Every year, Hofstra University kicks off the new season with Fall Fest. This year was no different, with students excitedly gathering at the Intramural Fields for carnival rides, the announcement of the Pride Court, food and music. Fall Fest also serves to welcome families of students to spend the weekend at Hofstra, encouraging involvement within the community.
New-York-based cover band Hello Brooklyn opened the event alongside DJ SPYNFO and Shaggy ended the night.
Liz Regan, the lead singer for Hello Brooklyn, spoke about her favorite part of performing for a live audience.
“I love the energy when
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Excitement all around for Fall Fest at Hofstra
people are dancing and having fun and I’ve made their night –whether it’s an event like this or a bar gig,” Regan said. “Just making someone’s night, them feeding off my energy and them giving me theirs is just a beautiful thing.”
Despite rain showers throughout the day, students were still excited for the opportunity to spend time with each other and jam out to music.
“I don’t really mind the rain because I’m here,” said Owen Mcgrillen, a freshman filmmaking major. “It’s not going to stop me from having a good time and enjoying myself and surrounding myself with good company.”
Max Miller, a freshman music business major, shared a similar
sentiment. “The vibes are immaculate. There are all sorts of rides out here. I’m really hyped to see Shaggy.”
Another student expressed how Fall Fest unites the wider Hofstra community together.
“I do like that the lines are shorter because it’s raining, even if I’m getting a little wet,” said Lauryn Priester, a junior film studies and production major. “I like seeing all the people; it’s so fun. I forget how many people go to this school until everyone shows up.”
Each year during Fall Fest, Hofstra hosts “Pride Court” which seniors can apply to be among the final four selected to be crowned as Hofstra royalty.
“My favorite part about Fall Fest is definitely crowning Pride
Court,” said Dina Massery, a Hofstra alumni and this year’s host for Fall Fest. “I think that’s really fun, to be engaging with a lot of the students, getting to meet all of the seniors that are here on campus and it’s also really great to see everybody get excited for their friends.”
Headliner Shaggy is best known for his unique voice and
collaborations with a wide variety of artists. While at Fall Fest, he spoke about how his concerts and tours have opened doors for him to explore different parts of the world and their unique styles of music.
“I’ve done with an Egyptian artist. I did with an Iranian
Hofstra takes Northeastern in an exciting three-set match
By Shannon Bickert STAFF WRITER
On Saturday, Oct. 12, the Hofstra University volleyball team defeated Northeastern University at the David S. Mack Physical Education Center in a 3-0 sweep. The Pride took the two-match series against the
Huskies, extending their win streak to seven. Hofstra is 11-6 on the season and 7-1 in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) matches. The Huskies are now 5-3 in conference play. Hofstra’s offense dominated, with 46 kills. Clara Bal, Constanza Perez Sain and Izadora Stedile had 12, 11 and 10 kills, respectively. The Pride also battled on the defensive side, putting up 61 digs. Stedile led the pack with 18.
“I think our offense is getting smarter, which helps because the blockers are doing all they can do, and they are big,” said Hofstra head coach Emily Mansur. “But we went around [the blockers], and I think that was a big difference.”
Hofstra displayed their offensive intelligence in set one after struggling right out of the gate. They quickly fell behind, but they showed their resilience. When down 3-0 to start, Bal got the Pride going with a kill. Hofstra then fell to 6-1 due to errors. They bounced back with kills from Perez Sain and Stedile. However, Northeastern’s offense stood strong, Georgia Stavrinides and Millie Loehr had two kills apiece in the middle of the set to widen the Huskies’ lead.
Hofstra did not let up and went on a seven-point run, which began with two kills from Iyanna Garvin. The Pride found themselves within a few points of the Huskies again. They used this momentum to carry them through the close set and pull out a 25-20 win.
Set two also kept both teams on the edge of their seats. Early, the Huskies pulled ahead with the lead. Hofstra made up for their deficit, taking the lead on a kill from Perez Sain. Hofstra took off from there, winning set two 25-18.
Excitement filled the gym in set three, with four lead changes and nine tied scores.
“It’s all a part of volleyball,” Mansur said. “This excitement at the end, we don’t like it as a team especially when you are up, but it’s keeping the composure and understanding it’s a part of the game.”
Hofstra capitalized on this in the final nail-biting set. Down to the last few plays, it looked to be anyone’s game. With the score tied at 24, the Pride pulled ahead by one on an ace from Chiara Cucco. Northeastern matched this with a kill from Loehr. By the end, Hofstra was able to close it out with two kills from Perez Sain, winning 27-25. With this win, Hofstra is tied with the College of Charleston for first place in the CAA. Next weekend, the Pride take a road trip to UNC-Wilmington for a two-match series and look to keep this momentum going. Match time is set for Saturday, Oct. 19, at 4 p.m.
Hofstra women’s volleyball took the win on Saturday’s match.
Photo courtesy of Ethan Albin / Hofstra Chronicle
Shaggy on stage during his Fall Fest performance at Hofstra University.
Photo courtesy of River Murphy / Hofstra Chronicle
New director takes on Hofstra’s Writing Center
By Hollyann Priesel
CHRONICLE
SPECIAL TO THE
At the start of the fall semester, Hofstra University happily embraced new Writing Center Director Professor Genie Giaimo. With multiple years of teaching experience in writing and research, Giaimo hopes to be what this university needs.
“Most times, writing centers need a lot of work,” Giaimo said. “They haven’t been paid attention to, and they’re underfunded or deprioritized.”
In previous years, the writing center faced a great deal of changes in faculty and challenges in operations. After spring 2023, the center was left with an interim director. Upon the long search for a new director’s position, Giaimo’s expertise and experience did not go unnoticed.
Assistant Director of the Writing Center, Marilyn Buono said that Giaimo’s specific research and interests in writing centers made them a successful new hire.
Giaimo earned their bachelor’s in psychology and English and their master’s in English at Clark University. They later earned their doctorate in English from Northeastern University. They also have over 17 years of teaching experience in higher education and three publications, with another on the way.
What cannot be seen through their credentials on paper is their presence.
“I just want students to know how approachable they are,” Buono said. “I just really want to bring that home for students.”
Writing centers are a small community across the country and Giaimo was familiar with Hofstra’s.
“I felt like I knew the writing center intimately, but not like my own,” Giaimo said.
Giaimo was attracted to Hofstra because of the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary work with other colleges and schools on campus. They intend to make this writing center better for
both students and faculty by giving them a place to find new people and resources. This is important to them as a first-generation college graduate from a blue-collar family.
“All of this was very exciting to me because the more infrastructure there is in a university, the more of an opportunity there is to grow a writing center to meet that university’s needs,” Giaimo said.
Many of the college’s characteristics have made Giaimo’s decision more than worthwhile.
“What I like most about Hofstra is both the collegial atmosphere of colleagues and the opportunity for interdisciplinary work,” Giaimo said. “I was very excited about a robust program.”
So far, the tutors have appreciated Giaimo’s proposals about the writing center’s funding and marketing ideas. Giaimo desires to secure external funding for the writing center through endowments, foundational giving and corporate sponsorships.
“I think they do a great job of making sure that no one’s in the dark,” said sophomore English major Caroline Hempy, a tutor at the center. “Giaimo is very transparent about our financial issues and how they want to go about improving our financial situation by having all these tests with new hours and late policies.”
Sophomore English major Mikhaela Freitor, another writing tutor, said that Giaimo has many new engagement ideas.
“I think there’s a lot of accessibility and ideas that we’re working on improving and expanding right now,” Freitor said. “I think that will be a good way to reach a wider audience and accommodate our students’ needs.”
Giaimo understands the importance of asynchronous tutoring and ongoing collaborations with the medical school and others to come. In the words of Giaimo, “The sky is the limit, right?”
Renowned professor visits Hofstra to talk about Islamophobia
By Veronica Wakefield STAFF WRITER
Assistant
Assistant
Hofstra University welcomed Dr. Salman Sayyid on Sept. 23 to host a series of lectures on Islamophobia and white supremacy in the United States. Joined by Professor Salim T.P. Daniels, who offered welcoming introductions and remarks, discussed the history of Islamophobia and how it traces back to white supremacy.
Daniels, a professor of anthropology and chair of the anthropology department at Hofstra, expressed the importance of Sayyid’s visit and of the lectures he would be giving.
“I think [Hofstra students] need to understand things about our society because Islamophobia has an old and long history in America,” Daniels said.
Following his address, Daniels welcomed Sayyid to the stage. Sayyid is a professor and the previous head of the school of sociology and social policy at the University of Leeds and focuses specifically on social
theory and decolonial thought. Sayyid has taught at universities across the United Kingdom, including in Manchester and London.
He started by discussing how, despite Islam being a religion, Islamophobia is treated as a form of racism in the United States and abroad. Sayyid said that the 2001 the 9/11 attacks led to increased violence targeted at Muslim people or people who are perceived as Muslim. The first murder recorded to be motivated by Islamophobia was of a man who was not Muslim but Sikh.
“So, in other words, what you have in racism is not the existence of racists but the process of racialization making something into a category that you can see, that you can define and you can determine how it is,” Sayyid said. “And part of it is how it teaches you to see particular ways of racial organization.”
Sayyid discussed how Islamophobia originated as one of the
earliest forms of racism, creating a timeline with comparisons to the origins of other forms of racism. Sayyid said that in many ways, this form of racism influences the everyday lives of those affected by Islamophobia, specifically through concepts like “Hot Islamophobia” and “Cold Islamophobia.”
Sayyid said that “Hot Islamophobia” is the outward aggressiveness toward a Muslimperceived person or group, including any form of abuse on a person, their character or their property because of them being perceived as a Muslim. He explained “Cold Islamophobia” as the more systemic approach, offering the example of a person being stopped at an airport because of the color of their skin or because of their headdress.
Professor of sociology Margaret Abraham said this dialogue was important in expanding student exposure. “I think it is particularly important because we want our students to get a broader perspective, as well as a
global perspective.”
“This is very important because these types of issues can be very subtle and embedded within people’s consciousness, and they may not even realize it,” said Rayan Bhatti, a sophomore cybersecurity major.
Junior criminology major Zipporah Brown said that this talk emphasized a key point about Hofstra itself. “Especially in a diverse school like this, you can’t just be stuck in your own culture, you have to be openminded to everybody.”
Dr. Salman Sayyid presents information on the causes and effects of “Hot Islamophobia.”
Photo Courtesy of Veronica Wakefield / Hofstra Chronicle
Congressman and Hofstra alumni Anthony D’Esposito faces uphill congressional challenge following report
By Donald Proctor STAFF WRITER
U.S. House Representative Anthony D’Esposito, a Hofstra alumnus who serves the 4th congressional district, has recently
come under fire after the New York Times revealed that D’Esposito hired both his alleged mistress as well as the daughter of his long-time fiancée to his Garden City office. According to House Rule XXIII, Clause 8(c), a member of Congress is expressly banned from employing any relative including stepchildren, which his fianceé’s daughter could be considered. Also, House Rule XXIII, Clause 18 says a member of Congress “may not engage in a sexual relationship with any employee of the House who works under [them].” As a result, D’Esposito could be subject to an ethics investigation and increased scrutiny.
Payroll records showed these new hires cost taxpayers around $29,000 over several months,
This new set of challenges comes as D’Esposito’s most recent polling numbers by GQR and the House Majority PAC show that he is trailing his opponent by 3% in one of the most contentious House races in New York’s 4th district.
Students on Hofstra’s campus had mixed reactions regarding the allegations. Supporters wish he would refocus the discussion to policy instead of commenting on political fodder.
“I like how he has proven he can do more with less when it comes to taxes,” said Angelo Clausner, an undeclared liberal arts sophomore. “I feel as though he has the Giuliani effect when it comes to crime; he can be like Guiliani who worked to put gang members in jail.”
With less than a month until the election, the volume of campaign advertisements from both sides has increased sharply. Advertisements supporting D’Esposito have argued that
his opponent will be complicit in what he has called “failed” border and crime policies by Democrats. Television ads supporting Laura Gillen have argued that D’Esposito would vote for a national abortion ban in Congress.
Gillen, a former Hempstead town councilwoman, vies for a different result in this rematch. She lost to D’Esposito by just over 3% in 2022, or under 10,000 votes. It may prove to be a game of inches as both candidates try to make their lastminute pitches to voters.
“She governed, more or less, as a centrist as Hempstead [town] supervisor, appealing to those voters who supported her would make sense,” said political science professor Craig Burnett. Burnett noted that moderates could be a demographic that may decide the race.
“I feel reproductive rights are good to focus on for Gillen,” said Nicole Miller, a junior com-
munity health major. “It could change the minds of women who are still undecided if D’Esposito can’t firmly position himself to make women in the middle ground comfortable.”
On Wednesday, Oct. 9, D’Esposito’s Garden City office was the site of a rally by the Nassau Residents for Good Government in response to the allegations. Those in attendance insisted upon an “expedited investigation” of the Congressman.
“The fact that he believes he did nothing wrong shows how deep-seated his corruption is. The time has come for Congressman D’Esposito to be held accountable for his misuse of public resources,” said Claudia Borecky, a constituent of D’Esposito’s from Merrick, New York. “We are calling for an investigation. We do not want to wake up on Nov. 6 and learn we have another Santos in the House.”
Hofstra Votes encouraging student involvement in the presidential election
By Nicholas Cuda
SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
This semester, students at Hofstra University have the opportunity to witness a remarkable election year. In an attempt to inform students on the importance of voting, Hofstra Votes hosted a series of lectures devoted to educating students on important political topics.
Sept. 17 was voter registration day which reminds U.S. citizens to register to vote or request an absentee ballot. Hofstra Votes is a campaign from Hofstra structured to motivate students to vote on campus and inform them on the issues affecting themselves and their country. Posters can be found around campus advertising hosted events or website links to registration. Their goal is to provide students with access to the resources to register to vote or check if they’re already registered to vote.
Some Hofstra students are already registered to vote. Katie Baxter, a senior film produc-
tion major, registered to vote through the help of Hofstra Votes. Baxter is looking for a candidate “who’s respectful of human rights” and is ethically professional.
Ethical professionalism from both presidential candidates has been a concern for many voters this election regarding to the truthful accuracy from both candidates. Many news outlets fact checked the presidential debate between Former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, finding there to be false evidence said on both sides.
Mohammad Ariann, a sophomore business management major, also registered to vote with the aid of Hofstra Votes. Ariann is looking for a candidate that can address and improve the United States’ economy and inflation.
“I want that one-dollar cheeseburger back,” Ariann said.
Sophomore geographic information systems major, Aidan Kaplan, is a commuter student who is registered to vote locally. He’s looking for a political candidate that has a strong focus on climate change.
These are just some of the many issues that registered voters are concerned with regarding the 2024 presidential election.
On Sept. 10, Hofstra hosted its annual coverage of the Presidential debate covered by the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication (LHSC). During the debate, students had the opportunity to listen and watch the two candidates Harris and Trump debate one another.
The room was filled with anticipation as students watched both candidates attempt to give their plan for their new regime in office while having political banter for the rest of the evening.
On Tuesday, Oct. 1, Hofstra Votes provided viewing access for the vice-presidential debate. Like the Presidential debate, it
started with a panel hosted by Hofstra University professors and deans. Joining the panel was Craig Burnett, a political science professor, Mark Lukasiewicz, dean of the LHSC, Rosanna Perotti, a professor of political science and Tomeka Robinson, professor of rhetoric and public advocacy.
The panelists spoke about the history behind presidential debates and how they formerly were always aired in a non-biased point of view for a full first hour. Historically, once the debates have ended, the coverage would be handed off to individual political channels with their own political viewpoints and commentary on the issues addressed during the debate.
At an open forum meeting for Nassau County District 18, Danielle Smikle, a political candidate for the New York State Assembly, spoke about the importance of the younger generation and ways to
get more students to vote. She emphasized the importance of voting by reminding younger generations that “it’s cool to vote.”
Anthony D’Esposito is a U.S. House Representative.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Signs promoting Hofstra votes have popped up across campus.
Photo Courtesy of Nicholas Cuda / Hofstra Chronicle
‘Farmingville’ panel draws parallels between past and present attitudes on immigration
By Gabriel Prevots STAFF WRITER
On Sept. 30, the Hofstra University Library Special Collections hosted a screening and discussion of the documentary “Farmingville” to commemorate the film’s 20th anniversary.
Members of the panel included the directors of the film, Carlos Sandoval and Catherine Tambini, Professor Mario Murillo, the vice dean of the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, Dr. Alan J. Singer, Hofstra’s Program Director of Social Studies Education, as well as Paul Tonna and Matilda Parada, two people featured in the film. Panelists reflected on topics including the film’s message and impact, political polarization and connections between how immigration was discussed 20 years ago compared to now.
“The film began with my concern about the hate that I saw growing in Long Island at that time … culminating in that headline: ‘They wanted to get some Mexicans,’” Sandoval said. “I figured that as a lawyer, other people could do the legal advocacy, but I considered
myself to be a storyteller, so I thought, ‘a documentary – why not?’”
Sandoval and Tambini spent a year in Farmingville connecting with residents and migrants to make the film as part of their vision to present both sides fairly. However, that ideal came with challenges.
“We had a lot of discussions about how much of the antiimmigrant rhetoric to put in it, and Carlos was adamant [that] we have to hear their voices,” Tambini said. “If we don’t hear their voices, then they’re not heard, [and] there’s no way to solve the problem.”
Singer reflected on the parallels between the talking points presented in the film and those common in politics today, such as the conspiracy theory that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating their neighbors’ dogs and cats.
“In the town in Ohio, local residents feel overwhelmed, there’s little assistance to them, and that stew ends up being used as a political football,” Singer said. “Certain parties are not willing to step in and
Excitement all around for Fall Fest at Hofstra cont.
artist. Because my brand is global, we do concerts in all these places,” Shaggy said. “I’ve been to Egypt. I’ve been to the Middle East. I’ve been everywhere. So, you tend to run into these artists. Some of them might be on the same show with you. You develop relationships, and they’ll send a song over. And we just knock it out because it’s good to tap into that culture.”
He also added to the importance of experiencing different cultures as a musician.
“Every time I go to these places, I’m not just doing a concert, I’m actually living the culture. I want to eat the food. I want to meet the people. I want to go and be a part of just their whole ritual, whatever that is,” Shaggy said. “Just like if you go to Jamaica, there are certain things Jamaican that you’re going to want to do because of my
provide practical solutions, and that’s the tension that’s existed for decades now,” Singer said.
Political polarization around immigration was a frequent topic for both panelists and students. Ben Cohen, a junior majoring in history and a Long Island local, asked the panelists, “How can Long Island move forward to try and resolve these problems and acknowledge feelings on both sides of the aisle?”
Murillo reflected on his experience covering other communities on Long Island experiencing similar issues with migrant workers when he worked as a journalist. “Farmingville is just one of dozens of communities on Long Island that were going through the same thing,” Murillo said. “I must have gone to dozens of rallies or mobilizations or meetings … it was the same discourse.”
Gabriella DeLeon, a sophomore health science major, identified with the migrants’ perspective and felt deeply moved by the film. “I went to this [panel] specifically because my dad is an immigrant, so I wanted to know the history of
Long Island and how people have treated immigrants in the past,” DeLeon said.
DeLeon said her father immigrated from Guatemala to New Jersey to work as a day laborer and now owns his own landscaping business through which he hires recent migrants.
“He gets to hire the same people he once was, which is nice,”
DeLeon said.
DeLeon’s story is common.
Parada, an immigrant rights advocate who helped organize day laborers against discrimination, reflected on her experience and how migrants’ situations have improved over the years.
“I am still involved in that community … I can see a big difference now. Twenty years ago, all those men [were] without their families,” Parada said.
“Now … they own their own houses, they have businesses, they don’t need human solidarity anymore. The people who [were] hating them [are] now hiring them”.
While the controversy that paralyzed Farmingville 20 years ago has subsided somewhat into acceptance, immigration
remains a contentious issue on which politicians and common people alike struggle to agree.
However, Parada affirms that the only way through this discord will be spreading civility and tolerance.
“Unfortunately, discrimination is never going to end, not only in America,” Parada said.
“We don’t want our children [to] grow up in an environment with hatred, so we need to teach them how to tolerate [other] people.”
It certainly shapes you as an artist.”
The “Farmingville” documentary shows footage of protests.
Photo courtesy of Camino Bluff Productions
culture. So, I like tapping into it.
Photo courtesy of River Murphy / Hofstra Chronicle
Photo courtesy of River Murphy / Hofstra Chronicle
Shaggy sings on the Fall Fest stage. Shaggy performs with his band.
On April 8, at 4 a.m., the RSR working in Bill of Rights Hall reported to PS that two HU students and a non-student failed to comply with Hofstra guest policy and verbally harassed the RSR. The non-student was banned from campus, and the two students were issued referrals to CS for their actions.
Key:
PS – Public Safety
HU – Hofstra University
UFD – Uniondale Fire Department
NCPD – Nassau County Police Department
CS – Community Standards
being conducted into this matter. The plant department was notified for cleanup.
On April 12, at 9:50 p.m., the fire alarm in Estabrook Hall was acti-
Public Safety Briefs
Compiled by Moriah Sukhlal
complained of back pain, and the driver of vehicle two had no injuries. NCPD responded and the driver of vehicle one was transported to the hospital by a Nassau County Ambulance.
On April 8, at 11:14 p.m., the RA in Utrecht House reported to PS that, while conducting rounds, there were loud noises coming from a room. PS responded and discovered open bottles of alc
On April 8, at 4 a.m., the RSR working in Bill of Rights Hall reported to PS that two HU students and a non-student failed to comply with Hofstra guest policy and verbally harassed the RSR. The non-student was banned from campus, and the two students were issued referrals to CS for their actions.
On Monday, Sept. 30, at 5:43 p.m., an HU student witnessed the vehicle of an HU employee being hit in parking field 1C. The vehicle left the scene after causing damage to the front bumper of the HU employee’s vehicle.
one minute. PS, Plant and UFD responded. The situation was corrected, and the fire alarm was reset.
vated due to hair care products. The alarm sounded, and the building was evacuated. PS, the plant department and the Uniondale Fire Department responded to the location. The situation was corrected, and the fire alarm was reset.
evacuated within one minute without incident. PS, Plant and UFD responded. The situation was corrected, and the fire alarm was reset.
On Saturday, Sept. 28, at 9:10 p.m., an HU resident assistant discovered alcohol in a room in Delft House while doing rounds. PS responded and spoke with the three HU student residents of the room. The students were referred to CS.
On April 8, at 11:14 p.m., the RA in Utrecht House reported to PS that, while conducting rounds, there were loud noises coming from a room. PS responded and discovered open bottles of alcohol. Six students were issued referrals to CS.
On Thursday, Sept. 26, at 11:30 a.m., vehicle one driven by a non-Hofstra student visitor was traveling northbound on campus off the Hempstead Turnpike. Vehicle two, driven by an HU student traveling in the same direction, hit vehicle one from behind. Damage was sustained to vehicle one’s rear bumper and vehicle two’s hood. The driver of vehicle one
On Monday, Sept. 30, at 10:50 a.m., an HU resident director reported that there was damage to the television on the second floor of Enterprise Hall. There are no cameras located in that area, and a time of occurrence was not provided.
On Monday, Sept. 30, at 8:11 p.m., the fire alarm in the Graduate Residence Hall sounded due to shower steam. One hundred seven people were evacuated within five minutes without incident. PS, Plant and UFD responded. The situation was corrected, and the fire alarm was reset.
On April 11, at 10:20 a.m., an HU plant employee reported to PS that he accidentally damaged a vehicle owned by another Hofstra employee on Holland Road while working on the main campus. The owner of the vehicle was notified about the damage and responded to PS.
On April 11, at 2:18 p.m., it was reported to PS that an unknown person wrote messages in chalk on the sidewalk on the south side of Hofstra Hall. Photos were taken of the graffiti, and an investigation is
On Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 5:45 p.m., an HU employee stated that their vehicle was hit while parked in a resident director Spark Spot in parking field 7, vehicle two is unknown. NCPD responded and took a report.
On April 14, at 5:25 p.m., the fire alarm in Hampton House was activated due to burnt food in the kitchen. The alarm sounded, and the building was evacuated. PS, the plant department and the Uniondale Fire Department responded to the location. The situation was corrected, and the fire alarm was reset.
On April 15, at 10:19 a.m., the fire alarm in New York House was activated due to burnt food in the kitchen. The alarm sounded, and the building was evacuated. PS, the plant department and the Uniondale Fire Department responded to the location. The situation was corrected, and the fire alarm was reset.
On Friday, Oct. 4, at 8:30 a.m., an HU custodian found damage to the men’s bathroom in HofUSA. An investigation is being conducted into this matter.
On Friday, Oct. 4, at 8:56 p.m., the fire alarm in Stuyvesant Hall sounded due to steam from the shower. Forty-six people were evacuated within one minute without incident. PS, Plant and UFD responded. The situation was corrected, and the fire alarm was reset.
On Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 2:38 p.m., the fire alarm in Estabrook Hall sounded due to an air freshener. Twenty-seven people were evacuated within
On April 15, at 6:53 p.m., an HU student reported to PS that they lost their wallet containing their driver’s license, Hofstra ID, debit card and cash. The wallet was lost in a location off campus. The NCPD responded and took a report.
On Friday, Oct. 4, at 3:19 p.m., the fire alarm in Estabrook Hall was activated. No condition was found for the fire alarm. Sixty-three people were
On Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 1:55 p.m., the fire alarm in HofUSA sounded due to possible dust. The building was unoccupied at the time. PS and Plant responded. The situation was corrected, and the fire alarm was reset.
On April 16, at 9:44 a.m., an HU student reported to PS that some of their laundry was missing from the laundry room in Alliance Hall. The student requested a police response.
On April 16, at 10:26 p.m., an HU student was issued a referral to CS for swiping an unknown person into Netherlands South.
Graphic designed by Camryn Bowden and Giovanni Salsa and information compiled by SGA Communications Chair Ava DiSanto
By Ethan Poole ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
When I close my eyes, I can still see it: expansive foul ground, a barn-looking building in the center field, metal bleachers in the right field, a grassy berm in the left field, all of the local advertisements and the color-coded seats. I can still hear it: chants of “Let’s go PawSox!” from the enthusiastic crowd and the upbeat music in between innings. And I sure can still smell it: freshly cut grass, the faint metallic smell from the support beams holding the overhang and – somewhat stressful for a peanut-allergic individual such as myself – the ballpark staple of peanuts and cracker jacks. McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island was where I spent most of my time for the first 14 summers of my life. McCoy was the home of the Pawtucket Red Sox (affectionately known as the “PawSox”), Boston’s Triple-A minor league team for nearly 50 years. When the stands were full, it was a vibrant, lively and joyful
By Hannah Mudry SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
From advertising a 36-car scooter jump to starring in shows on the HEAT Network, Boston Piquette has already made his mark as a first-year student and is on the road to becoming Hofstra University’s newest microcelebrity.
Piquette is a television and film major at the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. Since he was in second grade, films fascinated him. Not only did he enjoy watching movies, but he also enjoyed creating stop-motion shorts, and what originally began as class projects, became an afterschool hobby.
“My goal would be to be able to write a movie and have that get picked up,” Piquette said when explaining his ambitions for the future.
Piquette finds comedy to be his strong suit in the creative world. He and his hometown friends have a YouTube channel, @Attadablustudiu, that features
FEATURES
Personal Essay: McCoy Stadium
place. Getting to see top prospects and rehabbing stars was an amazing experience for any baseball fan. Personally, it was an incredible place to fall in love with the game. For six dollars, you could get a general admission ticket and have a fantastic view of the entire field. It was a formative experience, getting to sit in the sun, share a game with my dad and grandparents and learn the game from them that I would grow to love so much. Despite my lingering love for McCoy, the ballpark was not in good shape: metal spikes were coming out of the ground next to the seats, parts of the grandstand were falling apart and the area surrounding it was not in good condition. PawSox ownership wanted a taxpayer-funded stadium, likely in Providence. But Rhode Island’s state government had no desire to give millions to an already rich group, so the ownership began to look elsewhere. In 2018, they announced that they would move to Worcester, Massachusetts.
I was absolutely crushed, as
the staple of my summers would soon be gone. While Worcester is only about an hour away from my hometown, part of the magic of Pawtucket was that I could drive 20 minutes, see my grandparents on the way and hop over to McCoy.
Hearing that the PawSox were leaving, I planned on attending as many games as I could before their departure. I had no clue that when I left the stadium on Aug. 16, 2019, it would be my final time inside the place that shaped my childhood.
The team’s final season was meant to be 2020, and the entire season was supposed to be a celebration of 50 years of PawSox baseball and 80 years of McCoy Stadium. That year, COVID-19 robbed me and thousands of other baseball fans of a chance to say goodbye. Comparatively, losing a minor league baseball team’s final season was small potatoes compared to what was going on in the world, but it was still devastating to not get the closure of a final celebratory season.
I don’t think it’s possible for me to put into words how much McCoy Stadium and the PawSox meant to me. Going to games as much as I did started a lifelong love affair with baseball that has inspired me to pursue a career in sports media. The stadium’s impending demolition has made me immensely nostalgic and has offered the chance to reflect on the impact that it had and still has on me.
This Hofstra Life: Boston Piquette
content such as music, comedy and running around dressed as a minion. Piquette has also produced skits at Hofstra that were published on this channel, like his attempt to jump 36 matchbox cars on a scooter in the Netherlands and his off-kilter depiction of Hofstra’s family weekend.
When applying to colleges, Piquette was originally going to study physical therapy. Little did he know, he would find his true passion when recovering from a knee injury.
Throughout his childhood, Piquette played lacrosse for his school team, but he struggled with a knee injury that caused him to constantly be in a physical therapist’s office.
“I thought I was going to study [physical therapy] because I was always in [physical therapy],” Piquette said.
When he was finally able to receive an MRI, radiologists found an extra bone in his kneecap. What was originally supposed to be a two-week recovery turned into two months. During this
time, Piquette began composing comedy songs for his high school’s talent show.
“My friend and I made a few music videos while I was on the crutches,” Piquette said. “I realized that I was enjoying my time more writing comedy songs. If I was learning about physical therapy, I would just be doing something boring.”
Piquette took his passion to Hofstra and began involving himself in as many organizations as he could that resonated with his interests. He has even been a guest on the show “Up All Night” with hosts Jake Epstein and Grace MacIntyre.
“I did not think that I would be able to get involved so soon. Being able to be on ‘Up All Night’ was really sick,” Piquette said.
Piquette is also a part of the “Spin the Wheel” cast with Hofstra’s HEAT Network, which is credited to be a high-stakes game show. Although Piquette did not receive the title of “host,” the casting board enjoyed watching him perform and gave him the
Not getting a final season will always hurt, and I will definitely shed a few tears when the ballpark is brought down. But I will always look back, not with anger and sadness, but with joy and gratitude that I had an opportunity to be so strongly impacted by having a professional baseball team in my backyard.
role of the host’s understudy.
Piquette has also been creating packages for the show.
“I feel like being in the communication school is my favorite because my high school had nothing with film or TV or anything like that,” Piquette said. “It is such a big jump from that to a whole world full of people who are also interested in what I am interested
in and want to help each other.”
Piquette has created a home for himself at Hofstra where he will continue to grow throughout his undergraduate years, hoping to make others laugh with his comedic jokes and rich humor along the way.
Photo courtesy of Hannah Mudry
Photo courtesy of Ballpark Digest
By Peter Massarrone
SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
If you live near Manhattan, New York, and are into concerts at all, chances are you’ve heard of Terminal 5. The venue offers affordable tickets for your favorite B-list artists, with the occasional A or C-lister on the roster. I have been to Terminal 5 about five or six times, and to say it’s a staple of concert entertainment in the New York City area is an understatement.
On Sept. 25, two friends and I had $60 tickets (that we purchased a few nights before) to see Mk.gee, an alternative, rock-psychedelia guitarist, at Terminal 5. Knowing his live performances were something to rave about, we sprinted to my car after class to catch the train to Penn Station and make it to the venue before 8 p.m. We barely made it in before the show started, managing to secure a spot in the back of the crowd.
Terminal 5 offers a sprawling
By Craig Mannino STAFF WRITER
I am not a baseball fan. Yeah, I played Little League. Yeah, my dad is really into it. And yeah, I have been to my fair share of games. But honestly, I think the sport can be pretty boring. Innings often pass by with nothing happening, the stats sheet may as well be written in some sort of made-up language, and the game itself sometimes takes a back seat to hot dogs and beer. And sure, I have read “Moneyball.” I have seen the movie and I love both, but my interest wanes around inning four.
Except for the New York Mets. I love the New York Mets. I love the New York Mets. No, seriously, I do not think you get it: I love, love, love the New York Mets. Something about the franchise right now flips everything I have ever felt about baseball on its head.
Maybe it is the fact that they are winning for the first time in decades. Actually, it is definitely
FEATURES
Chron Critiques: Terminal 5
floor with bars in front of the artist’s stage, and a second floor balcony open to all who have a ticket. People attending the concerts pack in and you’re instantly surrounded by others ready to truly enjoy the music that you’ve most likely only heard through your headphones up until this point.
The energy is always dramatic, exhilarating and best of all, entertaining as hell.
Despite always providing a thrilling experience, the major problem I have with Terminal 5 is the location. Situated on the far west side of Manhattan, right near the Hudson River, the closest subway station is an over 15 minute walk away. Having to take a half hour train ride, then a 20 minute subway train, then another 15 minute walk down a hill, just to be standing in the far back of a line waiting for 30 minutes to get in is not enjoyable whatsoever. Then, having to do it all over again on the way back home after you’ve already been standing for three to four hours
at the concert venue is incredibly miserable.
Additionally, the lack of seats or places to watch the entertainment in Terminal 5 is inconvenient. Your only options are to stand in the crowd of hundreds of people or try for a spot on the second floor.
When standing in the crowd, you run the chance of being stuck behind a dude who is 6 feet tall and wearing a backwards cap which adds an extra inch. You can end up getting a spectacular three hour view of his right shoulder as you stand there regretting your purchase (yes, this happened to me once).
If you risk your chances for a spot on the second floor, you may secure the balcony overlooking the entire venue, which is an awesome, unforgettable experience. But if you’re stuck behind even one person on that second floor, you’ll be stuck watching a screen of the artist performing like you’re watching a YouTube video in your room.
Despite these glaring issues,
Terminal 5 holds some of my favorite memories. My first time at the venue was in 2022. The crowd was energetic, people were crowd surfing, there were two encores and the artist even pushed into the crowd when he wanted to perform his biggest hits.
When he started performing in the crowd, the whole venue turned into a mosh pit. People were singing, dancing and throwing each other around, and it was incredible.
Being a skinny, short high
The Mets will go all the way, trust
that. But there are other factors at play; like Citi Field and the feeling and energy of being there. The Mets’ newfound hot streak has turned Citi Field’s energy contagiously optimistic since what has been dubbed the “post-Grimace era.”
I remember during last season, I would sit in the stands quietly watching the Mets lose game after game. Fans swore at every batter who struck out and begged management to change pitchers for the fourth time because this one will be better, trust. The lines were short, and the stands were empty. It felt embarrassing to say “Let’s go Mets.” They always let you down when you did. Now it is the opposite. Citi Field feels electric. I went to a game a few weeks ago with my dad and grandpa and, oh boy, I have not felt that excited about anything in a while. Everyone was excited, drunk on the high of the season – and on alcohol. There is a buzz around the stadium that I have never felt before. It is like we all think it
is too good to be true; we all think our luck has run dry, but the wins just keep coming. That stadium may never stop playing Jose Iglesias’s “OMG.” The momentum is crazy, and the feeling of being a fan is simply Amazin’.
Now I scream “Let’s go Mets” at practically everything, and can you blame me? Every moment of the games has become so exciting. Fans even go crazy about the stuff we did not care about last season.
When Pete Alonso hits a ball that has the slightest chance of being a home run, we stand up. When Harrison Bader catches a pop fly, we lose it. And when Francisco Lindor does literally anything, well, you get it.
Of course, there are still playoffs, and as Billy Beane, the father of “Moneyball” said, “What happens [during the playoffs] is fucking luck.” The playoffs are a crapshoot; there is no guarantee of anything, and I would not be surprised if we did not make it. But that will not stop me from
school kid, my Yankees hat got lost in the crowd, until some random guy from Britain found it, handed it back to me and we screamed our hearts out to the encore together.
I would recommend checking out a concert here if you get the chance. The trip may be grueling and the venue might be crowded, but you’re sure to have an affordable blast with your friends at Terminal 5. Terminal 5 is located at 610 W 56th St, New York, New York, 10019.
telling anyone with ears that the 2024 Mets will go all the way, trust.
Do not get me wrong, I would love it if we made it to the World Series – I would love it even more if we won the World Series. If that happens, I may have to become a fanatic. I may have to start wearing blue and orange every day for the rest of my life. I may have to buy a $60 shirt
from the Team Store. I may have to talk about the win forever. Of course, I know we are not guaranteed to win and sure, that sucks, but I had so much fun this season that I am not sure that matters to me. I am just happy to have been at Citi Field during a season where we can wear LGM with pride.
Photo courtesy of Peter Massarrone
Photo Courtesy of MLB
M AN ON THE U NISPAN
What is your favorite scary movie?
By Zoe Casselman and Lily Anzalone FEATURES EDITOR AND ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR
O verheard @ h O fstra
“I’m trying to groom my professor so he’ll write a thesis with me.”
“Throw me to the wolves? They’ll come back pregnant.”
“This is not the time to be playing with your genitalia.”
“She’s an evil lesbian.”
“I was a big sports guy before I got pronouns”
“I’ll
“Don’t jerk off to my mom!”
“So they’ve been siblings this whole time?”
“I’ve never lost a twerk-off battle.”
“Oh so you make a kitty joke and a girl can’t meow?”
“That’s definitely not what a testicle feels like.”
Spread by Audra Nemirow
“I like ‘Silence of the Lambs,’ it’s actually my favorite movie” - Ava Kool, senior
go classic, ‘Nightmare on Elm Street.’”
- Nicole Woolf, senior
Zoe Casselman / The Hofstra Chronicle
FEATURES
Icebreakers: How was your weekend?
By Makenzie Hurt
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
I saw Sabrina Carpenter live this weekend. I’ve had tickets to the “Short n’ Sweet Tour” since August, even before the new album came out. The day after the concert I was driving in the car with my mom and the woman on the radio said, “This may be the new Eras Tour.” That was exactly what I and my dear friend and graduated News editor Sophia noticed. The crowd ranged from 8-year-olds to women who probably work a nine-to-five. Almost everyone was dressed up in their best pop-princess outfits, and our “My give-a-fucks are on vacation” t-shirts got about a dozen compliments.
When I was a kid, I was a big
fan of Taylor Swift. I stopped listening after “1989,” so I had no interest in going to the Eras Tour. I didn’t get the appeal and didn’t understand spending an exuberant amount of money on a concert. But as soon as Carpenter announced her tour, I was prepared to spend all of my savings if necessary. I didn’t expect the way that seeing a concert would totally change my state of mind.
I’ve been to plenty of rock concerts that left me feeling great, but I’ve never left a concert feeling so positive about life. I was so happy to be at a sold-out concert full of people who all share the same interests, and spend two hours dancing and screaming the lyrics with our flashlights out.
During “Sharpest Tool,” one of the more melancholy songs from
the new album, nearly everyone had their flashlights up singing the words, “We never talk about it,” and relating them to their own difficult and heartbreaking relationships.
We all screamed when she debuted her newest “Juno” position (if you know you know), and everyone sang the la la la’s of “Coincidence.”
So, to all of the Swifties out there, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for judging the amount you spent on concert tickets, for traveling out of state for a concert, for bawling your eyes out and for spending months picking out an outfit.
We’re all just people trying to find something that makes us happy in a world where things can feel glum.
Before going into the concert,
Chron Cooks: Proatmeal ft. Ethan Albin
By Ethan Albin
OPINION EDITOR
If you want a protein-filled breakfast, try this!
Ingredients:
1 banana
A handful of blueberries
1 tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 serving protein powder
¼ cup brown sugar
1 cup of oats
1 cup water
A splash of milk
Optional: drizzle of honey
Instructions:
1. Pour the oats into a bowl and combine with water.
2. Mix liberally and place in the microwave for two minutes, stir halfway through.
3. Whilst oatmeal cooks, chop banana into slivers or small pieces and rinse blueberries. Place both aside for now.
4. Remove bowl from microwave and add a splash of milk, then quickly stir in your serving of protein powder until combined.
5. Add chocolate chips and stir until chips are melted and then add brown sugar and stir until combined.
6. Top with chopped banana and blueberries and if desired, add a drizzle of honey.
we were crossing our fingers that we’d have seat neighbors who were our age and actually cool.
Those people ended up being Nate and Molly, two college students who drove down from Massachusetts to see Carpenter. Nate was even planning to go to her Boston show the next day.
We took photos with them, danced with them and exchanged numbers.
After the concert, we went to a cute little pub that should have been empty on a Wednesday night, but instead, it was graced by concertgoers. I’d like to give a sincere thank you to the DJ who mixed dance hits with Sabrina Carpenter songs. Because I turned to the girl next to me, a total stranger, and sang and danced with her.
Maybe it was such a good time because Sophia is so friendly and outgoing, which seems to rub off on me when I’m around her, or maybe it was the environment. But I don’t remember the last time I’ve bonded with random people like that. I feel like I hear about a time before phones when people made friends with strangers so easily, and that seems to have disappeared.
Events like concerts, sports games and millions of other public gatherings form an invisible string that ties us all together; free of judgment and full of love.
Chron Cooks: Chocolate frosting ft. Paige Sanacora
By Paige Sanacora STAFF WRITER
After much trial and error, I think I have finally found the best recipe for chocolate frosting that can complete any dessert. I recently made this frosting with chocolate cake, and it was absolutely perfect! It’s so rich and easy to make, I just had to share it.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk
Instructions:
(If you have access to a hand or stand mixer, I would recommend using it – it’s easier.)
1. Beat butter in a large bowl until fluffy in texture.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder and salt.
3. While mixing on low speed, carefully pour in about half of the dry mixture until well incorporated. Then, add in vanilla.
4. Mix in the rest of the dry mixture in increments, alternating between the dry mixture and pouring milk until you are happy with the texture. (You can always add more or less milk than I did if you want a thicker or creamier frosting.)
Photo courtesy of Ethan Albin
Photo courtesy of Paige Sanacora
Fall Fest 2024 Recap
Despite the bad weather trend of the last three years, Hofstra students and families enjoyed many Fall Fest events: Men’s soccer won 2-1 against Elon, volleyball scored big over Hampton and the Pride Expo unveiled Kate and Willie’s new swagger, as well as provided ‘European Vacation’ themed games to friends and family. Concert headliner Shaggy sang hits such as, “Angel,” “Boombastic” and “It Wasn’t Me.” The night concluded with a spectacular firework show.
Photo courtesy of Linds
Photo courtesy of Lindsey Lolkema
Photo courtesy of Lindsey Lolkema Alex Ferreira / The Hofstra Chronicle
Background by Alex Ferreira / The Hofstra Chronicle
Spread by Annie MacKeigan and Alex Ferreira
Photo courtesy of Lindsey Lolkema
Photo courtesy of Lindsey Lolkema
Charlotte Mysliwiec/ The Hofstra Chronicle
Annie MacKeigan / The Hofstra Chronicle
Photo courtesy of River Murphy
Arts And EntErtAinmEnt
Photo courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes
By Alyssa Inserra STAFF WRITER
‘Wicked’ the musical defies all expectations
It was not just Elphaba (Mary Kate Morrissey) who was “Defying Gravity” at the Gershwin Theater as every high belt from Morrissey sent me levitating from my seat. For over 20 years, “Wicked” has left audiences spellbound. Witnessing the rise and fall of Elphaba and her journey to becoming the Wicked Witch of the West reminds viewers to never judge a book by its cover. I was lucky enough to experience the magic of Oz with two of my best friends, and I can safely say I walked away with memories that will last a lifetime.
First, the vocals from all the actors were unbelievable. Any Broadway musical calls for showstopping singing, but even more so with “Wicked” because of its long run on Broadway and its famous musical scores. Almost everyone has heard of Elphaba’s famous riff at the conclusion of “Defying Gravity” as it’s considered the vocal pin-
nacle of the show. However, not everyone is familiar with the high ranges of other characters. I was completely unaware of how
high Glinda’s (Alexandra Socha) register was – I almost swore she inhaled helium from a balloon before coming onstage. It was not just their range, I was also blown away by the vocal control of Socha and Morrissey: Their switches from lower to higher registers seemed effortless, all the while maintaining control of their breathing through every riff and harmony. As for the songs themselves, my personal favorite is “No
Good Deed.” After everything Elphaba has discovered about herself, the Wizard and the future of Oz, she feels defeated, unable to restore normalcy to the lives of those she cares about. None of her “good deeds” are recognized or actualized, and the song delves into that crisis. Morrissey’s vocals perfectly captured and conveyed Elphaba’s frustration, anger and desperation.
I’ve been a fan of “The Wizard of Oz” for as long as I can remember, and one of my most vivid memories of the film is the costumes and set design. Similarly, after seeing “Wicked,” it’s the set and costume designs that are still top of mind. From the eclectic hairstyles of the Ozians to the silver slippers of Nessarose (Micaela Martinez), the attention to detail is impeccable. Even the emeraldgreen of the Ozian costumes matching the set made all the
difference. Susan Hilferty, the costume designer of “Wicked,” was also the costume designer for Taylor Swift’s “Speak Now” World Tour, so I knew the cast would be dressed to impress. Other elements that I loved were the lighting and special effects. These can make or break a performance: Too much, and audience members are bombarded with sensory overload. Too little, and one can walk away feeling like something was missing. The technical additions must strike a delicate balance to be successful, and I’m happy to report that “Wicked” had the magic touch with both lighting and special effects. They enhanced the mood of the scenes, highlighted characters’ emotions and made magical moments – like casting spells and flying monkeys – even more captivating.
Seeing “Wicked” was a wonderful, enchanting experience. I recommend everyone hop on a broomstick, fly to Times Square, and see the magix for yourself!
Sabrina Carpenter takes Brooklyn
By Abby Gibson
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
The Barclays Center was filled with short skirts, lipstickstained kiss marks and screaming fans on Sept. 30, as Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet Tour” held its second night in New York City. Thousands of fans came out to listen to songs from her albums: “emails i can’t send” and “Short n’ Sweet.” The setlist featured 21 songs, including a surprise song.
Before Carpenter hit the stage, Diana Ross’ iconic “I’m Coming Out” played, raising the crowd’s energy. A short video preceded the song, showing Carpenter in a bathtub as the narrator spoke to both Carpenter and the crowd. As excitement builds for her to hit the stage, the narrator asks her, “Hold on a moment, aren’t you forgetting something, what day is it?” Wrapped in a towel, Carpenter dashed onto the stage where she revealed a sparkling silver outfit. After this, she
began the concert with her song “Taste.” If there’s one thing she knows how to do, it’s how to make quite an impression.
The concept for the tour is a television channel that changes shows throughout the night.
The segments are titled “The Short n’ Sweet Show,” “Sabrina After Dark” and “Don’t Touch That Dial!” This unique concept allows for playfulness within the performances of the songs, as it correlates to the title of the shows. The stage was designed to complement this aesthetic, featuring a penthouse-inspired main stage connected to a heartshaped catwalk.
After headline-touring four times, Carpenter’s experience has allowed her to go big for her first arena tour. For her song “Juno,” Carpenter leans into her dirty humor and picks one fan from the pit to receive fuzzy pink handcuffs before dedicating the song to them. Continuing this cheekiness, she does a different
sex position each show, which gets the crowd pumped to see what she will do. Following her lead, the crowd screams the lyrics “I’m so fucking horny,” as everyone is as low as they can get on the ground. Per the request of Carpenter, the audience jumps up and dances after the line. The energy never went away, even halfway through the show.
One of the more exciting things about the tour is the surprise song or cover played at each show. So far, Carpenter has performed covers of ABBA, Madonna, Shania Twain and songs from Carpenter herself. Brooklyn got the first surprise song which was an original –“Busy Woman.” The song is part of the few secret songs hidden on her vinyl variations. The crowd went wild as this was its live debut. The lyrics were put on the screen for those who didn’t know it, allowing for a more united sing-along. She then transi-
Quick Hits
tioned into her hit “Nonsense;” after talking to the crowd and randomly saying “I think we need to talk about the economic and societal state of the world,” basically talking nonsense. She has finally ended the “nonsense outro” tradition after over a year of creating them. She makes up for this loss with all the other engaging bits in the show.
Carpenter’s stage presence and captivating tour kept the crowd entertained from start to finish. Her popularity doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon with these concerts. Her ability to connect and put on a show will keep people buying tickets and continue her already successful career.
Nell Smith, a musician who collaborated with The Flaming Lips, has died at age 17 from injuries from a car accident.
“Joker: Folie à Deux” opened with an underperforming 40 million dollars at the U.S. national box office.
A small business that sells glitter freckles has gone viral after Taylor Swift wore them to a Chiefs game.
Courtesy of Fox News
Courtesy of Billboard
Courtesy of NBC News
Courtesy of USA Today
‘The Office’ star Jenna Fischer revealed her breast cancer diagnosis after recovery. Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs will face a trial for his recent charges in May 2025.
Courtesy of Los Angeles Times
‘Wicked’ has garnered $5 billion since its start in 2003.
Photo courtesy of wickedthemusical.com
September film recap: Brains, brawn and beauty
By Michael Gaborno STAFF WRITER
There are three September titles whose releases were small compared to the sizeable buzz in terms of media discourse. All three are striking projects that are more than worth devoting time to. Here is a short recap of September’s under-anticipated breakout films.
Jeremy Saulnier’s “Rebel Ridge” – Netflix
Following the gnarly, grindhouse carnage of his underappreciated gems “Blue Ruin” and “Green Room,” writer and director Jeremy Saulnier completely scales back the grisly violence but ratchets up the sweat-inducing tension and intelligent set pieces for the non-lethal “Rebel Ridge.”
Setting the story around a former Marine accosted by a smalltown police department that seizes his brother’s bail money under the guise of (depressingly fact-based) civil forfeiture, Saulnier kicks things off immediately and never lets his foot off the gas, with a series of thrilling and cleverly crafted
escalations. Aaron Pierre turns in a truly star-making performance with an intoxicating blend of physical might, cool-headed charisma, and an underlying pathos that gradually threatens to break out.
He’s surrounded by a terrific supporting cast, particularly a scenerychewing Don Johnson, and a heartful AnnaSophia Robb. Their characters may be on opposing sides, but they work together to help propel a topical, well-executed and all-around supremely entertaining throwback to oldschool character-driven thrillers, a sentiment echoed by the acclaim and hefty viewership.
excessive as you may have heard. It boasts a murderer’s row of actors (all of whom are giving as differing performances as pos-
a single bit of his talent as a cinematic craftsman, bringing to the big screen a boldly expressionistic sensory experience for the ages.
occasionally border on overbearing, but Fargeat injects so much demented, dark style into it that the heavy-handed message still lands successfully.
By Nimba Mahlati STAFF WRITER
The television series “Industry” quietly premiered in 2020 and focused on a small group of postgraduates jostling for favor in an investment bank in London called Pierpoint & Co. Through these young associates, they display the world of finance cynically and smugly, showcasing their early morning trading stock options on the floor to cocaine-fueled raves with clients.
Retrospectively, the first two seasons were unsatisfactory. If anything, “Industry” is a lesson to major studios and networks that audiences grow over time, and so do writers and their stories. For its third season premiere, “Industry” occupied the prized MAX Sunday Spot and garnered critical acclaim for its technical and performative brilliance. The co-creators, Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, held nothing back as
Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis” – In theaters “Megalopolis” is every bit as unwieldy, bewildering and
sible), nearly 50 years of behindthe-scenes turmoil and such a divisive premiere at Cannes that a whole month went by before a Hollywood studio decided to pick it up. However, against all odds, “Megalopolis” turned out to be a complete blast. Yes, it is completely self-indulgent and nonsensical, riddled with awkward dialogue and paperthin characters, but the director of “The Godfather” has not lost
It thrives in its production and costume design that mixes Ancient Rome with modern America’s latestage capitalist aesthetic, a wonderfully ‘20s-and‘30s-inspired score and the eye-popping, hand-crafted images and sharp use of montage. This big, beautiful mess is an undeniable and even inspiring triumph on every technical level. The fact that all this hard work is in support of such a questionable screenplay is not only amusing but endearing in its own peculiar way.
Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance” – In theaters If there was any way to arrive back on the scene seven years after a debut as fiery as the breathtaking “Revenge,” then this must be the way to do it. The critiques against the industry’s prejudice on age and its harmfully reductive beauty standards
‘Industry’: A rising star
they delivered a masterclass in character exploration, exposition and resolution.
The show’s operation at an echelon is so sophisticated that it is sure to influence how studios approach and write series going forward. Effective storytelling is utilized in the show through its exhaustive use of hectic plot points and characters and the speed at which it moves. A twist or wrinkle in the story is fully used up to its ultimate end, even if that end does not fit the confines of the story. While any other show might’ve spent much of their season on the dissolution of Pierpoint &
Co, the cornerstone of the series brushes past the company’s insolvency and ultimate sale in a mere episode.
The show, much like the characters in it, is chaotic. It races through the main plot and its pace mirrors its original subject matter: sales and trading – an incredibly fast-paced métier. Even so, the show remains emotionally compelling through its vast character exploration.
It stars Demi Moore in the metatextual role of Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging Hollywood star who begins taking the titular serum to activate a better version of herself to remain in the spotlight. She is outstanding and transforms into the film’s heart as everything gets weirder and grosser. She finds an electrifying, delightfully campy counterpart in Margaret Qualley. The two, along with the gorgeously distorted visuals and soundscape, keep the screen lit up for the surprising 141-minute runtime. The makeup department becomes another star of the show, bringing their hilariously grotesque, poor-taste designs and effects to life. The bombastic and unabashed go-for-broke finale will either have viewers cheering or rolling their eyes. Whatever side they land on, the overall experience is still an extremely rewarding and exciting exercise in melding social commentary with unforgettable depravity.
Audiences are given the opportunity to intimately understand the motivations, desires and fears of those onscreen and see them as fully realized beings. In this way, the show is incredibly satisfying because you are both jolted and endeared toward the story.
Season 3 focused on capitalist attempts to “go green” through environmental, social and governance investing – a style of investing the protagonist believes to be a fad. The season offered indictments as it “became about class and about money and privilege and the intersection of all these things,” Kay said.
“[The show is] a reflection of the government and the society
we’ve had for the last 14 years,” Down said. “That avaricious, crony chumocracy we’ve been living under.”
The show embraces the Marxist sentiment that the economy is the root of all our interactions and decisions in the world, so it’s no wonder that the characters center their desire for more capital gain, even if it ruins their marriages, friendships and lives.
“Industry” teaches us about the world we live in, often repulsively. Ultimately, for its ability to take risks, actively confront what it means to tell a good story and be a reflection of the society we live in, it’s steadily on its way to being one of the greatest shows MAX has produced and one of the greatest television shows ever.
The co-creaters Mickey Down and Konrad Kay met as students at the University of Oxford.
Photo courtesy of HBO
Coppola was the sole financer of the movie giving $120 million, selling some of his wineries to create this line of credit.
Photo courtesy of The New Yorker
By Michael Gaborno STAFF WRITER
There are very few genres of film (specifically horror film) that are more divisive than the socalled “found footage” category. Ever since the Italian exploitation classic “Cannibal Holocaust” sparked a frenzy in both the media and the court of law in 1980, viewers have showered this unique subset of cinema with both healthy praises and muchneeded criticism. Though there is more than a handful of lazily conceived and poorly-crafted misfires, the staggering amount of genuine cleverness, commitment to authentic tension-building and sometimes sheer innovation that found-footage films can offer, makes all the ridicule and malice directed towards them unfair and even puzzling.
The very concept of found footage – which is that the audience temporarily buys into the idea that what they are watching is a collection of raw footage documenting real horror – has produced some of the most terrifying sequences in all of horror cinema.
In defense of found footage
“The Blair Witch Project” launched the genre into the stratosphere over 25 years ago because it was filled with such sequences, providing an uncomfortably realistic portrayal of the visceral horror of becoming lost in the woods with an unseen, unknowable force. The unforgettable images of the main character’s tear-streaked, fear-stricken eyes lit by a flashlight and a man standing in the corner became instantly iconic amidst the paranoia-soaked, nihilistic madness.
it wasn’t surprising that this relatively radical new take on horror opened with much fanfare, as it didn’t just show everyday people being terrorized by demons but
‘The
Strangely, it took another decade until found footage became a craze with the arrival of “Paranormal Activity,” which was released to the public in 2009 and became an overnight cultural sensation. Looking back,
actively put the audience inside their story, making efficient use of all-too-familiar settings, dialogue and home video aesthetics before its shocker of an ending. Both “The Blair Witch Project” and “Paranormal Activity” are among the most successful found-footage films when it comes to return on investment. However, audience scores and discussions seem to
suggest that they were rather indifferently received. Admittedly, most of this criticism seems to come from the chronically online, but it’s still disparaging to see that type of criticism against the genre as a whole, especially when it’s full of so many terrific titles. For example, there’s the zombie thriller “Rec,” which is arguably one of the scariest films ever made. Its sequel weaponizes the found footage format to create one of the most gleefully inventive sequences in the entire horror genre. There’s the heart-breaking mockumentary “Lake Mungo,” the blockbuster “Cloverfield,” (which is one of the most hardhitting allegories for 9/11) and the largely consistent and enjoyable “V/H/S” anthology series whose massive collection of shorts
A new age of Shakespeare
By Paige Sanacora STAFF WRITER
A brand-new adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet” has come to Broadway, this time truly centered around the youth of the play’s characters. Make no mistake, the dialogue is still entirely Shakespearean, but every other aspect of the play is covered in a Generation Z inspired sparkle. Directed by Tony Awardwinning Sam Gold, with music by Jack Antonoff and movement by Sonya Tayeh, all the core elements of the play are in talented and capable hands. The new adaptation stars the talented Kit Connor (Romeo) who plays Nick Nelson in Netflix’s “Heartstopper,” and Rachel Zegler (Juliet) who catapulted into the acting industry after she debuted as Maria Vasquez in the Stephen Speilberg remake of Sondheim’s “West Side Story.”
As a frequent Broadway-goer, “Romeo and Juliet” was at the
top of my list of anticipated fall openings. I went into this show almost entirely blind (in terms of changes, not the story itself), knowing only that I would see two of my on-screen idols making their Broadway debuts.
Other than the dialogue, this adaptation shed its skin of all things Shakespeare. From the minute I entered the theater, there was a loud, bumping bass playing, which created a clublike atmosphere, with an electronic keyboard as the sole piece of the orchestra. There were already a couple of members of the cast sprawled across the stage, dressed in jeans and over-
sized t-shirts, often sporting a glittering or reflective fabric. The theater design is strange in and of itself, as it is quite literally a circular stage surrounded by a roughly square-shaped audience. In short, not very late 1500s. Every element of the show was Gen Z coded, as we like to say, from the manner of dress to the limited props used to the music that played. Each ensemble member played more
brought many new concepts to the forefront of the horror genre. In this new era of technology, the “screen life” approach has come to life with the trashily charming “Unfriended,” the pleasantly Hitchcockian “Searching,” and its spin-off “Missing” and the very scary COVID-19-era “Host.” There are so many great variations on found footage that it’s impossible to recount it all in a single article. The cautionary eco-thriller “The Bay,” the darkly hilarious “Creep” films, the outer space chiller “Europa Report” and the old-fashioned but never less than terrifying “Hell House” films are only a few of the many hidden gems that aren’t explored here. There’s little argument against the lousier aspects of the genre (tendencies towards unlikeable characters, annoying “glitch” effects, uneven pacing, etc), but when there’s so much more to be gained from such a rich goldmine of underrated films, those flaws can become easy to forgive if they are even present at all.
than one role, oftentimes of opposite genders, which I thought highlighted the inclusivity that Gen Z strives to bring to the world.
Perhaps the most masterful Gen Z touch that was added to the show was the way Shakespeare’s words were performed. The best way I can explain this concept is as if being a teenager was an accent. Every time the word ‘girl’ was uttered, it was dragged out with sass.
There is a lot of humor that is pulled out of the lines in the way that the cast emphasizes and performs the dialogue, making the show far funnier than I ever thought it could be. The juxtaposition of Connor’s intense portrayal of Romeo (which I was obsessed with) with the playful dialogue only adds to this effect. However, while I did enjoy a
more comedic take on “Romeo and Juliet,” the dark and sarcastic humor, at times, took away from the seriousness of the plot. I think the idea that they wanted to emphasize was that the youth of the world act too quickly before considering the consequences of their actions. I think the commitment to this out-of-pocket adaptation is incredible, even if I didn’t necessarily enjoy every single aspect of the show. I would go so far as to say that this is this generation’s version of Baz Luhrmann’s film adaptation from 1996. Both adaptations have a unique kind of quirkiness that you need to tune into in order to immerse yourself in the story. This is far from the first production of “Romeo and Juliet” that I’ve seen, yet it still felt fresh and new while I was watching.
The logline of the Broadway musical is “The youth are f*cked.”
Photo courtesy of IGN
Blair Witch Project’ was marketed to make audiences question whether the movie was based on real events.
Photo courtesy of Playbill
The views and opinions expressed in the Opinion section are those of the authors. They are not an endorsement of the views of the Chronicle or its staff. The Chronicle does not discriminate based on the opinions of the authors.
TikTok is making us dumb
By Kia Prosper
To clear the air, I am in no way a TikTok hater. I do enjoy scrolling and giggling at memes and silly videos, however, many TikTok users struggle to differentiate entertainment from pure foolishness. This has caused massive amounts of misinformation being spread throughout our generation. In short, TikTok is making us dumb.
Users who struggle to acknowledge the difference can be easily seen in the comments section. The word “disappointment” does not even come close to what I feel when opening the comments section under some videos, especially political or informational videos. I’m amazed by the level of naivety some individuals possess every time I read the comments, especially under videos that are clearly meant to be taken lightly or as satire. Many users tend to absorb the information without fact-checking it and
then propagate these falsehoods elsewhere.
Recently, I encountered information in a TikTok video that I knew to be inaccurate. I politely corrected the poster, and in return, the entire comment section attacked me. If we didn’t live in such a digitally evolved society, I might not have cared. But with the immense knowledge available to us within a few clicks, I couldn’t help but express my displeasure. Just five minutes of research would have disproven the information presented in the video and saved the original poster from the embarrassment of being publicly critiqued for spreading misinformation.
Are we not realizing that we should be sorting through all the material that is offered to us, and only believing information when it’s supported by actual research evidence?
According to a 2022 News Guard report, 20% of TikTok content on important news contains misinformation. Search-
ing TikTok for political videos also often results in suggested videos from conspiracy theorists rather than from reputable news outlets.
I should note that the popularization on TikTok may also be one of the causes of difficulty in distinguishing fact from fiction. The app is made up of a wide range of users, including news outlets, notable social commentators and government leaders.
So, if these “credible sources” speak upon important issues, why shouldn’t everyone else? On TikTok, average users post as “experts” despite lacking the necessary credentials. Although everyone has the right to free speech and expression, viewers must remember that the content they see is biased and is posted by creators who can bend and twist facts to support their personal beliefs. Just as we wouldn’t go to someone who hates dogs for advice on what pet to adopt, we shouldn’t go to a sexist for
advice on protests by abortion advocates.
According to a survey by the Stanford University History Education Group in 2019, 82% of middle school students couldn’t differentiate an advertisement from a news story, and over 30% considered a fake news story more credible than a real one. Misinformation is running rampant throughout the younger generations, and TikTok only contributes to the crisis.
Sadly, my rant doesn’t end here. It gets worse. Instead of looking up information on their own, TikTok users are asking the comments section for more information. This opens the door for answers by millions of users with varying levels of media literacy and education. Predictably, this leads to even greater spread of misinformation. Let’s think about this for a minute. You’re asking a stranger with no credibility to inform you of something that often pertains to important
political or social information. It’s a recipe for disaster.
I implore everyone reading this to be better and fight the statistics. Research has linked TikTok to attention span deficits, psychological problems and desensitization. Let’s start researching the data presented to us and whether the presenter of such information has the necessary credentials or research evidence to give their input on the topic.
Practice discernment and keep an open perspective when intaking any information provided to you. Protect your intelligence in a way that still allows you to use the app for the entertainment purposes it was designed for.
Kia Prosper is a freshman political science major. She can be found on Instagram @kami_.lle
Why do we morally justify state murder?
By Veronica Wakefield
On Sept. 24, at 6 p.m., an innocent man by the name of Marcellus Williams was wrongfully executed by the state of Missouri. He was put to death by lethal injection for a murder he said he did not commit.
In Aug. 1998, Felicia Gayle, a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, was the victim of a fatal stabbing during a home burglary. Despite a lack of matching DNA evidence to connect him to the crime, Williams was convicted in 2001.
The only source within the prosecution’s case was two testimonies from unreliable witnesses. Williams was charged with first degree murder, robbery and burglary. He served 24
years in prison before his death.
Across the country, calls to action were made to save this man from death. Organizations, such as the Innocence Project and the NAACP, created social awareness to prevent his death. Campaigns were made, posts were shared, signatures were captured and even the family of the victim pleaded on his behalf, but it wasn’t enough. An innocent man was killed by an inhumane form of punishment.
As Americans, we preach that we are the land of the free, yet a man was wrongfully imprisoned for over two decades. Nothing about that statement screams freedom. This man was punished for a crime that many believe conclusive evidence fails to prove he committed,
and he was put to death for it.
The worst part about this story was that his death could have been prevented. Many had pleaded to Missouri Governor Mike Parson to stop the execution, including a testimony from Representative Cori Bush. However, these testimonies were ignored.
Following his death, Representative Bush released this statement:
“The deadly decision to execute Williams came despite urgent pleas from Missourians and people all across the country…Governor Mike Parson didn’t just ignore these pleas and end Williams’ life; he demonstrated how the death penalty is wielded without regard for innocence, compassion, equity, or humanity.”
How do we as humans justify putting someone to death? It is universally and legally agreed that murder is wrong. Why should it be okay for a state to commit such a heinous crime, especially with no physical evidence?
The death penalty is a cruel and outdated form of punishment that the justice system refuses to abolish. As citizens, how are we okay with sitting back and watching the government repeatedly kill the innocent? How many lives must be lost before any actual change happens? Capital punishment gives our government too much power over the lives of its people. No person or entity should have the power or right
to take a person’s life. Convicted criminal or not, killing in any form is wrong, and in Williams’ case, it was a person with no substantial evidence against them.
Williams’ final statement was “All praise be Allah in every situation!”
The most heartbreaking part about this story is that when you look up his name in the Innocence Project, there is a timer titled “Time left until execution,” and unfortunately, we ran out of time.
Rest in peace Marcellus Williams.
Veronica Wakefield is a junior journalism major. She can be found on Instagram @vwakefield_
OPINION
The views and opinions expressed in the Opinion section are those of the authors. They are not an endorsement of the views of the Chronicle or its staff. The Chronicle does not discriminate based on the opinions of the authors.
Chron Crossword 10/15
2. Recent “holiday” celebrated by users of Amazon
7. Fall crop usually grown for decoration unlike their cousin, the squash
9. Capital of Rhode Island
10. An extinct species of mammal that predates homosapiens
11. Low pressure storm system that produces strong winds and flooding
Down
1. This type of tree is known for its beauty year round
3. Popular marketplace for artists selling stickers
4. Flock of geese
5. Main protagonist of “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
6. Surname of the 31st American president
8. Mammal hailing from South America, valued for their soft fur
Graphic by Ethan Albin and Tim Daly / The Hofstra Chronicle
The views and opinions expressed in the Opinion section are those of the authors. They are not an endorsement of the views of the Chronicle or its staff. The Chronicle does not discriminate based on the opinions of the authors.
Israel does not represent all Jews
By Craig Mannino
We as Jewish people inhabit a unique place in the world. Six million of us were brutally murdered in the Holocaust. The generational trauma from that event still haunts us to this day. We know better than anybody what mass extinction does to people, families and cultures. Yet, the nation that proclaims itself the face of our religion is committing parallel atrocities to those enacted upon us nearly a century ago.
Jewish literature surrounding the Holocaust leaves the average reader with one message: this can never happen again. But, for Jewish readers, it felt like because this happened to us, we should make sure it never happens to anyone else. Unfortunately, at this point, Zionism has squashed this message. Judaism does not mean what it should mean. Our symbols should be synonymous with advocating for human rights, but they are obscured by Israel’s actions.
Incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia have skyrocketed since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. The AntiDefamation League, an international organization dedicated to fighting antisemitism, reported a shocking 361% increase in antisemitic incidents between the Oct. 7, 2023, attack and January of 2024. At the same time, we have seen a 172% increase in Islamophobic incidents during the same period.
It is important that neither group’s pain is minimized or used against the others. Although correlation does not equal causation, it is not hard to see how identity-based incidents between two groups may be linked to the outbreak of a war between states that identify with those groups.
Israel’s identification as a representative of all Jews is apparent. The biggest example of this is Israel’s use of the Star of David. What should be a symbol solely of our religion has been plastered onto a flag flown
over war zones, sewn into the uniforms of soldiers and painted onto tanks. The Star of David is meant to be a symbol of Judaism so when that symbol is flown over the decimated Gaza Strip, how can we draw the line between what all Jews stand for and what we do not? How can we expect a victimized Palestinian to do the same?
Truthfully, the most antisemitic thing that ever happened to me was when Israel flew that flag with that symbol over their soldiers while marching into the Gaza Strip.
Beyond their use of the Star of David on their flag, there are three things that closely link Judaism with Israel: the existence of Birthright as a free ten-day vacation to Israel exclusively for those of us with Jewish heritage, the fact that any Jewish person can obtain citizenship simply by “returning” to Israel and the insistence in prayer books published by Israel. So, when a controversial nation like Israel runs with this implication and
implies its decision-making comes on behalf of all Jews, some problems arise. Returning to my point about the Star of David, I would ask you what that symbol may mean when someone you do not know wears it on a chain. It is safe to assume the wearer is Jewish and, though the assumptions should stop there, they often do not. For many Palestinians or Muslims in general, being proIsrael can appear tantamount to supporting what Amnesty International has called, “damning evidence of war crimes,” against their fellow Muslims.
Let me be clear: this is not meant to blame the victims of any antisemitic acts. Hate such as this in any form is wrong. Jewish people should not have to hide their Judaism for safety and I will never budge on that. But by flying the Star of David over everything they do, Israel implicates all of us in its actions and politicizes a symbol that should stand for everything Israel does not. Identifying my-
self as Jewish thus becomes a political act because of Israel’s insistence that it represents me and that is not okay. I do not stand with Israel, but how can I blame someone for thinking my religion means I do?
Identifying oneself as Jewish raises the same eyebrows that the above hypothetical stranger wearing the Star of David raises. How much blame can we place on those who raise their eyebrows when a nation halfway across the globe committing atrocities claims to represent all of us? I do not feel the need to hide my Judaism because of antisemitism; I feel the need to hide my Judaism because of Israel.
Craig Mannino is a junior English and writing studies double major. You can find him at craigmannino.substack.com
Cybertrucks are awful and Tesla is to blame
By Anthony Favilla
The Cybertruck, Tesla’s truck that was released in November 2023, has been the company’s most controversial creation yet. Across the internet, people have made fun of the Cybertruck’s unique appearance and its exorbitant price tag. The car is massive, bulky and its sharp edges make it visually unappealing. The stainless-steel exterior makes it susceptible to grime and a strenuous task to clean. Tesla’s “cutting edge” new truck starts at a retail price of $81,895 and customizations and trim options can bring the price up to a whopping $101,985.
While most of the attention has been paid to the Cybertruck’s look and price, these are far from the vehicle’s only problems. The Cybertruck’s manufacturing problems and
safety concerns are just some examples of an anti-consumer theme throughout its product line.
The Cybertruck has been recalled four times since its release, most recently for faulty windshield wipers and a part of the trim being able to fly off easily. The piece of trim was attached with adhesive and ran the risk of improper installation when being made. Through online platforms, Cybertruck owners have complained about parts of the exterior falling off, the fueling process, breakdowns and more.
One of the truck’s more egregious problems involves the brake lights. There is one singular line going across the back of the truck for the taillight. When the truck brakes, the taillight shrinks into a smaller line in the middle and two tiny brake lights appear on
each end. This needlessly complicates the brake light system and can confuse drivers behind the truck, increasing the risk of crashing.
Unfortunately, problems with the brake lights and recalls are not exclusive to the Cybertruck. This year, Tesla was forced to put out a software update that made the font for brake lights bigger on 2.2 million cars as part of a recall. In Dec. 2023, another recall was made over the autopilot feature lacking sufficient safety features to ensure the driver was paying attention while using it. The very next month, millions of cars in China were recalled for problems with the steering and door locking systems. Concerns for driver safety with Tesla products go even further than this. According to a study by online lending company LendingTree, Tesla had
the highest accident rate among car brands between Nov. 2022 and November 2023, averaging 23.54 accidents per 1000 drivers.
It was one of only three brands studied to have over 20 accidents. If an accident leads to a car fire, the results can be devastating. Tesla has faced a litany of dangerous fires with many caused by lithium batteries. In September of this year, a Tesla Semi crashed in California, causing the car’s battery to ignite. It took firefighters 50,000 gallons of water to put it out, causing a 15-hour closure on the freeway.
The fact that there are so many issues with this car is worrying. While many were able to be fixed through software updates, how many more updates will there be before these cars are safe and functional? What will Tesla do
to lower their accident rate? When Tesla releases new cars, will they have similar problems?
We should demand more from such a successful company. There are other electric cars that are not nearly as expensive and do not have the same safety concerns as Teslas. All of the concerns and manufacturing blunders demonstrate a stark carelessness towards consumers. As more car companies expand into hybrid and fully electric cars, customers looking for one have better options. For those looking for an electric vehicle, Ford, Chevrolet, Rivian and more have released trucks in the past year.
Choose a car besides Tesla; it will save you money and put you less at risk on the road.
Anthony Favilla is a freshman journalism major.
Women’s soccer shuts out Hampton on Senior Day
By George Hatzadony STAFF WRITER
The Hofstra University women’s soccer team won their second straight game with a 2-0 victory over Hampton University. The Pride are now 6-2-6 overall and 4-1-2 in Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play.
Before the game, the Pride honored seniors Louise Hayden, Matilda Liljefors, Ellie Gough, Mackenzie Sullivan, Mathilde Braithwaite, Gabriella Marte and Olivia Pearse. All of them walked out with their friends and family in celebration.
“It’s great to finish Senior Day on a win,” said Hofstra head coach Simon Riddiough.
“I’m happy with the girls; I’m happy with this class. They’ve done a lot of growing up. When they came in as freshmen, they were way behind when it came to maturity, and now, they’re women and that’s probably the proudest I am of this group.”
With the win, Hofstra sits in fourth place in the conference standings, just one point out of first.
“It’s a win, it’s three points,” Riddiough said. “Comfortable, but fair play to Hampton. They gave everything they got. Disappointed in some of our decisions in the final third, but that sometimes happens in these kinds of games.”
The Pride were powered by goals from Braithwaite and Marte. Braithwaite’s finish was her fifth of the year, while Marte notched her first.
“Ecstatic that [Marte] got some rewards,” Riddiough said. “She’s been a fantastic leader
for us and [Braithwaite] was unbeatable in that first half… great goals from both of them, so happy about that.”
Despite scoring two goals, Hofstra could have scored more, forcing Hampton goalkeeper Avery John to make a careerhigh 13 saves.
“The message was, we were wasteful,” Riddiough said. “[John] made some great saves but there were opportunities which didn’t go close to the goal which we should’ve scored.”
The Pride were dominant for large portions of the match.
Though only leading by one at the break, Hofstra led Hampton 19-0 in shots in the first 45 minutes. The Pride recorded a massive 31 shots in the game.
“You can’t have 31 shots and only score two goals,” Riddiough said. “Our expectation is to win the conference and to dominate at certain times. We’re not willing to take that pressure...You don’t win championships that way.”
The second half was a bit
more competitive. Hampton recorded five shots, forcing one save from freshman goalkeeper Synne Danielsen.
Danielsen and Sullivan split goalkeeping duties during the match. This was the first action Sullivan had seen since Thursday, Oct. 3, against Drexel University.
Though the Pride could have added to their lead, they sought out the victory and kept a clean sheet, their third of the season. Hampton was limited to just one
shot on target, a season-best for the Pride defensively.
Ten Hofstra players had shots during the game, six players had at least three shots and seven players made a shot on target.
The Pride will hit the road this week as they travel to North Carolina to take on Elon University on Thursday, Oct. 17. Three CAA games remain this season before the conference tournament starts on Thursday Oct. 31.
Baker’s free kick lifts No. 21 Hofstra over Campbell
By Arcangelo Iurato SPORTS EDITOR
The No. 21 Hofstra University men’s soccer team defeated Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) rival, Campbell University 1-0, to end a twogame skid at Captains Field on Saturday, Oct. 12. The Pride improved to 4-2 in conference games and 9-3-1 overall.
“[Campbell is] very good,” said Hofstra head coach Richard Nuttall. “I believe they’ll be in the playoffs and we’ll see them again.”
Teddy Baker scored his
second game-winner of the season and the game’s only goal just before the nine minute mark with a direct free kick taken five yards outside the penalty area.
The set-piece was right down the middle as Baker curled it into the bottom left corner for his third goal of the season.
During this game, Hofstra was without leading scorer Laurie Goddard due to injury, but he started in every game prior to Saturday.
“He’s day-to-day,” Nuttall said. “He should hopefully be back by next game. We missed him, that’s for sure. I think there would’ve been some good spots for him in the game today.”
Nuttall’s side never let up, resulting in goalkeeper Filippo Dadone’s seventh shutout in 13 appearances, placing him at second in the NCAA. He only had to make two saves as the defense buckled down and contained Campbell’s highpowered offense.
“From the top all the way about, we defended with energy
and almost a ruthlessness at times to not give [Campbell] a shot, and they’re so talented,” Nuttall said. “Really pleased with who we are and what we were today.”
It was a crucial win for Hofstra as they sought to keep up with Elon University for first place in the CAA standings. There was little room for error in a game that was decided by the thinnest possible margin. Each side had 15 shots apiece and combined for 13 corner kicks. The match official was forced to intervene at certain points in the game, handing out three yellow cards to each side.
Team captain Roc Carles was booked for the sixth time this season for dissent. Carles just returned from a one-game suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards and reverted back to his old habits.
“[Carles is] a passionate Spanish guy who just loves the game,” Nuttall said. “He finds it hard to cope with things when they don’t go right exactly.
Some of the time he’s right, but you’ve just got to get on with it.
The ref’s not going to make the right decision every time.”
Despite disciplinary struggles, Hofstra held on for their 20th consecutive home match without a defeat, a streak dating back to Oct. 15, 2022.
“We feel good here,” Nuttall said. “We train on here every day and you just get used to it. I
think our mentality on this field is exceptional.”
Hofstra will go on the road for their next match against North Carolina State University on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
“It’s just the next battle we have to worry about and think about,” Nuttall said. “It’s going to be tough.”
The Pride are currently second in the CAA.
Braithwaite is tied for the team lead with five goals on the season.
Photo courtesy of Ethan Albin
Photo courtesy of Abbey Simons
Field hockey stumbles in loss to Rider
By Conner Keough STAFF WRITER
On Sunday, Oct. 13, the Hofstra University field hockey team was defeated by Rider University, 3-1, at Cindy Lewis Stadium. The Pride are now 0-3 in the Coastal Athletic Association and 2-10 overall.
Despite the loss, Hofstra saw some significant offensive progress. Hofstra registered their most shot attempts of the season with 15, and Teresa Karoff’s second quarter goal broke a six-game scoreless streak for the Pride.
Both sides played an even first quarter with three shots
apiece, however, the Broncs jumped out to a two-goal advantage in the second quarter.
Rider pressured Hofstra goaltender Pieke Roos during the second quarter, registering five shots and three penalty corners. Valeria Perales broke the scoreless tie with five minutes remaining in the second quarter. Lyric Scott scored on a rebound attempt three minutes later to double Rider’s lead.
“We started off a bit flat. Not enough energy,” said Hofstra head coach Hillary Fitts. “In the second half we came out and put a lot more pressure on and were definitely in control.”
With seven seconds left in the half, the Pride drew a penalty corner. Karoff inserted the ball from the left hash mark and Keshia Richardson took a slap shot. Karoff planted herself in front of the net and chipped the ball over the Rider goaltenders’ pad and in, bringing the score to 2-1 at halftime.
“If we couldn’t get a shot off in the circle we tried to look
for a foot early,” Fitts said. “It at least would give us a chance.”
Over the course of the game Hofstra drew 11 penalty corners to Rider’s six, setting a season high.
Hofstra started the second half with much more energy, the spark provided by Fitts emptying her bench. Freshman Caitlin Lozano saw game action for just the second time in her career. She played 26 minutes on defense, a season high for her.
“[Lozano] stepped into the roll we asked of her, and she delivered. She made me very happy,” Fitts said.
Hofstra also gave the net to freshman goaltender Tessa Lambright in the second half. Lambright made two saves in her second game of the season in 27 minutes of play.
Hofstra and Rider traded punches through much of the second half. Olivia Machiavelli scored the only goal for either team one minute into the
fourth quarter.
With three minutes left, Rider took two penalties giving Hofstra a numbers advantage. The Pride tried for one more press but came up short of finding a goal.
Time ran out on the Pride’s comeback attempt, extending their losing streak to seven games.
up for
is a match against Yale University on Tuesday, Oct 15.
time is 3
Next
Hofstra
Game-
p.m. at Cindy Lewis Stadium.
Photo courtesy of Royce Dickson-Child Hofstra scored for the first time since Sept. 15.
Ellie Pamatat: Right where she’s supposed to be
By Anthony Hidalgo ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Ellie Pamatat isn’t your typical freshman. It’s common for first-year players to spend a lot of time on the bench or in a limited role while they learn the system and build chemistry with their teammates or gain the trust of the coaching staff. However, Pamatat has already become a major contributor to the Hofstra University volleyball team with a 7-1 Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) record. Her work as a setter has helped propel the team to seven straight victories and a tie for first place in the conference.
“She’s such a consistent human,” said Hofstra head coach Emily Mansur. “She’s not a very emotional person – which actually helps a lot in the position she plays. She’s a very good volleyball player, but I think with her just being such a constant and controlled human helps a lot, not letting the freshman emotions take over.”
Although Pamatat missed the first three games of the season with an injury, you wouldn’t be able to tell. She’s seamlessly integrated into the team, looking more like a fouryear veteran than someone who’s only played about a dozen games so far. She credits her teammates for welcoming her in so quickly.
“It felt like I had all of them behind me when I needed them,” Pamatat said. “If I wasn’t doing well, they all had my back, they all covered me whenever I needed it; It was really cool to see.”
Pamatat played her debut game against Coastal Carolina University on Sept. 6, racking up 25 assists in a loss. She quickly improved, with her first win against The United States Military Academy West Point on Sept. 13, where she recorded a career-high 52 assists. The performance earned her CAA Rookie of the Week.
“[My teammates] are all very supportive,” Pamatat said. “They all congratulated me, they’re all very friendly; It was really nice.”
But that was just the be-
ginning for Pamatat as she continued to raise her play through the early stages of the conference schedule. She has recorded at least 30 assists in her first five CAA matches, en route to a second Rookie of the Week honor.
“It’s more of a mindset of, ‘let’s go and win no matter what it takes,’” Pamatat said regarding CAA matches. “Where in the preseason it’s more like, ‘let’s grow as a team and see what comes out of that.’”
That mindset has proved to be exactly what the Pride needed, especially after losing senior setter Beatriz Alves to injury after the third game of the season.
“It’s huge,” Mansur said. “We’re very thankful that [Pamatat] is such a controlled player. She came back from the injury the week after and was stepping on the court as our starting setter and doing a great job. She grew up for the last three years from 14 to 17 watching Alves play, and then she has to come in and fill in her spot because [Alves] was hurt, so we are very thankful to have a player like [Pamatat] on our roster to be able to step into such a tough situation.”
Pamatat, a Garden City native, is no stranger to Hofstra.
Her family’s ties to coach Mansur and the rest of the coaching staff go back for years, so the opportunity to play in front of them has been a long time coming.
“It’s cool because last year, I was in the stands watching them, and now I get to play,” Pamatat said. “It’s fun to be at home … you feel like you have a lot of people supporting you; everyone’s behind you.”
Mansur has known the Pamatat family for years, and she knows just how important the short distance has been to help her settle in so quickly.
“Her parents and her sister are all very into volleyball,” Mansur said. “Her mom coaches volleyball, her dad plays volleyball, her sister plays volleyball, so I think for her, it’s pretty special. Her grandma comes to every game. She turned 18 and her parents
bought food for the whole team, and they were here to give her a hug, so it’s priceless. She’s very lucky to have that, and it’s good for her to have that.”
Pamatat first met coach Mansur during her time at Club Ace Long Island when Mansur was the club director. The relationship between the two has grown ever since, with Pamatat also playing under current Hofstra associate head coach Hava Davis and assistant coach Steve Klosterman in her time with the club.
“It was really cool to see a different side of [Mansur], too because I never got to have her as a coach, she was always just around,” Pamatat said, “I had [Klosterman] and [Davis] as my coaches so it was definitely cool to see her and get to know her as a coach more than as a club director.”
When it came time for Pamatat to make her college decision, her familiarity with the coaching staff made coming to Hofstra a no-brainer.
“It was very much what made me want to come here,” Pamatat said. “Knowing everyone, being close to home, even though I’m living here so it doesn’t feel like I’m as close to home as I actually am, so it was definitely cool.”
The feelings were mutual for Mansur, getting an up-close look at what Pamatat could be with the Pride.
“I think for her young age she was extremely athletic and she had beautiful hands,” Mansur said. “But then what you guys see here is someone super hard-working. You don’t see too many players like her, she would run through a wall to play a ball, then get up and go again. She’s just really even-keeled and just works so hard. She’s the real definition of blue-collar, and it’s amazing to see.”
Pamatat has only officially been on the team for a few months, but she’s already looking to be a leader on the court.
“I’m really looking forward to working on just being together as a team at certain points,” Pamatat said. “Like when we’re having a bad
game or a bad couple of moments. Just coming together in those moments and coming through. Alves is a very good example of that. She’s always pushing, so filling in for her was definitely big shoes to fill in but it’s cool.”
“Being a setter, you have to command respect and give confidence to your hitters, and she’s just a natural at that,” Mansur said. “We have tried to give her a lot of space to not feel like she has to step into a leadership role because her position automatically demands that. She’s battling her injury, she’s not practicing every day because we can’t allow her to practice every day … She is a player that we have to fight with her that she can’t practice, and you don’t have too many of those. She’s just a natural leader.”
While Mansur said she doesn’t want to put the extra pressure of being a leader onto Pamatat, it’s clear to see that she is learning how to be one from two of the Pride’s biggest names. Her relationships with Alves and Clara Bal make that very clear, and Mansur has taken notice.
“Me and [Bal] are really close, we spend a lot of time together outside of the court,” Pamatat said. “It’s fun to see how supportive everyone is, especially [Alves], she really helped me throughout games. She would pull me to the side, tell me things if I wasn’t seeing them and it was really helpful.”
“I’ve absolutely seen their relationship grow,” Mansur said. “The way they play to-
gether is very good for someone that’s just starting; [Bal] having to roll from left to right and play different positions because we needed her to this year, you see the respect and you really don’t see the difference between being a junior to being a first-year player. They’re just playing together, and I think it’s perfect because [Bal] is so emotional and [Pamatat] is so not emotional that they balance each other.”
With Alves slowly ramping up her return to full-time playing status, Mansur believes this will only help the freshman.
“I think they’re going to be a great compliment to each other, our goal is to use both of them,” Mansur said. “[Alves] has been wonderful because she can’t play but she’s coaching [Pamatat] … She comes in the middle of a game saying, ‘Can I talk to her?’ so we call a timeout and [Alves] is the one coaching her.” It would be an understatement to say that Pamatat and Hofstra are a perfect match, and normally it would take time to see this level of cohesion and comfort, but Pamatat says the connection was instant.
“I think preseason, when we were moving into the dorms … I think that’s when it set in,” Pamatat said. “Like I’m coming here, this is my new home, even though I’m not far from home and I can go home, this is where I’ll be the next four years.”
Photo courtesy of Amelia Bashy
Pamatat has won CAA Rookie of the Week honors twice this season.
Lennon Gill’s goal: Turning setbacks into comebacks
By Arcangelo Iurato
STAFF WRITER
There are three letters that all athletes dread hearing: ACL. A torn anterior cruciate ligament, more commonly known as the ACL, signifies a grueling recovery of at least nine months and the possibility of never returning to prior form. For Lennon Gill, his ACL tear was the beginning of a nearly twoyear odyssey.
In May 2022, Lennon Gill was 17 years old and playing for University College Dublin (UCD) A.F.C, a team in the League of Ireland First Division.
Approximately 70 minutes into the match, Gill heard a pop in one of his knees as he planted his leg to run after the ball. He initially went down but immediately got up under his own power and walked off the pitch.
A few hours later, he noticed swelling in the same knee. Little did he know that his career would be forever changed.
“I didn’t initially think it was that bad,” Gill said. “Then I went and got a scan and [found out] I tore my ACL.”
It’s a diagnosis no athlete wants to receive due to its lengthy recovery time and tough rehabilitation process.
Unfortunately for Gill, he was going to have to go through it and then some. He received ACL reconstruction surgery approximately two months after the injury. Almost a year later, he was still dealing with pain and instability.
“It didn’t heal the way I wanted it to heal,” Gill said. “I was still getting a lot of pain and I should’ve been back playing at this point. I couldn’t really jump properly.”
In Sept. 2023, approximately 15 months after receiving ACL reconstruction surgery, Gill went under the knife again. This time, an arthroscopy was performed where a tendon graft was inserted to replace the ACL. Gill described the time just before the procedure as his lowest point, especially because he wasn’t guaranteed the best possible outcome.
“It was definitely tough,” Gill
said. “I was thinking after the initial injury, in about a year’s time, I’ll be back. Then, it ended up being two years. It just kept playing in my mind that maybe I won’t get back or maybe I won’t get back to the level where I was.”
Thankfully for Gill, the second surgery was successful and he was finally on the road to recovery. However, it was too late for him to continue his career with UCD, as his contract was set to expire at the end of the year.
“My time was finishing at the club,” Gill said. “I wasn’t doing proper rehab either because I was leaving the club, so I was getting less attention. I was trying to strengthen up my knee with no help, just doing it by myself in a public gym.”
Gill wasn’t completely alone since he had friends and family. One of those friends was Colm Whelan, a former teammate at UCD who had torn his ACL approximately five months before Gill. Before the end of 2023, the pair began working together – that’s when Gill regained his confidence.
“He was ahead of me in the rehab phase,” Gill said. “I started looking to him and [aspiring] to progress the way he was going, saying ‘That’ll be me in a few months, just keep working.’”
A month before the injury, Gill got in contact with Hofstra University. Despite the injury, the Pride didn’t lose interest in Gill, and he kept them updated on his recovery. His arrival at Hofstra was delayed by one semester due to his second surgery, but he finally arrived in Jan. 2024.
This was when Gill’s return to fitness truly began. He started working with Brian DeVeaux, a physical therapist, as soon as he arrived on campus. It was a huge step forward for Gill on his way back from injury.
“[DeVeaux] was perfect because that’s probably what I was missing at home,” Gill said. “Someone [who was] very disciplined with me and [would] say, ‘This is what we need to do, step-by-step, to get you back on the pitch.’ I had too big of an injury to do it myself; I needed expert help and he helped me a
lot.”
DeVeaux devoted his time to Gill in his effort to return to peak fitness, guiding the young man throughout the process. It was difficult, but Gill was finally getting the professional assistance he needed to return to form.
“At the time, it was tough,” Gill said. “The rehab isn’t fun, sometimes it’s very sore. My legs were very weak. I was trying to do all this work and it’s tedious. When you’re doing it every day, it’s tough mentally to motivate yourself. I don’t think I’d necessarily motivate myself to do an hour and a half of physical therapy without [DeVeaux]. Once I’m in with him, he’d be with me through the whole session, talking me through it.”
Gill’s rehabilitation at Hofstra was more than just a physical battle. He was away from home and in another country for the first time while trying to get his playing career back on track.
“At the start of the year when I wasn’t practicing and I was just doing physical therapy, I was probably homesick for the first five months,” Gill said. “I was missing home at the start of the year because it was a change: new country, new people and I was missing [soccer] as well. When I [was] playing at home, at least I had my family and my friends to hang around with, but then when you’re here, it could be long by yourself. It was tough to deal with.”
After months of work and determination, Gill returned to the pitch and began training with the rest of the team. He fully recovered in time for the start of his freshman season and he now makes regular appearances. After beginning his time at Hofstra in solitude, he was finally able to mingle with his teammates and coaches.
“Eoin Farrell,” Gill said. “He’s another Irishman. He helps me a lot. Even during the summer, when I was doing physical therapy and starting to integrate into non-contact stuff, he’d do a lot of work with me. We’d do our own personal sessions, and he’d just help me, him passing me the ball and me shooting.”
Gill also found solace in his
new coaching staff, especially through head coach Richard Nuttall.
“[Nuttall]’s perfect with me,” Gill said. “I think he had a knee injury before he was telling me about, so he understood what I was going through. When you’re starting to get your first games back, you’re not going to be 100%, so he understood there was going to be a bit of a time period before I get up to speed.”
Gill scored his first goal for the Pride against UNC-Wilmington on Sept. 14. He recorded his first brace against Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) rival Elon University, a performance which earned him CAA Offensive Player of the Week.
After 22 months, two surgeries and flying overseas from one home to another, Gill has found his old self again.
When speaking about Gill in postgame press conferences throughout the start of the season, Nuttall usually brought up Gill’s 22-month ACL injury prior to the start of the season. He also talked about Gill’s fitness issues and how he was still yet to reach his peak.
“I agree with [Nuttall],” Gill said. “In practice, I was doing well but I knew that I just needed that extra 10% fitness and confidence in myself. I knew for the first two or three games I was in the back of my mind still worrying about my knee. That eased away the more confidence I grew and the more games I was playing. I don’t think about my knee injury anymore because it’s a thing of the past now.”
Gill has scored four goals in his first 13 appearances for Hofstra, ranking solo third in the squad for individual points. He’s started six times and has yet to miss a single game. His
comeback has taught him more about life beyond the pitch.
“Mental strength,” Gill said. “At the start when you’re playing less minutes, obviously you want to be playing more. It’s about putting in hard work and practice; just keep going and believing in yourself. Even when things aren’t necessarily going well or you’re not scoring, just go again next week and try to do better than you’ve been playing.”
Gill’s injury and long rehab has given him wisdom far beyond his years, wisdom that he wishes to pass down to other athletes.
“Never stop working,” Gill said. “Don’t ever give up, because the worst thing you can do is give up. It’s exactly what [DeVeaux] was telling me: if you don’t do the work, you’ll probably regret it. [It’s better to endure] nine months of hard work to get yourself back rather than if you give up and never return.”
Gill’s recovery was a long and brutal ordeal, but with the help of DeVeaux, as well as his loved ones, he has managed to not only return to form, but to excel for the Pride.
“I know how hard it is mentally and physically,” Gill said. “It’s definitely mentally worse. When you find out you have a really bad injury, it’s hard to process. You don’t know how it’s going to work out or if [you’ll] get back. You have all these doubts, but it’s just about working hard and believing in yourself always.”
Gill can now focus on the next chapter which is playing collegiate soccer for a nationally ranked program at Hofstra University.
Gill made the game winning goals against New Hamphsire and Elon.
Photo courtesy of Royce Dickson-Child
SPORTS
Hofstra transfer Ellie Gough’s leap of faith
By George Hatzadony STAFF WRITER
Ellie Gough has emerged as one of the premiere players for the Hofstra University women’s soccer team this season. With five goals and five assists, she not only leads the Pride in both categories but is also on pace to smash her career highs. For a player who has been so integral to Hofstra this season, it’s hard to believe that this is her first year as a member of the Pride.
This past spring, it would have been difficult for Gough to imagine leaving her Alma Matter, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). Gough spent her first four collegiate seasons with the Blue Raiders, appearing in 59 games and scoring eight goals.
“When I first came to America, I really liked the girls. I liked the location. I really connected with my coach,” Gough said. “I’ve always been a player that would respect my coach, and I like the way he played, and they played possession style. It was close to Nashville. It was pretty cool, and I liked the school. I liked my major that I was doing there, and it just was the right fit. It was a really good family feel fit, and I loved my four years there.”
After four years of earning a degree in accounting, Gough entered the transfer portal.
“I went in the transfer portal just for something different,” she said. “I had my fifth year through [COVID-19], so it wasn’t any other reason than
that.”
After some deliberation, the experienced forward decided on Hofstra for her final year of college soccer.
“I just wanted to try something new and fight for a championship, and I felt like that program maybe wasn’t giving me that, and so I came to Hofstra,” Gough said.
At MTSU, Gough played all around the pitch, primarily as an attacking midfielder. Since joining the Pride. Hofstra head coach Simon Riddiough has shifted her position to striker.
“When we looked at [Gough] on video, we saw that she had played various positions at [MTSU],” Riddiough said. “She had played striker. She had played out wide. She had played as an eight and 10. And we just were
“It is difficult, especially when you’ve created a life there. It’s almost like a second home, it feels like, in Tennessee, for me,” Gough said. “So, it was a big risk, but without risk, there’s no reward.”
Riddiough and his staff have attempted to use the transfer portal to supplement the team over the past few years, and Gough has easily been their most successful find.
“We’ve tried to hit the portal the last couple of years and not had much success,” Riddiough said. “[Gough] has been the one that’s come in and made an impact. And there’s a lot of value in bringing in a 21-yearold from a different program into your program who’s had success at the other program to a various level. It’s better bringing
in college.”
Gough’s scoring has been in large part due to her positioning. Riddiough deploys a highpressing team which allows Gough to use her offensive and defensive instincts to great effect.
“It’s a lot of communication,”
“So, it was a big risk, but without risk, there’s no reward.”
looking at somebody with some versatility … She could strike a good ball. She had a bit of vision about her. She was hardworking. So, those attributes are key to being a good center forward.”
Despite her drive to win a championship, the decision to leave MTSU was a bittersweet one.
in [Gough] at 22, mature, maybe a bit more appreciative of the situation over an 18-year-old who doesn’t know what to expect and transition to some college.”
Despite his excitement about the prospect of bringing in a player like Gough, Riddiough admitted he was somewhat surprised at her excellent performance.
“I didn’t expect it. And to be honest, even the first week of preseason, we didn’t expect it.” Riddiough said.
Despite a slow start, Gough’s performance has done the talking for her, and she has become a staple of Riddiough’s lineup.
“She’s doing a really good job,” Riddiough said. “And on top of it, she’s a target on corner kicks and free kicks. She’s getting into good pockets of space in the box. She’s going to keep scoring goals, which is the hardest thing to do
Gough said. “When we changed the press into something a little bit different where we’re working closer together, especially when we played Columbia, that was a lot of talking. It’s just communication, and sometimes, it’s gut feeling.”
Against the College of Charleston, Gough capitalized on a mistake by the Cougars caused by the press to score.
“I think it’s taking the risk,” Gough said. “I got told by two players on the team that ‘you’re so close to the keeper.’ ... And so, when I saw them play it back to the keeper, I thought I’m just going to take a risk. What’s the worst that can happen?”
Off the pitch, coming to Hofstra was a brand-new experience for Gough – an experience made easier by her supportive teammates.
“Honestly, I can’t speak highly enough of the girls,” Gough said. “I feel, as soon as I set foot, I felt looked after.
I’ve made some great friends, not just teammates, and from freshman to grad students, I’m friends with a lot of people in different age groups. And because I came in as a new player, I came in with the freshman, almost. Hofstra is new to me and new to them, so I created a little bit of bond with some of the freshmen.”
Despite having post-college work lined up, the graduate student wants to continue her soccer career.
“I have got a job lined up, in accounting in New York, but especially after this past season, how I’m doing better than I have ever done, I definitely don’t want to close that chapter,” Gough said. “So, whether I can try and play one more year professionally or maybe just for fun, I definitely want to keep up competitive soccer.”
Riddiough believes that Gough will excel whether she stays on the pitch or enters the workforce.
“I think she’ll play pro or something,” Riddiough said. “Well, I don’t even know if that’s her goal. She’s driven academically.”
Gough came to Hofstra to win a championship, and she still believes that they are capable of that.
“I think Hofstra has that fighting spirit that maybe my other team didn’t quite have,” Gough said. “And I think that’s what can push us to be successful.”
