Hofstra hosts well-respected expert on cancer NEWS
By Sania Daniyal
SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
Scientifically, cancer is a group of diseases that occur when cells divide and spread uncontrollably, often due to changes in DNA. More than any other cancer, brain tumors can have lasting and life-altering physical, cognitive and psychological impacts on a patient’s life. Our brains control everything we do: every step, task or emotion. Despite
years of research, brain cancer survival rates have remained virtually unchanged, even while survival rates for many other cancers have been significantly improved, according to the National Brain Tumor Society. To combat this crisis, clinical researchers and scientists are actively working to improve life expectancy and quality of life in these patients.
The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, as a part
of their Cancer Education Program, hosted an event at Hofstra University titled “A Conversation with Dr. John Boockvar” on Wednesday, Nov. 13, in the Student Center Theater, followed by an extended Q&A reception.
The panelists at the event consisted of Dr. John Boockvar, a professor in the area of neurological surgery, and Dr. Matthew Fisher, another professor who studies cancer cells and tumors.
Joined by Scott Lefurgy, a professor of chemistry at Hofstra, who offered introductions and remarks and explained how the event “continues the institutional relationship between Hofstra and Feinstein Institute.” Lefurgy said the university is, “fortunate to have jet members of the institutional leadership in the audience today.” He also invited Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Charles Riordan, who welcomed the audience and emphasized the importance of the Feinstein Institute.
“It’s a great organization
OPINION
for chemists, biochemists and beyond,” Riordan said.
“This program really continues an investment that Hofstra and Feinstein have been making,” Riordan said. “President [Susan] Poser and I, about a year and a half ago, initiated a request for a proposal process where we went to the faculty and said, ‘Bring us your exciting, innovative ideas that are going to allow us to strengthen our collaborations – either across the campus or with other partners – strengthen the opportunities for students-engaged learning experiences, research and build excellence here at Hofstra.’”
One of the 10 winning proposals out of over 70 submitted came from the panelists’ group, which included Hofstra chemistry professors and Yousef Al-Abed from the Feinstein Institute.
“The president and I were excited to support this [proposal] because we think that the collaboration that already exists between Northwell [Health] and Hofstra in the academic sphere and the research here between
Feinstein and Hofstra is really just beginning an exciting new time of growth and collaboration for the students in particular,” Riordan said. “What we need from students like all of you is to bring in your humanity, bring in your intelligence [and] bring in your creativity to solve really complex problems.”
Al-Abed is the current codirector and professor at the Feinstein Institute in bioelectronic medicine and a faculty member at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine. He spoke at length about how Feinstein serves students.
Boockvar opened the panel, where he discussed his life story in medicine and other key things to note for future medical leaders, such as meaningful research and the burnout and stress that come with being a medical doctor. He then discussed brain tumors and cancer, glioblastoma, in particular, with various techniques, diagrams and videos of patient procedures or outcomes. He noted the importance of the Feinstein Insti-
By Kat Powers
SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
Donald Trump won this election. The president-elect is a man that is a convicted felon, an alleged rapist, a racist, a misogynist, a homophobe and a xenophobe. This is a man who will now be in control of this supposed great nation.
Our country, which prides itself on free speech, elected a man who intends to cut funding for education, enforce prayer
time in public schools and restrict women’s healthcare. His actions and beliefs are concerningly reminiscent of George Orwell’s books “1984” and “Animal Farm,” both of which showcase totalitarian governments turning the world into a dystopian disaster. Censorship, book banning, book burning and far more are happening and will continue to do so under Trump’s administration and Project 2025.
Students gathered in the Student Center Theatre to attend a discussion between cancer experts.
Photo courtesy of Sania Daniyal
203 Student Center
hofstrachronicle@gmail.com
Editor-in-Chief
Makenzie Hurt
Managing Editor Frankie DiCalogero
Secretary Ethan Albin Business
Assistant
Hofstra hosts well-respected expert on cancer cont.
tute in his research.
“When you’re taking risks like this [in an experimental procedure] in humans, the outcomes can be risky, so there’s a risk of seizure, swelling and strokes. I live with these three S’s all the time,” Boockvar said.
“Having the courage to do these things in humans and risking those three principles of stress reduction [“Gritflow-ness,” as in mindfulness] allowed me to continue this process of pushing the envelope.”
They are actively in the field and constantly exposed to current innovations. They push the envelope,” said Arti Singh, a junior health science major.
“To say the least, the research was incredibly riveting. Nonetheless, what resonated most for me, was his emphasis on the tiny victories and consistent habits that fabricated him into the impressive individual and innovative surgeon he has proven to be,” said Dalisha Severino, a sophomore neuroscience major.
Assistant
Assistant
Following his part of the presentation, Fisher was welcomed to the stage for a discussion. He discussed the importance of collaboration and communication between researchers and clinicians. He also took questions from students, ranging from advice for pre-medical students to intricate questions on surgery and the brain as a whole.
“I feel like these students have been planted here,” Boockvar said in a comment regarding the students’ questions.
“Dr. Fisher and Dr. Boockvar are truly inspirations for the future generation of medicine.
“Most importantly, [Boockvar] impressed upon us the significance that what we study, we love unconditionally,” Severino said. “Him and Dr. Fisher said that 90% of scientific research conducted in a laboratory fails, but paired with consistency and deliberate desires to advance for the greater humanity, what of the possibilities that can transpire from the other 10%.”
Sania Daniyal is a freshman neuroscience and women’s studies double major. You can find her on Instagram @_itzmesania
Hofstra community acknowledges Transgender Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Remembrance
By Camryn Bowden ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
Many members of the LGBTQ+ community celebrate Transgender Awareness Week, a time to bring attention to the transgender community. The week, spanning from Wednesday, Nov. 13, to Tuesday, Nov. 19, ends with Transgender Day of Remembrance, which is arguably the most important part of the week. It is dedicated to honoring those who have lost their lives to violence or suicide, two of the biggest reasons transgender people face a lower-thanaverage life expectancy.
This year’s week-long observance is tinged with fear from members of the transgender community. Over the past four years, anti-transgender legisla-
tion has increased exponentially across the country, targeting everything from bathroom access and equality in sports to healthcare and basic legal recognition. At this point in 2024, 664 bills designed to impact the rights of transgender people are being considered across the United States, with 45 having been passed. This number excludes the 127 bills already active. With this increase in antitransgender legislations, this year’s Transgender Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Remembrance means a lot to some students, as a way to resist the waves of bills trying to erase transgender existence. Giulian Romano, a junior double major in writing studies and television production and studies,
expressed how important this week is.
“There’s so much fear that comes with being a trans person. It’s obviously not easy, and it can be dangerous,” Romano said. “So just instead of expecting people to be scared alone or [silent], it’s better to raise awareness about the issues that we all go through, so that it’s less difficult.”
Romano, who is also the treasurer of the Lavender Grove, the largest LGBTQ+ organization on Hofstra University’s campus, further stressed the importance of having a community of queer people to generate acceptance and a feeling of safety.
“When I was looking for colleges when I was in junior year of high school, it was the top
priority that I was going to be going into a school that would be accepting of my gender identity and my queer identity as a whole,” Romano said. “I went through discrimination at my high school, for transitioning at that time, and I knew that that’s just going to be on people’s minds when they’re looking.”
Lisa Dresner, an associate professor of writing studies and rhetoric, and the director of the LGBTQ+ studies major, said that this week is very important to address the past exclusion that has occurred in the LGBTQ+ community.
“I think that trans awareness week is important because, although the community of
Photo courtesy of Sania Daniyal
Scott Lefurgy is a foremost expert and professor in chemical biology and enzyme systems.
The first-generation student community thrives at Hofstra University
By Camryn Bowden ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
There are several identitybased groups at Hofstra University that based on characteristics such as gender, race, sexuality or religion. While these attributes are showcased within the vast student body population on campus, first-generation students are a lesser-known community.
For an entire week, starting on Monday, Nov. 4, the Office of First-Generation Support and Engagement hosted First-Gen Students Week. This time promoted a community of students whose parents or caregivers had never graduated from a fouryear institution in the United States.
During this week, Hofstra offered many activities for the community of students to engage in. Russ Smith, the director of the Office of First-Generation Support and Engagement, made sure to offer a wide variety of events for students to participate in.
“There is the big anchor celebration event, which is [Friday], Nov. 8,” Smith said. “That’s the big atrium takeover day when we have all kinds of goodies and giveaways and things, and we obviously give away our free T-shirts in the [Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center] atrium. I try to set that up with
a mix of student organization tables, for free, for first-gen students to figure out how to get involved on campus.”
Some first-generation students shared the kinds of impacts it has to be so visible for a full week here at Hofstra.
“To me, it means just knowing that there is a community on campus that is going through similar experiences of the unknowns of college … of just having to navigate everything,” said Alex Hoy, a junior audio/ radio production major. “Like how to apply for financial aid, how to make sure that you’re registered for classes – all the things that you didn’t really have to do in high school that now really just flipped on its side and really changed throughout college.”
Ashley Blum, a junior health science major, shared her own story with learning she was considered a first-generation student.
“The first year I was at Hofstra, I actually didn’t know that I was a first-gen student just because of the definition,” Blum said. “I wasn’t super educated on it. But once I was educated on it, I was opened up to this community. [The celebration] was a really fun week. It was my first time really being a part of this event that Hofstra does … It’s been really cool to see all the programming that they have.”
Smith says that, while the week celebrating first-generation students is important, the same amount of thought is put into activities that he plans for first-generation students throughout the year.
“There are some that are more about community building, like the first-gen family dinner. There are academic skill-building programs, like the motivation management workshop this year with the Center for Academic Excellence,” Smith said. “Then we have personal, growth-type programs where we do financial literacy, the credit cards and credit scores, understand your credit program … Every week, we try to have a mix of those things, and I think we accomplished that pretty well.”
According to Smith, all of this programming seeks to accomplish one goal.
“The significance is that we’re creating a sense of community around being a first-gen student, or a first-gen community member because we also include faculty and staff in that,” Smith said.
Blum shared that this goal of generating a community is a really important thing for her, but also for Hofstra as a whole.
“I think that it’s so important to have people who are like you on campus. And I think for most of us, that means a variety of things,” Blum said. “To be able to have a group of people where, if you go to one of the first-gen dinners, they talk about things that have happened to them as first-gen students. And you’re like, ‘Wow, that happened to me too. I can really relate to that.’ And I think that it’s really, really special to have that community.”
Camryn Bowden is a sophomore journalism and political science double major. You can find her on Instagram @camrynjbowden.
Merchandise was given out to students during the first-generation student’s day.
Photo courtesy of Ashley Blum
Transgender Awareness Week and Transgender Day of Remembrance cont.
CONTINUED FROM A2
LGBTQ+ folks definitely includes the ‘T,’ sometimes, folks who are trans have really been marginalized,” Dresner said.
Dresner further explained examples where this has happened.
“It’s an unfortunate fact of our history as a community that sometimes trans folks have not been welcome at various pride parades or have found themselves marginalized or excluded from LGBTQ+ spaces,” Dresner said.
“[Transgender] Awareness Week is one way of focusing on a part of the community that hasn’t always gotten as much attention and as much love as, say, the gay and lesbian parts of the community. Sort of a way to, sort of, right a historical wrong and a way to celebrate as well,” Dresner said.
Another student, Brooklyn Dottin, a sophomore journalism major, shared some ways to engage with the transgender community during this week.
“That week could highlight some successful transgender
people like Sarah McBride,” Dottin said. “She was elected to Congress, I believe she was the first openly trans person to do so.”
Dresner said that Transgender Day of Remembrance is arguably even more important than Transgender Awareness Week, given the high rates of violence against transgender people.
“Unfortunately, another very upsetting part of our history is that trans people, particularly trans women and particularly trans women of color, have a very high rate of getting murdered compared to the general population,” Dresner said. “Indeed, most murders in the LGBTQ+ community are murders of trans women, particularly trans women of color.”
She referenced a staggering statistic about the rates of violence within the community of transgender women, specifically for transgender women of color.
“There was a frightening statistic that was floating around a few years ago,” Dresner said. “I don’t know if it’s still true, but the statistic from a few years
ago was that the average lifespan of a trans woman of color was something like 35 because people got murdered.”
The numbers have not yet been recorded for 2024, but in 2023, Statista cited that over 300 transgender individuals were killed between Oct. 2022 and Sept. 2023.
Romano ended by expressing that an emphasis on patience and empathy is needed for members of the community at this time, given the recent election and rising rates of transphobia in the country.
“It’s weighing on us a lot that it’s not always safe to be the way that we are,” Romano said. “And with [Transgender] Awareness Week happening so soon after the election, I think that’s just kind of magnified. Just have that awareness that we’re all going through something.”
Protesters held signs that read “Your Laws Kill,” in reference to the rise of antitransgender legislation in the U.S.
Photo Courtesy of Aiden Craver / Upslash
Key:
Public Safety Briefs
Compiled by Moriah Sukhlal
PS – Public Safety
HU – Hofstra University
UFD – Uniondale Fire Department
HFD – Hempstead Fire Department
CS – Community Standards
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.
House sounded due to burnt food. Nineteen people were evacuated within one minute. PS, Plant and UFD responded. The situation was corrected, and the fire alarm was reset.
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 Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 2 p.m., an HU resident director, while doing health and safety inspections, found drug paraphernalia. The student occupant of the room stated that it was theirs. The student was referred to CS.
On Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 8:40 p.m., the fire alarm in Stuyvesant Hall sounded due to steam from the shower. Ninety-two people were evacuated within one minute. PS, Plant and UFD responded. The situation was corrected, and the fire alarm was reset.
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 Thursday, Nov. 7, at 10:30 a.m., PS was alerted of graffiti within the Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library stairwell between the seventh and eighth floors. A work order was prepared to remove the graffiti.
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 Thursday, Nov. 7, at 7:29 p.m., the fire alarm in Memorial Hall sounded due to the first-floor heat sensor. Ten people were evacuated within one minute. PS, Plant and HFD responded, the situation was corrected, and the fire alarm was reset.
On Friday, Nov. 8, at 8:38 p.m., the fire alarm in Leiden
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 April 11, at 10:20
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 being conducted into this matter. The plant department was notified for cleanup.
On Monday, Nov. 11, at 1:15 a.m., vehicle one, driven by an HU student, was traveling west in parking field 7, while vehicle two, driven by an HU student, was traveling north. They collided at an intersection. The driver of vehicle one was transported to New York University Langone Hospital – Long Island by a Northwell ambulance. The driver of vehicle two was evaluated by emergency services and refused any medical treatment. NCPD responded and an accident report was created. The Dean of Students Office was also notified.
On April 12, at 9:50 p.m., the fire alarm in Estabrook Hall was activated 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.
On Monday, Nov. 11, at 4:30 p.m., the fire alarm in the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center sounded. Two hundred-eight people were evacuated within three minutes. PS, Plant and UFD responded. The situation was corrected, and the fire alarm was reset.
On April 14, at 5:25
p.m., the fire alarm in Hampton House was activated due to burnt food in the
Photo courtesy of Alexis Friedman
By Peter Nicolino
SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
In the bustling halls of Hofstra University amidst the academic struggles and lively campus life is Jonathan Evers, a senior business major. He is an individual who embodies the essence of balance, commitment and sheer determination.
While many recognize Evers for his prideful presence as the captain of the Hofstra Cheerleading team, few delve into the intricate tapestry of his life, woven with a passion for his studies, a commitment to his fraternity and a devotion to his family.
“I never thought I’d be doing cheerleading; I always knew I’d be in a fraternity,” Evers said, recounting his unexpected journey into the beautiful world of cheer.
His college experience took an unexpected turn during a casual afternoon of tossing a football around campus.
After a purely chance encounter with other cheerleaders seeking assistance, he received an invitation that altered his college days forever.
Embracing the unexpected, Evers joined the cheerleading team his freshman year.
Evers holds a inspiring place in the Hofstra social scene. Not only is he a respected member of Phi Kappa Theta but also as the fraternity’s newest president.
His role within the fraternity extends far beyond titles. He embodies the ideals of brotherhood, scholarship and service that define the organization.
FEATURES
This Hofstra Life: Jonathan Evers
a friend and a pillar of support within the Hofstra community. Evers emphasizes the delicate balance he must maintain between extracurricular activities
sibilities, which are the church and also being a part of a fraternity,” Evers said.
The foundation of Evers’ character lies in his commitment to
pursuits, fraternity obligations or leading the cheerleading team, his faith remains an ever-present force guiding him through the maze of responsibilities and aspirations.
Among his other commitments, academic excellence remains a cornerstone of Evers’ college journey.
As a recipient of the Dean’s Student Scholarship, he maintains a minimum GPA of 3.50 while excelling in the curriculum of the Frank G. Zarb School of Business.
His dedication to scholastic achievement echoes through the corridors of Hofstra and is a testament to his capacity to balance numerous responsibilities without fault.
“I do this to prove I am better than some may think I am,” Evers said.
His dedication to pushing boundaries is evident in his relentless pursuit of excellence across every part of his life. Evers’ commitment to his duties extends beyond words, it is a philosophy ingrained in and proved by his actions.
“Through a whirlwind of meetings, practices, studies and service, Evers navigates the intricate day-to-day life of college, weaving together diverse threads that paint a portrait of resilience, passion and unwavering commitment.”
Whether Evers is organizing philanthropic events or fostering a sense of community, his contributions resonate all throughout the campus.
His fraternity brothers regard him, not just as a leader, but as
“Cheer is me stepping out of my comfort zone as something I like to do in college for fun, but I then have to come to my respon-
Hailing from a lineage deeply rooted in faith and service, Evers dedicates significant portions of his weekends to Evangel Tem-
ple Ministries. The church was founded by his grandfather in the 1980s, and is now overseen by his father. It is a testament to his dedication to both his spiritual ities.
Evers says he “finds solace and guidance” in his unwavering faith. Whether in academic
Through a whirlwind of meetings, practices, studies and service, Evers navigates the intricate day-to-day life of college, weaving together diverse threads that paint a portrait of resilience, passion and unwavering commitment. As he prepares to lead Hofstra’s cheerleading team in the pursuit of a National Collegiate Athletics Association title in January of next year, Evers stands as a testament to the spirit that thrives within the hallowed halls of Hofstra and is a beacon of inspiration to his peers.
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Evers
By Denivia Rivera STAFF WRITER
A new photography club, The Shutter Wing, was established on Hofstra University’s campus this past October. The Shutter Wing aims to provide new opportunities for student photographers.
The Shutter Wing was created by Aaron Gutterman, senior theater arts major. Gutterman reached out to fellow student photographers over the summer to create an executive board for the club, seeing the lack of existing organizations for photographers on campus.
Jessica Angelucci, senior filmmaking major, is the vice president of The Shutter Wing. Angelucci expressed excitement for the club’s creation, citing her love for the art form.
“I thought [the club] was a great idea because I really love photography, and I was surprised that the school did not have a photography club already,” Angelucci said.
Club feature: Shutterwing
Angelucci explained the process of establishing The Shutter Wing as an official club at Hofstra.
“We created an e-board, figured out our club’s constitution and everything we wanted to stand for,” Angelucci said. “We talked to the school and our advisor and were able to make the club a reality, which was really exciting.”
Brooklyn Mercer, a sophomore dance major, is the treasurer of The Shutter Wing.
“Our e-board kind of has one person from each department which is nice so we can have different collaborations,” Mercer said.
Mercer joined Shutter Wing’s executive board because it provides her the opportunity to combine her two passions.
“I love photography, and I love getting to photograph dance,” Mercer said. “Giving the dance department an opportunity to get more photos was really important to me.”
The Shutter Wing hopes to collaborate with other organiza-
tions on campus to offer students the opportunity to have both professional and fun images of themselves and events.
“We want to do photo shoot events and have a photobooth that people can come take pictures in,” Angelucci said. “We did that once for the drama club, and we want to do it more often – maybe a headshot event to help people have professional headshots for their LinkedIn.”
In addition to providing new photography opportunities to other organizations at Hofstra, members of The Shutter Wing can also gain valuable experience from joining the club.
“There will be masterclasses, so definitely more knowledge of photography and being able to build a portfolio and have a safe space to share your work,” Mercer said.
The opportunity to build a portfolio can be helpful to students interested in integrating photography with their career. Angelucci expressed the importance of having a photography club
available to students on campus.
“I think we definitely need a community of photographers here because I didn’t know any prior to the club,” Angelucci said. “I want people to have a group of friends that they can rely on and learn with together.”
The
Don’t get your Christmas decorations in October
By Hannah Mudry STAFF WRITER
“Hannah, you should come home. Your mom fell, and she’s on her way to the hospital.”
Oct. 18 was an eerie day for me. I started my Friday by finishing up the week’s work and doing my laundry.
This was the first weekend I wasn’t going to spend with my family in three weeks – parent’s weekend, October break and a trip to Chicago took up my time in early October. This weekend, in particular, my boyfriend was going to Vermont with his family.
While completing my morning activities, I had an odd feeling that I should be home.
Walking across the Unispan that afternoon, I had the worst pit in my stomach. I refused to get lunch because I thought I would hurl. At that point, I was still unsure why I felt so wrong – I chalked the feeling up to being homesick.
On my walk to my boyfriend’s
car, I continued to ignore the feeling. There was no way I could run home to my family simply because I missed them.
Then my phone rang.
My stepdad normally doesn’t just call me. I assumed he was trying to prove a silly point or ask me a question, so I responded in a chippy tone because I was excited to talk.
From his first “Hi,” I knew something was wrong. His introductions were cut off short by a call from my mom … weird. He told me to ignore her and “just listen to him.” Again, weird.
He told me my mom was on her way to the hospital because she fell from a ladder getting Christmas decorations from the attic – yes, Christmas decorations in October – that’s my mom.
I panicked. At this point, my boyfriend was just pulling out of the parking lot, so I was waving my hands and running like a madman, trying to get his attention as he was my only way home.
I felt I had to call my mom
back, but after she answered, I just continually said, “I’m coming home,” like there were no other words I knew.
That car ride was the worst experience of my life. It was three and a half hours of deadstop traffic on top of an explosive headache. I had a few calls during the ride, which made me hate the traffic even more.
My grandmother called to ask if she should fly home from Florida, my aunt reassured me that my mom was a little messed up, but okay, and my cousin asked me if my mom was dying.
We drove straight to Yale New Haven University Hospital. My stepdad greeted me at the main door and told me not to worry. He told me my mom was okay, but I hadn’t seen her, so how did I know?
When we entered the emergency room, she didn’t look too banged up, but it’s hard seeing your mom in a neck collar, not being able to move comfortably. We were in the hospital for two hours before we heard any
results. The computed tomography (CT) scan reported she had a compression fracture in her L1 vertebra and a fractured spinous process. At 9 p.m., I reluctantly left to pick up my younger brother from a friend’s house.
The whole drive home I was contemplating if I should tell him what was going on – all he knew was that Mommy and Daddy had something to do, so he was with his friend. Ultimately, I didn’t tell him anything, and we fell asleep on the couch watching “The Lorax” together.
The next morning, my mom was still at the hospital on spinal precautions, but she was cleared to leave once she got her brace and could live life as normal with some precautions. No bending, no twisting, no lifting. Do you know how much you bend, lift and twist in a day? A lot.
The rest of my weekend was spent constantly watching her to make sure she didn’t hurt herself. I know she was painfully annoyed by my nagging, but I hated to see my mom hurt. I
wanted to help her heal as much as she had helped me when I was sick growing up.
Helping around the house has been trying – I’ve never washed that many dishes or done that much laundry in my life. You don’t realize how much one person does for you in their lifetime until you’re in their shoes.
That weekend, we decided as a family that I would come home on the weekends to help.
My mom, however, was nervous because she didn’t want to ruin the “college experience” I should be having. I don’t feel my college experience was necessarily ruined, as I’m not the type of girl to go to parties on the weekends, but I can understand my mom’s concerns.
Honestly, though, I would rather be with my mom.
On a brighter note, my family has collectively learned a valuable lesson from this experience; just wait until December to get your Christmas decorations from the attic.
Shutter Wing is actively looking for new members and can be found on Instagram @theshutterwing, GetInvolvedHU and GroupMe.
Photo courtesy of The Shutter Wing
M AN ON THE U NISPAN
What are you looking forward to most during Thanksgiving break?
By Zoe Casselman and Lily Anzalone FEATURES EDITOR AND ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR
O verheard @ h O fstra
“If you went back to them, that’s a kink.”
“Time to go on Hinge and imagine myself kissing everyone.”
“My ex-boyfriend is allergic to peanuts. I used to vividly imagine poisoning him.”
“Your job is to serve me not touch me.”
“Me and you don’t have Ghengis Khan DNA.”
“You bring the ouija I bring the Sonny Angels.”
“It was a crazy night; she had her panties all over the counter.”
“According to ChatGPT I just won the election.”
Person 1: “Beach Boys?”
Person 2: “Ramones.”
“I have to give this class cocaine or something.”
Spread by Audra Nemirow
“The colder weather; the fall vibes.”
- Sarah Munir. junior
“I’m looking forward to not having classes.”
- Youbin Kim, junior
“The food.”
- Reem Ibrahim, junior
Zoe Casselman / The Hofstra Chronicle
FEATURES
My mother always dreamed of being a mother
By Lily Spinda STAFF WRITER
For as long as she can remember, my mother’s biggest dream was to be a mother. At 12 years old, she spent her Saturday afternoons sewing scrapped pieces of linen for her Barbies and crafting outfits that reflected 1960s fashion icons such as Jackie Kennedy. She used the tops of shaving cream cans and cut through cardboard to make beds so that each Barbie had a place to sleep.
At 8 years old, her mother, my grandmother, placed her in a New York City taxi alone, telling the driver to take her home and promising to come and get her when she was settled. This was my grandmother’s version of goodbye as she left for California with my mother’s younger brother.
My grandmother eventually returned but would soon leave again, moving to a new location with a new family; that would be one of the last times she would see her daughter.
At 9 years old, she was known on her street as everyone’s big sister. She cleaned bloody cuts from the neighborhood boys’ knees after they played manhunt on the suburban streets and read stories to the children whose parents commuted into the city, keeping them company. She also spent her childhood looking after her brother since their father owned a French restaurant called La Côte d’Argent in Larchmont, New York.
As the eldest of two French immigrants, she only spoke French at home. She lagged behind her classmates whose parents spoke English with clear American accents and packed perfectly cut peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in a tin box. My mother packed her own lunch in a brown paper bag.
Despite feeling out of place, she spent her free time studying and perfecting her English, quickly surpassing her peers.
Thirteen years later, she received a bachelor’s degree in French and became a polyglot
in English, French, Spanish and German.
Even after, she still dreamed of becoming a mother.
died the same day he was born, leaving her dream of motherhood still adrift.
The unconditional love that
turned. There was an emptiness in her heart, but eventually, the broken pieces were glued back together with the help of my
daughter, me, walk through the doors of an adoption agency in Beijing, China, 6,824 miles away from home.
With the very first look, the missing pieces in her heart were filled. Her love was secure, eternal and profound. Every prayer she once had was answered. The love that she prayed for was found; she became a mother.
My mother did not dream of having children due to any societal expectations, but from a deep desire to nurture others. She wanted to care for a child in ways she did not experience herself.
At 53, she taught me how to sew clothes for my dolls, but this time, the clothes were inspired by late 2000s pop icons with bubble skirts and glittery accessories.
She packed my lunch with crust-free, perfectly cut PB&Js complete with sticky notes with doodles or sweet reminders of love. She read to me before bed and encouraged me to find my writer’s voice.
I think she did great – in six months, I will graduate college with a degree in English and journalism.
To my mom, I want you to know that your love was never a waste. Your dream to be a mother happened when Alexander was born and was reinvigorated when you met me. Your love and caring nature are ingrained in my life.
“Her love was secure, eternal and profound. Every prayer she once had was answered. The love that she prayed for was found; she became a mother.”
At 23, she married a man and did everything that one is supposed to do in your 20s, like working three jobs to pay off student loans and getting promoted to manager in a job unrelated to her degree. She continued developing new hobbies to give herself a renewed sense of purpose.
Eventually, she gave birth to a boy named Alexander. He
she held only for her child was shattered into jaded pieces, still there but in a mess with nowhere to go.
Five years later, her husband divorced her after having an affair with his coworker.
She spent the next couple of years longing for an explanation of her son’s death or hope that the love she gave so freely to others would one day be re-
father, who also dreamed of becoming a husband and having a child.
My mother endured endless rounds of treatment for infertility, taking countless trips to different clinics. Throughout all of this, her dream of becoming a mother stayed strong.
At 43, her dream of becoming a mother was fulfilled as she watched her 18-month-old
I feel your love when I teach my housemates cooking tips you once learned from your father. I felt it when I made sure my Barbies were all dressed before putting them away, and I feel it when I carry a spider outside instead of killing it. I feel it when I’m reminded of my biological parents and know that you will always be consistent in my life and never leave me behind.
Your love and support are constants I carry, and that will be passed down to my children and their children; for I will always be my mother’s daughter.
Lily Spinda / The Hofstra Chronicle
Hofstra Men’s Soccer 4-peat CAA Champions
On Saturday, Nov. 16, Hofstra men’s soccer won their fourth consecutive Coastal Athletic Association Championship trophy at Captains Field. The historic night also awarded head coach Richard Nuttall with his 350th career win. The goal was scored in the second half off a deflection from UNC-Wilmington’s defensive line. The Pride is set to host the second round of the NCAA College Cup on Sunday, Nov. 24, at 5 p.m., where they will face the winner of the Thursday, Nov. 21, Vermont vs. Iona match. Hofstra is the No. 7 seed in the tornament, the highest placement in program history.
Spread by Annie MacKeigan, Alex Ferreira and Kumba Jagne
Annie MacKeigan / The Hofstra Chronicle
Annie MacKeigan / The Hofstra Chronicle
Annie MacKeigan / The Hofstra Chronicle
Photo courtesy of Amelia Bashy
Photo courtesy of Amelia Bashy
Ethan Albin / The Hofstra Chronicle
Ethan Albin / The Hofstra Chronicle
Background courtesy of Amelia Bashy
Ethan Albin / The Hofstra Chronicle
Arts And EntErtAinmEnt
Photo
‘Heretic’ is A24’s latest gorgeously gruesome creation
By Zoe Casselman
FEATURES EDITOR
A24’s new psychological thriller “Heretic” captures the true fear every woman faces while interacting with a man who thinks he’s smarter than her.
Mr. Reed, played by the captivating Hugh Grant, is an enigmatic and reclusive man feigning interest in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to lure two young Mormon missionaries into his home. Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton, played by Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, are eager believers going door-to-door to preach their gospel to anyone who will listen. From the moment he opens his front door, Reed’s mind games begin. Barnes and Paxton are the perfect victims: kind, vulnerable and unquestioning until it is too late.
The acting in this film was exemplary all around, but Grant was undeniably the star. The script heavily relies on Reed delivering lengthy monologues about religion and what it means to believe or disbelieve. Grant’s
portrayal of the character is cynical and unsettling but is comedic at times. He refuses to let the girls leave, forcing them to listen as he compares a Bob Ross Monopoly board to Mormonism, and sings “Creep” by Radiohead – all while remaining relevant to his point.
the scene mimics the appearance of a religious figure standing before stained glass windows.
“Heretic” also maintained spectacular continuity – probably some of the best I have seen in years. At the beginning of the film, Barnes and Paxton turn around a blueberry-pie-scented candle to reveal Reed’s first lie that his wife was baking a pie.
The cinematography was another impressive detail, with many shots reflecting some sort of religious iconography. Reed constructed an entire room in his house to look like a church, including a bench pew covered in theology books. Then, as he stands between two doors he labeled “belief” and “disbelief,”
Later, when they are in the basement, there is an actual blueberry pie, making the audience question if Reed had truly lied about baking the pie after all. Reed answers the door with a watering can in hand and uses it again in the film’s final act. This movie took Chekov’s gun seriously. It felt great to catch something that was briefly mentioned and then shown again much later.
My only critique is that the final act did not live up to the accomplishments of the rest of the film. It felt as if the movie was trying to convince the audi-
ence that it was a horror movie through what I thought were unnecessarily grotesque scenes. Admittedly, the gruesome deaths that happen later in the film felt natural and relevant to the plot, but the Prophet being a gangly, decrepit old woman who hacks up black goo felt unnecessary.
Horror films can remain predominantly psychological, relying on suspense and discomfort as the main thrill, which many movies seem to forget. If “Heretic” stuck by that idea, even while maintaining much of the gore, it would have been perfect.
The scariest idea of all is being tormented “just because,” and this film masters that. “Heretic” questions the core ideas of religion being used as a control tactic, and what it really means to have faith. The mind games, theories and intellectual debate torment Barnes, Paxton and ultimately Reed, until the very end.
The potential lost treasures of the 2024 awards season
By Michael Gaborno STAFF WRITER
As the end of 2024 encroaches, the film industry is in full swing for the buzzy, glitzy and chaotic awards season. Everything from Sundance hits to blockbusters to potential cult classics is in the running. With no clear frontrunner in any of the categories, this season is shaping up to be the most unpredictable race in recent memory.
In this mad dash to glory, each title’s chances of recognition can be tiered as such: clear shooins, strong hopefuls, underdogs and, last but not least, the wide swath of prestige films that will almost certainly go unnoticed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and audiences alike. Hopefully, the latter can still persuade viewers to find time to venture to their nearest arthouse and experience some of the most exciting, under-theradar projects of the year.
Gints Zilbalodis’ “Flow” –Friday, Nov. 22 (New York and Los Angeles)/Dec. 6 (Wide)
Hailing from Latvia, this dialogue-free animated odyssey about a black cat that wanders through a human-less environment has racked up acclaim for its unconventional use of partially incomplete rendering, highlighting the beauty and uncertainty of such a strange world. It’s said to be a simple yet awe-inspiring and devastating ode to the unspoken beauty of the natural world. The film purportedly takes inspiration from Studio Ghibli while putting its unique stamp on the ever-growing world of modern animation.
Paul Schrader’s “Oh, Canada” – December 6 (Limited) Schrader, who also worked on “First Reformed” and “The Card Counter,” steadily continues his late-stage streak of discreet introspections on the quiet yet destructive torture of
human loneliness. Richard Gere and Jacob Elordi play older and younger versions of a dying filmmaker who becomes the unreliable subject of a documentary. Uma Thurman and Michael Imperioli also star in this film, and it appears to be the type of fascinating and emotional character study that only Schrader’s vision can deliver.
Justin Kurzel’s “The Order” –December 6 (Limited)
Following his masterful and disturbing portrait of an Australian mass shooter in “Nitram,” Kurzel shifts his focus to American domestic terrorism in a crime-thriller. In this film, Jude Law is a Federal Bureau of Investigation agent investigating robberies committed by the titular neo-Nazi group. Its cast is further stacked with Nicholas Hoult, Bob Matthews, Tye Sheridan, Jurnee Smollett and Marc Maron, all of whom are praised by critics along
Quick Hits
with Kurzel’s tense direction and hard-hitting depiction of American violence.
Joshua Oppenheimer’s “The End” – December 6 (Limited) This apocalyptic musical marks a surprising but intriguing pivot from filmmaker Oppenheimer’s previous works. He previously co-directed the jaw-dropping and innovative documentary “The Act of Killing,” which sees perpetrators in the Indonesian mass killings of 1965 and 1966 reenact their actions through different genres of film, and its spiritual successor “The Look of Silence.” Oppenheimer’s narrative debut, “The End,” features Tilda Swinton, George McKay, Michael Shannon and Moses Ingram. The film positions itself as one of the season’s more offbeat and potentially divisive releases. At the same time, it marks itself as one of the most interesting ones.
Elmo appeared on an episode of ‘Chicken Shop Date’ with Amelia Dimoldenberg on Friday, Nov. 15.
Jake Paul bested Mike Tyson in the highly anticipated boxing match which streamed on Netflix on Friday, Nov. 15
Conan O’Brien will host the 97th Oscars ceremony live on ABC on Mar. 2, 2025.
Courtesy of Glamour
Courtesy of Variety
Courtesy of Variety
John Krasinski was named People’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ for 2024.
‘Wicked’ dolls have been recalled after a misprinted link on the back of the box led people to a porn site.
Courtesy of Amazon.com
‘Heretic’ is Chloe East’s first leading role in an A24 film.
Courtesy of Billboard
Photo courtesy of People
By Michael Gaborno STAFF WRITER
What do “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and “Twisters” have in common? Both are big box office hits that are successful because they capitalize on decades of nostalgia and invite audiences back into the comforting embrace of the pop culture properties of yesteryear.
It is important to understand that the success of these legacy sequel films isn’t just thanks to the fame of the franchise; the sequel must also be relevant and offer much more than just a rehash of the original. The recent phenomenon of the “legacy sequel” has taken over the way Hollywood approaches making franchises, leading the film industry to focus on all the wrong lessons.
When history-making blockbusters like “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Jurassic World,” continue to be successful past their prime, studios dive into whatever recognizable content they have in the hopes of luring both the original fans and a
The legacy of legacy sequels
new generation of converts to theaters.
Unfortunately for them, sequels aren’t guaranteed to be successful every time they reuse the same actors and slap on a cheesy new subtitle. The most recent sequels to “Terminator,” “Independence Day” and “Indiana Jones” are historic bombs due to their failure to become compelling revivals because they didn’t offer anything beyond the core hook of the success of their legacy films. The quality seen in films such as “Blade Runner 2049” doesn’t save film companies from financial ruin if the marketing fails to convince audiences that they should spend the $15 on a movie ticket for a movie that could very well be a regurgitation of something they can rent at home for $3.99.
The success of sequels is often dependent on how well they appeal to the current generation of moviegoers. Relying solely
on the old guard of fans isn’t always enough to garner a triumph in the box office. Risky bets such as “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” and “Mad Max: Fury Road” excelled with audiences because they fundamentally changed their approach to the material while staying true to the merits of their predecessors.
Other examples like “Creed” and “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” found success due to the promise of old fan favorites rearing up a new generation of heroes – this kind of success is harder to come by. This phenomenon is widespread among different genres as well. Recent comic book films have utilized the concept of the multiverse to bring back past cinematic iterations of iconic characters. These characters join forces with the current lineup of iconic superheroes which is a gimmick with roaring success. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Deadpool & Wolverine” are prime examples of this. “The Flash” faltered because it promised the return of versions of characters and
stories that people no longer care about. “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” which came out in 2014, served as a precursor to the colliding timeline craze, as it combined the original and new casts of its franchise – arguably more intelligent and satisfying than its more shameless successors. There might not be a specific formula for crafting the “perfect” legacy sequel, but there are ways to make one that isn’t anticipated as a pandering corporate product, even if it is one. This phenomenon has diluted much of the creativity that comes with making a franchise. It seems that Hollywood is still content with resurrecting lessthan-relevant properties of old films instead of cultivating new ones – despite clear financial evidence that the legacy sequels that work are the ones that differentiate themselves from their roots, no matter the franchise’s success.
A first look at ‘Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage’
By Paige Sanacora STAFF WRITER
The television series “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage” is a spin-off of a series that is already a prequel, something that typically does not draw in an audience. With sitcom mastermind Chuck Lorre behind the third installment of the franchise “The Big Bang Theory,” and bringing back many fan favorites from the prequel “Young Sheldon,” it seemed like the show would likely live up to the expectations placed on it … right? Not quite.
As a long-time fan of both predecessors, I was seated at 8 p.m. sharp on the night of Oct. 17 to watch the premiere of “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.”
This may be a hot take, but I’m not ashamed to say that I like “Young Sheldon” more than the original show. When I heard that Sheldon’s older brother Georgie (Montana Jordan) was getting
his own spin-off series centered around his relationship with Mandy (Emily Osment) and their daughter, it slightly softened the blow of “Young Sheldon’s” bittersweet final episodes. Unfortunately, though, at least with the four episodes that have been released, this series, so far, has fallen short where “Young Sheldon” excelled.
help but feel the dialogue for this show is centered around getting
“Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage” brings back the live studio audience that “Young Sheldon” dropped from its predecessor, and it has ruined a lot of what made this group of characters charming. I can’t
laughs, rather than being centered around each character’s natural quirks and abnormal behavior. Also, despite taking place right where “Young Sheldon” left off, the new series has lost all sense of the time-period it takes place in. Other than the lack of iPhones and advanced technology, there
are virtually no indicators to suggest that the show takes place in the ‘90s, something that its parent show did so well. Although the show is still trying to find its way, many of the characters that have been introduced feel underdeveloped or as though there is some sort of gag that the audience is not privy to. Mandy’s brother, Connor, and Georgie’s coworker, Reuben, have had virtually no screen time yet, and the little time they have is dominated by one exaggerated character trait that we aren’t familiar enough with to find funny.
Overall, I do still love the
chemistry of the CooperMcAllister family, and I don’t feel as though their characters have changed all that much from their days on “Young Sheldon.” Osment is truly made for sitcoms – which is evident from her previous works – and probably feels the most natural to me when delivering lines.
In a way, it’s hard to compare these three sitcoms to one another because they all bring different things to the table. While it’s easier to compare “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage” to its prequel, they are starting to bridge the gap back to the original show. I’m excited to see where the series will go, and I am hoping it gets more than one season so that it has room to grow. Despite not having a lot of depth, it is evident that “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage” has a lot of heart.
‘Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage’ was greenlit in early 2024, and filming began in July of 2024.
‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ was a box office juggernaut, grossing over $1.9 billion worldwide.
Photo courtesy of CBR
Photo courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter
By Peter Pistone STAFF WRITER
“DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO” is by far one of the best “Dragon Ball” games of all time.
“DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO” is the fourth entry in the Budokai Tenkaichi series, a 3D arena fighting game that centers solely on the “Dragon Ball” series. It is a set of games that has lived on as one of the greatest gaming franchises in the series, with the previous game holding the title of “best ‘Dragon Ball’ game” for the longest time. With a 17-year time gap between “Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3” and “DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO,” the new game had a lot to live up to in comparison to the success of the first one. Thankfully, in more ways than one,
“DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO” lives up to the hype of the earlier titles in the series.
“DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO” has 182 playable characters that range from four entire generations of “Dragon Ball,” including characters from the original “Dragon Ball Z” movies and characters from “Dragon Ball GT” and “Dragon Ball Super,” respectively. To add onto this, more characters from the most recent “Dragon Ball” movie, “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero,” and the upcoming anime series, “Dragon Ball Daima,” are on the way in the downloadable content, planned to release later next year. Just about every character in this game is unique in terms of their overall statistics and playstyle that perfectly fit the character in question. Players can customize every character’s statistic to enhance health, strength, combos and more to make any character much stronger for online or offline play.
There is one major aspect of “Dragon Ball” that feels left out from this game entirely and it’s “Dragon Ball,” (the original series before “Dragon Ball Z”). Although Teen Goku from that era is playable and there are skins for Yamcha and Master Roshi that reference the original series, the fact that the original series
is barely there doesn’t sit right when “Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2” and “Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3” both had characters from this era. There are two different control styles that players can choose from, known as “classic” and “standard.” “Standard controls” reduces the amount of button presses for specific abilities,
or Vegito, depending on which era you choose from. Transformations have also returned, however, it is not just limited to the Saiyans. Various characters can transform, including Frieza, Cell, Baby and Zarbon. But don’t fret – if you want to specifically play as Semi-Perfect Cell and don’t want to play as base Cell, you can. You can play as every charac-
it, this mode has you play through the story of “Dragon Ball Z” and “Dragon Ball Super,” from fighting against Raditz in the Saiyan Saga to finishing off Jiren in the Tournament of Power. In this mode, players can make their own choices and create junctions in the timeline to see new events play out. Some paths have certain requirements to access differ-
making it much easier for newer players to get a handle on the game’s controls. If you’ve played the original games and are used to the complex button presses and combinations, then don’t worry, “classic controls” brings in that nostalgic control scheme.
In addition, most of the original controls and gimmicks from “Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3” are present here, including Sparking Mode, Beam Clashes, Rush Clashes, Super Attacks, Ultimate Attacks and much more. Each character has four to five main attacks, two boosts or assists, two super attacks (one melee attack and one beam attack) and an ultimate attack. Depending on what character you’re using, you can also fuse two characters just like in the original. This feature is very limited for certain characters such as Goku and Vegeta. The two characters can fuse into either Gogeta
ter’s transformed state. The only downside to this is that it inflates the roster greatly.
Data mining for the game suggests that characters from the original era were planned to be playable, such as Grandpa Gohan, Demon King Piccolo and Android 8, but were cut from the game. Characters such as Pikkon, Supreme Kai, Super 17 (GT), King Vegeta, Champa and more were all listed as characters planned for “DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO.” It’s strange, as half of the characters listed in the data files were characters in earlier entries.
If there was one thing that sold fans on “DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO,” it was the story mode, better known as “Episode Battle.” This mode takes a new spin on things and allows players to experience the story of “Dragon Ball” in a new way. Much like the games before
are over before they have even started. These paths will mainly show an enemy being defeated early in the story, like Dabura and Babidi before awakening Majin Buu or Frieza killing Goku on Namek. While it’s understandable that not every junction would be incredibly expansive, it makes these parts feel less engaging, as players will gamble whether they should bother with getting these scenarios.
ent endings and branches, while others can be unlocked within cutscenes. Story mode does not mess around. The battles are difficult and getting certain requirements to reach certain paths can be very frustrating. You will often have to repeat the same fight over and over because you need to defeat all the enemies within a certain time. Sure, it’s a great challenge that really tests your skills within the game, but it is annoying at its best or frustratingly difficult at its worst, especially with the Great Ape Vegeta fights and the entirety of the Goku Black path. This doesn’t mean the other paths you can take are boring – many paths reward the player with their engaging stories, such as Trunks being in the Tournament of Power, Piccolo defeating Cell and Goku turning Super Saiyan early. Unfortunately, these paths are a double-edged sword, as some
On the other hand, “Custom Battle” is the most engaging mode in this entire game. “Custom Battle” is a first for any “Dragon Ball” game and does exactly what its name suggests – you can create your own stories and post them online for people to play. Have you ever wanted to have Broly fight Jiren? An android showdown with Androids 16 through 20? Hercule vs Beerus and Whis? This mode allows you to unlock your inner child and create short stories of your own. You can also add cutscenes, music, dialogue and activate certain actions to spice things up in your custom story. You can make the battles as challenging or as fun as you’d like. If you can beat the scenario, it can be uploaded online. All and all, “DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO” is a phenomenal game that goes above and beyond in so many different areas that it may even surpass some of the best games in the series. This game is like one giant love letter to all fans of “Dragon Ball,” as just about every era is celebrated and represented in one game. It’s essentially the “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” of “Dragon Ball.” Hopefully, the success from this title will bring more entries in the “Budokai Tenkaichi/Sparking” series and more downloadable content for the foreseeable future.
‘DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO’ is available to be played on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Microsoft Windows.
Photo courtesy of Bandai Namco
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.
Con: Don’t create conflict during the holidays
By Vanessa Flanagan
Every family has that one uncle who loves to incite political arguments at the Thanksgiving table, but is it really worth it to argue with him? You see this guy once a year – let it go! There’s no reason to create tension and unease within the family, which is essentially the only outcome of arguing. It isn’t worth it, and it’s bound to end poorly. The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but that cannot be achieved while arguing with the one person who cannot let things go. It’s neither funny nor productive to pick a fight; just eat your turkey in peace. When everyone comes together in a group setting around the dinner table, it’s time to be civil; don’t create a dramatic scene from a reality television show.
Although I have never personally argued politics during
holiday celebrations, I have witnessed a few arguments unfold between other family members. For example, as someone who has a sibling, I know it can be challenging to contain yourself around them when they might share different views. Regardless of their stance on individual topics, your family knows how to push your buttons like no one else. Despite knowing this, it doesn’t make things any less awkward for bystanders. In an ideal world, discussing ideological differences at Thanksgiving could be an opportunity to expose ourselves to different perspectives and learn from each other, but in reality, this is almost never the case. Thanksgiving dinner arguments usually devolve into screaming matches that end up ruining the night for everyone.
For example, my uncle loves to debate at the dinner table. Sometimes, I feel for him and
understand where he is coming from, but other times, he simply cannot be defended. It’s been increasingly difficult for my uncle to visit the rest of the family regularly – something many families can relate to. Living farther away from the rest of the family, he can’t quickly stop by any of our houses. We see him less often, placing a greater value on the holidays as a time to catch up. Why should we risk souring the little time we have to visit by engaging in debates that so often spiral out of control?
There is a time and place for such arguments. Carrying out a full-blown debate in front of the whole family makes everything awkward for the rest of the night. It can become an issue if the rest of the family ends up taking sides as people want to insert their opinions on the state of the world. Taking sides causes a tense environ-
ment and creates unnecessary “beef” between people that had nothing to do with the original conversation. While arguments at the Thanksgiving table often revolve around hot topics, like the recent election, a heated debate isn’t worth the disturbance it causes. If something needs to be said, consider handling it privately or waiting until the night is over.
Thanksgiving might just be the worst time to create a conflict. Thanksgiving is a holiday centered around gratitude and togetherness. It’s an opportunity for families and friends to get together and appreciate each other’s company. While misunderstandings and disagreements are present in any argument on any day, they are enhanced in this context. A simple disagreement over politics might balloon into a larger conflict, with the need to be right often overshadowing the original
reason for the argument. Other family members can and will get involved, especially when they inevitably disagree with something said.
With Thanksgiving right around the corner and after a year full of controversies and political rifts across the country, the risk for arguments at the dinner table is high. But we need to remember Thanksgiving is not the time for arguments. So, shut your pie hole, eat some pumpkin pie and avoid the drama this holiday. We should all strive for peaceful holiday gatherings, free of family conflict and focus on togetherness.
Vanessa Flanagan is a freshman journalism major. You can find her on Instagram @vanessaa.flanagan
Pro: Engage in debates with your family
By Nish Arumugam
In the wake of the election and with the holidays breathing down our necks, we’re reaching that exciting time during the year when hearty, passionate discussions of politics arise within the family. In a perfect world, these talks would be eloquent and productive. They would help increase everyone’s knowledge on current issues and extinguish misunderstandings and prejudices. Unfortunately, this is not how it usually goes. Usually, it just devolves into people yelling at each other or listening to one relative recite Alex Jones-level conspiracy theories while everyone else tries to tune them out. Despite how painfully awkward these conversations can be, I strongly advocate for engaging with
your family members in these discussions.
When I hear my relatives repeat something ignorant, misinformed or even worse, hateful, I can’t help but argue with them in the hopes that they come to their senses and see the other side of the issue. The primary reason for doing this is because I have hope that, even though they have fallen down a specific pipeline of thought, they are still able to take in new information and think critically about these issues. For many people, the information they need to better understand these issues is either not in the media they regularly consume or not packaged in a way they can effectively digest it. Since I know both these individuals and the topics well, I feel like I am in the perfect position to work
with them.
For some of my relatives, I know that I will not be able to change their minds completely.
I know that their patterns of thought and their worldview is too deeply ingrained to be changed, so I adjust my goals accordingly. Instead of attempting to change their mind on these issues, I only strive to expose them to another perspective. By giving them an alternative view, I am breaking the hegemony of the views that they are being fed in their own media echo chambers. It is incredibly easy in this digital age to see the same people and the same talking points day in and day out. These talking points become your truth when you are isolated from opposing perspectives. Even if what I say to refute this “truth” cannot
change their mind, it might cause them to be a little more critical of what they are consuming. Additionally, it might keep them from becoming more polarized than they already are. You are giving them an outlet and an opportunity to talk about these issues with people outside of their echo chamber. Without people in real life to talk with about these topics, they find communities online that serve to increase their radicalization.
I really believe that we, as family members or friends, are in a unique position to help them grow.
For many, this task is not worth it as it can take too much effort and even sacrifice your peace of mind to involve yourself in this way. The holidays are supposed to be a time to rest and relax, a time to escape the
problems surrounding us and enjoy being with the people you love around you. I still believe, though, that you should at least try to work with your relatives to help them become more informed and understanding people. Discussion about politics and world events with relatives does not have to feel combative, even when you disagree. While it may be slightly uncomfortable to engage with those who disagree with you, it is worth it if you feel that you are influencing someone you care about positively.
Nish Arumugam is a junior biochemistry major and sociology minor. You can find him on Instagram @nish_arumugam
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 11/19
Across
3. “You ___ what you sow.”
5. Popular Thanksgiving side dish made with bread
7. Snoopy’s alter ego in “Peanuts”
8. Alice In Chains released this hit album in 1992
9. Guitarist known for his song “Are You Looking Up?”
10. Detroit’s National Football League team that plays on Thanksgiving
11. Long brass wind instrument
Down
1. Tennis legend or Michael Jackson song
2. Classic rock band, also a bird
3. Recent Jimmy Fallon guest who brings the “Boom!” with his iconic facial expression
4. Historic landmark, also a manufacturer of pencils
5. Surname of an aquatic sponge who lives in a pineapple
6. Type of fish with both eyes on one side of its head
Graphic by Ryan Monke and Tom Norman / 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.
By Kumba Jagne
This is a story about label makers. Not the little devices used to make labels in the office, but the people in power who use labels to their advantage. This is also a story about mislabeled things: the protestors who try to scrub off the stickers unfairly placed on them. People in power stick these labels on protestors to distract from their own failures.
In the summer of 2020, Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests sprung up around in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer paired with centuries of police brutality and racism. The public remembers these protests as violent. In Sept. 2020, The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project reported that only 7% of the protests were violent, but 43% of the public believed that the majority of the protests were designed to “incite violence or
Labeling protests dismantles them
destroy property.”
This difference in perspective shows that the BLM protests were intentionally labeled as something they were not. “Violent” is not the only label unfairly placed on protestors.
Last spring, officials at New York University (NYU) asked police to clear a Gaza Solidarity encampment on their campus, citing the demonstration as antisemitic, among other things. During the Jewish festival of Sukkot last month, NYU administration said a Sukkah –a temporary structure built to celebrate the week-long holiday – raised in solidarity with Gaza was unapproved.
While sweeping away encampments, NYU acted like they cared about Jewish people and used that reason to disperse and silence protests. Yet, forcing students to take down their Sukkah makes a clear point that abolishing hate speech on campus was not the goal. If they
cared about Jewish people, they would be invested in the rights of people to practice Judaism as they choose.
Politicians and campus administrators alike put the label of “antisemitic” on the Pro-Palestine movement. This ranged from the rhetoric that there is inherent antisemitism in advocating for Gaza to the idea that antisemitism is widespread in the movement. Yes, some members of the Gaza solidarity movement use antisemitism to fuel hateful ideas. However, when institutions label the entire movement as antisemitic, they distract from the actual perpetrators of antisemitism and the real reasons people are protesting in the first place, ultimately hurting both Jewish people and protestors in the long run.
Why do these labels exist? People in power put labels like “antisemitic” and “violent” on protestors to distract from their own behavior. This is apparent
CONTINUED FROM A1
in the way protests arise. Protests are brought on by oppression from a more powerful body. In the case of BLM, the oppression came from perpetrators of police violence – for Gaza, the Israeli government and their backers. When oppressed groups are prevented from diplomatically expressing their grievances, they must turn to other methods to call attention to issues. From this, both disruptive and peaceful protests are born. Protests must be loud enough to get the systems that oppress them to listen. When oppressors hear protestors gaining traction, they use labels to distract the public from issues the oppressors have caused. By conflating everything protestors are doing wrong, perpetrators of oppression effectively discredit protestors and wash their own hands of any wrongdoing. They make labels louder than the protests. For fear of being labeled as violent or
antisemitic, the public stops listening to protestors, thus abandoning movements. There is power in numbers, which makes oppressors feel the pressure to enact change when large groups of people protest. By placing smoke and mirrors in front of the rest of the public, oppressors control the size of movements. If this works, the systems that oppress get away with changing nothing.
This system of labels and distancing works because it makes people uncomfortable. They are uncomfortable with their potential role in oppression. Assimilating and labeling protestors as “insert negative term” is easier than facing their own bias.
Kumba Jagne is a freshman journalism major. You can find her on Instagram @theogkombucha.
America voted against its own interests
Post-election, Trump is calling for censorship of negative advertisements about him. Apparently, freedom of speech only extends to topics that do not threaten Trump or his power. If you truly think Trump is in this for the people, you need to think again. He is in this for money and power; money in his pockets and power in his hands – neither interest extends to America nor its people. He says and does whatever he thinks will get him his gold. His policies are meant for his benefit, not for ours.
Many of the advisors behind Project 2025 are planning on getting rid of no-fault divorces, meaning the party who is initiating the divorce must have definitive proof of being treated poorly in the marriage. If this comes to fruition, judges will
have the power to refuse the petition for divorce if neither spouse or both spouses violated a state-mandated list of faults. It is already hard enough for victims of sexual assault to receive justice, even with ample evidence. Something as difficult to prove as emotional or verbal abuse often gets boiled down to a he-said/she-said situation.
Another issue is that Vice President-elect J.D. Vance has talked about restricting travel for pregnant women. This will prevent them from traveling to a different state to get medical care for any reason, including safe abortions. In addition to travel restrictions, he proposed a ban on the mailing of abortion pills nationwide. The only thing banning abortion will do is raise the death rates of pregnant women because it will cause people to seek abortions in unsafe and possibly unclean
facilities. When former President Bill Clinton first ran for president, his slogan regarding women’s healthcare rights was, “Make abortions safe, legal and rare.” No woman dreams of getting an abortion but many wish to have the option available to them if they were to become pregnant at a difficult time, were sexually assaulted or are a minor. No woman dreams of pregnancy complications. No woman dreams of any of this. Some Republicans believe that colleges teach people to be liberal, when in fact, they teach people to think. The reason most people with a college degree tend to vote blue is that the policies of the Democratic Party make more sense and are truly for the common man rather than the plans brought into fruition by the Republican Party, which are for the uber-rich white man. In the 2024 United States
vice-presidential debate, Vance referenced his poor upbringing and his mother, who was frequently on food stamps. If he truly cared about individuals like himself who relied on welfare programs like food stamps to survive, he would not have allied himself with a man whose sole financial purpose is to make himself and his buddies richer. Why are we voting based on the financial policy of a man who has declared bankruptcy six times?
Dismantling the Department of Education will leave lowachieving and high-poverty schools without government funding. Additionally, Trump looks to dictate and restrict the content schools are allowed to teach federally. We were a country founded on the separation of church and state and based on religious freedom, yet Trump is planning to emphasize
“The American Way of Life” through instituting prayer in schools. Red hats embroidered with the letters “MAGA” (Make America Great Again), have lost their meaning. What America is he attempting to return us to?
It’s always the people pointing their fingers and accusing others of being brainwashed that are the truly brainwashed ones. When the many are governed by the few, the many are tricked into giving even more privileges to the few. The American people have voted against their own interests. We are no longer teetering toward dystopia; we are in it.
Kat Powers is a junior English major. You can find her on Instagram @anncatherinehurley.
SPORTS
Men’s basketball edges Seton Hall in thrilling win
By Nick Mongiovi STAFF WRITER
The Hofstra University men’s basketball team faced off against Seton Hall University on Wednesday, Nov. 13, in the Icons Of The Game event at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The Pride beat the Pirates 49-48 to extend their win streak to three games and begin the 2024-2025 campaign.
Former Seton Hall guard Jaquan Sanders was the Icons Of The Game Player of the Game, as he poured in 12 points and knocked down the gamewinning 3-pointer with just under two minutes left to go.
“Shoutout to my teammate
Jean [Aranguren]. He had the ball and he’s been telling me all day in practice and games ‘We need you; we need you to shoot, stay confident,’” Sanders said. “My shots weren’t falling in the first half, so we had a conversation coming into the second half. We told each other that we needed one another … Shout out to my teammate [Aranguren] for seeing me down the court. I’m happy I hit that shot, and we got a stop after that. It was a big shot and a big win.”
Hofstra has won games in almost every way possible this season: high scoring, low scoring, offensively, defensively, inefficient nights and efficient nights. For a new group, this could be a sign of good things to come.
“I’m still learning about this team, but there’s no quit whether we’re up, down, or tied,” said Hofstra head coach Speedy Claxton. “This team is going to fight until the very last end, and that’s the sign of a championship team … I’m happy with where we’re at right now.”
The last time the Pride played against Seton Hall was in 1970 and the Pirates got the upper hand. Hofstra hasn’t beaten a Big East Conference school in almost 19 years.
“It’s big time for the program, big time win,” Claxton said. “Whenever you get a Big East opponent on a neutral-site court, you want to put your best foot forward. I’m happy with the way my guys played because it wasn’t a pretty game, we won an ugly game. Sometimes you need those types of games to go forward and to win a championship.”
It was a hard-fought game from start to finish. Both teams struggled with getting open looks, but when they did, they made their opponent pay. Both teams shot under 40% throughout the contest, but the Pride’s ability to come up clutch in the final seconds and make important shots at the charity stripe to help them prevail over the Pirates.
“They fought down to that last buzzer, and I thought that the toughest team won tonight,” Claxton said. “That’s what we
wanted to be going into the game. We knew that it was going to be playing against a Big East opponent, I knew [Seton Hall head coach Shaheen Halloway] was going to have them ready.”
Hofstra went into the half trailing Seton Hall 24-22 and was forced to make adjustments at halftime.
“I feel like having a good tempo on the defensive side [was an adjustment],” Sanders said. “In the first half, we were giving them too many easy baskets and we weren’t really playing our type of defense of just being a physical team. Our
starting five came together and we said, “We’re in this game even though we’re playing bad, but we’re down two at halftime. Just make a big push and stay physical. That was our main agenda in the second half; playing physical and playing Hofstra basketball.”
The Pride went back into action on Saturday, Nov. 16, against the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Tip-off was set for 7 p.m.
Hofstra outscored the Pirates, 7-6, over the final 3 minutes and 24 seconds to earn the victory.
Amelia Bashy / The Hofstra Chronicle
Pride secures first dual win under Franco at Hofstra Quad
By Olivia Hillestad SPORTS EDITOR
Hofstra University’s new wrestling head coach, Jamie Franco, earned his first two dual wins on Saturday, Nov. 16, at home in the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex. The Pride started the busy day with a 21-12 victory over Duke University, followed by a 28-6 loss to The Citadel Military Academy of South Carolina and ended with a 33-12 victory over Sacred Heart University (SHU).
“[Earning the first win] was nice,” Franco said. “I keep saying that this has been special. [I’m] honored to be able to be a head coach at Hofstra … It was really nice to be able [to win] at home for the first time in front of the alumni and with a good turnout for our first dual meet.”
The standout performance of the day came from graduate student Ross McFarland who won all three of his matches at 184 pounds. In the dual against the Citadel, McFarland posted an 8-2 win by decision over Billy Janzer, who is ranked
No. 26 by FloWrestling and No. 28 by InterMat. Against Duke, McFarland won by major decision 16-3 and earned a 20-4 win by technical fall against SHU. McFarland is off to a 5-1 start to his season after moving up a weight class from last season.
“Man, I felt really good,” McFarland said. “I’ve been making weight the right way and I’ve been training really hard and doing my privates and today just really showed that. I mean, I’ve always had that in me, beating those guys, beating them up like that, but it’s finally good to be at the right weight class and then not have to suck so much weight and I could be myself so, I felt good today; felt really good for us. And I’m proud of the team as well.”
Fellow graduate student Justin Hoyle also earned three wins at 141 pounds. Hoyle had two close matches against Duke and the Citadel where he won 2-0 and 4-2 before a dominant 15-2 major decision win against SHU.
Chase Liardi and Noah
Tapia both earned wins against Duke and SHU at 133 and 149 pounds, respectively. Liardi posted an 11-2 win by major decision before falling 6-5 in a close match and working for a 4-2 win to end the day. Tapia earned a 9-2 win before being shut out for a 0-4 loss and bouncing back with a gritty performance for a 12-10 victory to close out his day.
Hofstra won six of the 10 weight classes to beat Duke including three major decisions. Their only losses came by decision. Against the Citadel, the Pride won just two matches, both by decision, and conceded one loss by technical fall and two by major decision. Hofstra turned the momentum back around against SHU, winning seven matches including three by fall, one by technical fall and one by major decision, though they did concede their only loss by fall on the day.
The Pride plan to hit the road on Sunday, Nov. 24, to take on No. 5 Ohio State University. The ties between the two programs run deep as Liardi transferred to Hofstra after a
is 2-1 all-time against Duke, 3-1 all-time against The
season with the Buckeyes, and as Ohio head coach Tom Ryan was head coach at Hofstra for 11 years.
“I think the Citadel gave us a little bit of the forward pressure that we’re going to expect from Ohio State as well,” Franco said. “So, we’ll make some adjustments on
just our cardio and our training here and our hand fight. And tell these guys ‘It’s just one match, right?’ It’s one match at a time and just focus on one takedown. [The thing] I keep pushing for these guys is just get a takedown, The match will work itself out from there.”
Ethan Albin / The Hofstra Chronicle
Hofstra
Citadel and 15-0 all-time against Sacred Heart.
SPORTS
Pride stays perfect with overtime win over UMass
By Eric Leaf STAFF WRITER
The Hofstra University men’s basketball team secured their first road victory of the season in a dramatic overtime thriller against the University of Massachusetts Amherst 7571 on Saturday, Nov. 16. The Pride continued their hot start to the season, improving to 4-0 for the second time in the past three seasons.
Hofstra sophomore guards Jean Aranguren and Cruz Davis delivered a dynamic offensive performance, each scoring over 20 points to lead the Pride. This marks the first
game of the season in which two players scored 20 points or more.
Davis had it going from behind the stripe, shooting 50% from three, while Aranguren tied a team-high in field goals with six made shots, four of them coming in the second half and overtime.
The big-time contributions didn’t stop at scoring – Aranguren also grabbed a careerhigh 11 rebounds, showcasing his all-around game. Aranguren leads the Pride in total rebounds on the year. The UMass defense had no answer for the duo, who had their fingerprints all over the win.
The Pride’s offense wasn’t the only one firing on all cylinders last night, as UMass sophomore guard Jaylen Curry turned in a career-high 22 points. Curry was red-hot throughout the game, knocking down five 3-pointers at an impressive 50% clip.
Hofstra’s defense continued to shine as they were able to
hold UMass to a lackluster 31% in the first half and an even worse 28% in overtime.
The Pride’s pressure forced the Minutemen into nine turnovers, which Hofstra capitalized on by scoring 14 points off those turnovers. Guard TJ Gadsden was a key catalyst in this defensive effort, pulling down 10 defensive rebounds while also contributing a block and a steal. The Pride was in control nearly the entire time, only relinquishing the lead two separate times.
The Minutemen fought relentlessly throughout the game, as Hofstra held a comfortable 13-point lead in the first half, only to see it trimmed to just five by halftime. UMass mounted a late offensive surge, closing the game with a 9-0 run.
With two seconds remaining in regulation and UMass trailing by one, Curry was fouled and sent to the line with a chance to win the game for the Minutemen. He sank the
first free throw but missed the second, sending the game into overtime.
This was the first overtime game for the Pride since Nov. 22, 2023, when they defeated High Point University.
Hofstra came out aggressive in overtime, quickly building a four-point lead while shooting a solid 40% from the field in the extra period. The Pride’s defense was suffocating, holding UMass to just 2-of-7 shooting from the field.
The Minutemen kept it
close by hitting 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, cutting the lead down to just one, but the Pride’s success at the freethrow line was key, as they went 8-for-10 from the stripe to seal the win.
The Pride will look to extend their four-game win streak as they travel to take on Florida State University on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Volleyball falls to Towson in regular season finale
By Shannon Bickert STAFF WRITER
The Hofstra University volleyball team closed out the regular season with a heartbreaking four-set defeat to Towson University on Saturday, Nov. 16. After beating Towson in an exciting five-set win that Friday, Hofstra fell short of victory and split the series. Hofstra and Towson both end Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play with a record of 14-4 and earned bids in the CAA tournament. Last year, the Pride missed the tournament with a record of 8-10 in CAA play and an
overall record of 18-11. Hofstra bears the same amount of overall wins this season with 18 but has limited the losses to only nine.
Despite this tough loss, Hofstra put up strong numbers against Towson, outpacing them 61-56 in kills and 82-69 in digs. Clara Bal and Constanza Perez Sain each put up 15 kills for the Pride and Chiara Cucco and Izadora Stedile held Hofstra’s defense strong, with 22 and 21 digs, respectively.
Hofstra got off to a slow start, allowing Towson to take the first three points of the match. The Tigers continued to tack points on the board with both kills and blocks. Despite Hofstra’s late 4-0 run, they were unable to catch up to Towson, who took the first set in a 25-20 victory. Towson’s offense showed up in the first set, putting up 13 kills to the Pride’s 12. The “X factor” in the set was Towson’s three blocks, which helped propel them to a win.
In a seesaw second set, which saw 14 tied scores and five lead changes, the Tigers pulled out the victory. Despite losing the set, the Pride outscored the Tigers in kills and digs, 15-13 and 25-20, respectively.
Late in the second set, the teams found themselves with a 20-20 tie. Hofstra took a one-point lead on a block from Iyanna Garvin and Beatriz Braga. Towson answered with two back-to-back points. The Pride tied it again at 22-22 on a kill from Perez Sain. Towson rounded out the game on a three-point run, sparked by two Hofstra errors. The Tigers took the second set in a 25-22 win. Hofstra bounced back in the third set, taking a tight 25-22 victory. The Pride‘s offense excelled in the must-win set, putting up a total of 16 kills. Hofstra came back from an early deficit with a five-point run to tie the set at 17. Hofstra finished the set on a 4-0 run,
extending the match to a fourth set.
In an exciting final set, Towson sealed the match victory. The two sides played a very even set, coming to a late 20-20 tie. Hofstra pulled ahead with a three-point run; however, Towson crawled back and tied the score at 24. The teams fought back and forth, tying the score again at 25, 26 and 27. Hofstra tried to hold the Tigers offense, but they exploded with three back-to-back kills
to finish off the set, beating the Pride 29-27.
Hofstra will return to Towson University to compete in the CAA Championship tournament. Their quest for a CAA title will begin on Thursday, Nov. 21 against North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Gametime is set for 3 p.m.
Clara Bal and Constanza Perez Sain lead the Pride with 15 kills each.
Aranguren posted 20 points and a career-high 11 rebounds .
Ethan Albin / The Hofstra Chronicle
Ethan Albin / The Hofstra Chronicle
Men’s soccer claims historic fourth straight CAA title
By Arcangelo Iurato STAFF WRITER
The Hofstra University men’s soccer team won its eighth Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) title on Saturday, Nov. 16. The fourth-seeded Pride defeated sixth-seeded UNC-Wilmington (UNCW) 1-0 in the CAA Championship Game to become the first team to win four consecutive titles in conference history.
“I thought it was deserved,” said Hofstra head coach Richard Nuttall. “UNCW have done brilliantly, but they had a certain way, and I just thought we did well against that sys-
tem. We kept getting at them and eventually got our ‘just desserts.’”
The winner arrived in the 81st minute as a long ball from Hofstra defender Pierce Infuso was steered goalward by UNCW defender Josef Hefele. It was meant to be a pass to goalkeeper Trey Smiley, who was well off his mark. The ball fell into the right corner of the net, much to the excitement of the home players and fans alike.
Hefele was shown a red card in the 89th minute after he committed a foul on the edge of the penalty area, adding a numerical disadvantage in the final moments. Smiley, whose first appearance of the season was against the Pride on Sept. 14, made seven saves to keep his team in the match.
“[Smiley] had almost a career night,” Nuttall said. “He made four outstanding saves. Fundamentally, he’s quick and he’s out there … easily [UNCW’s] man of the match.”
Women’s
By Samantha Nadler STAFF WRITER
The Hofstra University women’s basketball team took a 62-49 road loss to Manhattan College on Sunday, Nov. 17, after spending most of the game with a lead. The Pride fell to 2-2, while the Jaspers now sit at 3-1.
Chloe Sterling and Emma Von Essen were the Pride’s only double-digit scorers against Manhattan. Sterling scored 14 points, earned six rebounds and a team-high four assists, while Von Essen added 12 points, including a trio of 3-pointers. LaNae’ Corbett led
Two of those saves denied Hofstra midfielder Laurie Goddard, who was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player for his three goals. Goddard, a transfer from Merrimack College, was also named NCAA National Player of the Week just days before the match.
“[UNCW] were defending really well,” Goddard said. “I did get those chances. [Smiley] was so quick off his line to shut down that angle and made it hard for me to get an angle to shoot.”
A late twist led to celebrations on and off the pitch, capping off a tournament run that included a road victory over top-seeded Elon University. Nuttall’s side turned it up a notch in the playoffs after three away defeats to conference opponents during the regular season.
“It shows the quality,” Nuttall said. “It’s about being mentally strong and rebounding. As a coaching staff, our
mentality helps these people flow under the cap of what we’re producing.”
Hofstra’s victory also marked Nuttall’s 350th alltime victory with the program. It was the fifth straight appearance in the championship game for Infuso and Roc Carles, as they were named to the All-CAA Championship team alongside Goddard and Jacob Woznicki.
“I had no idea [about the milestone],” Nuttall said. “All I care about is the next game. Maybe when I’m on my couch, smoking a pipe, I’ll reflect. It’s irrelevant to me now.”
The Pride outranked the Seahawks 13-5 in total shots and 7-2 in shots-on-target. Goalkeeper Filippo Dadone’s two saves earned him his ninth shutout of the season.
With the victory, the Pride automatically qualified for their fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament. It will be their ninth all-time appearance.
“It just lifts the place,” Nuttall said. “I’m proud of what we do, who we are and our character as a group. We hope we’ve been a joy to a lot of people. We’ve got to enjoy this now, but we’ve also got another game to play.”
basketball falters late, falls to Manhattan
Hofstra defensively with 10 rebounds, albeit only scoring four points, while Zyheima Swint tied with Sterling for six rebounds.
Hofstra outscored Manhattan 17-8 in the first quarter, but missed shots and turnovers for the Pride slowed down their rhythm in the second. The Jaspers outscored the Pride 11-7 during the next ten minutes of the game, but Hofstra retained a 24-19 lead entering the second half.
Hofstra entered the fourth quarter ahead, 41-40, but the Jaspers began to run away with a lead over the Pride, outscoring Hofstra 22-8 in the last 10 minutes of play. After Von Essen knocked down three free throws to bring the Pride within three points, Hofstra could not sink another shot. Following Von Essen’s final stint at the foul line, the Jaspers went on a 10-0 run over the last four minutes of the game to ice the win. During the fourth quarter, the Pride shot at an abysmal
18.2% rate, compared to the Jaspers’ 56.3% field goal rate.
Hana Mühl, who tied Petra Juric with a team-high 16 points for Manhattan, iced the win with a 3-pointer with just under two minutes left, the final bucket of the night. Nitzan Amar recorded the last of her game-high eight assists on Mühl’s deep shot. From this point onward, only three more shots were taken by either team, and they all turned out to be misses. Janaia Fargo fouled out with a minute left of play. Fargo was the Pride’s thirdhighest scorer on the day with nine points.
Hofstra was once again plagued by turnovers, turning the ball over 17 times on the night, including five in the fourth quarter. Manhattan got 16 of their points from Hofstra turnovers.
The Pride look to return to their winning ways as they travel to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to face Lehigh University. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.
Chloe Sterling and Emma Von Essen lead the Pride with 14 and 12 points, respectively.
Hofstra is tied with the College of William & Mary and James Madison University for the most CAA titles in men’s soccer history.
Amelia Bashy / The Hofstra Chronicle
Photo courtesy of Alexis Friedman / Hofstra Athletics
By Shannon Bickert STAFF WRITER
From signing up to join club volleyball in her home country of Brazil, to traveling around the country at a young age to play competitively, Izadora Stedile’s volleyball journey has helped shape her into the person and volleyball player that she is today.
Stedile didn’t know that her hometown of Curitiba, Brazil, had a volleyball team until one day she found out about a local club team and decided to watch a match. Stedile immediately wanted to play the sport and showed her interest to the coach. She was invited to play alongside the team and instantly fell in love with the game.
In Brazil, Stedile competed across the country, playing both indoor and beach volleyball. She was a versatile player, working as both a libero and outside hitter. Her talents shined as she was named the best attacker in her state and region in 2019, and earned a Viva Vôlei Trophy in 2021. The trophy is awarded to the best player during a match in the Brazilian Superliga Feminina, Brazil’s top-level professional volleyball league.
Stedile decided to take her talents to Hofstra University in 2022. The encouraging environment and coaching staff made Stedile feel at home, leading her decision to join the Pride.
“Once I started talking to [the coaches], I got very interested,” Stedile said.
She enjoyed the way the coaches taught and gave feedback, which she knew
SPORTS
Stedile’s journey to stardom
would help her thrive as a volleyball player.
Stedile made an instant impact on the Pride during her rookie season. Her strong numbers across the board earned her a spot on the court. She recorded 239 kills, 205 digs and 29 assists in just 26 matches.
Her stellar play didn’t go unnoticed, being named to the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) All-Rookie Team and All-CAA Second Team during her first year of play. Right from the start, Hofstra head coach Emily Mansur saw the fire that Stedile brought to the floor.
“She is a complete volleyball player,” Mansur said. “She is super explosive and just an all-
service aces across 27 matches during year two, playing a key role in the success of the 2023 team that posted an overall record of 18-11.
Going into her third season with the Pride, Stedile focused on balance, which translated to her success in matches.
“I feel like [the offseason] was a mix of practicing hard and recovering my body,” Stedile said. “I got some injuries, and since I’m shorter, I need to work harder. Normal things that people do takes more out of me. I have to jump higher. I have to dig.”
Stedile stands at 5 feet 7 inches as an outside hitter, a position that normally requires a taller stature to be successful. At this position, Stedile is urged
matches. Her best performance came in Hofstra’s series against the University of Delaware, recording 47 kills and 40 digs in the two matches. In the second match, she recorded a career high 27 digs.
“Because of [Stedile], we are a much better team. There is no question about that.”
around volleyball player.”
Mansur noticed that Stedile’s past experience as a libero helped her see the ball differently than most typical outside hitters, which gave her an edge.
Stedile continued to train outside of match play, improving on all fronts during her second season. She earned 274 kills, 257 digs and 32
to dig deeper to compete at a higher level, making up for the height disadvantage.
Stedile has focused on more than just a training regime. In the offseason, she listened to her body and communicated her worries to her coaches. This trust in herself and the coaching staff has led her to put up the best numbers of her collegiate career.
“I think she is very mature, knowing her body and communicating with us. I think that makes a big difference,” Mansur said.
Stedile has been that difference maker this year, leading the team in points and kills and ranking second for digs this season so far. Stedile was recognized as the CAA Offensive Player of the Week after her performance against Northeastern University, where she recorded 25 kills and two service aces across two
Stedile is ranked in the top ten in the CAA for average kills per set, average digs per set and average points per set. Her ability to have both offensive and defensive prowess has made her a huge asset to the team and their success.
“Because of [Stedile], we are a much better team. There’s no question about that,” Mansur said.
Stedile’s success has helped the team clinch a spot in the CAA Championship after missing the tournament last year. The Pride fell to the College of William & Mary 3-2 in the quarterfinals in the 2022 CAA Championship, however, the team feels strongly about the talents of Stedile and her ability to lead the team to a championship title this year.
“We have no doubt that she can do a great job,” Mansur said. “We think she is one of the best players in our
conference. We have said that to her. We know that they are going to be looking at her and trying to slow her down, but she just keeps developing to see more shots and that’s going to help.”
Stedile has been preparing alongside her teammates gearing up for the championship. She feels confident in the team’s talent and their abilities to ultimately take home the title.
“I feel like we’re getting better every week, every day, it helps a lot,” Stedile said. “We’ve created better connections.”
The connections have only grown during Stedile’s three years with the Pride and has helped shape her into the player she is today. She trusts her teammates, which gives her the ability to put all she has out on the floor every match, practice and day.
“We say a lot that we are not just a team, we are a family,” Stedile said. “We spend every single day in [the David S. Mack Physical Education Center]. During the preseason and out of season we’re always here, so it’s more than a team,” Stedile said.
Stedile hopes to continue her star-studded season with a championship win. She feels confident in herself and her teammates to compete against the best teams in the league and bring home the title.
The 2024 Volleyball CAA Championship will begin on Thursday, Nov. 21, in Towson, Maryland.
Izadora Stedile is top five in all statistics this season.
Izadora Stedile leads the Pride with 313 kills this season.
Ethan Albin / The Hofstra Chronicle
Ethan Albin / The Hofstra Chronicle
THE HOFSTRA CHRONICLE
November 19, 2024
H istory i n H empstead
Hofstra is the first team in CAA history to win four consecutive titles
Annie MacKeigan / The Hofstra Chronicle