influencers with millions of followers to advertise for them, Tringale said. By reviewing their food and sharing it with his followers, he gives the restaurants exposure at a lower cost.
“I’m not an attractive person on camera eating. I’m an overweight white guy with a beard in my late thirties,” Tringale said. “I’m a normal person going out there, and at the core, I’m trying to promote these local businesses.”
The relationship Tringale builds with restaurants in the area is reciprocal. He reviews their signature dishes, and while he brings them customers, Tringale garners his audience’s trust.
His audience is a mixed bag, though. Triangle’s social media presence sometimes attracts internet trolls. Tringale said one of the best and worst things about social media is that it gives
anthony tringale’s Instagram page, @eatlocalnewyork, has evolved into his career, amassing nearly 63,000 followers. alexander zhiltsov staff photographer
everyone a voice — even those who have hateful things to say.
“There’s nothing like being home at 5:30, playing with my 2-year-old and my wife and then getting a notification on my phone of a comment saying ‘You suck. I hope you die,’” Tringale said.
Despite the hate, Tringale said there’s also a lot of positivity on the internet that balances it out.
Patrick Roache, owner of Pat’s Pigs in Rochester, once commented on one of Tringale’s posts that he had to buy additional kitchen equipment to handle the demand of orders after he posted his review.
“Hearing those stories from restaurant owners makes up for the sh*tty comments,” Tringale said.
Dezio also praised Tringale for his work, referring to him as a “godsend.” After Tringale’s first video on Capone’s, Dezio said his business “quadrupled.”
Dezio originally reached out to Tringale because of his personable content and respect for the honesty in his reviews. Tringale said he would put him on the list, and not long after, he came into the restaurant and filmed a review.
Tringale’s videos have a ripple effect, Dezio said. After Tringale’s initial post about the restaurant, viewers told their friends and family. Before he knew it, Dezio was working in the restaurant from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. to keep up with orders.
Dezio said the attention has also enticed other local influencers, like Bill Vinci of The Empire Plate, to try Capone’s.
Social media has also functioned as an outlet for Tringale to collaborate with restaurants. Mado Abdel, the owner of The Deli @ 700 and The Deli On
Valley, saw Tringale following him on Instagram and wanted to collaborate.
Tringale reviewed both restaurants’ food about two weeks ago, trying three items from their large selection of pizza, burgers, quesadillas and more. He reviewed their chicken wings, chopped cheese, and “heart attack sub” — a sandwich filled with chicken cutlets, marinara sauce, mozzarella sticks, onion rings and cheese.
After the visit, many of Tringale’s followers visited the deli. At their new location, The Deli On Valley, Abdel said the staff was thrilled, as exposure is beyond valuable for new businesses.
“We’re gonna put out food from our hearts, because it’s our name that stands behind it and (Tringale) reviewing our local businesses definitely helps us out,” Abdel said.
Abdel and Dezio agreed that the future of restaurant marketing and food reviews is social media. Food influencers and bloggers, like Tringale, now have more power than traditional food critics over the restaurant industry.
Abdel is planning to expand to social media now that the deli’s two locations have settled down. Tringale also wants to take a different approach with his social media. He plans to introduce other food reviewers to the channels, expanding the range of perspectives his followers gain by watching his content.
“You won’t see (Tringale) at Olive Garden, you won’t see him at Cheesecake Factory,” Dezio said. “You’re gonna see him at local moms and pops. The businesses that matter to small towns.”
iclekaki@syr.edu
Kelsey’s Coffee rebrands into local ‘third space’
By Naomi Campbell inclusive journalism fellow
Through the glass windows overlooking East Genesee Street, Kelsey Ball invites customers both new and old into her newly-rebranded coffee shop for a journey into coffee culture and community connections.
Ball is the owner of Kelsey’s Coffee and Friends, formerly known as Peaks Coffee Company. She reintroduced the Syracuse community to the shop in January.
“I really fell in love with the community aspect of coffee,” Ball said. “Getting to be a tiny part of somebody’s day everyday felt really special to me.”
The rebrand is a shift from a traditional comeand-go coffee shop to a “third space,” not just for coffee lovers, but for strangers and friends to come together, interact and build community, Lottie Caiella, an illustration graduate student at Syracuse University, said.
The process didn’t happen overnight. After separating from her business and romantic partner, Ball sought to change the identity of the brand. While her former partner is still roasting coffee under the Peaks name, Ball is maintaining ownership of the cafe shop and has rebranded it as her own.
“Now, it has turned into a new beginning for me, which has been really beautiful and special,” Ball said.
Ball first opened the coffee shop 10 years ago after graduating from high school. She used to struggle with panic attacks and found that coffee shops became a form of exposure therapy for her while working through her agoraphobia.
“You can approach a coffee shop with any intention,” Ball said. “You can go in to just simply get a cup of coffee or you can go in and choose to engage with a stranger or barista. It was, at one point in my life, a very safe space for me.”
Ball said attention to community is of utmost importance to the coffee shop’s staff. Over the years, the staff at Kelsey’s has watched regular
CONCERTS THIS WEEKEND
Dave Matthews Tribute Band
Looking for some jam band tunes on Valentine’s Day? Look no further than the Dave Matthews Tribute Band. The band’s fans will enjoy reminiscing on 2000s music with this live tribute, and those unfamiliar can get to know the classic group.
WHEN : Sunday, Sept. 18 at 1 p.m.
WHERE: Middle Ages Brewing Company PRICE: $30
patrons go on to have children and then bring them in for a visit.
Ball pours her energy into creating a space that serves more than coffee — she aims to provide a welcoming experience for customers, too. Her staff contribute to the friendly atmosphere. Training goes beyond how to make a breakfast burrito, as genuine customer service is essential for Kelsey’s employees, barista Tayah Payne said.
“I think the piece for me that is most important in Kelsey’s, I always just loved people,” Ball said. “A lot of places have good coffee, but not a lot of places have great customer service. People like the coffee, but love the space and love us.”
Payne used to be a regular at Peaks. Ball and Payne met when Payne was a cashier at another eatery in Syracuse, and Payne told Ball that she wanted to work for her one day. Now, working at Kelsey’s is like a home away from home for Payne. She even calls Ball the “mayor” in town because she’s friends with everyone.
The baristas make sure to pay close attention to each step of the process when handcrafting customers’ orders.
“It’s intimate in a way, to share food with somebody, to make food for somebody,” Payne said. “There’s a reason that people are emotionally connected to their grandmother’s cooking. It’s just such an ancient thing for people to share.”
Customer loyalty also contributes to the business’s success. Amy Zubieta, a local yoga instructor, teacher, actor and singer, has been coming to the shop for several years. Since the first time she stopped by, it’s been her coffee shop of choice whenever she needs a caffeine fix or a place to get some work done.
“Kelsey is here all of the time. It is her business, but as a team, she really instills that kind of homey atmosphere,” Zubieta said. “So when I heard that it was going to be rebranded with her name, it just seems so perfect.”
The rebrand isn’t just about coffee; it’s about the customer experience. Ball credits her team of designers for their hand in the redesign process, including Caiella. Sketches of Kelsey now decorate the cups that go to customers’ hands.
Caiella first met Ball 10 years ago when the two were baristas at a Fayetteville Starbucks. She also made the first brand design for Peaks, which was infused with cool tones and nature scenes.
Caiella credits Hannah Petrera, the interior designer for Kelsey’s, for the shift from cool, dark green colors to warmer shades in the shop’s interior. The decor change helped create a comfortable environment that feels like lounging in someone’s living room, Caiella said. Ball didn’t want to change things up too much to the point where customers didn’t resonate with it, she said.
“We took the opportunity to build something that we felt reflected (Kelsey’s) personal evolution and who she is now, which is someone who is not going to hide behind anything and be a proud woman-owning business person,” Caiella said.
Kelsey’s Instagram bio now states it’s “proudly woman-owned.”
“I often come with my daughter, and whether she picks up on it or not, it’s such a great example of ‘Hey, if you want to do this, you can,’ and they are all so cool,” Zubieta said.
To add more flair to the rebrand, Ball has also incorporated new merchandise for customers to explore. Shelves of items ranging from coffee bean blends to handiwork from local artists line the shelves leading to the register.
Ultimately, the atmosphere the staff has cultivated is what makes people return to the shop. After just their second visit, the staff considers returning customers as regulars.
“If you want coffee just for convenience, you’re going to go to a gas station, you’re going to go to Dunkin’ Donuts. But if you want good coffee, to have a conversation, you come here,” Payne said. ncampb03@syr.edu
If you’re looking for somewhere to take your Valentine, student venue Dazed is always an option. Sofía Violet and PROM will be performing, and zines, stickers and prints made by @adamdjart will be available.
WHEN : Doors at 10 p.m., show at 10:30 p.m.
WHERE: DM @dazed on Instagram for address
PRICE: $7 presale, $10 at door
New World Symphony
Witness renowned contemporary violinist Leila Josefowicz perform a concerto by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Adams. The program will also include Aaron Copland’s “El Salón México” and Antonín Dvorák’s “New World Symphony.” Buy tickets here. Pay What You Can shuttles to the show are available from Camillus, Liverpool and DeWitt.
WHEN : Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Oncenter, Crouse Hinds Theater PRICE: $24-$80
Fleshwater
Rock out with Boston-based band Fleshwater at the Syracuse stop of their U.S. tour. The band focuses on blending multiple rock genres like alternative metal and soft grunge, sounds featured on their album and two EPs.
WHEN : Saturday at 7 p.m.
WHERE: The Westcott Theater PRICE: $22
Escape to Skaneateles this weekend and enjoy an unplugged performance by local rising singer-songwriter, Sydney Irving. Irving performs various country genres, while diving into alternative and pop rhythms.
WHEN : Sunday at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Skaneateles Brewery PRICE: Free Sydney Irving
Valentine’s Dazed
Kenny’s story gave her perspective on the struggles of working in creative industries.
“It was nice to hear someone who has a lot of experience in the entertainment industry talk about struggling and the hardships of getting into the industry,” Shim said. “It lets you know that you can do it, too.”
Sonia Issa, an SU graduate student, feels that a critical part of the Spongebob character is his optimism. Though, the older she gets, Squidward’s snarky attitude and disillusionment seems “so real.”
When Issa asked what SpongeBob would do if he were “dropped in the middle of Syracuse” and had to face actual adversity, Kenny joked that Syracuse isn’t the place for Spongebob. He noted that pessimism is easier than optimism, especially with the current political climate.
It was nice to hear someone who has a lot of experience in the entertainment industry talk about struggling. It lets you know that you can do it, too.
Abigail Shim su sophomore
“Bleakness is always hammering at you. It’s everywhere,” Kenny said.
But Kenny acknowledged that even Spongebob sometimes got somber — his trademark “I’m ready” becomes slumped and disheartened, but never stops. That tenacity has played a positive role in Kenny’s life. Just as he plays the character, the character plays him and benefits his outlook on life.
Voice actors like Kenny and Hank Azaria, who voices more than 100 characters on “The Simpsons,” face the risk of artificial intelligence replacing them. In a recent op-ed to the New York Times, Azaria said he doubted AI would ever replace voice actors, as “bodies and souls are involved to get the proper believability.”
When Shim asked Kenny about AI replacing artists in animation and other fields of art, he admitted he had some fears. But new technology has always threatened animation, and animation has survived through “passion and grit.” Kenny used the advent of computer generated animation as an example.
Kenny’s creative journey hasn’t been consistent. From his first stand-up show to his hundreds of other roles in voice acting, Kenny adapted to new roles and changed industry standards. But that’s fueled him, and he’s figured out new things and roles “on the fly.”
“Then you feel good when you figured it out and nobody died,” Kenny joked. “That’s what excites me. The skydiving continues.”
bnbutler@syr.edu
One piece from Reeves’ collection is a photograph taken at the Spike Lee block party that happened in Brooklyn over the summer. The photo captures a young man “double dutching” in the street, despite the unexpected downpour during the celebration. Reeves said the photo represents the energy of the community at the event.
“That was just an example of people existing and being comfortable in their skin, being comfortable as their unique selves as Black individuals in society,” Reeves said.
Morgan took a different approach with nature and antiquity as the focus of her collection. She displayed a colorful collection of ceramic wares.
Through pieces like an owl or a flower pot decorated with pink petals, Morgan evoked her theme’s imagery. She used clay sculpting and carving techniques like hand building, sgraffito and incising to produce the desired textures and looks on the pieces.
One piece in particular drew inspiration from Salvador Dalí’s famed melting clocks in his work, “The Persistence of Memory.” Morgan intended to create a melting smiley face but altered the final product when the ceramic cracked.
Despite these setbacks, Morgan is thankful for the Barner-McDuffie House and Russell, who guided and mentored her throughout the process. Russell helped put together the exhibit and served as a friend and welcoming presence to Morgan, who was new to the house.
Russell’s pieces, displayed as prints, include a series of garments made from a thrifted shower curtain, with each piece going through a process of deconstruction and reconstruction before the completed final product. They said the work is a commentary on sustainability and identity integrated into our reuse practices.
One piece that Russell feels particularly connected to is an adjustable vest that allows the wearer to tighten or loosen the fit. This adaptability helped affirm their identity as a non-binary individual, Russell said.
Russell wants people to realize the agency they hold in their clothing choices. Members of minority groups, like people who have disabilities, are overweight and/or in the LGBTQ+ community, are limited by the clothing available to them, Russell said.
“Growing up, sustainability was something that became a necessity for me,” Russell said. “I wanted to see what a world, where reusing clothing and creating fashion that fits my identity as a queer individual, could mean for others.”
Robbins is thankful for the space the BarnerMcDuffie House provides for the Black community on SU’s campus. The diverse range of experiences brought in by its members help to promote Black culture and emphasize its presence on campus, she said.
Morgan said the organization invests in artists of color and hopes her work can inspire others to find similar experiences through expression. Likewise, Robbins hopes other students of color can feel the Barner-McDuffie House to be as safe a space she does.
“If you are feeling lonely as a Black person, if you feel isolated on campus, it’s a place where you can find community,” Robbins said. sphoward@syr.edu
andrew berkman cartoonist
julia english cartoonist
SU students showcased their handmade artwork of various mediums in the BarnerMcDuffie House’s exhibit. ella chan asst. photo editor
Tim Rudd’s senseless rampage requires his accountability
By Sarhia Rahim columnist
There is already extensive coverage and discussion about Tim Rudd, the former budget director for the city of Syracuse. As a resident Black woman aiming to enter local politics here, I intend to speak directly to the community and mayoral candidates. I don’t intend to debate or engage in a counterargument.
To put it plainly, there was nothing necessary about using phrases rooted in colonialism when addressing Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens, a Black woman.
Events of the past few weeks have escalated quickly, starting with allegations surrounding Advanced IT and Ernst & Young. The whistleblower complaint alleges that Advanced IT was given close to one million dollars, but without a work assignment from the city. The allegations claim EY was conducting the actual work and that Advanced IT realized they were being used as a pass through to secure the city’s business.
The focus should have remained on transparency regarding how government funds are spent and why the current administration did not take action when first hearing of the accusations.
Instead, the public witnessed it veer into attacks and unjust comments toward others, including a particularly racist rampage against Owens.
Rudd’s remarks are not what Syracuse needs from a potential leader. His comments labeled the Deputy Mayor a “slave breaker,” referencing the act of breaking the will of enslaved people, despite being part of addressing how he intended to win over Black voters.
Rudd made similar comments about Mayor Ben Walsh, stating that he and Walsh are both alumni of the “Willie Lynch School of Public Policy,” a term stemming from divisive methods used to control enslaved people.
Rudd didn’t solely insult his peers, but the voting base as a whole, implying that Black voters like myself don’t have autonomy in the voting process; thus, equating us to slaves within his narrative.
I ask for accountability from the city, including Rudd. The whistleblower sent in the complaint three months ago. During that time, Rudd still held his position as the city’s budget director and information showing misuse of funds would have come to his attention before he was placed on paid leave on Jan. 31, as his job required him to flag suspicious transactions.
Rudd, as budget director, was in a position to catch this before it became a scandal. If he did raise concerns internally, the lack of further action is beyond frustrating. His failure to act rings ironic as he accuses the city of a lack of commitment to transparency. Both Owens and Rudd are opponents for the next mayor of Syracuse, and his pointed targeting reflects similar recent comments thrown at Vice President Kamala Harris during her presidential campaign.
Rather than fostering conversations on accountability within our local government and valid concerns from Rudd on financial transparency, he used his platform and voice to target Owens.
This kind of political deflection is nothing new, but it should never become the norm. There’s no place for unregulated accusations or dangerous rhetoric in media or politics, yet we’ve seen an overwhelming number of articles amplifying Rudd’s attacks while failing to fully address the harm caused when a government official uses racist remarks.
Parallel to this, there’s been no press release from the city condemning these statements or from other mayoral candidates such as Pat Hogan, who has worked in city hall since the start of Owens’s term.
Their silence speaks volumes. If this is how our next mayoral election is beginning, with allowing racist rhetoric to overshadow relevant conversations on government accountability, then it’s on us, as a community, to demand better.
Sarhia Rahim is a senior policy studies major. Her column appears bi-weekly. She can be reached at slrahim@syr.edu.
Stephanie Wright
Aiden Stepansky
column
Mayoral candidate and former budget director for current Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, Tim Rudd, made racist remarks against Sharon Owens, Walsh’s deputy mayor and another mayoral candidate. Our columnist says this behavior can’t become the norm. meghan hendricks senior staff photographer
They were paired together in the same hotel room on every road trip, which they said brought them closest together. McCool got a behind-the-scenes look at how a top-flight goalie prepares for games through film study and a consistent pregame routine.
“I always looked forward to road trips, because I was staying with Jimmy,” Mark said.
McCool was also always the first person to talk with Mark after each game. The two would talk about how Mark felt, what opponents did well to beat him and what types of saves were working for him. Mark said that McCool held significant expertise and valued the youngster’s input when analyzing an opponent.
McCool’s parents, Tricia and Steve McCool, feel Mark was, and still is, the ideal role model for their son. They said Mark eased him into SU’s high-pressure environment and gave McCool the tools to let his talent speak for itself.
“He was a true mentor to him. I can’t say if it was any other goalie if Jimmy would have been as mentally and physically prepared if it wasn’t for Will,” Tricia said of Mark. “I think that may have been Jimmy’s first experience with a goalie like that, who really brought out the best in him.”
By 2024, his first year on the active roster, McCool was the second-string goalie. Mark felt McCool lurking in his shadow and said he had to prove his worth daily. But there was no bad blood between the two. Instead, Mark saw his role as a supporter and not someone who had to boss his teammate around; McCool didn’t need to be taught how to make a save, Mark said.
Mark often modeled his training regimen around McCool’s and vice versa. When Mark realized McCool liked to take shots after practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays, he joined. When McCool learned of Mark’s habit of arriving at the team facility before anyone else, he tagged along. It wasn’t to try and one-up each other. It was simply iron sharpening iron.
“As a goalie myself, when you don’t have someone behind you pushing every day, it’s easy to take a day off,” Acquaviva said. “I think (Jimmy) was able to jump in with Will right away because of how their relationship was so close.”
Developing the right stance was one of the largest pieces of advice Mark gave McCool. Mark felt the two possessed similar play styles,
every day. It’s a simple mantra often repeated in sports. But how can a scientist mix the same chemicals and expect a different concoction? This year, with fresh recruits and budding stars, Treanor’s used a different formula.
The Orange lost two-thirds of their starting lineup from a season ago. Due to the extended year of eligibility for COVID-19, Syracuse graduated two full classes last season. While multiple players now play professionally, some transferred out and others are coaches, which allowed for a program refresh.
SU currently rosters 10 freshmen. Lexi Reber and Mileena Cotter cracked the starting lineup against UAlbany, while Cotter, Caroline Trinkaus and Molly Guzik combined for nine points. One of the Orange’s biggest game-changers is midfielder Alexa Vogelman, who missed her entire freshman year with a torn ACL.
With new pieces, Syracuse quickly established a new identity. A fast-paced transition domination with speedy midfielders like Vogelman allowed the Orange to cruise past UAlbany. It’s a style Treanor said they wanted to play. Adamson sees it as possibly the key to unlocking SU’s next level.
“I think this is one of the most athletic teams I’ve ever been on,” Adamson said. “The coaches have done a really great job of just pushing us really hard the entire preseason. That’s been that next step that we need to get to a National Championship.”
Even with a fresh pedigree of talent, Syracuse swiftly meshed against the Great Danes. Powered by veteran stars Adamson and Emma Ward, the Orange dominated, opening with a 6-0 run and adding a 10-0 stretch in 21 minutes between the second and third quarters. The 12-goal win was the Orange’s 19th by doubledigits since Treanor took over.
While Syracuse will likely continue to beat up poor competition, it’s the daunting schedule Treanor creates each year that she hopes will prepare the Orange for May.
SU faced nine ranked teams in the 2024 regular season, going 5-4. It began the year with a gauntlet playing three top-20 teams. The experience quickly shined through when the Orange trailed Notre Dame in their fourth game. In the season opener against then-No. 1 Northwestern, a comeback effort fell short. When it was in a similar spot against the then-No. 2 Fighting Irish, Syracuse mounted a comeback.
complementing McCool’s rapid hand speed and 6-foot-2, 213-pound frame that takes up the whole net. But he noticed McCool’s stance wasn’t consistent, often becoming unbalanced as an attack worked the ball around.
Mark worked with McCool on becoming a more patient goalie. He said McCool must be in a body position to perform any save at any second. He thinks McCool progressively grew less anxious in the cage, and his “special” combo of size and speed allowed him to start stepping up from his box to aggressively play the ball.
When Odierna first saw McCool at SU, he reminded him of his former Manhattan goalie Brendan Krebs — a bigger lefty who’s relaxed between the pipes — and knew he’d fit into his defensive philosophy. Odierna most wanted McCool to emulate Mark’s heightened communication.
Mark orchestrated Syracuse’s defense last season. The responsibility now lies with McCool, who Odierna said gives his defenders constant feedback and understands how to direct the back end’s formations.
Odierna and Acquaviva said the transition from Mark to McCool was seamless. It helps, they said, when you have a shot-blocking specialist like McCool. They praised McCool’s greatest skill: his ability to swiftly change position and settle into his optimal saving spot. It wasn’t revealed what type of saves McCool prefers the most, but his coaches are abundantly confident in the goalie’s shot-stopping range.
“We feel good about a certain area,” Acquaviva said. “When you’re not feeling very comfortable with your goalie, then we feel like you can’t give up any shots.”
Acquaviva’s words were a reality for Syracuse last May in the first round of the 2024 ACC Tournament. No. 2 seed SU faced a heavyweight battle against No. 3 seed Duke. But it was never close. The Blue Devils’ ferocious attack bludgeoned Mark in the Orange’s loss.
Duke led Syracuse 8-2 after the first 12 minutes and 20 seconds. Mark faced nine shots and stopped just one of them. Gait benched Mark before the second quarter began.
While Mark experienced his so-called lowest moment as a lacrosse player, McCool took the field. Acquaviva said Mark could’ve resorted to slamming his stick on the ground and pouting on the bench. But, for all the time McCool spent on
the sideline watching Mark, he knew he needed to help.
Mark’s mind went from “get me out of here” to giving McCool reads on the Blue Devils’ offense and tips for what on-the-fly adjustments he had to make.
“It never felt like he was mad at me for any reason, which is good, because I know it’s definitely an uncomfortable situation for him,” McCool said of Mark.
McCool’s first appearance in the national spotlight became one of his worst performances, he said. McCool totaled a .375 save rate. His positioning was off. His eyes lagged behind Duke’s ball movement. Nothing clicked.
McCool and Mark talked about it back in their hotel room. Mark said he easily could’ve sat in silence. After Mark vented his frustrations
to McCool, he urged the younger goalie to move past his own disappointing performance.
In their worst moments, the two leaned on each other to move on from it. McCool said working through that night’s difficulties alongside Mark made him a better player in the long run.
“I can learn from it and say, ‘I have that experience against a big-time team like that,’” McCool said of the Duke game. “And I just have to go out and prove that I’m better than I was in that situation. I have a lot more to show than that one game I played in there.”
Three games into 2025, that night in May is ancient history for McCool. He’s currently among the NCAA’s top statistical goalies, which Mark could’ve predicted at first glance. ccandrew@syr.edu @cooper_andrews
Treanor credited the experience for that win and the schedule overall for success deep into the season.
“We definitely play the toughest schedule in the country and that is by design,” Treanor said in mid-March of last season. “Our ultimate goal is to win a National Championship, and I’m not sure how you do that if you’re not playing the best teams.”
The strategy, though, didn’t work in the end, as the Orange fell to BC in the Final Four despite its clear preparedness. After SU’s dominant win over UAlbany to start 2025, Adamson repeated Treanor’s previous ideas. She said Treanor “sets us up right,” allowing Syracuse to prove it belongs. This season, the Orange will play 10 teams who made the NCAA Tournament in 2024 and 11 in the Inside Lacrosse Preseason Top-20 Poll.
Tuesday, Treanor emphasized her confidence in her team drives the scheduling process, enabling new systems — such as a fastpaced style — to be tested against the best teams.
“It shows a lot of belief that I have in the team, and knowing that I think we can win,” Treanor said.
Also included in the schedule are bouts with teams ranked above Syracuse: BC, Northwestern and North Carolina. The experience of falling to the Eagles still sits with SU’s returners. Sophomore defender Kaci Benoit, who’s now in a more prominent role after the departure of three starters, said it was a great experience, but it makes her even hungrier for the next step.
The standard also appeals to newcomers. Reber said the Orange’s continued trips to the Final Four appealed to her when choosing her school. Now, it’s become an expectation.
The late-season shortcomings aren’t all on Treanor. In the 24 seasons prior to her taking the mantle, Syracuse lost in the Final Four five times and the National Championship three times. If anything, Treanor’s brought an added layer of consistency to the program’s deep postseason runs. But that only creates higher stakes as the years go on.
Despite the departures of leading scorers Izzy Scane and Erin Coykendall, Northwestern clearly isn’t going anywhere anytime soon with Tewaaraton favorite Madison Taylor. BC returns much of its National Championship-winning group, with Shea Dolce still in net and Rachel Clark, McKenna Davis and Emma LoPinto leading its attack.
Even North Carolina, which had a down year last season, has exploded onto the scene in 2025 with Ashley and Chloe Humphrey leading it to a 2-0 start with a goal margin of 37-3.
Reaching the Final Four is always a great accomplishment that garners continued national prominence. But after becoming a massive hurdle for the Orange in recent years, they must flip the switch in 2025 to finally clear the barrier. If not, Syracuse might simply never get the job done, continuously crumbling on the biggest stages for the foreseeable future.
After accumulating a .765 win percentage across Kayla Treanor’s first three years, Syracuse’s 2025 is a championship-or-bust season. The Orange are coming off back-to-back Final Four appearances. leonardo eriman asst. video editor
jimmy mccool was the No. 20 overall class of 2022 prospect. The five-star goalie is now in his first year as Syracuse’s starter. jacob halsema staff photographer
men’s basketball
Gallagher Driscoll’s storied career returns to Bishop Ludden
By Kevin Lu staff writer
Bishop Luddens’ boys’ basketball team needed someone to take charge as its head coach. Head coach Pat Donnelly was sidelined due to prostate cancer surgery, while assistant coach Len Rauch was hospitalized because of heart issues.
So, Athletic Director Gallagher Driscoll — a former Bishop Ludden star — stepped up. Drawing on 20 years of coaching experience, he led the Gaelic Knights to a 54-52 win over Christian Brothers Academy on Feb. 14, 2016.
“I just told them what was at stake, and we needed to perform,” Driscoll said. “While we’re not professionals, we maintain a professional mindset, ensuring we put ourselves in a position to win, and then we move forward from there.”
Donnelly re-claimed his role following the game, but the Greater Syracuse Hall of Fame member approached Driscoll to become his successor while considering retirement after the season. When Donnelly retired, Driscoll was tabbed to lead his alma mater ahead of the 201819 campaign.
Driscoll is now in his seventh season at the helm, leading Bishop Ludden to a 15-3 record in the latest stop of his storied basketball career. Before coaching at Bishop Ludden, Driscoll’s career started by leading the Gaelic Knights to three sectional championships before graduating in 1988. Driscoll then carried his high-school success to The College of Saint Rose.
There, he turned the program into a Division II powerhouse, leading it to two NAIA District 31 Championships and one National Catholic Basketball Championship. He also
men’s lacrosse
set school records in assists (878) and steals (359). This led to his coaching career, where Driscoll made stops at West Genesee High School (1992-95), Le Moyne (1995-97, 200511), UAlbany (1997-2000, 2002-05), Henninger High School (2014-16) and Onondaga Community College (2016-18).
Growing up in Syracuse, Driscoll’s passion for basketball was ignited by his father. With Burnet Park and the Hamilton Street Boys & Girls Club just around the corner, he honed his basketball skills alongside his siblings.
This sparked his stardom as Bishop Ludden’s point guard, thriving alongside Rauch. Saint Rose’s then-head coach, Brian Beaury, was trying to recruit Rauch when they were seniors in high school but quickly turned his attention to Driscoll. Despite blundering his recruiting pitch to Driscoll’s mother, Beaury landed his commitment.
“I called her ‘Mrs. Gallagher’ for two hours,” Beaury, now an assistant on Gerry McNamara’s Siena men’s basketball staff, said of his pitch. “I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I messed this up.’ I needed a player I could trust to lead our team, and that was Gallagher.”
Driscoll was exactly that, leading to his induction into Saint Rose’s Hall of Fame in 2007. Beaury said Driscoll had elite knowledge and became a second coach on the floor. Even at 17, Beaury said Driscoll already had a coaching mindset, and he never needed to coach him.
“Gallagher is the best passer I’ve ever played with. He had the field vision of a Tom Brady,” said Beaury, who held the program’s all-time assist record before Driscoll surpassed him.
From Beaury’s perspective, Driscoll’s path toward coaching seemed natural. Driscoll first con-
sidered coaching during his final college years and got his first job after graduating from Saint Rose.
In 1992, he returned to Syracuse as the junior varsity coach at West Genesee, working under his former high school coach Jerry Wilcox. Since then, Driscoll has remained deeply involved in Syracuse’s basketball scene over the past three decades.
Gallagher
is the best passer I’ve ever played with. He had the field vision of a Tom Brady.
Brian Beaury
Driscoll said his journey from player to coach significantly influenced his coaching philosophy. He adopted concise preparation techniques from Beaury, which impressed former Henninger and OCC head coach Erik Saroney. As a result, Saroney persuaded Driscoll to become a coach at Henninger in 2014 after Driscoll had taken a three-year break from basketball.
“(Driscoll’s) breakdown of our opponents and his scouting is second-to-none, and not just second-to-none within our staff. I’m talking second to none within the country,” Saroney said. “He gives a 20-minute dissertation on everything (opponents) do. The players, names, numbers, tendencies, left hand, right hand … just off the top of his head. He would recall a play that they ran in another school 15 years ago.”
Following two seasons at Henninger, Driscoll followed Saroney to OCC for the 201617 season. There, Driscoll contributed to the Lakers’ 28-5 record while helping maintain their top-10 national ranking. OCC eventually became the NJCAA Region III runner-up after losing 65-55 to Herkimer County Community College in the final.
“I took a lot of accidental things from him. He helped me grow as a coach and helped us win a lot of games with his X’s and O’s,” Saroney said.
Driscoll then became Bishop Ludden’s athletic director before replacing Donnelly as the boys’ basketball head coach. Despite early success, which included an 18-6 2019-20 campaign, the Gaelic Knights won 16 games from 2020-23. In 2023-24, Driscoll led a resurgent season, as Bishop Ludden went 13-7.
Now, with increased depth and star power, Bishop Ludden has emerged as one of the premiere teams in its division. Behind the scenes, it was Driscoll who learned from previous losses and brought the team back.
“We set small goals,” Driscoll said. “So our biggest thing right now (is to) win the league and see where we end up in the sectionals. Be very competitive. Hopefully we can take it from there and have some success.”
The season has been full-circle for Driscoll. Bishop Ludden is where his storied basketball career began. Now, nearly 40 years later, he’s writing another impressive chapter to an illustrious book as the program’s head coach.
“I think I put a lot of undue pressure on myself to succeed,” Driscoll said. “It’s an honor and privilege to be the basketball coach at a wonderful place.”
jlu124@syr.edu @kevlu0288
Previewing Syracuse’s top-10 showdown vs. the Terrapins
By Cooper Andrews managing editor
One can indirectly pinpoint Maryland’s hiring of John Tillman to the waning of Syracuse’s national title pedigree. Tillman, the Terrapins’ head coach since 2011, hasn’t lost to the Orange since he took over. He’s 6-0, including a 3-0 mark against SU head coach Gary Gait.
The last time Syracuse beat Maryland? Try 2009, the year of its last NCAA Championship.
This season, though, Gait’s Orange are better equipped than ever to finally take down Tillman’s elite program. Syracuse travels to College Park, Maryland, for a top-10 showdown with the Terrapins Saturday afternoon. SU will enter SECU Stadium after three straight home wins, most recently crushing No. 16 Towson 18-7, while UMD is coming off an 8-7 overtime win over Loyola last week.
Here’s what to know before No. 2 Syracuse (3-0, 0-0 Atlantic Coast) battles No. 6 Maryland (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten):
All-time series
Maryland leads 14-6.
Last time they played …
On Feb. 17, 2024, the Orange lost a gut-wrenching overtime battle to the Terrapins in the JMA Wireless Dome, falling 13-12. The story of the game wasn’t George Stamos’ overtime gamewinner for Maryland, though. A video review controversy marred the thrilling finish.
Late in overtime, SU midfielder Michael Leo scored what was thought to be the game-winner, muscling near UMD goalie Logan McNaney before burying the close shot. But upon official review, Leo was called for a crease violation. Leo was pushed in the process, though NCAA rules state spotting additional contact on video isn’t enough to reverse a call.
“There’s work to be done,” Gait said postgame, lamenting the replay rule. “There’s been several times already this year, in a young year, where the refs have come to me and said, ‘The player was pushed in the back, but we’re not allowed to make that call off review.’”
The Terrapins report Maryland is off to an expected 2-0 start, though it’s yet to come close to playing its best lacrosse. The Terrapins defeated then-No. 18 Richmond 12-7 in their Feb. 1 season-opener, but needed overtime to squeak by Loyola, an unranked, instate foe.
Tillman’s squad is obviously formidable. But the glaring loss of star long pole Ajax Zappitello makes them instantly worse defensively. Zappitello was the best defender in college lacrosse, earning Big Ten Defensive Player of
the Year honors and a Tewaaraton nomination. He was picked third overall by the Maryland Whipsnakes in the 2024 Premier Lacrosse League Draft.
Zappitello’s replacements include senior Colin Burlace, who leads the Terrapins with three caused turnovers. Junior defender Will Schaller is also seeing more time in the back end after making four starts in 2024. Maryland held each of its first two opponents to a meager seven goals, boosted by its graduate student goalie McNaney (.649 save percentage).
UMD’s attack is led by fifth-year Daniel Kelly, who leads the team with five goals through two contests. But Braden Erksa, the Terrapins’ leading point-getter with 41 in 2024, has totaled just four points this season. And their top goal scorer from last year, Daniel Maltz, has graduated.
How Syracuse defeats Maryland
The Orange need to play a complete game from start to finish. Far too many times last year, they put together brutal stretches of play that led to a loss. SU most notably allowed a seven-goal run
late in the second half of its blown lead disaster against Cornell. But even versus Maryland, Syracuse trailed 5-2 after the first quarter and had to play catch-up for the remainder.
A tone-setting start on the road would do wonders for the Orange. They also need to get Joey Spallina active in the offense early. To do so, they need to draw pressure from him. Syracuse’s vast set of offensive artillery gives it options both in set pieces and downhill dodging in transition. Guys like Luke Rhoa, Finn Thomson and Leo must continue producing at a high level to diversify SU’s offense, leading to UMD giving Spallina one-on-one looks.
Stat to know: 4
Rhoa, who’s on a torrid run to begin this season, unleashed a team-high four goals in Syracuse’s battle with Maryland last year. Now, as a junior, he’s second on the Orange with eight goals through their first three games.
The offensive-minded midfielder’s performance could serve as a major boost for SU’s chances at ending its losing streak to UMD. Rhoa
has the potential to crush the Terrapins’ shortsticks and showed off his lethal ability to rip goals from long distance, a skill that’s hard for anyone to fend off.
Player to watch: Braden Erksa, attack, No. 10
Erksa should grow into the focal point of Maryland’s offense once again. He led the Terrapins in points as a freshman with 48 (26 goals, 22 assists) — one of three UMD freshmen to ever do so — then topped their points leaderboard again in his sophomore year. His rather quiet start to 2025 can be credited to a defensive emphasis that’s placed on him at all times. Against Syracuse last season, Erksa destroyed its long poles. He tallied six points split by four goals and two assists, spearheading Maryland’s offense throughout its overtime victory. If he can get his mojo back against SU’s back end, Erksa versus the likes of Billy Dwan III and Riley Figueiras will be a marquee matchup. ccandrew@syr.edu @cooper_andrews
A controversial video review led to Syracuse’s overtime loss to Maryland last year. On Saturday, the Orange and Terrapins face off again in a top-10 matchup. jacob halsema staff photographer
former saint rose head coach
men’s lacrosse
Beat writers split on if SU defeats UMD for 1st time since 2009
By Daily Orange Sports Staff
Syracuse men’s lacrosse rolled through its first three games of 2025; an eight-goal victory over Vermont was sandwiched between massive blowouts over Jacksonville and No. 16 Towson. But now, the real season commences for the Orange.
SU’s fourth game of the campaign is a top10 battle against Maryland, which the Orange haven’t defeated since John Tillman became the Terrapins’ head coach in 2011. Syracuse lost to Maryland in an overtime classic last season, falling 13-12 in the JMA Wireless Dome after a controversial video review went against SU.
This year’s edition of the blue-blood matchup warrants plenty of anticipation. The Orange outscored their first three opponents 55-17 — allowing single-digit goals in each game — but the Terrapins pose the largest threat SU’s faced in the still-fresh season.
Here’s how our beat writers forecast No. 2 Syracuse’s (3-0, 0-0 Atlantic Coast) matchup against No. 6 Maryland (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) Saturday in College Park: sports@dailyorange.com @DOsports
ZAK WOLF (3-0)
DEVIL MAGIC > TALENT
SYRACUSE 8, MARYLAND 10
Tillman knows how to win lacrosse games. It’s not always the pretty or popular way of doing things, but he’s damn good at it. His teams won’t wow you by playing the sexiest brand of lacrosse, but they’re effective. They always seem to get one or two plays to go their way, even if it brings controversy. Just look at how last season’s matchup between Syracuse and Maryland ended.
But the Orange undoubtedly have more talent than Maryland. I also think SU will have an overall more successful season. Yet I can’t pick Syracuse in this one. Tillman seemingly has Gait’s number, and if there’s anyone who can game plan for as loaded of an offense as Syracuse’s, it’s him. And the weather conditions for this one are going to be less than ideal. The forecast in College Park entails temperatures in the 40s and rain. Considering Syracuse plays in a dome, this gives an advantage to Maryland.
Wet conditions aren’t ideal for SU, who want to move the ball quickly and try risky skip passes. If Syracuse can get good shots off, Maryland still has Logan McNaney in net, who’s seemingly been in college forever. That veteran net presence is something Syracuse lacks in McCool. McNaney has only allowed 13 goals this season with 24 saves. Tilman’s defensive game plan combined with the harsh weather give me reason to believe Maryland will hand Syracuse its first loss of the season. This will be a close one, but in a tight contest, I’ll always go with a Tillman-led team.
women’s lacrosse
COOPER ANDREWS (3-0)
REVENGE OF THE GAIT
SYRACUSE 13, MARYLAND 11
SU head coach Gary Gait was, in a word, incensed after last year’s fatal finish. He felt the Orange played a complete game against the Terrapins and wasn’t pleased with the NCAA’s then-new replay review rules. Not everything can be blamed on Michael Leo’s misfortune, though. Syracuse started poorly and didn’t get enough from Joey Spallina.
This year’s SU-UMD matchup will go differently. The Orange are built to win this game outright. Nothing significant will come down to a video review. The weather — set to be a hideous, sub-40, rainy afternoon in College Park — won’t faze Syracuse. And Gait will exact his revenge.
Maryland’s major loss of stud long pole Ajax Zappitello will help Spallina find more space this time around. He was held to three points (one goal, two assists) and was a non-factor late in the game. Zappitello was the best defender in college lacrosse last year, and though Maryland returns a solid defensive unit, it’s nowhere near the same without him.
NICHOLAS
ALUMKAL (3-0)
ANOTHER CLOSE FINISH
SYRACUSE 12, MARYLAND 11
I won’t comment on how regulation ended in last season’s Syracuse-Maryland matchup. The video review overturning Leo’s would-be game-winner has been dissected more than the Zapruder film. You don’t need me to weigh in. So, I won’t.
With that being said, SU will have some extra motivation to avenge its controversial loss to the Terrapins last season. But this one will again come down to the wire. I expect a back-and-forth game between these two lacrosse heavyweights, where they’ll trade haymakers through scorching shots finding the back of the net.
Syracuse’s defense has stood out so far in three games, particularly holding a very capable Towson offense to just 16 shots on goals and seven goals Monday. While much of the Orange’s roster returned with another year of experience under their belt, the defensive unit has made the most noticeable strides. Their mobility and cutting shooting angles have been commendable.
Furthermore, repelling Syracuse’s attack has been nearly impossible so far with its multiple threats. Spallina has a ton of relief this season, led by Hlitz and Rhoa. Though I agree with my fellow scribe Zak — Tillman will draw up a disruptive tactic to try to take one or two of SU’s offensive players out of the game — the Orange will have the final say. And it’ll be a word of revenge.
What to know about Syracuse’s matchup with No. 7 Maryland
By Noah Nussbaum asst. sports editor
Syracuse had many questions coming into this campaign. It was unclear who would lead the draw control or how the defense would fare without many of last year’s starters. But Friday, SU put many of those doubts to rest by demolishing UAlbany 21-9 in its season opener.
Meghan Rode took the lead at the draw, allowing the Orange to win 19-of-33. On defense, Kaci Benoit and Coco Vandiver, along with goalie Daniella Guyette, led a unit that forced the Great Danes into 18 turnovers and only six goals with the starters on the field.
Next, the Orange face their first major test of the year. They travel to College Park, Maryland, to face the No. 7 Terrapins, who made it to the quarterfinal of last year’s NCAA Tournament. Like SU, though, Maryland is a very different team, having lost two of its top three leading scorers and its starting goalie.
Here’s everything to know about No. 7 Maryland (0-0, 0-0 Big Ten) before it hosts No. 6 Syracuse (1-0, 0-0 Atlantic Coast) Saturday: All time series Maryland leads 21-2.
Last time they played … On Feb. 17, 2024, then-No. 5 Syracuse squared off against then-No. 9 Maryland in the JMA Wireless Dome. SU got out to a 5-3 lead to open the third quarter but eventually surrendered its advantage.
The two squads were deadlocked 8-8 at the end of regulation, and after two overtime periods, UMD’s Hannah Leubecker buried the game-winning goal to hand the Terrapins a 9-8 win.
While the Orange’s scoring was spread out — with three players leading the team with two goals — Leubecker and Kori Edmondson led the way with three apiece for Maryland, alongside Eloise Clevenger’s five assists.
Syracuse and Maryland’s combined players in Inside Lacrosse’s top 100 freshman
The Terrapins report Last season, Maryland went 14-6 and made the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinal, where it fell to Florida 15-9. The Terrapins were led by Leubecker’s 54 goals and Clevenger’s 84 points on offense, while Emily Sterling racked up 173 saves and a .516 save percentage in net.
UMD was efficient offensively last year, ranking 12th in the country with an 83.1% shot-ongoal conversion rate and 26th with a 23.5% turnover rate, per Lacrosse Reference. Defensively, the Terrapins were one of the best teams in the
nation. They were second in opponent shooting percentage (28.8%) and seventh in defensive efficiency (20.6%).
However, much of that team is gone in 2025.
Four of UMD’s top six goal scorers graduated, including Leubecker, Clevenger and Libby May. In addition, its three leaders in draw controls — Shaylan Ahearn, Meghan Ball and Shannon Smith — along with Sterling aren’t with the program anymore.
Still, Maryland retained its second-leading scorer in Edmondson, along with depth pieces in Chrissy Thomas and Maisy Clevenger, who should play bigger roles this year in the Terrapins’ attack. Defensive starters Kennedy Major and Neve O’Ferrall are also back, paving the way for a strong defensive front once again. It also reeled in a strong freshman class, boasting four players among Inside Lacrosse’s top-30 recruits.
How Syracuse beats Maryland Syracuse needs to spread the ball around again. Versus UAlbany, it had 11 different goal scorers and six that didn’t record a point in 2024. While the usual suspects of Olivia Adamson and Emma Ward scored three goals each, freshmen Mileena Cotter, Molly Guzik and Caroline Trinkaus all totaled three points. If the Orange can do this again versus Maryland, it’ll be hard for the Terrapins to keep up.
Also, SU’s draw control unit must stay sharp for the entire game. Syracuse corralled seven of
the game’s first 10 draws against the Great Danes. But from there, the group was inconsistent, only finishing with a 19-14 advantage. Against a Maryland team without a clear No. 1 option at the draw heading into its season-opener, the Orange need to take advantage.
Stat to Know: 10
Both Maryland and Syracuse saw their rosters depleted in the offseason via graduation and the transfer portal. But both also replenished with strong freshmen classes. The two programs have 10 combined players of Inside Lacrosse’s top 100 freshmen.
SU’s class was headlined by No. 11 Guzik and No. 14 Lexi Reber, while Maryland added No. 7 Kayla Gilmore and No. 9 Devin Livingston. The Orange’s freshmen were heavily involved versus UAlbany, and the Terrapins’ could do the same Saturday.
Player to watch: Kori Edmondson, midfielder, No. 14
Edmondson is the only player of the Terrapins’ top four goal scorers from last season who’s still on the team. The then-sophomore started all 20 games and, despite not recording an assist, ranked second on the team with 38 goals while posting a .710 shot-on-goal percentage. The Severn, Maryland, native is primed for a bigger role in 2025 with the graduations of many of UMD’s top scorers. njnussba@syr.edu @Noahnuss99
In its first top-10 clash of the year, our beat writers are undecided if Syracuse will defeat Maryland on Saturday. A win would move SU to 4-0. jacob halsema staff photographer
mccool redshirted his first season at Syracuse before serving as Will Mark’s backup last year. Now
Orange’s starting goalie as they chase a National Championship.
time
cool under pressure
After two years as an understudy, it’s now Jimmy McCool’s show
By Cooper Andrews managing editor
When Will Mark transferred to SU, he thought he’d enter the 2023 season as its surefire starting goalie. But when he first watched Jimmy McCool play live, a pit formed in his stomach.
“I remember it like it was yesterday,” Mark said.
The Orange were practicing inside of Ensley Athletic Center in summer 2023. Players were running an in-tight finishing drill, with the offense matched up point-blank against SU’s goalies. Mark got demolished. He said he probably stopped one, maybe two, of the 10 shots he faced.
Feeling dejected, Mark went to the sideline while McCool, then a redshirt freshman, took his spot. McCool instantly made a string of breathtaking in-tight saves, Mark said. The fourthyear goalie could only sit and gush at McCool’s “insane” hand speed. He thought McCool made one of lacrosse’s toughest saves repeatedly look like child’s play.
“I’m f*cked,” Mark told himself in the moment. McCool never won the starting job over Mark. Yet, Syracuse head coach Gary Gait never thought the two were far off from each other. It’s a testament to the immense talent of McCool, an Inside Lacrosse five-star recruit from Boston. The No. 20 overall class of 2022 prospect spent the last two seasons as Mark’s understudy, watching him shine as one of the nation’s
women’s lacrosse
best goalies. But now, McCool commands the net, a role he says wouldn’t be his without Mark.
“I took every practice as the National Championship,” McCool said. “I was trying to show the coaches that if they ever needed me, if Will got hurt or anything, that I was going to be ready to go. And then when my opportunity did come, I knew I’d be ready.”
Days before Gait told McCool he’d start on Feb. 1 against Jacksonville, Mark called his former goalie mate. Mark, who became a master of the mental game while at SU, advised McCool that it’s easy to define oneself off failures, but playing goalie is a minefield of adversity. Mark reminded him that nothing’s ever going to be perfect — even though goalie, as McCool said, is an extremely isolating position.
Mark feels that if McCool can control the mental side of the cage, he’ll be “at his peak.” Through three career starts, McCool is proving Mark right.
Syracuse is 3-0 behind McCool’s .674 save percentage. He’s held opponents to single-digit goals in every game thus far, which have resulted in blowout wins for the Orange. Before SU’s 18-7 win over Towson on Feb. 10, McCool led the country with a .741 save rate.
The coaches who work closest with him, Syracuse goalkeepers coach Nick Acquaviva and defensive coordinator John Odierna, sang McCool’s praises. They said his pure shot-blocking ability is impressive. His activity on clears is commendable. And his tranquility in the cage is apparent; Odierna joked he needs to perform pulse checks on McCool.
in one of those trips. One is yet to make it past the semifinals.
That team is Syracuse. In its first three years under head coach Kayla Treanor, SU’s .765 win percentage puts it in the upper-echelon of teams
nationally. Two trips to the Final Four boosted its resume, and a 21-9 win over UAlbany in its 2025 season opener revealed it’s likely primed for another prosperous year.
But after falling short in the same spot to the same team in two consecutive years, a Final Four appearance will no longer suffice. In year four of the Treanor era, the Orange are in a championship-or-
At his best, McCool is the complete package.
“In practice, he was as good as Will,” Gait said of McCool. “I watched Jimmy last year make it really tough for our own guys to score goals. So, I felt pretty good about (McCool starting). Now we will see if he can stay mentally focused and keep it going.”
Mark knew of McCool long before he helped guide his early SU career. McCool’s stellar time at the New Hampton School, a private boarding school in New Hampshire, earned him a commitment to SU in 2020 as a high-school underclassman.
When McCool arrived on campus, Mark said he’d painted a picture in his mind of what the incoming freshman would be like. He expects elite athletes’ personalities to follow their play. With McCool’s highly-touted status, Mark imagined a stone-cold serious, swagger-filled goalie with a bit of an ego. But McCool was nowhere near the type.
“Jimmy was just the complete opposite of what I thought he was going to be in the best way possible,” Mark said. “One of the most genuine and authentic teammates I’ve had. He has the ability to change anyone’s mood from sad to happy with his humor and with his attitude.”
The two instantly connected. McCool bounced ideas off Mark throughout practices and asked him questions. Mark was always a willing listener. Off the field, the two’s conversations were filled with sarcasm; Mark said they usually had too much fun messing around with teammates.
see mccool page 13
attacker
bust situation. Anything short of the National Championship would be another bitter disappointment, reinforcing the program’s continued theme of falling at the doorstep of greatness.
So far this season, that sentiment seems to be shared throughout the team. In preseason media availability, just two days before SU downed the Great Danes, star
to the
While a Final Four appearance is a monumental achievement, it can no longer be the end goal. Making the Final Four is an opportunity to win the National Championship. Anything less is a lost opportunity.
said the only way to work toward that is by getting 1% better see stepansky page 13
jimmy
in his redshirt sophomore season, it’s McCool’s
as the
jacob halsema staff photographer
For many programs, making it to Championship Weekend is a glaring success. Since 2022, only seven different teams have filled the last 12 spots in the Final Four. In the past
two seasons, three programs qualified for both. Two of those schools — Northwestern and Boston College — have won an NCAA Championship
Olivia Adamson revealed Treanor’s message
group.
Adamson
AIDEN STEPANSKY RED OCTOBER