CSUN New Student Orientation 2015 by The Daily Sundial

TRANSFORMING GENDERS: A STUDENT’S STORY

GOODBYE TO THE COLLEGE SENIOR YEAR

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Who is the CSUN student? PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ALYSON BURTON / PHOTO EDITOR

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Diverse CSUN shape experiences t @iamtommyjames

CSUN is a campus roaming of

young, old, new and accustomed, venturing college students. A campus sprawling with over 40,000 students, built of a diverse variety, has established a thriving community. CSUN students like Raffi Kurbessoian are more than content with their campus experience so far. Kurbessoian, a third year student majoring in computer information technology, is ecstatic with his college experience. Kurbessoian doesn’t think of CSUN just a commuter school after spending more than two years on campus. “On the Internet all you hear is everyone bashing CSUN saying it’s a terrible school to go to,” Kurbessoian said. “But as years go by you come to realize this isn’t just a college. It’s a university. It’s family. Everyone online said ‘you’re not going to see anyone,’ ‘this is a commuter school,’ and ‘you’re not going to hang out with anybody.’ [They’re] just lying. Everyone attends college differently.” On his free time Kurbessoian is President of the Electronic Sports Club for the upcoming school year on campus. The club looks to bring together and organize gaming sessions during the

school year. Unlike Kurbessoian, who doesn’t start classes again until the fall, for incoming freshman Yvonne Garcia and Lea Mixon, school is already in session. Undecided on her major, incoming freshman Yvonne Garcia is finishing her math credit during her first summer session at CSUN. “Science with a focus on chemistry or physics, or art, mostly painting [are my options],” Garcia said. “I like painting anything realistic, or unrealistic, [or] abstract. Just things I think of.” Garcia said she enjoys the CSUN community. “Everyone is so nice,” she said. “The teachers are really encouraging. They encourage you to do your best and I think that’s really good in a school, without that students would fail,” Garcia said. “It’s a really nice, beautiful community.” On the other hand Mixon, also finished her math credits during the summer session for her major in psychology. She decided on her major after being personally influenced by a life experience. “I had a friend that was diagnosed with schizophrenia,” Mixon said. “I wanted to know how the human brain works and how we basically function. That was very influential for my choice.” CSUN is a school of tradition for Mixon’s family, making Northridge an early option for her.

UNIV ER S ITY

“

As years go by you come to realize this isn’t just a college. It’s a university. It’s family.

“

Thomas Gallegos

-Raffi Kurbessoian

Third-Year Computer information technology major

“My sister came to CSUN,” Mixon said. “She graduated in 2013. I would always come to the campus and I liked the size and the diversity. It’s very welcoming.” Mixon finds ease and relaxation through writing and poetry. “I like to write poetry to express myself through certain situations,” she said. “That’s how I let off steam. Also, I like to go on runs and listen to music. That’s how I get through everything.” Like Garcia and Mixon, biology major Pedro Negrete enjoyed his first encounters with CSUN’s campus. Negrete is a transfer student from Pasadena City College and enters his first year at CSUN as a junior. Negrete said he is looking forward to his first

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Thomas Gallegos / Staff

CSUN student Raffi Kurbessoian reflects on his campus experience in the Sierra Quad located in front of the Matador Bookstore Complex.

semester. “I’m excited to do research,” said Negrete. The greenery of the campus surprised Negrete. “I’ve been here for a couple weeks, there are a lot more trees than I expected since we’re in The valley, I didn’t expect it to be so green,” he said. Negrete said he imagines him-

self letting off steam around campus. “I’m excited to check out the recreation center and I heard there is some kind of track or [dirt] trail on campus as well,” he said. With another influx of students coming in for either their freshman year or transferring from another college, there will be plenty more stories that unfold.

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Greek recruitment sees new rules t @dailysundial

Only a week after the economically unstable Greece was bailed out, CSUN’s Greek system has a bailout plan of their own. On Wednesday, July 22, representatives of the Greek community and the CSUN New Member Intake Committee met at the Northridge Center in the University Student Union to discuss the proposal of new regulations which will allow the reopening of Greek recruitment. In the 2014 school year, the CSUN Greek system was plagued by a number of hazing incidents notably the death of Pi Kappa Phi pledge Armando Villa last July. The hazing incidents prompted a freeze on the CSUN Greek community requirement for Spring 2015. “A team of staff and students in the Greek system have put together joint resolutions, which have allowed us to put a green light back on recruitment,” Dr. William Watkins, vice president of student affairs said. “We have emphasized the need for education, which is integral for longterm prevention.” The guidelines underline the importance of education to the harmful effects of hazing and the expectations associated with being a Greek member on campus. The new pledges will go through an online pre-recruitment program, helping them understand the risks incumbent on the hazing practice and CSUN’s expectations

about pledging. A Greek 102 course will be created in conjunction with the Greek 101 course, which is already in place. According to the regulation proposal, the seminars are intended to “provide prevention education, teamwork, leadership skills and value-based community building experiences.” Section Six of the new guidelines stipulate that 90 percent of active members within each Greek organization must attend the seminars before they may begin recruitment. CSUN has accepted the regulations proposal, with the exception of the “retreat guidelines.” “At this point in time there is a

“

Leni Maiai

I love being in a frat and I have never been involved in any hazing.

-Miguel Maldonado-Velasco CSUN fraternity member

moratorium on sorority and fraternal retreats,” Interfraternity Council President Josh Stepakoff said. “This will continue until we get to a point when we can have absolute assurance that nothing bad will happen [on the retreats].” Stepakoff recently returned from a retreat of his own at the Novak Institute for Hazing Prevention, alongside other members of the

Interfraternity Council. This trip undoubtedly influenced a lot of the recommendations, which Stepakoff helped to draft. “We are taking a revolutionary approach to affecting positive change within the system,” Stepakoff said. “The Greek 102 seminar is going to allow the whole Greek community to interactively deal with issues and concerns that they may have.” Many of these changes have been met with dismay from members of the Greek community who believe they are being unfairly persecuted by the regulations. “I love being in a frat and I have never been involved in any hazing,” fraternity member Miguel Maldonado-Velasco said. “These changes are really big and sudden. They are going to affect fraternity traditions that have been around a long time.” Watkins empathizes with these grievances, but he believes that the changes are necessary for the Greek community to grow. “We understand that not all members of the community are perpetrators of these problems,” Watkins said. He said that these changes will not infringe on the core values the organization claim to live by. “Most of these organizations are already doing the right thing. We plan to build on this and keep our Greek community moving in that direction,” Watkins said. “The key elements of philanthropy and bonding will continue. We are eliminating things we do not need.”

Leni Maiai / Contributor

Interfraternity Committee President Josh Stepakoff addresses members of CSUN’s Greek community in the Northridge Center in the USU.

Lifestyle

Orientation 2015 | SUNDIAL | CSUN | Features@SUNDIAL.CSUN.EDU

Veteran transforms perceptions Max Zeronian

t @dailysundial Veterans have served

and protected this country and many American’s are thankful for their service. Liam Lipham, a threeyear Navy Veteran, didn’t just retire from the military four years ago and move on with his life – he changed it. At first glance, Lipham is your typical college student. On paper, Lipham’s story doesn’t appear any different than that of a typical veteran, however, Lipham didn’t serve in the Navy as Liam Lipham. He didn’t even serve as a male. Born Paige Lipham in the small town of Saint Joseph, Mo., Liam is an American transgender and into the process of fully changing himself to a male. Lipham said he came out as transgender one year ago, but felt he was a boy trapped inside a girl’s body since a young age. His family expected Lipham’s coming out announcement for many years. But coming from a small town in northwestern Missouri, most of the residents were new to the concept of different orientations. “If two guys walked down

the street holding hands, they’d get beat up, whereas here [Los Angeles] it’s the norm,” Lipham said. Lipham said his family had watched him always playing with boys, and never with girls in his family. To them it was just a matter of time before he came out. While some were skeptical and nervous for his sake, Lipham’s family was supportive of their relative’s decision to come out as lesbian, then as transgender, Lipham said. Others in his hometown were not so receptive. Lipham plans to return home for the first time since last Christmas. “I am going to go back,” Lipham said. “I just don’t know how it’s going to be. When I came out as gay, [in Missouri] it was a big, big ordeal.” Lipham first left home at age 18 to enlist in the Navy, where he remained for three years, serving in a combat unit in Afghanistan and Kuwait. When Lipham enlisted in 2008, the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was in full effect, in which gay, lesbian and bisexual service members weren’t able to serve openly. “I actually had to sign paperwork stating that I wasn’t gay to get in,” Lipham

Alyson Burton / Photo Editor

CSUN student Liam Lipham said at young age he has felt as though he was a boy trapped inside a girl’s body.

said. “So I signed it, of course.” Since then, the policy has been lifted. When Lipham left the Navy, he attended school in Missouri before moving to California and enrolling at CSUN. Lipham decided to pursue a degree in public health with the ambition to work for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. His time in the Middle East cultivated a desire to help others in third world countries. “When I was in [the Middle East], I saw very crazy income disparities,” Lipham said. “There’s super, super fancy houses right next to shacks.” This contrasted with the small town America lifestyle that Lipham grew up in. “That really opened my eyes to a lot of different things and made me want to know more about different cultures and different places,” Lipham said. This lead to his desire to see the world through his work, Lipham said. With the problems facing third world countries putting a hold until graduation, Lipham continues to struggle with the challenges of being a transitioning transgender

individual. “I would say the hardest part, right now, for me is definitely bathroom usage,” Lipham said. “Most venues throughout the country have bathrooms for males only and females only. Lipham dresses and appears masculine, many women would confuse his gender and become defensive, Lipham said. This struggle is not his only one. “I would go into the female bathroom and I’ve gotten yelled at,” Lipham said. “It’s very sad for [other transgenders] because that’s what they’re always going to have – people yelling at them.” Lipham said he finds joy returning home to Beverly Craig, his girlfriend of two years. Lipham and Craig began as a lesbian couple, but are now redefining the label of the relationship – labels that Craig feels are irrelevant in their personal situation. She said the two balance each other out. They have a support system that has sustained them through the struggles of being in a nonconventional couple. “I just realized that these labels are just for society,” See Veteran page 11

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The fictional college senior year Saffana Hijaz

t @SaffanaHIjaz The fourth and final year of high school was spent chatting with friends in the cafeteria, talking about future plans of schools and dreams of starting a career after college graduation. Ozzie Saldivar is now a CSUN graduate student working on his Master’s in social work after earning his Bachelor’s Degree on the same campus. But his mentality now is far different than how it was when he first stepped foot on campus as a freshman straight out of high school. “My reality was that [college] wasn’t high school anymore,” Saldivar said. “It was more of a new challenge and new journey in regards to more responsibilities and the likelihood of making it and not being part of a statistic of being caught up with a nineto-five job.” Though Saldivar didn’t want to correlate his college experience with that of the high school experience, other students do. Once the high school graduation caps are tossed, freshman college students look forward to a second senior year, but more of an adult feeling. The American-coined staple of “senior year” is a term

David J. Hawkins / File Photo

used to describe students in their fourth year of studies, generally tied to a high school or college. Yet at CSUN, the fourto-six year plan has eluded the feeling of a senior year. According to College Navigator, CSUN’s average six-year graduation rate is between 41 and 48 percent. With the college graduation rate increasing to a four-to-

six-year plan, the time spent on college grounds is not like other campuses like UCLA or USC. At CSUN particularly, the senior year has expanded over, the years based on the student’s major and time spent on campus. Students said there are plenty of ways to get involved on campus that will enhance the CSUN experience and make a

memorable senior year. “It’s not all hyped up as it is,” Yvonne Nguyen, a third year computer information technology major, said. “I guess [it’s] because I never joined a sorority or anything of that nature. People who tend to go into sororities probably expect a more active college life.” Nguyen didn’t have any expectations on what college

would be like. Nguyen’s college experience is made up of going to class, studying, meeting classmates and going to work. But not everyone’s college experience is the same. Films often paint a picture of what that experience is and this college fantasy in films isn’t what was expected for music education sophomore Roberto Muz said.

“I watch too much TV,” Muz said. “I’ve seen these jocks and those frat boys pick on the nerds. I always thought people were gonna be mean here.” Muz said his experience on campus is the complete opposite. He said he was afraid to interact with new people at first. “If you branch out and you talk to as many people as you can, you never know what you’re going to learn from that person,” Muz said. “You never know what they can teach you about yourself.” Many students said the expectation versus the reality of college is that students either get involved on campus or float around in classes until graduation. CSUN psychology junior Samantha Marron said she is not as involved on campus due to her busy schedule of school and work. “You’re here for four years or five years and then you’re out,” Marron said. Though students may feel like they are missing out on the feeling of being a senior or even “senioritis,” the extra years in school can spark an interest in being active on campus. Maybe, then, when the time comes to graduate, they will fully experience the senior year.

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Commuting one’s way to success Yvonne Zimmerman

t @dailysundial

For Associated Students Vice President Sevag Alexanian, getting involved on campus wasn’t just a desire. It was a priority. What is a challenge for many was one of his greatest incentives – a commute to CSUN. With a 25-mile drive to campus, he joins approximately 93 percent of students who attempt to balance academics and travel, while deciding how and if they will make their mark on campus. “There’s a mix of [students] who are involved, and others who just come to class and leave,” Alexanian said. “The ones who are involved have a greater sense of school spirit towards CSUN.” Alexanian said that involvement in student government has increased his knowledge and enjoyment of college life. He is also a member of the Armenian Student Association and Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Tim Trevan, director of Student Housing and Conference Services, said between sevento-eight percent of students live on campus – 10 percent residency is needed to consider a college a residential school. However, many students

live within a mile radius of CSUN, giving the college an unexpected residential feel. Although commuters lack specialized programs from housing, he said that on-campus opportunities coming from AS, University Student Union, Athletics and the Valley Performing Arts Center help students enliven campus life. This involvement provides many benefits for students in their connection to CSUN. “[Students involved] are more likely to persist over time,” Augie Garibay, Matador Involvement Center activities coordinator said. “They’re more likely to graduate in a manner of four-to-five years – to have a positive experience or an outlook of their overall undergraduate experience here.” AS Lower Division Senator Christian Rubalcava remembers the burden of commuting his first semester, which is now overlooked since he is involved. “[It was] full of days where I would go to class and go straight home,” Rubalcava said. “I made the decision to take it easy my freshman year, to learn the ropes of college life. It was always my plan to be involved in AS, and I told myself that no commute would stop me from joining this organization.”

Ultimately, it’s up to each student to decide to get involved. The Matador Involvement Center offers clubs, fraternities, and sororities and volunteer services. It hosts Meet the Clubs Day each semester. With over 300 clubs and organizations, Rubalcava suggests to first organize your current schedule, then join things that connect to individuals, their majors and interests. “Not only do you feel a connection to the campus, but you feel a deeper connection to what you really are,” Rubalcava said. In addition to AS, Rubalcava is part of the GE Honors program. A commute does mean extra sacrifices and planning. Sophomore sociology major Kimberly Newton dreamed of being on the cross country team, but has to leave her house at 6 a.m. for 7 a.m. practice. “Thankfully I am able to miss a majority of the traffic on the 5 and 405 freeways,” Newton said about her 30-mile commute. Newton notes that being on the team overrides the burdens of driving. “I love being involved at CSUN because I feel like I am not alone in my journey through college. I am also thankful for all the benefits that

Courtesy Of Morguefile.com

More than 93 percent of CSUN student commute to campus, according to Claire Davis, associate director of student housing and conference services.

come with being an athlete,” Newton said. For others, a commute means being choosy with activities. Senior English major, Cat

Cherish, who lives 25 miles from campus, has made work on campus her top priority. CSUN offers work with various employers. Kristen

Pichler, University Student Union human resources and professional development officer, believes that the USU was the largest employer of students as of spring 2015, with over 300 employees in departments such as events, fitness and wellness, administration, the Games Room and marketing. Students can also volunteer at events such as the Matador Nights carnival held each semester. Cherish joins students in such departments as peer education, web development event services at the CSUN Career Center as a Pathways Program Assistant. She also works in the Learning Resource Center. She works on campus for its convenience. “If I had to boomerang between home, campus [and] another job, I think I would go insane with L.A. traffic as a deterrent,” Cherish said. Cherish said she gains quality experience that prepares her for her goal of becoming a college professor. “If you are fortunate enough to not need to work, then I would say getting involved is essential to your time at CSUN,” Cherish said. “It can be hard to make memories alone, and equally difficult to make friends in large classes, clubs or groups can be vital to making lasting memories.”

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Fall 2015

d e R e h T k c o R # CSUN’s athletic programs achieve comprehensive excellence on and off the field of play and we’re excited for another year with you supporting us. Highlights from our 2014-15 seasons: n We were named to the Capital One Cup Top 100 list as one of the 100 best Division I Women’s Athletics programs in the country. n Our women’s basketball team won the Big West Conference and played in the NCAA Tournament for the second year in a row. Back-to-back champs! n CSUN Softball also won the Big West and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. n Women’s Track & Field won the Big West Conference and eight men’s and women’s track & field studentathletes competed in the NCAA Championships. n Our Men’s Volleyball program finished the season ranked 13th in the nation. n Women’s Water Polo is ranked 10th in the nation. n Three of our head coaches were named Big West Conference Coaches of the Year, and five of our coaches are currently representing the United States coaching for the national governing bodies for their sports. n Last spring, we opened the Matador Beach Volleyball Facility on campus, a state-of-the-art competition venue among the best of its kind in the country. n We honored 81 student-athletes at our Varsity N Honor Roll event last year – more than ever before – and 75 student-athletes were named to the All-Academic team by the Big West or the MPSF. It’s going to be another great year and we’re excited to have you join us as part of the Rise of the Matadors. Together, we rise! Go Matadors!

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Alyson BurTon

t @A_T_B

THe CSUN student

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Infographic BY Alyson BurTon / Photo Editor

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Animating the dream Saffana Hijaz

t @saffanahijaz Animated films such as “UP” and “Finding Nemo” have touched millions of children and adults all over the world with the portrayal of emotions and heartfelt story lines. For Korean-Paraguayan animation student, Adriana Lee Park, 25, growing up in Paraguay and watching Walt Disney films “The Lion King” and “Mulan” sparked her interest in animation. For Park, the films left the impression of being more than just a two-hour cartoon. At eight years old, she had grown accustom to drawing the characters of films, paying close attention to their emotion, impressive movements and expressions in each scene. “I really liked [animation] and wanted to be a part of the industry,” Park said. Her passion and love of animation motivated her to immigrate to Southern California, with the hopes of receiving a better education in the arts, something she said Paraguay could not offer. She moved to L.A. in 2012, two years before her brother moved here on his own, and attended CSUN to study animation. “I think CSUN is a great

Alyson Burton / Photo Editor

CSUN student Adriana Lee Park is an animation major that hopes to work for Pixar Animation Studio or DreamWorks.

place that gives you all the resources necessary for a student to succeed,” Park said. Park is now enrolled in one of the top animation schools in the country. CSUN was ranked No. 15 in the nation by Animation Career Review, an online website for aspiring animation professionals seeking information on schools and

careers. “She is a very dedicated and talented student,” wrote Professor Mark Fahrquar in an email. Park gains her work experience at the CSUN Career Center as an animator and has an internship at Wonder Grove, a website that helps teach kids through animation. “Because I’m interested in

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Courtesy of Adriana Lee Park

CSUN student Adriana Lee Park’s original artwork from her website. The 25-year-old said she gets her inspiration from Disney and DreamWorks movies.

animation I look at more of the movement [in animated films],” Park said. A few of her favorite films are “WALL-E” and “How to Train Your Dragon.” She also enjoys the animation compa-

nies DreamWorks and Disney. Park’s passion for animation has made her see films in a different light. Her analysis of the film starts with looking at the character’s movements and emotions the ani-

mators have produced, then she expands it to the actors on how the characters use their lines with the character’s movement, moving next to See Animation page 10

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Animation continued from page 8

the storyline. “The story is important to understand the acting of the characters,” Park said. And the story’s significance can be seen in Pixar’s recent film “UP,” particularly an eight minute scene of that goes well with the musical score. Park said the editing made the audience feel emotions without words and showed good animation that made people cry. “I think most animators are really focused on the line of the character’s death, but it’s how you act – the emotion from the eyes and body language,” Park said. “‘UP’ was a perfect example of how good animation can be.” Park strives to inspire audiences with animation just like Disney and DreamWorks. “I am sure that many animation students choose CSUN because it is not as expensive as other art schools,” Park said. “[CSUN] has talented professors that are there to help each student.” Before majoring in animation, Park’s wishes she had drawn more people, animals and objects that were moving. Park said for students that want to study animation, it will be hard at first to learn the mechanics of animation. Once they get through the basics it becomes fun, she said. “[CSUN] has many courses that help students improve and learn animation,” she said. “I think that if I dedicate my time on learning at school, I will graduate with a decent portfolio to get a job.”

Orientation 2015 | SUNDIAL | CSUN | SPORTS_SUNDIAL@CSUN.EDU

Visualizing Title IX’s impact Thomas Gallegos

t @Iamtommyjames

Title IX turned 43 years old this past June. The federal initiative, which sought to incorporate equality within every facet of collegiate life, has improved opportunity and diversification on college campuses nationwide. Title IX has ensured schools must prevent and respond to all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination. The coverage of Title IX is vast, protecting all students of discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, and sexual orientation within academic, extracurricular and athletic programs on campus. Even with the progress within women’s athletics and academics, issues of LGBTQ rights and sexual assault have thrusted into the forefront for Title IX administrators. Schools cannot discriminate against transgender or genderqueer students on the basis of gender identity. The growth of women’s academia and athletics cannot be overstated. Schools must provide equal opportunity to women in Science, Technology, Education, Mathematics fields of study. Within women’s athletics, Title IX has increased the participation of women within both high school and collegiate sports. With scholarship opportunities and athletic options following Title IX’s passing, women’s athletics has seen growth in the last 43 years.

Infographic by Thomas Gallegos / Staff

Sports

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CSUN Soccer sets high standards Kenneth Berry

t @Ozogrande

Men’s and women’s soccer will kick off their home openers on the weekend of the moving in period for all returning and new students on Saturday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Aug. 23.

The men’s team opens their season with an exhibition match at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22 against Loyola Marymount. Though the women’s season starts against UC Irvine at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14 with an exhibition match at Anteater Stadium, their home opener against Portland State

Viking is at 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 23. The exhibition matches will be the starting point to what will be a heated contest in the team’s division in the Big West Conference. After going to the NCAA Tournament and winning the Big West title in two consecutive seasons, the men’s

Trevor Stamp / File Photo

CSUN midfielder Marino Peixoto dribbbles passed a new mexico defender. CSUN men’s soccer team missed out on the postseason and will look to bounce back in 2015.

Veteran continued from page 4

Craig said. “For lack of a better word, he’s my soul mate.” While enduring the struggles of being a transgender in the world today, Lipham enjoys giving back to others who struggle with their identity or going through the transition process. Lipham, has been contacted by several CSUN students asking for advice about their own situations. He says more research is a big factor.

“Talk to people who are already going through the transition or who have transitioned,” Lipham said. “It helped me.” Lipham’s acts have not gone unnoticed by the LGBTQ community in the greater L.A. area. Gina Ali, a CSUN religious studies senior and community activist, says it takes a lot of bravery to come out within the community. “I really applaud him,” Ali said. Lipham said he would like to see more assistance from schools for students transitioning genders.

soccer team failed to make it to the post-season to defend their title for a third time. On the other hand, preseason polls didn’t expect the women’s team to make the postseason, but defied the odds to surge through to the Big West semifinals. This time around, the teams will be ready for whatever comes there way. “Our backline and our goalkeeper is very experienced,” CSUN men’s soccer head coach Terry Davila said. “That’s where the impact of our team will be.” The men’s team finished 7-9-3, and was one win away from a playoff berth last season, but finished their last game at home in a 1-1 tie that finished in extra time with California State University, Fullerton. “Last year was a good team,” Davila said. “The injury bug hit us a little bit. Staying healthy is a big part of a winning season. If you don’t stay healthy, you’re not going to have a winning season.” Last year’s team produced two draft picks in the 2015 Major League Soccer Superdraft. Sagi Levi-Ari and Edwin Rivas were both selected in the second round, with Levi-Ari headed to one of MLS’ first clubs and 2008 MLS Champions, the Columbus Crew, and Rivas, who was selected by Toronto F.C. in Ontario,

“It would help at schools in general if there were some kind of transgender services or something to help you out,” Ali said. Last semester, Lipham went by the first name of Paige. In the process of having his name legally changed, he will be known as Liam next semester, but not on the attendance sheet. “I don’t know if I should make an announcement at the beginning of class or what,” Lipham said. While the road ahead may be a tough one, Lipham maintains his warrior mentality and doesn’t give up.

Canada. The 2014-2015 squad saw four veteran players graduate. In response, Davila brought in a class of nine players to build depth and reload in addition to returning members. Adrian Vera, Chester Castellaw, Andrew Rizeq, Alejandro Gomez, Stuart Close, Jules Cailliau, Papy Diouf, Ramiro Baranza and Trevon Deminson head the new class coming in. “I just hope we’re united,” Davilla said. “We want to be athletic and play with a fast pace.” Senior goalkeeper Adam Hobbs comes back after a junior season that included 17 starts that includes 65 saves, seven wins, and six shutouts. Other players that will have a heavy role in the teams success are back-to-back AllBig West First team selection, senior defender Trevor Morley, All-Big West Second team junior midfielder Juan Samayoa and All-Big West Honorable Mention junior defender Patrick Hickman. While the men’s squad have reloaded with fresh faces, the women’s team brings back a squad looking to replace veteran seniors Hannah Wissler, Brittanie Sakajian, Leandra Walker and Melissa Lopez who were all a part of the 2012 squad that earned the program’s first NCAA Tournament berth. The veterans were an integral

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part in last season’s road to the Big West Tournament Semifinal, where the Matadors fell to CSUF 1-0. “We’re just a year older and when you have a little bit older team, you have a little bit more experience there,” CSUN women’s soccer head coach, Keith West said whose team finished 7-11-2 overall and 4-3-1 in the Big West conference. “Some of these girls were on the 2012 team that won the conference tournament and some of them were disappointed in the finish we had last year as far as us coming in fourth place.” All-Big West First Team selection senior midfielder Taylor Hobson, All-Big West Honorable Mentions, senior midfielder Lyndsey Preston, junior goalkeeper Jovani McKaskill and sophomore forward Cynthia Sanchez all come back to help capture its first conference title since 2012. “Expectations are always high for us and I like it that way,” West said. “We don’t have an easy conference so its not going to be easy for us. Our conference is tough and I don’t think people give our conference enough credit. If you want to be the best then you have to beat the best. Let’s see how good we really are.” CSUN students have free admission for sports games on campus.

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