The Pendulum, April 21, 2021, Edition

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THE PENDULUM

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Volume 50, Edition 26 Elon, North Carolina

FOR THE BOOKS: ELON WOMEN’S SOCCER WINS 2021 CAA CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO COURTESY OF ELON O ATHELETICS (TOP), FILE PHOT

BY THOMAS DENOME (BOTTOM)

The Phoenix are headed to the NCAA women’s soccer tournament after defeating University of North Carolina-Wilmington 1-0

Elon University’s women’s soccer team celebrates its win against University of North CarolinaWilmington, allowing the Phoenix to advance to the NCAA women’s soccer tournament.

Annemarie Bonner

Sports Director | @annemarie_bon

Chauvin murder conviction evokes sense of justice for Elon community Chauvin was found guilty of two counts of murder, leaving students and local activists feeling a sense of temporary relief after months of protests Mackenzie Wilkes & Grace Terry Elon News Network

E

LON WOMEN’S SOCCER WON its first-ever Colonial Athletic Association championship after defeating No. 1 seed in the south division, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, 1-0. The No. 2 ranked team in the south division had their fourth straight shutout win and will now prepare for the first game of the tournament at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28.

In the championship game on April 17, the Phoenix shot a total of 11 times on goal, but the game was deadlocked at 0-0 until senior forward Carson Jones found an opportunity to score on Seahawks goalie Blair Barefoot in the 82 minute of the matchup.

See SOCCER | pg. 12

Elon University sophomore Kennedy Boston sat by Lake Mary Nell watching a live stream recorded over 1,000 miles away in Minneapolis. She began crying after the verdict for George Floyd’s murder was announced.

“There was something so freeing in that moment of just like, we did it. Something’s actually happening,” Boston said. “It’s not really justice, justice would have looked a lot different, but it’s still something.”

Derek Chauvin was found guilty of three charges for the murder of Floyd: second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Chauvin faces up to 40 years in prison, and his sentencing is expected in the next few weeks.

See TRIAL | pg. 4

Solar farm hindered from powering the university Loy Farm’s solar panels are on university-owned land, but state law prevents the electricity from going directly to campus Margaret Faust

Elon News Network | @MargaretFaust 5

The solar panels on Elon University’s solar farm can power up to 418 homes every year — about 10% of Elon’s annual electricity consumption.

The 15-acre solar farm was constructed in 2015 and consists of 9,900 individual solar cells. At its full potential, the farm is expected to generate 4,500 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, though the electricity produced over the past three years has been a little under 3,000 megawatt hours of energy annually, due in part to cloudy days.

The purpose of the farm is to use

solar energy, a form of clean energy, to power Alamance County instead of using fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas, which are bad for the environment, according Kelly Harer, assistant director of sustainability.

Two state laws prevent the university from directly getting all the energy.

BY THE NUMBERS

418

homes can be powered every year by the solar panels on Elon University’s solar farm.

See SOLAR | pg. 5

MARGARET FAUST | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Assistant Director of Sustainability Kelly Harer weaves between more than 9,000 solar cells.

NEWS • PAGE 4

LIFESTYLE • PAGE 8

SPORTS • PAGE 11

GEC reviews progress

Elon alumni uplift

Two volleyball players

on DEI initiatives

Black-owned business

receive postseason awards

2

extras

Wednesday april 21, 2021

THE PENDULUM MACKENZIE WILKES A PUBLICATION OF

GRACE TERRY JACK NORCROSS ELLIS CHANDLER

Established 1974 Volume 50, Edition 26 Elon News Network is a daily news organization that includes a newspaper, website, broadcasts and podcasts. Letters to the editor are welcome and should be typed, signed and emailed to enn@elon.edu as Word documents. ENN reserves the right to edit obscene and potentially libelous material.

Lengthy letters may be trimmed to fit. All submissions become the property of ENN and will not be returned.

Executive Director of Elon News Network Managing Editor of The Pendulum

News Director of Elon Local News

Social Media Coordinator

MADALYN HOWARD

Chief Copy Editor

AVA GIRARDI

New Member Coordinator

NYAH PHENGSITTHY

Design Chief

CLARE GRANT

Photo Editor

KIERAN UNGEMACH

Politics Editor

MIRANDA FERRANTE

Lifestyle Editor

KYRA O’CONNOR

Enterprise Story Coordinator

BEN MUSE

Analytics Coordinator

ANNEMARIE BONNER

Sports Director

There are no corrections issued for the April 14 edition of The Pendulum.

The Pendulum publishes weekly on Wednesdays

Elon Local News broadcasts Mondays at 6 p.m.

ELN Morning broadcasts Thursdays at 10 a.m.

ENN Radio Podcast publishes Friday at 8 a.m.

CORRECTIONS POLICY:

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ENN is committed to accurate coverage. When factual errors are made, we correct them promptly and in full, both online and in print. Online corrections state the error and the change at the top of the article. Corrections from the previous week’s print edition appear on this page.

Jacob Kisamore, Ted Thomas, Andrew Zagari, Henry Zinn, Caroline Bunder, Livy Smith, Catie Mannato and Emma Farrell contributed to the design of this edition. Amelia Arcaro-Burbridge, Max Crider, Thomas Denome, Miranda Ferrante, Molly Jenks, Kyra O’Connor, Olivia Romano and Sophie Rosenthal contributed to the copy editing of this edition.

corrections

WHEN WE PUBLISH:

EDITORIAL POLICY: ENN seeks to inspire, entertain and inform the Elon community by providing a voice for students and faculty, as well as serve as a forum for the meaningful exchange of ideas.

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crossword 4-21-21

By Thomas Denome | @tddenome

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extras

| PHOTOS OF THE WEEK |

Members of Elon University’s National Pan-Hellenic Council celebrate moments before cutting the ribbon to the renovated NPHC Garden in Loy Center Neighborhood on Sunday, April 18.

Wednesday April 21, 2021

3

JOHN LUKE FARAH | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

GRAYSEN SHIRLEY | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Two crew members for the film “Making Him Famous” film a scene in the Jane and Brian Williams Studio at Elon University on Saturday, April 16.

ABBY GIBBS | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Shannise Payton and her son Ezekiel tour the newly-established Alamance African American Arts & Culture Center on opening day on Saturday, April 17.

FRANCES O’ CONNOR | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Sophomores Hayley Loftus and Kennedy Boston tie-dye shirts on Iconic Plaza at the Gender & LGBTQIA Center’s Pride Fest on Friday, April 16.

NEWS 4 ‘It has been far too long’: Elon community reacts to George Floyd murder trial conviction Wednesday april 21, 2021

TRIAL | from cover The former Minneapolis police officer knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes as Floyd gasped for air, repeating “I can’t breathe.”

Following the verdict, Floyd’s brother Philonise Floyd said he and people around the world “were able to breathe again.”

“The whole world was seeing his life being extinguished and I could do nothing but watch, especially in that courtroom over and over and over again as my brother was murdered,” Floyd said in a press conference following the verdict.

For Boston, this was the culmination of months of protesting locally and activism.

Boston herself protested in Alamance County and Graham over the summer.

“

THERE WAS SOMETHING SO FREEING IN THAT MOMENT OF JUST LIKE, WE DID IT. SOMETHING’S ACTUALLY HAPPENING. IT’S NOT REALLY JUSTICE, JUSTICE WOULD HAVE LOOKED A LOT DIFFERENT, BUT IT’S STILL SOMETHING. KENNEDY BOSTON SOPHOMORE

“The fact that it wasn’t really the justice system that got this done, it was people keeping the pressure on it,” Boston said. “It feels good to know that not only did I have a part in that, but that’s something that we did mattered.”

Standing behind Floyd and holding his shoulder was Burlington native, activist and

TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

The Rev. Al Sharpton, right, Philonise Floyd, center, and attorney Ben Crump, left, along with others, lead the family of George Floyd and Daunte Wright in prayer outside the courthouse during closing arguments in the Derek Chauvin trial on Monday, April 19, 2021, in Minneapolis. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Greensboro pastor Rev. Greg Drumwright.

Drumwright has been in Minneapolis with the Floyd family throughout the trial. In a livestream on Facebook, Drumwright began to cry upon hearing the verdict.

“Our labor was not in vain … I’m thankful to God,” Drumwright said through tears.

“Keep fighting.”

Following Floyd’s murder last year, Drumwright has been active in Alamance County, where he protests against police brutality and racial injustice at the Confederate monument in Graham. Drumwright was arrested for his involvement in leading a march to the polls rally in November.

Lawmakers across the country, and in multiple levels of government, have reacted to Chauvin’s murder verdict including North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper.

“I appreciate the jury’s work for justice,” Cooper wrote in a Tweet. “George Floyd’s death shouldn’t have happened and we must continue to work to bring positive change to

our state and country.”

Elon University President Connie Book released a statement following Chauvin’s conviction in recognition of how the trial has “deeply traumatized” members of the Elon community.

“It is a historic verdict in a case that tore at the fabric of our nation and starkly exposed the injustice faced by Black Americans and other marginalized people,” Book wrote. “This is a defining moment — an opportunity we must seize to make changes that are long overdue, including criminal justice reform.”

In her statement, Book recognized the need to address issues of equity in the university’s strategic plan, Boldly Elon, and the core curriculum. The university will hold an online panel April 28 at 7 p.m. to discuss race, policing and justice.

“Please join me in taking care of those who are hurting in our community from the impact of this case,” Book wrote. “Longstanding issues of injustice have affected many people close to

us, and now is the time to stand with these members of our community and provide support and compassion.”

Elon freshman Britt Mobley was not following the trials because he had already assumed what the results would be.

“It’s almost unbearable to handle because you sit and you have your predetermined notions of what happened and what has gone down and have your own decision that you want to happen,” Mobley said. “As a Black man, you don’t have faith in the judiciary because every other time it hasn’t been faithful to us.”

Mobley would still like to see reform in the judicial system.

“It has been far too long to where police officers are held accountable and there are laws that protect them from being held accountable,” Mobley said. “We saw this on video, all the proof is in front of us right, but there’s a lot of instances in cases like Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin where they shouldn’t have been killed.”

Global engagement reviews progress on DEI initiatives A progress report on the five-year plan to increase accessibility to global programs will be released next month Cailey Rogers Elon News Network

The Elon Global Engagement Center is ending the first year of its new diversity, equity and inclusion plan with a progress evaluation to be released next month.

The GEC began building its fiveyear DEI plan in December 2018 after participating in and receiving feedback from the Diversity Abroad pilot program’s Access, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Roadmap Assessment. The plan includes 52 goals to be achieved by 2025, but this school year was focused around just 16 of them.

Allegra Laing, the associate director for global diversity and inclusion, said the goal of constructing this plan was to increase access to global engagement programs among those with historically minoritized identities and relate their experiences and stories to other students through an intersectional lens.

“We really wanted to focus not only on augmenting access but really looking at our programs from a more inclusive lens and also from a more equitable lens,” Laing said. “We do want to ensure that students

can have access to our programs, but we also want to ensure that students feel included and feel a sense of belonging.”

In a statement from the Dean of Global Education Nick Gozik, Gozik said that creating a sense of acceptance and inclusion for every student is integral to global programming at Elon. This plan strives to guarantee that and implement it successfully.

“The GEC’s 52-point DEI plan sets a model for the U.S. and beyond, ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not simply add-ons, and instead are thread throughout all advising, program development, and operations,” Gozik wrote in the statement.

The objectives for the 2020-21 academic year focused around gathering data regarding demographic diversity in global engagement and increasing resources for underserved student communities, Laing said.

In the GEC’s annual report released last year, the participation gap in study abroad and Study USA programs — the difference between a group’s participation rate and its proportion of the student body — for black students was -2.1%, while for white students it was 4.4%.

Gozik said that what is unique about the GEC’s plan is that every member is involved in it in some way in order to be equitable. Different members of the Global Engagement teams were assigned

“

WE DO WANT TO ENSURE THAT STUDENTS CAN HAVE ACCESS TO OUR PROGRAMS, BUT WE ALSO WANT TO ENSURE THAT STUDENTS FEEL INCLUDED AND FEEL A SENSE OF BELONGING. ALLEGRA LAING ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR GLOBAL DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

to lead groups on each of the 16 goals, and an evaluation will be released in May to determine what goals have yet to be completed.

On the GEC website, each of the goals are listed as either completed, in progress or forthcoming. It also includes a graphic

indicating what percentage of the goals have been completed thus far. According to the website, 15% of the goals have been completed, though there is no indication of which individual goals this is referring to.

Going forward, Laing said that the GEC hopes to mainly focus on accomplishing the goals that have already been established in the plan, and to make sure they are done to the best extent possible.

“I think that the best possible outcome is that we would be able to close the gap between the percentages of students who are represented on campus, and those who participate on global engagement programs. But I think the other outcome would also be the increase of storytelling, from our global engagement alumni, and a more robust portrayal of the global engagement experience,” Laing said.

BY THE NUMBERS

52

goals are included in the plan to be achieved by 2025.

16

of the 52 goals were focused on by the GEC this year.

NEWS

Wednesday april 21, 2021

5

State legislation inhibits Loy Farm from directly powering the university

According to Assistant Director of Sustainability Kelly Harer, there are two state laws that restrict the sale and transport of energy from Loy Farm to Elon’s campus.

SOLAR | from cover The first law, according to Harer, says that third-party energy suppliers can’t sell to other third parties. In other words, Loy Farm Solar, the company leasing the property, can’t sell their energy directly to Elon.

The second law, Harer said, madates that only utility companies can transmit power over or under public roads. Since the solar farm is on the other side of the train tracks, the panels cannot send the electricity directly to campus.

“Even if we did spend all the time and money, we wouldn’t be able to use the energy directly on campus,” Harer said.

Instead, Loy Farm Solar, which invested $6 million into the farm, sells its solar energy to Duke Energy, which then sells it to Elon University.

Harer said people often ask why Elon leased this land for solar energy if the university can’t use the energy itself, but she said Elon has a responsibility to help solve the climate crisis.

“We know there’s a climate crisis. It’s happening now. And we want to be part of the solution, even if we can’t claim credit for it right now,” Harer said.

A report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found that if global temperatures continue to rise at the current rate, things will only get worse. More wildfires, heat waves, food shortages and droughts and less drinking water are only some of the consequences of burning fossil fuels instead of using clean energy.

Harer said since she faces the climate crisis every day in her job, she has to look for the upsides. One such upside, she said, is more people recognizing the importance of addressing the climate crisis.

“I think the climate crisis is getting more attention now than ever has been,” Harer said. “We have solutions out there. We just need to implement them.”

Aside from providing clean energy for the county, Harer said the farm serves another purpose: education. Harer leads tours for primarily Elon 101 and Core 110 classes to learn about solar energy.

Elon sophomore Mallory Poff said she is proud to attend a university that has a solar farm. She grew up in Florida, the sunshine state, and has been fascinated by solar energy ever since she first learned about solar energy in second grade.

“Why not use [sunlight]? It’s there, it’s powering our earth now, plant wise and biological wise. Why can’t it power us and power our homes, businesses, cars,

“

EVEN IF WE DID SPEND ALL THE TIME AND MONEY, WE WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO USE THE ENERGY DIRECTLY ON CAMPUS KELLY HARER ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SUSTAINABILITY

everything that we use?” Poff said.

At Elon, Poff began conducting research involving solar energy. Her goal is to make a self sustaining trailer to transport crops from Loy Farms to food pantries and farmers markets using solar energy rather than burning fossil fuels.

“We are born on this planet, this planet gives us what we need and it’s only right that we treat it back the way that it’s treated us,” Poff said.

Looking ahead, Harer said the university doesn’t have any plans to expand clean energy initiatives in the near future, but it is working to develop energy reduction programs.

These include things like limiting the hours classrooms are being heated or cooled and switching all outdoor lights to LED lightbulbs.

Harer said that Elon hopes to buy the

solar panels from Loy Farm Solar in 15 years when its lease on the land expires. She said she hopes the rules that prevent the university from using solar energy directly will change by then as well, so Elon can use that energy to power the campus. This will help the university reach its goal of being carbon neutral by 2037.

BY THE NUMBERS

9,900

individual solar cells are used on Elon University’s 15- acre solar farm.

5.8%

of North Carolina’s energy is solar powered.

10%

of Elon’s annual electricity consumption can be powered by the solar panels on Elon University’s solar farm.

$6M

was invested into Elon University’s solar farm by Loy Farm Solar.

MARGARET FAUST | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

6

NEWS

Wednesday april 21, 2021

The United States continues pause on Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine

CLARE GRANT | PHOTO EDITOR

Elon University stopped administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine after the CDC and FDA paused its distribution nationwide.

Elon wrapped up its Johnson & Johnson vaccine clinics a day before the CDC and FDA paused vaccine use Jinger Callwood

Elon News Network | @jingercallwood

While the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine rollout will continue in Europe, according to the Centers for Disease Control, the United States will continue its pause on the vaccine. The European Union’s drug regulators said, while a warning should be added to the vaccine indicating the possible link to rare blood clots, the overall benefit outweighs the risk, according to a press release on April 20.

Elon University concluded their Johnson & Johnson vaccine clinic days before health officials called for the pause of the vaccine over blood clot concerns. Elon administered 1,700 Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses to members of the community, and there have been no reports of adverse reactions from doses administered at the clinic, according to Associate Vice President for Student Life Jana Lynn Patterson.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released a statement on April 13, announcing the temporary pause on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine following recommendations from the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration.

“Our primary concern is the health and safety of all North Carolinians,” the department wrote. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are following the recommendations of the FDA and CDC and have paused the administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine until we learn more. The safety system in place is working as it should.”

Elon has administered Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines and has not received any additional allocations of COVID-19 vaccines from the state at this time.

Patterson and the university encourage students, faculty and staff who are vaccinehesitant to get inoculated.

“Vaccines are safe, they’re effective. We’ve seen our [case] numbers beginning to go down as more and more students and faculty and

“

WE UNDERSTAND THAT FOLKS HAVE SOME HESITANCY RIGHT NOW, AND WE CERTAINLY WANT TO BE RESPECTFUL OF THAT, BUT WE ARE STILL RECOMMENDING THAT FOLKS, IF THEY’VE CONSULTED WITH THEIR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER AND IT’S WITHIN THEIR RELIGIOUS BELIEF SYSTEM, THAT THEY GO AHEAD AND GET THE VACCINE. JANA LYNN PATTERSON ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF STUDENT LIFE

Before the pause, Elon University administered 1,700 Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

staff are fully vaccinated,” Patterson said. “We understand that folks have some hesitancy right now, and we certainly want to be respectful of that, but we are still recommending that folks, if they’ve consulted with their health care provider and it’s within their religious belief system, that they go ahead and get the vaccine.”

Patterson said Elon has not decided whether to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations before returning to campus in the fall, but a decision will likely be made by the end of this academic year.

“Right now we haven’t made a final decision about what our language will be around requiring that. We’re still encouraging people to get the vaccine,” Patterson said.

“We’re still going to be respectful of certainly people’s medical situations and their religious exemptions. But I suspect, by the middle of May, we’ll have kind of settled in on what that

CLARE GRANT | PHOTO EDITOR

language is going to look like.”

Elon’s Ready & Resilient committee set a goal for at least 80% of Elon’s campus to be vaccinated by the end of the month. Chair of the Ready & Resilient committee Jeff Stein said in an email to students that nearly 70% of undergraduates have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine distribution was paused nationwide after six women aged 18 to 48 were reported to have developed a rare blood clot within roughly two weeks of receiving the vaccine. This is out of nearly 7 million people across the United States who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

The university is recommending anyone experiencing severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination contact their health care provider or the student health center.

Wednesday, april 21, 2021 | page 7

LIFESTYLE

GRACE TERRY | MANAGING EDITOR

The Murchison Farm is home to a wedding venue transformed by two Elon alumni, Robin Murchison-Cockerham ‘81 and Jimmy Riddle ‘81.

Two Elon alumni transform 150year-old farm into wedding venue Olivia Roederer

Elon News Network | @OliviaRoederer

The timber frame barn on Murchison Farm overlooks rolling hills, pastures and ponds. It has been the gathering place for owner Robin Murchison-Cockerham ‘81 and her family for years.

Located in pastoral Alamance County, the farm holds the beloved memories of the Cockerhams. After her niece Lindley StyzRickert’s engagement in 2019, MurchisonCockerham and her family decided to turn her Styz-Rickert’s wish of being married on the farm into a reality marking the start of the family’s journey to transform the farm into the wedding venue it is today: Hayfield at Murchison Farm.

Murchison Farm has been in the Cockerham family since 1876. MurchisonCockerham’s great grandfather owned dairy cows and sheep on the property, which his son William Murchison eventually turned into a dairy farm. Murchison-Cockerham’s mother Nancy Murchison kept the farm alive for four years after her husband passed away.

After years of upkeep, the family sold all the dairy cows and Murchison-Cockerham, her sister Janet Sytz, brother-in-law, Ron Sytz and husband Kim Cockerham converted Murchison Farm into a beef operation.

The farm has served many purposes to the Cockerham family, being both a source of income and a place of gathering. For years, the Cockerhams have utilized this land for their family and as a space to share with their friends.

“My sister, brother and I grew up on this dairy farm,” Murchison-Cockerham said. “Our children had always gone here to play, and it was just a fun place for all of us together.”

Turning Murchison Farm into a wedding venue was never on the agenda. However, in 2019 when Styz-Rickert got engaged, plans changed.

Sytz-Rickert met her now-husband at her

Elon alumn Robin Murchison-Cockerham and her husband Kim Cockerham helped convert the farm after their niece’s engagement

birthday party on Murchison farm. When searching for a venue, Sytz-Rickert knew the farm would be the perfect place, prompting the construction of the Hayfield wedding venue and the introduction of a new chapter for Murchison farms.

“Hayfield was really the idea of my sister and brother-in-law,” Murchison-Cockerham said. “We all own this farm together, so when they had the idea, we said, ‘OK. Let’s do this.’”

“

WE’RE HOPING THAT WE’RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO BOOK A LOT OF WEDDINGS,” COCKERHAM SAID. “OUR FAMILY LOVES THIS FARM, AND THERE IS NOTHING MORE THAT WE WANT TO DO THAN SHARE THE LOVE OF THE LAND WITH THE PEOPLE.” ROBIN MURCHISONCOCKERHAM OWNER OF MURCHISON FARM

Hayfield at Murchison Farm is a product of strong family ties as well as long standing Elon University relationships. MurchisonCockerham ‘81, her husband Kim Cockerham ‘79 and friend Jimmy Riddle ‘81 are all Elon alumni who contributed to Hayfield.

“Jimmy is our landscaper,” said Murchison-Cockerham. “He has been heavily involved with the venue from the day we started planning.”

Riddle attested to this close bond.

The barn at Murchison Farm.

“Me and Robin have been best friends since college,” Riddle said.

Each change made to Murchison Farm has been steeped in love and care. While the timber frame barn is newly furnished, the authenticity of Murchison Farm remains.

Black Angus cows are seen roaming alongside the golden venue, their presence a testament to the Murchison-family value of keeping the spirit of the land alive.

“Hayfield sits on a null in one of our pastures that were actually a hayfield pasture,” Murchison-Cockerham said. “The cows used to graze up there, and we would cut the grass for hay. We decided this is where Hayfield should sit as it had the furthest and prettiest views of our farm.”

Hayfield is a labor of love, according to Murchison-Cockerham. The whole Cockerham family dedicating time to tend to the land.

“Our whole family has really been involved in this,” Murchison-Cockerham said. “Once we started the idea, our kids have come home, and they’re willing to help. We’ve all worked to clean up our farm, and we’ve all put in a lot of manual labor as well as input on the aesthetics and components of the barn.”

Ron Sytz and Logan Parker of Heirloom Builders, Inc. were in charge of the architectural design of Hayfield. The duo hoped to complete the venue by October 2020, Sytz-Rickert’s wedding day, but

GRACE TERRY | MANAGING EDITOR

the coronavirus pandemic delayed the construction of the venue and the wedding.

The coronavirus pandemic presented unexpected obstacles to the budding business. In an industry centered around public gatherings, limited gathering capacities pose a new challenge. However, Murchison-Cockerham believes the outdoor infrastructure of Hayfield serves as an advantage.

“We are following all the COVID guidelines and provide masks to our guests,” according to Murchison-Cockerham said.

“Spatially, we can accommodate up to 300 people and have a big terrace on the outside and the wings on the side so that you can be outside. You can open up pretty much the whole barn.”

So far, Hayfield has hosted two weddings, and has several more planned. On January 30, Hayfield hosted their first wedding for a nurse and veteran. On March 27, Styz-Rickert was finally able to have her own wedding at the new Hayfield venue.

Murchison-Cockerham hopes Hayfield at Murchison Farm will grow into a place that is just as special to others as it is to her and her family.

“We’re hoping that we’re going to be able to book a lot of weddings,” she said. “Our family loves this farm, and there is nothing more that we want to do than share the love of the land with the people.”

8

lifestyle

Wednesday april 21, 2021

BOLD XCHANGE

COMPANY CREATED TO SUPPORT BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES Elon graduates found online retail shop promoting Black businesses Jinger Callwood

Elon News Network | @jingercallwood

Danielle Deavens ’16 was Christmas shopping for her family in 2016 with one condition in mind — the gifts must all be from Black-owned businesses. However, Deavens encountered difficulty finding Black-owned businesses to support.

Four years later, Deavens and her college sweetheart Doug Spencer ’16 created a solution to this problem by co-founding Bold Xchange, an online retailer that offers an efficient way to discover and shop from a variety of black-owned products with guaranteed quick shipping.

Unsatisfied with their daily routine and corporate professions, Spencer and Deavens decided to leave their careers behind to embark on an entrepreneurship journey to create Bold Xchange. Their primary goal is to provide a platform to conveniently shop from Black-owned businesses.

“It’s about knowing that there are so many great Black-owned businesses out there that deserve attention that deserve dollars, not because they’re Black-owned but because they’re great products, and they have amazing backstories,” Deavens said.

Once they had a vision for their company, Deavens and Spencer began researching and organizing what the launch the company would look like.

“We spent a lot of time doing research, making sure that we weren’t making assumptions about there being a gap in the market and a need from the business perspective,” Deavens said. “Fast forward to summer 2018, right before Fourth of July, we launched version one of Bold Xchange which is kind of an Etsy-like marketplace for Black-owned apparel and accessories.”

“

WE CONSIDER OURSELVES A SOCIAL IMPACT BUSINESS BECAUSE THERE IS A VAST DISPARITY BETWEEN THE STATE OF BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND THAT OF WHITE ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND EVEN OTHER MINORITY GROUPS. DANIELLE DEAVENS FOUNDER OF BOLD XCHANGE They search for Black-owned companies to partner with and have an application process on their website for Black entrepreneurs to fill out who are interested in working with Bold Xchange. Deavens said she goes to the warehouse daily to fulfill all the orders in a timely manner so customers can receive their orders within three business days.

The website showcases a range of products from beauty and hair care to coffee and pancake mix. Elon professor of cinema and television arts Naeemah Clark, who was Deavens’ honors thesis mentor and a customer of Bold Xchange, said the online retailer sells quality items and is an efficient way to buy Black.

COURTESY OF DANIELLE DEAVENS

Elon University alumni Doug Spencer ‘16 (left) and Danielle Deavens ‘16 (right), college sweethearts, co-found Bold XChange, an online retailer with Black-owned products.

“Honey was the first thing I bought, and I sent it to my mom for Mother’s Day. My mom really liked it. I buy a lot of presents on the site,” Clark said. “It’s so easy to go on the site and know that something will be there in a couple days.”

Spencer and Deavens also launched a YouTube channel where they review Blackowned products. According to the website, they reviewed more than 50 Black-owned brands in 2019.

Creating awareness for Blackowned business

Deavens and Spencer created Bold Xchange with the hopes of bringing awareness to the disparities Black-owned businesses face.

“We consider ourselves a social impact business because there is a vast disparity between the state of Black entrepreneurship and that of white entrepreneurship and even other minority groups,” Deavens said.

“Specifically, there’s a huge gap between Black and white-owned businesses.”

Black-owned businesses have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic. A report by the National Bureau of Economic Research, found that 41% of Black-owned businesses went out of business during the pandemic compared to 17% of white-owned businesses.

Clark, who is the co-author of the textbook Diversity in U.S. Media, talked about the importance of supporting entrepreneurs and Black-owned businesses.

“I think it’s just so important to support entrepreneurship. Danielle and Doug are entrepreneurs, but they’re also supporting entrepreneurs on their site,” Clark said.

“I hope in my little way to support young entrepreneurs of color is as much as I can.”

Deavens said in the future she hopes to see the company continue to grow and raise awareness for Black-owned businesses.

“I think Bold Xchange will become synonymous with buying Black,” Deavens said, “but more importantly, will change the way people support Black-owned businesses and view Black entrepreneurship.”

Haitian Coffee sold from Bold XChange. Boxes feature the company’s tagline, “stay bold.”

Foaming face and body scrub with other body products sold from Bold XChange.

COURTESY OF DANIELLE DEAVENS

COURTESY OF DANIELLE DEAVENS

lifestyle

Wednesday april 21, 2021

BAREFOOT DIALGOUES OFFERS SAFE SPACE FOR VULNERABLE CONVERSATIONS

9

THE ELON BITE

THE ELON BITE IS A COLUMN THAT REVIEWS RESTAURANTS AND FOOD VENDORS IN THE LOCAL AREA

Smokehouse at Steve’s: a local treasure

JACK CHAMBERS | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The three-meat platter from Smokehouse at Steve’s.

Hugh Goldstein, a Barefoot Dialogues facilitator, reviews the common commitment rules before the group’s meeting.

The organization provides an outlet for students to discuss stressors and connect together Cate McCahill

Elon News Network | @CMcCahill21

Walking barefoot is not a common sight on a college campus, nor is it really encouraged.

However, Elon’s Barefoot Dialogues organization offers Elon students an outlet to participate in “barefoot” conversations where vulnerability — and taking off one’s shoes — is encouraged and accepted.

Elon sophomore and Barefoot Dialogues facilitator Morgan Chisholm said being barefoot represents a mindset that is cognizant of one’s own vulnerabilities and circumstances and those of others.

“It’s less about physically being barefoot and more about the mental aspect of it,” Chisholm said. “Being able to take off the layers, the pressures, the social anxieties and just be there.”

University Chaplain and Dean of Multifaith Engagement Jan Fuller helped initiate Barefoot Dialogues on campus in fall 2019. She said the eccentric title captures the intention of the organization.

“We want the title to connote and to encourage in us a little playfulness, a little connectedness, a little less uptight and covered up,” Fuller said.

“Our intention is to be ‘barefoot’ together.”

Fuller said a barefoot, vulnerable mindset is not always encouraged on a college campus. Instead, students are taught to put on a mask, first figuratively and now literally.

“In an academic setting, we are so often, both in and out of the classroom, performing for each other.

We’re putting our best foot forward, acting like we’re confident and we’re moving ahead,” Fuller said. “There are very few places where we can and where we are actually encouraged to choose vulnerability.”

Chisholm started attending Barefoot Dialogues just two weeks into her first year at Elon. Chisholm said she struggled to find resources

and feel accepted as a student with a disability, but Barefoot Dialogues has been a way for her to connect with other people and explore vulnerability.

“I think that we forget sometimes that we’re only human,” Chisholm said. “To be able to talk about what’s weighing on you and to really delve into your experience, and that happens when you choose to be vulnerable with people that you wouldn’t otherwise be vulnerable with. And that’s the beauty of it.”

Sophomore Hugh Goldstein, also a Barefoot Dialogues facilitator, said meetings usually last for an hour and a half, but students are free to leave at any time. At the start of each meeting, facilitators address the common commitment rules, followed by “salutes” or shoutouts and then facilitators introduce the week’s centerpiece.

Centerpieces are versatile activities — a poem, song, story, interpretive dance or group exercise — put together by facilitators to initiate conversations. Centerpieces often relate to stressors that students may need to address, like finals or larger issues that are happening in the world.

Chisholm said centerpieces spark conversations that enable students to connect over a topic while also recognizing their differences.

“Just bringing together a diverse group of people, acknowledging that you’re a diverse group of people,” Chisholm said. “And then talk[ing] about those differences and how you can come together over a unified topic.”

Goldstein said the dialogues also provide students a place to just talk, rather than feeling pressured to turn words into action. He stressed that Barefoot Dialogues is not a policyrelated organization but an “entity of people that get together.”

“A large part of the students that are in Barefoot do a lot of that policybased stuff, or they’re involved in other spaces on campus, and we need a space to just sort of decompress from all of it,” Goldstein said. “We just need to sit down and look at this from ethical, spiritual and a personal standpoint and then from someone else’s standpoint.”

CATE MCCAHILL | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Both Chisholm and Goldstein said confidentiality is a common commitment rule, and according to Chislom, “what happens in barefoot, stays in barefoot.”

Before Barefoot Dialogues made its way to Elon almost two years ago, Fuller was introduced to the organization by its creator David Dorsey, who was a long-time colleague of Fuller’s and is the director of religious life at Oberlin College in Ohio. After attending a 90-minute experimental workshop on Barefoot Dialogues, Fuller said she knew this was a “jewel” that Elon needed. The two institutions are the only campuses in the nation that offer Barefoot Dialogues.

The vulnerable conversations that Barefoot Dialogues encourage align closely with Elon’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, according to Fuller.

“It gives us a safe place to let our guard down for 90 minutes, actually say what we’re thinking, to hear other stories and to begin to make meaning with the people who are in your community who may not really feel like they can speak their truth,” Fuller said. “We hope that it leads to a sense of, we don’t have to agree, but we do need to listen deeply with our hearts, our minds and our souls to the stories that are being told to us by people who have a different perspective than we do.”

Barefoot Dialogues meets every other week on Mondays in Colonnades Neighborhood at 9 p.m. and Thursdays in the Truitt Center at 5:30 p.m.

Barefoot Dialogues currently operates outside of the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life but will be officially connected to the department next year. Fuller hopes this will help expand Barefoot Dialogues and potentially organize dialogues around specific themes, such as an interfaith group.

“Right now we’re just taking who we can get, but we have really emphasized there’s a great diversity within the group,” Fuller said. “As we get to know each other, we realize that we’re a very interfaith group with multiple commitments and perspectives, and that’s what makes Barefoot really rich.”

Barbecued brisket, ribs and mac and cheese: those words are enough to make me hungry. Luckily, this week I drove across Burlington to scratch my Bar-B-Q itch and ordered a three-meat platter with three sides and a dessert from Smokehouse at Steve’s.

The sight of the restaurant Jack Chambers was one for sore eyes — the Senior building displays an ambience that invites you in from the road with its clean glass exterior. When you enter the open-air interior, the smell of sweet smoke lingers in the air. The seating area seems warm and inviting, while the grocery section to the right gives you a homey feel.

The food was even better than the atmosphere, though. The three meats I tried were top-notch. The brisket was tender, moist and fatty with a smoky crust that gave it a slightly crunchy exterior with a soft, juicy chew to it. The ribs were also spectacular — smoky and meaty, they were firm but tender, the way ribs should be. While many people will tell you meat should fall off the bone, Steve’s knows that a proper rib should stick to the bone but be tender to a bite. Pair those two with the house Bar-B-Q sauce and it is an amalgamation of sweet, smoky, fatty and juicy meat that melts in your mouth.

The last meat, the smoked sausage, had to be my favorite item. The casing had a smoky crunch around the succulent meat that added a nice texture. Something about the flavors combined with spice and smoke made that my favorite item on the menu.

Unfortunately, the sides fell short of the meat.

The mac and cheese was good, but it was not any better than JACK’S SCORE anywhere else. It had the proper cheesiness but left me wanting something more.

My opinions on the coleslaw are similar. Every week the restaurant Fresh and crunchy reviewed is given a score out but underdressed, of 10.

I thought it could be seasoned more generously. I also tried some french fries, which I found to be soggy, though well-seasoned. I do not recommend getting takeout fries if you cannot eat them before they get soggy.

For dessert, I ordered a banana pudding, and it was the best banana pudding I have ever eaten. The banana custard was light and sweet, with chunks of fresh banana scattered throughout. As if that was not enough, the toasted meringue swirl on top brought a sweet toasted texture.

Steve’s is good and made me happy — it is that simple. Take your friends there, take your significant other there, take your family there or take yourself. It is really that good. Steve’s gets a 9 out of 10 for me.

9 of 10

Wednesday, april 21, 2021 | page 10

OPINIONS

RISE UP ELON: LET’S TALK ABOUT ON-CAMPUS SEXUAL ASSAULT CAMPUS VOICES

Victoria Favorito

Columnist

Content Warning: This article discusses sexual assault and may be triggering.

I knew I wanted to be a Phoenix from the moment I stepped on campus. The Phoenix symbolizes rebirth, transformation and, above all, strength, which I knew I wanted in a college experience. But I did not realize that there was a dark side to this creature.

In Greek mythology, a Phoenix looks like a harmless bird from afar, but as soon you get closer, you realize the creature is much bigger and more horrifying. Sexual assault has a similar connotation on campus. From afar, you don’t think there is a problem and that it would “never happen to you,” but as you get closer, you realize that the problem is much bigger and already burning in flames.

Sexual assault happens more than is recognized at Elon University, and it is time we begin this conversation.

Only seven incidents of rape and four incidents of fondling were reported to campus police between 2017 and 2019, according to the 2019 Annual Fire and Safety Report provided by Campus Safety and Police. These low numbers insinuate sexual assault is not a major issue, but the problem lies in the reporting data. On average, in the United States more than 90% of sexual assault victims on college campuses do not report their assault, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Without the accurate representative data, students are not aware of the true risks.

I talked to Molly Zlock, Elon’s Title IX coordinator, on the lack of reporting, and she explained some possible reasons for this.

“I think that there is a stigma attached to reporting, that your experience is somehow going to be taken away from you, and I am trying to change this messaging,” Zlock said. “I am going to provide resources and supportive measures to anyone, but I do think reporting plays an important role in our data collection because we are looking at patterns, behavior and bringing [the data] to our prevention team.”

Once a Phoenix attacks its prey, it will move onto their next victim. Reporting measures are vital to protect the rest of the community, so that we are able to track patterns and intervene before another person is put into a vulnerable situation.

With this, if students are not reporting all incidents of sexual assault, the assailants go unpunished, perpetuating risk. Without proper education on the resources to do so, victims are left silenced.

Sexual assault has no limitations and can happen to anyone. According to RAINN, the nation’s largest antisexual violence organization, “male college-aged students are 78% more likely than non-students to be a victim of rape or sexual assault,” and “23.1% of TGQN (transgender, genderqueer, nonconforming) college students have been sexually assaulted.” Collectively,

Victoria Favorito believes sexual assault happens more than is reported at Elon University, and it is time to begin conversations about it.

about 26% of female and 7% of male undergraduate students experience rape or sexual assault.

When you think of a sexual assault predator, you might think of a hooded figure in an alleyway waiting for their next victim; I want to challenge this idea. About 90% of sexual assaults reported by college women are done by someone known to the victim, according to the National Institute of Justice. These are our fellow classmates, suitemates, Greek members, athletes, advisors — it can be anyone.

Sexual assault can take many forms that can be hard for survivors to identify. No one ever talks about their significant other forcing them into hooking up or that older guy that invites you over and guilts you into sexual acts. If a student experiences an assault but has a distorted view of what sexual assault “should” look like, this might discourage the victim from reporting or even talking about their experience.

Instead of Elon assuming that students are coming into college with prior knowledge of sexual assault, we must implement awareness around the topic since it directly affects our student body.

Being a former Elon Teaching Assistant, I regret not mentioning sexual assault during class.

“As with many other topics, the Elon 101 curriculum and learning outcomes do not specifically state that sexual assault and/or consent must be discussed or mentioned in the course,” Brandy Propst, the director of Elon 101, said in an email.

We need to get past the uncomfortable

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AS WITH MANY OTHER TOPICS, THE ELON 101 CURRICULUM AND LEARNING OUTCOMES DO NOT SPECIFICALLY STATE THAT SEXUAL ASSAULT AND/OR CONSENT MUST BE DISCUSSED OR MENTIONED IN THE COURSE. BRANDY PROPST DIRECTOR OF ELON 101

CAROLINE BUNDER | DESIGNER

conversations. Rather than calling people out to do better, I want to call everyone in so we can have a conversation of change.

The lack of awareness about sexual assault or disclosure about its true prevalence puts our students at risk and it is time we find a solution.

As a first step, Elon should implement a mandatory Elon 101 in-person sexual assault awareness presentation for our freshmen. This education should be inclusive of all the forms sexual assault takes, and should encourage reporting regardless of the circumstances.

Elon 101 falls directly in the Red Zone, which is the time spanning from August to Thanksgiving break, where more than 50% of sexual assaults are statistically found to occur, according to the #MeToo movement.

Just like how a Phoenix is reborn in its ashes, we too can reflect on our past and grow to improve.

SAFELINE INFORMATION Safeline is a 24/7 confidential support line for those who have experienced sexual violence, relationship violence or stalking.

For support or to discuss options, call at (336) 278-3333

Wednesday, april 21, 2021 | page 11

SPORTS

ELON VOLLEYBALL MAKES

PROGRAM HISTORY

THOMAS DENOME | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Junior outside hitter Leah Daniel, named CAA Player of the Year, spikes the ball on Sept. 29, 2019 in Schar Center.

Junior Leah Daniel and sophomore Jordan Gower took home multiple conference postseason awards Kole Noble

Elon News Network | @SlawSportsShow

Elon University volleyball players Leah Daniel and Jordan Gower both had exceptional seasons this year and now have the awards to prove it. Daniel took home the Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year award, while Gower was named to the CAA All-Conference Second Team.

Mary Tendler, Elon volleyball’s head coach since 2003, said both Daniel and Gower deserved their postseason awards.

“They’re two people that are never satisfied with where they’re at,” Tendler said. “They’ve gotten better from the day they stepped into the program, and they’re going to keep getting better and better.”

Daniel, a junior who plays outside hitter, is the first member of the Phoenix to ever be honored as the CAA Volleyball Player of the Year and was selected to her second consecutive All-Conference First Team. Daniel was also recognized as the first player in program history to be named to the East Coast All-Region team, which was announced by the American Volleyball Coaches Association on April 13. Daniel will now have a chance to become nominated to the AVCA All-American team.

“I’m definitely very grateful,” Daniel said. “But obviously I wouldn’t be here without my coaches, the athletic staff or my teammates in general. I’m very grateful for everyone that’s helped me get to this point.”

Daniel led the CAA in kills with 177 and she averaged a conference-high 4.43 kills per set. She also finished the season with four double-doubles — matches where she reached double digits in two stats, including aces, kills, blocks, digs and assists — and was a key offensive force on the court for the Phoenix this season, according to Tendler.

“Leah was a main part of our offense,” Tendler said. “The other team knew we were going to set her, and I think everyone on campus knew we were going to set her.

And she still found ways to get kills. She

was consistent every single match, and she just really brought it. I’m really proud of her for that.”

This season was the first time in Daniel’s volleyball career where she was challenged to play all six rotations around the court, but she said her confidence on the court never wavered in her new role.

“Instead of being the person that other people are afraid of on the front row as far as how offensive I can be, I was able to kind of bring that to the back row aspect and also be someone that the other team was afraid to hit to,” Daniel said.

Gower, a sophomore defensive specialist, finished second in the CAA with 203 digs and 5.08 digs per set on the season. The sophomore also had a season-high 33 digs against Davidson College on March 20. She finished every game this season recording double-digit digs.

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THEY’RE TWO PEOPLE THAT ARE NEVER SATISFIED WITH WHERE THEY’RE AT. THEY’VE GOTTEN BETTER FROM THE DAY THEY STEPPED INTO THE PROGRAM, AND THEY’RE GOING TO KEEP GETTING BETTER AND BETTER. MARY TENDLER ELON’S VOLLEYBALL HEAD COACH

THOMAS DENOME | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Sophomore defensive specialist Jordan Gower digs the ball on Oct. 12, 2019 in Schar Center.

“I felt really proud of myself,” Gower BY THE NUMBERS said. “All of us worked really hard. I’m just glad our hard work could be recognized at the end of the season.”

Elon went on a five-match win streak during the month of March, which included two wins against the University of North kills were made by Daniel in the CAA. She ended with a conference-high average of Carolina-Wilmington and their fifth win, 4.43 kills per set. which came when the Phoenix defeated James Madison University for the first time in program history on March 24.

“We’ve all seen how good we can be, I feel like we just need to find the balance,” Daniel said. “I feel like when we have an digs were made by Gower, finishing second equal balance between being offensive and in the CAA for digs. being defensive, we’ll be unstoppable.”

Elon finished their season with a 5-5 record and went 3-5 in conference play.

While the season didn’t end as the team depth with everyone on the sidelines and hoped, the team was still able to get an idea everyone on the court. I feel like as a team, of what they’re capable of in the future of we just have a lot of confidence knowing their program. where we can be, and it really just makes “We have so much potential on our everyone push the extra little bit to win team,” Daniel said. “There’s so much conference next year.”

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sports

Wednesday april 21, 2021

Elon women’s soccer wins 2021 CAA championship SOCCER | from cover Jones scored her third goal of the season, putting Elon up 1-0 near the end of the second half and securing the win for the team. Her initial shot on goal was denied and rebounded back to her, but Jones sneaked it past the goalie into the right post.

With just nine minutes left to play after Jones’ goal, the Phoenix held out and did not let their opponent bounce back. UNCW did not have any opportunities to score after that moment, as the Seahawks took no more shots on goal.

This is not only Elon women’s soccer’s first CAA championship but also its first championship in two decades since winning the Big South conference in 2001.

Jones was named the championship’s most outstanding player. Elon’s Samantha Dominguez, Kayla Hodges and Abby Fusca were selected to the all-tournament team.

Fusca said the benefit of playing the championship close to Elon is essential.

“We’ve shown that we can obviously go away and be an away team and win all these games, but it’s obviously huge,” she said.

There were few scoring opportunities for both teams, with Elon having 11 shots and UNCW with 10. Elon, however, had six shots on goal compared to two shots on goal for the Seahawks. There were also 18 fouls overall in the game — eight for the Phoenix and 10 for the Seahawks.

The Seahawks goalie had a total of five saves, while Elon goalie McKenna Dalfonso had two. This helped Dalfonso earn her sixth shutout of the year.

Sophomore forward/midfield Claire Broderdorp said she is thrilled about the chance to compete in the national tournament.

“I’m looking forward to just the team,” Broderdorp said.

“We’ve worked so hard for this and just the experience of being able to be in the NCAA tournament together. It’s just crazy.”

The team will head to WakeMed Soccer Park for competition Wednesday afternoon. Elon found out on Monday their seeding for the tournament, where they will play Milwaukee first and then Florida State second if they advance.

Elon midfielder Abby Fusca steals the ball in a game against Drexel University on Oct. 6, 2019 at Rudd Field.

THOMAS DENOME | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Elon softball prepares for final games of the season The team, relatively inexperienced in conference play, is ranked third of four teams in the CAA’s South Division Isabel Gouveia

Elon News Network | isabelgouveia13

Elon University softball’s six remaining games are important to the team’s overall confidence and its chances of winning the Colonial Athletic Association Championship at the end of the regular season, according to head coach Kathy Bocock.

“The record as a whole is important just because I think it builds confidence for our team,” Bocock said. “However, I am not one to schedule easy teams because I am not afraid to go up against anybody in this country.”

The team carries a 6-6 CAA conference record and an overall 13-17 record this season, which Bocock uses to gage team success and build confidence.

Bocock’s confidence rubs off entirely on her players, according to junior outfielder Rebecca Murray.

“Since starting our conference schedule, our team has really come together,” Murray said. “We’ve really just relied on each other and leaned on one another, and we’ve worked hard, which I can see is really starting to pay off in our conference play.”

Bocock and Murray said that this season has not been the easiest one, as the team has had to find ways to adapt to difficult and unpredictable circumstances brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Both agreed that their main struggle during the pandemic has been dealing with a young, inexperienced team, due to the lack of playing time in recent seasons.

“We’re really inexperienced, to be honest,” Murray said. “Our freshmen, it’s their first time playing college softball, and then our sophomores, this is their first season ever experiencing a conference game with our season being cut short last year. And then, even the juniors, we’ve only experienced one year of conference,” Murray said.

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SINCE STARTING OUR CONFERENCE SCHEDULE, OUR TEAM HAS REALLY COME TOGETHER. WE’VE REALLY JUST RELIED ON EACH OTHER AND LEANED ON ONE ANOTHER, AND WE’VE WORKED HARD, WHICH I CAN SEE IS REALLY STARTING TO PAY OFF IN OUR CONFERENCE PLAY. REBECCA MURRAY JUNIOR OUTFIELDER THOMAS DENOME | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Freshman utility player Mekayla Frazier gestures toward the Elon dugout after knocking in two runs with a triple to left-center field in a game against the University of North Carolina-Wilmington on April 6. The Phoenix won 5-2.

Bocock believes one of the biggest difficulties brought on by the pandemic is the lack of chemistry the team has been able to develop since practice times and locker rooms sessions are now divided into groups.

“It is harder for them right now because of the way we have to do things,” Bocock said.

“They have to come in and dress in different groups, stay in small groups on the field and use different facilities … I think it can impact them a little bit, and they can’t hang out a lot together because they’re trying to stay safe.”

The team’s 5-4 win against first-ranked James Madison University on March 27 was cited by both Bocock and Murray as their favorite moment of the season, when Murray said she saw the team “come together

offensively and defensively.” But when the team faced off against JMU again on April 18, the Phoenix could not gain footing and lost all three games in the series.

While the logistical challenges of this season continue, Bocock said she is proud of her team and all that the players have endured.

“It’s changed a lot for all of us, even on my side of things. It’s like, ‘Whoa, I have to wait to see how we’re doing this over here. How are we doing this?’” Bocock said. “So I think what they’re doing is an amazing job across the board.”

The team will next face off against College of Charleston at home for a doubleheader on Saturday, April 24.