SGA to provide free menstrual products across all three campuses
By CARLEIGH BECK Associate News Editor
Quinnipiac University’s Student Government Association announced Nov. 13 a completed menstrual product initiative in a press release.
These efforts, spearheaded by SGA’s Vice President Kaitlyn Sternhardt, have propelled a pilot program that offers free menstrual products in 20 restrooms on Quinnipiac University’s Mount Carmel Campus, two restrooms on York Hill Campus and six restrooms on the North Haven Campus starting in Spring 2025.
Sternhardt has been an advocate for the last two years to provide free menstrual products to the Quinnipiac community.
“The stories that I heard from my peers were my greatest motivator and inspiration (for this initiative),” Sternhardt wrote in a statement to The Chronicle. “As I began working on this project, I realized how multifaceted this issue really is.”
Sternhardt plans to create a map of the restrooms that supply free menstrual products so students can easily access them.
Both tampons and pads will be offered in the ADA-compliant menstrual product dispensers. Makeba Walcott, a third-year student in the Medical Doctorate program, worked with Sternhardt on this initiative. Walcott began an effort to put free menstrual products on the North Haven Campus after she struggled to get
International business honors society instated at Quinnipiac
By AVA HIGHLAND Staff Writer
Graduate student AJ Newth established a Quinnipiac chapter of the international business honors society, Beta Gamma Sigma.
The international society, established in 1913, accepts the top 5-10% of business students at universities across the world. The students are invited via email every February if they reach the required 3.85 GPA.
“Since 1919, Beta Gamma Sigma has been the only recognized Honor Business Society by the AACSB, the accreditation body for business Schools. The Business School at Quinnipiac University earned AACSB accreditation in 2000,” said Professor Mohammad Elahee, chair of International Business department and the chapter’s advisor.
Quinnipiac has had a chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma for 24 years, however, there has never been on-campus activity. Members only received chords at graduation, but there were not any events for student engagement.
Newth is a 3+1 graduate student with a bachelor’s degree in international business and data analytics and president of the on-campus chapter. She is working to give recognition to the talented students through various on-campus events.
“We’re kind of looking to honor those students that work so hard to get into that society and have that really high GPA,” Newth said. “And the goal of getting into Sigma and having that chapter on campus is going to be to not only build students that are really academically smart, but also smart when it comes to being involved in
the community.”
Newth was involved in six organizations during her undergraduate years. However, when entering her graduate year, she was looking to get involved on campus again.
“I was kind of looking for a challenge, this was a really good option for me,” Newth said. “I was approached by Professor Mohammad Elahee (chair of International Business department), and he kind of said, ‘You know we have Beta Gamma Sigma, students don’t really know what it is, and there’s just so many opportunities to do cool things with the organization.’”
Newth then assembled an executive board of fellow business students that she knew could take on the challenge alongside her.
“The president and I worked together to formulate our executive board for BGS, and we are both incredibly proud of everyone’s performance so far,” said Sana Quadri, vice president and sophomore international business economics major. “I also assist in reaching out to and meeting individuals who can help the on-campus chapter thrive in the future.”
Though still in the early stages, Newth has already seen collaboration within her team.
“Even though I’m president and somebody else is a secretary, I don’t really believe in having a hierarchical structure within the (organization),” Newth said. “Everybody’s opinion matters. If anybody has cool ideas, throw them out there. So it’s really great to work with a group of girls that are so dedicated to getting this off the ground and up and running.”
As
the on-campus chapter is just beginning, Newth and the e-board are still in the planning stages but have several goals for the year.
Newth is organizing networking and career development events, guest speakers
The official student newspaper of Quinnipiac University since 1929
ILLUSTRATION BY KATERINA PARIZKOVA
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY AJ NEWTH
Graduate student AJ Newth instates Gamma Sigma Beta, a chapter of the international business honors society.
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menstrual products.
“During my first year of medical school in 2022, I was studying for my first big exam and my period came,” Walcott said. “I had to decide, ‘do I make it to class or time, or do I try to get a pad or a tampon and risk being late for class?’”
Walcott asked friends for a menstrual product or a quarter to put in the dispensers, but none of them had one. She went to a pharmacy to purchase menstrual products, but she missed class in order to do so.
In collaboration with OBGYN interest group, headed by Kizzi Belfone and Alice Chen, Walcott applied for a PEARLS Grant, which provides funding towards equity initiatives in the School of Medicine.
The initiative received $1,000 to provide free menstrual products between January and May of 2023. The pilot was a success.
Walcott and the OBGYN interest group then received funding from the Office of Student Affairs to continue providing menstrual products in North Haven restrooms.
“A friend of mine connected me with two professors at the (Mount Carmel) Campus,” Walcott said. “These professors connected me with Kaitlyn, and we started talking. We had meetings together, and we decided to do a combined proposal to get students involved (in this initiative) from both campuses.”
“Period poverty,” or the inability to afford menstrual products, impacts 14.2% of college-attending women on a yearly basis, according to a study conducted by BMC Health in 2021.
An additional 10% of women in college experience period poverty every month. These women are at an increased risk of experiencing moderate to severe levels of depression.
“Many students I talked to shared (that) they have missed classes due to the lack
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and community service initiatives. She is also interested in hosting a brunch networking event or a career fair for members.
“We want to basically create a very well-rounded student,” Newth said.
She is also in the early stages of hosting an information session for business students to raise awareness for the program and spark interest.
As for speakers, Newth is hoping to bring in professors that will benefit the program, as well as a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Board of Trustees for an information session.
The e-board will also keep students informed through social media. Jadyn Fleischhacker, a graduate student in the 3+1 BS/MBA program and public relation and communications chair, is doing so through Instagram and LinkedIn.
(of) products offered and felt embarrassed in these situations,” Sternhardt wrote. “It is unreasonable to expect students to walk across campus to their dorm or the health center, often during class time, to get a product in an (emergency) situation.”
SGA’s Capital Expenditure budget will be funding this pilot program. The budget will cover the cost of the new dispensers and the initial purchase of the menstrual products.
Sternhardt received a quote for the cost of restocking the pads and tampons from Aunt Flow, a company that provides menstrual products to businesses and schools. It estimated that it would cost $18,000 annually to replenish the pads and tampons.
Other universities like Princeton University and the University of Georgia utilize Aunt Flow to keep their public restrooms restocked with menstrual products.
During the planning process of the pilot program, Sternhardt met with various administrators in the university. They voiced their concerns about the dispensers and products being vandalized or misused by students as well as the cost of the program.
“I consistently rebutted these as reasons
Fleischhacker creates posts about events and necessary information.
Fleischhacker is also using social media platforms to build a community between students, the e-board and other on-campus educational societies.
“I think my position itself will benefit students by providing them with important information that is available at their fingertips,” Fleischhacker said. “I feel that the society itself will benefit students by providing them with the necessary leadership they need. Getting help from students in the same program and hearing their experiences is very beneficial for undergraduates. The events we plan to put on for members will also give opportunities they may not receive if they weren’t a member.”
Newth is also looking to create studentto-student mentoring within the program, mirroring the bigs and little relationships that exist in Greek life.
“We’re looking to have seniors and grad students mentor individuals that are like soph-
not to push and pursue this, rather to trust that people would take what they need,” Sternhardt wrote. “Though I would say the biggest struggle was finding a continuous source of funding.”
Despite the uncertainty and concerns of the program, Sternhardt is looking forward to aiding students who might struggle with accessibility and the negative connotations around menstruation.
“I hope all who menstruate feel more supported at Quinnipiac and do not have to worry about the financial barrier that comes with accessing these basic necessities,” Sternhardt wrote. “I believe this will have a positive impact by promoting accessibility, equality and reducing the stigma surrounding menstruation.”
Walcott hopes that through this effort, other students will feel confident in making positive changes on campus.
“Looking at Kaitlyn and seeing her dedication and her advocacy, (it shows people) don’t be afraid to speak up and don’t be afraid to advocate,” Walcott said. “Everything great comes with some risk.”
omores and juniors, to just kind of create a sense of community within the organization,” Newth said. While there are other majors with similar societies, Beta Gamma Sigma is the first to be brought onto (Quinnipiac).”
In creating this chapter, Newth hopes it will inspire other societies to do the same.
“I’m hoping that having an on-campus chapter for the business school is kind of a stepping stone for other majors as well,” Newth said. “Because I think what we’re trying to accomplish, everybody and every other major would hope to accomplish the same thing.”
Newth and the e-board are working to honor all of the hard work of business students and help them network for their careers.
“I think it’s going to be really great to see which students come out of their shells a bit, to be able to meet other students and hear from them and mentor others that I was in their shoes a couple years ago, and to help them be the person I wish I had when I was their age,” Newth said.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY KAITLYN STERNHARDT AND MAKEBA WALCOTT
Kaitlyn Sternhardt (right) and Makeba Walcott, with other students, advocate for free menstrual products on campus.
Fraternity and Sorority on-campus housing to begin in 2025-26 academic year
By ANDREW ALLISON Staff Writer
The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is launching a pilot program for FSL housing at Quinnipiac University beginning at the start of the 2025-2026 academic year.
FSL housing will be located in the Crescent suite-style dorm building on the York Hill Campus.
Sixteen of the 22 FSL organizations were invited to participate in the program. The organizations were either given one or two suites based on their size.
Fraternity and sorority leadership were presented with the idea this past summer, according to senior criminal justice major and Kappa Delta Sorority President Isabella Celiberti.
“I think it would be a really good opportunity for people to make friends and just get to know each other a little bit better and spend time with each other outside of chapter on Sunday,” Celiberti said.
Pi Beta Phi Sorority President and graduate public relations student Morgan Bloom agrees with Celiberti’s sentiment.
“I think one of the benefits that I could see it having is just bringing people together from different organizations,” Bloom said. “Right now, there are some chances for people in sororities and fraternities to meet each other and talk with each other, but they’re pretty limited.”
Many universities are moving towards on-campus housing for FSL, according to Avery Moses, director of Fraternity and
Sorority Life at Quinnipiac. The university is on its way to becoming one of those schools.
“They’ve identified that this provides these groups with the necessary space to call their own while eliminating the added elements of an off campus/privately owned house,” Moses said.
Celiberti said that FSL organizations having their own private space is a key benefit of the program.
“So if there was any small group meetings that we had to have, we wouldn’t have to book a room outside of a classroom,” Celiberti said.“We could book it in our own room. We could have the meeting in there instead of having to find a space.”
FSL members emphasized how the program would bring them together and strengthen relationships between organizations.
“I feel like there’s, there’s not too much of a connection between fraternities … that’s something that they’re always striving for, but fraternity to fraternity relations are something that always could be worked on,” said Izaias Sardo, sophomore finance major and member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. “I feel like it’s a great opportunity.” Sardo is living in the Beta Theta Pi suite next year.
Bloom also mentioned that it would be a good chance for FSL members to have a “communal experience.”
“Having these friendships that could
be potentially built is going to do a great thing for that,” Sardo said. It’ll actually kind of give incentive to it, because not like you’re going to an event with a bunch of random guys, it’ll be like you’re going to an event with, like your neighbors.”
The program will not negatively affect housing for non-FSL students.
“This pilot will impact unaffiliated students positively, as it will open more favorable and sought-after residential spaces as the current spaces where FSL affiliated members live are spread across campus, while this will be centralized on York Hill,” Moses said.
Bloom described how the suites given to FSL are “typically ones that people don’t love to get.”
Moses also mentioned how the housing will free up bookable meeting spaces on campus because FSL meetings could be held in their new private spaces.
“Recognizing the high demand for oncampus housing, our goal is to maximize utilization while avoiding vacancies,” Moses said. “If the pilot is successful, there may be more suites added to the fraternity/sorority block, as well as additional pilots for other affinity groups, depending on student interest, collected data, and overall housing occupancy.”
There is a chance for expansion in the future if the program is successful. However, there are no current plans for expansion of the FSL housing program until it is run and assessed.
Quinnipiac in D.C. seminar rescheduled, citing security reasons
By ALEXANDRA MARTINAKOVA Editor-in-Chief
Quinnipiac University rescheduled its QU in Washington D.C. week-long seminar until Jan. 7-15, due to “the U.S. Government’s decision to increase security in DC for the Inauguration Week,” according to Scott McLean, professor of political science and director of the Honors Program.
“Inside Washington” is a seminar open to students in any major. These short seminars “provide a high-impact experience studying and exploring Washington, D.C.,” according to the university’s website.
This seminar occurs each January, where students visit various agencies, media, think tanks and interest groups.
“You’ll interact with high-profile speakers from government, journalism, campaigns and advocacy groups on issues such as media coverage of politics, civil rights, immigration, the environment and defense policy,” according to the university’s website.
The 2025 Inauguration is scheduled for Jan. 20.
“Finding available in-person speakers during Inauguration Week was going to be a major challenge because of sections of the city being closed to the public and traffic,” McLean wrote in a statement to The Chronicle. “Moving the dates back, there were more people in the administration and in (the) media who would be able to meet in person with the students.”
D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith said for Fox News 5, that the department is expecting 4,000 police officers to assist with the process during that week.
“I think it’s a precaution that is not necessarily a bad thing,” said Olivya Gogan, a senior political science and economics double major. “I think any precaution can be seen as beneficial, especially when you’re talking about the safety of your undergraduate students. It’s hard to predict anything when it comes to being there. Knowing the past Jan. 6 incident, I think that taking a precaution might be necessary in this case.”
due to safety concerns during Inauguration Week.
ILLUSTRATION BY TRIPP MENHALL
CARLEIGH BECK/CHRONICLE
The QU in Washington D.C. program are recheduling
Opinion
Trump’s ‘pick-me’ Cabinet picks
By LILLIAN CURTIN Opinion Editor
Since he’s been re-elected, it feels more like President-Elect Donald Trump is picking people that he wants to invite to his MAGAthemed birthday party, rather than picking people to run the country.
First up, and quite a strong start to this list, is Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz. Trump has thrown his hat in the ring for the position of Attorney General. Well, Gaetz’s road to this position isn’t going to be as easy as Trump’s other picks.
Trump’s first call to action when he was reelected was to request “recess appointments.”
Constitutionally, Congress has to approve Trump’s nominations in order for them to be appointed. If the Senate is not in session, then the president can make a temporary appointment.
Trump and his transition team are aware of the potential obstacles in conforming his nominations, primarily Gaetz.
That having to be the way you get your picks appointed, should raise some alarms.
Gaetz was under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for quite a few reasons. Including, but not limited to, alleged sex with a minor, accepting bribes and sharing inappropriate pictures on the house floor. Now, he’s no longer under investigation, since he resigned.
As of Nov. 19, two women have also come forward, testifying that he paid them for sex and that they witnessed him having sex with a 17 year old.
So, why is this man nominated to head the Department of Justice? That’d be like
having someone who spreads medical misinformation lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
Oh wait, that’s Trump’s pick, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. RFK Jr. was a big contributor to a part of Trump’s campaign, “Make America Healthy Again.” This is laughable considering RFK Jr.’s campaign was built off of misguided
ideas that would most likely worsen the health of the country.
Kennedy is the founder of an anti-vaccine activist group. He has continuously perpetuated a long-debunked theory that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccines cause autism.
He also says that the COVID-19 vaccine is the “deadliest” vaccine. Even though countless studies have deemed it safe.
The Cabinet itself is counterproductive. In a time where we need unity the most, Trump’s picks just create more of a divide. Well, except when it comes to Gaetz because Democrats and Republicans seem to come together to hate him.
Trump creating a Cabinet full of loyalists is a threat to the integrity of checks and balances. Especially when they feel like they owe him, loyalists are more likely to listen to whatever the president says, instead of focusing on their constitutional responsibilities.
It’s also creating an even bigger gap between the government and Americans. We’re going to dig ourselves into an even deeper hole when it comes to trusting the government.
Everything that Trump should do to ease the stress of Americans, he’s doing the opposite.
We now have a list of potential Cabinet members, including a man who doesn’t believe in medicine running the Department of Health and Human Services, and an alleged child predator heading the Justice Department. These are just a few candidates, of the many, that make America look like a laughing stock. How are we supposed to be taken seriously when the new president’s Cabinet is full of walking ironies?
We know the only thing Trump cares about when it comes to his government is making sure he has ears to whisper orders into. If he cared about the American people, he would’ve done what he should’ve and picked some opponents, or at least people who are qualified. Instead, he just chose people who will stroke his ego.
Why every college student should use counseling
By OLIVIA MASTROMARINO Contributing Writer
College is often described as the best time of your life, but let’s be honest — it can also be very overwhelming, isolating and downright stressful. Between balancing academics, extracurriculars, part-time jobs and social lives, it’s no wonder many students struggle to keep it all together.
Every college student should take advantage of the counseling services on campus. They are not just for people in crisis — they are a lifeline for anyone navigating the highs and lows of this unique chapter of life.
Let’s start with the obvious, college is really tough, especially for a first-year student.
It’s hard adjusting to the change, especially since I lived in a city-like place, with cramped streets and thousands of people all squeezed together. The transition from that to a college campus was definitely rough.
Whether you’re cramming for exams, struggling with homesickness or dealing with relationship drama, the emotional toll can pile up quickly.
Here’s a truth that we don’t say enough: everyone struggles sometimes. Yet, many students avoid counseling because they think it’s only for “serious problems” or because they’re embarrassed. I used to think that too — until I tried it.
Sitting down with a counselor gave me a
new perspective on things I thought I had to face alone. The stigma around mental health is slowly fading, but we need to normalize it even more. Seeking help is not a weakness at all, it is one of the smartest and strongest things that you can do for yourself.
When you’re mentally overwhelmed, it is almost impossible to focus in class or stay on top of assignments. Counseling can be a game-changer for your academic performance. I’ve learned strategies for managing stress and staying organized that made me more productive and less anxious. So, why would you not want to give yourself the tools to handle it more effectively?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need to have a breakdown before seeing a counselor. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Sometimes, just having someone to talk to can ease your mind. Talking to someone can prevent smaller problems from becoming bigger ones. Whether it is working through tough decisions, or learning how to set boundaries with friends, counseling is a proactive way to take care of yourself.
I’m so glad that I decided to take the step and go to the counseling service here at Quinnipiac. Every counselor I have talked to has given me life-changing advice and gave me reassurance that myself and every student’s voice is heard. In a college with a
lot of opportunities and involvement, it is important to take a mental break and sometimes sit down with someone.
Every student can benefit from counseling. It is not about being “broken” or needing to be “fixed.” It is about taking control
of your mental health and learning about yourself. Even if you are not active in going to counseling and go every once and a while, it can still help you.
If you have not tried it yet, give it a shot. You will be surprised at how much it helps.
ILLUSTRATION BY KLARA DHANDILI
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY BEN BUSILLO/GAGE SKIDMORE/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS President-Elect Donald Trump’s potential Cabinet ignores qualifications and embraces loyalty.
The fashion industry should adopt sustainable practices
By VICTORIA ULRICH Contributing Writer
The fashion industry is becoming harmful to the environment. As the industry’s carbon footprint continues to grow, natural resources we rely on such as water and air are being impacted. If such disastrous practices continue, the fashion industry —the second-largest industrial polluter globally —will ruin the planet and its inhabitants. To stop this, the industry should adopt environmentally safe practices.
If current trends continue, the fashion industry’s environmental impact will double by 2030, potentially costing the industry up to $100 billion per year in lost value creation, according to “The Pulse of the Fashion Industry’s” 2017 report.
Social trends continue to change rapidly, so companies have started ‘fast-fashion’ which is a process to produce more clothes quicker and cheaper.
While fast fashion continues to grow, people are buying more clothes and getting rid of clothes quicker than ever. Clothing companies are increasing sales, but so is landfill waste from discarded clothing.
Thus, we should not focus on buy -
ing cheap but on buying right. If we buy from the right companies, we can support a healthier environment.
The Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act, passed in 2023, is one way to prevent further damage in the industry. This act
this growing epidemic and make severe changes before it’s too late.
The benefits of the industry being more sustainable would include countries reducing dye in their water supplies, stopping landfills from housing thousands of tons of clothes, and over-
warming the earth significantly.
Many states in the U.S. are experiencing severe droughts from the weather and lack of water. While the agriculture industry is the number one consumer of our water, fashion is the second consumer of the world’s water and the second-largest producer of water waste.
try is responsible for high carbon emissions produced that will weaken the earth’s ozone layer over the next 15 years
verely. If this pens, our tion from the sun will weaken,
This is concerning as more states continue to suffer from little water access due to climate change and water pollution.
This planet is all we have; we must try to reverse the heavy damage humans have caused because if we don’t it will be too late. We have to protect our homes and put our health and environment over corporate greed.
If the fashion industry does not adopt sustainable practices soon, things will continue to get worse. To make this change, we should do our part to help our planet by buying fewer clothes, purchasing secondhand and researching companies and their environmental impacts.
If we work together, we can change the statistics about where our planet is going and make it a better place for us and future generations to live.
Holiday cheer has no calendar
By BEN BUSILLO Associate Opinion Editor
With the holiday season coming up, many claim that those who like to jump the gun on Christmas are a detriment to society. These present-purists insist that the only time for celebrating the holidays is after Thanksgiving. However, it is those who complain about premature mistletoes who are the ones that need to change their act.
I may display a look of utter confusion if I’m laying in the sand in July, and the guy next to me in his beach chair is rocking a Santa hat, but I won’t get angry.
The art of simply laughing off something ridiculous, or just simply respecting someone’s opinion has been lost. People love to get mad at the little things. Opinions about pop culture and human rights issues are not the same thing, but I find that they tend to be lumped together by those who have zero tolerance for disagreements.
Those who gripe about others starting their Christmas celebrations early are far more irritating than the early celebrators themselves. The complaints have become just as predictable and overdone as the early festivities. Celebration doesn’t harm anyone.
Life can be challenging, and the world isn’t always kind — if putting up a tree or playing carols brings someone joy, let them have it. The holidays are the most innocent and harmless thing one can embrace. They display a deeper meaning about family, generosity and gratitude.
It’s not the same as having a jack-o-lantern on your doorstep in February.
The holidays bring joy to all. From Christmas to Kwanzaa, the December snowfall brings an atmosphere of overall good vibes and reinforces the embracement of family.
It shouldn’t matter if you start to celebrate a month early.
This debate isn’t really about Christmas lights in October — it’s about letting people find happiness on their own terms.
Being upset at somebody who wants to celebrate holiday jubilation displays a broader inner conflict within yourself than it does with the holiday offenders. Why do you care what somebody displays in their own home?
When it doesn’t affect you at all? Complaints and these ‘pet peeves’ are a byproduct of those who really just can’t stay out of other people’s business.
If somebody is happy, and doing something that doesn’t affect you at all, why are you trying to police their lives? The first amendment exists for a reason. It’s time to put your time and energy into something productive, and to stop getting so annoyed over the most niche issues.
Society needs to stop being bothered about every little thing they don’t like. If you find yourself siding with the Christmas purists, you are the problem.
You wanna throw up the tree or put the menorah on the dining room table after
lighting your final firework on the Fourth of July?
Fine by me.
You might be hurting the speciality or novelty that comes with the fact that the holidays only come for a short time once a year, but if the people who celebrate early are happy, and it’s not directly affecting you, why should you care?
If your neighbor is blasting “All I Want for Christmas Is You” in August, then you may have some merit to complain. However, if you drive down the road and get irritated when you spot a tree in a house’s window, it serves as a reflection of you. No one likes a scrooge.
ILLUSTRATION BY REBECCA COLLINS
Arts & Life
The Student Philanthropy Council is feeling thankful
By TYLER RINKO Associate Photography Editor
Despite being a relatively new addition to Quinnipiac's organizations, the Student Philanthropy Council has already worked to make a noticeable and lasting impact on the university. On Nov. 12, the organization hosted a “Gratitude Event” inviting students to write cards to donors of the university. Students also had the opportunity to enjoy complementary ice cream.
Those who chose to donate were able to win a gift basket with items provided by the Quinnipiac Bookstore. This event allowed students to take a break from studying and give thanks to donors.
The SPC recognizes the role of philanthropy in enhancing the experience of the university for students. Events like this help illustrate the recognition that the student body gives to those who donate.
How Whitney Simmons is redefining fitness
By GINA LORUSSO Associate Arts & Life Editor
For as long as I’ve been going to the gym, it’s been hard to find authentic influencers who prioritize fitness but also refrain from pushing unrealistic standards.
When I came across Whitney Simmons on TikTok, she completely changed my perception of fitness and caring for my body.
Instead of encouraging you to purchase a ton of supplements and making it seem like the only way to see results is to go to the gym seven days a week, Simmons preaches progress over perfection.
Too often, fitness influencers promote strict diets and extreme workout routines. Simmons, on the other hand, focuses on achievable progress that doesn’t cause you to shy away from working out.
On TikTok, Simmons posts videos where she is not only working out her own body but providing inspiration for those looking to incorporate something new into their routine and step-by-step instructions on how to correctly do the exercises.
Simmons’ passion for women's health goes beyond her viral mic’d-up gym sessions.
In January 2020, Simmons launched her fitness and wellness app Alive. With over 500 daily workouts and programs from three different trainers, the app focuses on finding the perfect
workout mix for you. In the app, users can explore different categories like legs, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), arms, chest and back at different levels of intensity.
In addition to workouts, the app features a gratitude journal to cultivate a positive mindset, achievement badges to track your progress and wellness prompts and reminders to assess your mental health to stay motivated on your journey.
On the Alive Facebook page, Simmons fosters an environment where users feel comfortable enough to share their progress and
connect, celebrating each other’s achievements. This focus on achievement serves as a cornerstone for Simmons’ fitness philosophy, highlighting how fitness isn’t just a personal journey, but one that is collective.
After opening up about her struggles with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, she frequently discusses feeling ashamed of the way her skin looks and how it ultimately damages her confidence. Her being candid about personal challenges demonstrates that confidence comes from embracing imperfections. Through her
“look good, lift heavier” mantra, she empowers herself and others by promoting self-confidence along with physical strength.
Simmons often posts “get ready with me” videos where she shows off the latest products she’s using and gives life updates, reiterating transparency with her followers. Her page also features her husband, Stefan, and their dog, Navy, adding a genuine touch to her content.
While not necessarily conventional, Simmons is normalizing full glam at the gym.
Makeup and stylish workout gear, courtesy of her collection with GymShark, serve as a form of expression — proving that fitness and beauty routines can coexist in the same space. As repeated on her social media channels, Simmons has a passion for making others feel and look their best while they pursue their fitness goals.
Through her candidness and passion for fitness, Simmons is redefining fitness for women, making it less about comparing yourself to others and more about finding strength in ourselves.
Fitness can certainly feel like a competition these days, but Simmons reminds us that the journey is personal, attainable and, above all, meant to be enjoyed.
Her message is clear: fitness isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress and celebrating every step of the way no matter how small the achievement is.
TYLER RINKO/CHRONICLE
Senior political science major Charley Durst (left) and senior health sciences major Amylia Angér (right) welcome attendees.
TYLER RINKO/CHRONICLE
Students gather in the Piazza to participate in Quinnipiac University's Student Philanthropy Council's Gratitude Event on Nov. 12.
TYLER RINKO/CHRONICLE
Senior law in society major Brooke Pollicove (left) and senior physical therapy major Ella Squarcia (right) write cards to people they are thankful for.
TYLER RINKO/CHRONICLE
The event's organizers serve ice cream and other sweet treats to attendees.
Jake Paul v. Mike Tyson: Battle of the 'ages'
By RYAN JOHANSON Associate Sports Editor
I am not the world’s biggest boxing fan. I have watched as many headline fights as I have fingers on one hand. Most of the matches I have seen involve influencers. While these fights don’t compare to World Boxing Council (WBC) bouts, they capture my attention because of the names involved.
But when the opponents are out of their league in age and a fight is purely a cash grab, my attention wavers.
Influencers like brothers Jake and Logan Paul along with JJ Olatunji, known as KSI, shaped this new era of boxing the last few years. What once started as a one-time deal from KSI turned into an explosion of influencers fighting professional boxers.
KSI, known for his humorous and gaming videos, faced off against fellow United Kingdom YouTuber Joe Weller in a boxing match in February 2018. Videos of the bout on each of their channels amassed more than 20 million views in the first three days, according to the Independent.
After KSI’s technical knockout, the tide turned in influencer boxing when he challenged Jake and Logan Paul. Logan agreed to the terms for the two to fight six months later.
The bout, which was dubbed “the biggest internet event in history” ended in a draw, sparking social media influence to push for a rematch. On the second try, KSI defeated Logan Paul via a split decision in November 2019 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
KSI vs. Logan Paul sparked future YouTube fights getting picked up by streaming services such as DAZN and Netflix. Netflix has jumped into the mix of influencer boxing, streaming the latest big match — Jake Paul against Mike Tyson. Jake, I don’t like you. And you need to fight a real boxer your age.
Jake started to take boxing more seriously compared to his brother Logan. In 2020, Jake
made his professional boxing debut by defeating AnEsonGib, a UK YouTuber.
Jake fought and defeated former NBA player Nate Robinson and UFC fighters Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva — all nonboxers. UFC competitors have striking abilities comparable to those in the WBC. However, two of the three UFC fighters, Askren and Woodley, excel on the ground attacks and are not known for their striking ability.
Jake cruised past his first six opponents with four fights scored as a technical knockout or knockout and two based on the judge's decision. The former Vine and Disney Channel star started to rack up decisions and fights but did not face any real boxers until his seventh time in the ring.
Then came his first loss when he faced Tommy Fury, former WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s brother. Tommy took down Jake by split decision, warranting the first and only loss so far on Jake’s record (12-1).
Jake’s 12th win came by the hands of Mike Tyson. For some reason, the great Tyson decided to step into the ring with Jake on Nov. 15. He hasn’t fought somebody since May 11, 2005, when he lost to Kevin McBride to a TKO — when I was two years old — so I had to see him step into the ring one last time before he hung it up.
As quickly as I got to my room is how quick the fight had ended. Well for as much as I could watch because of the streaming issues that came with the first live sports event for Netflix. Nearly 85,000 viewers logged problems with outages or streaming leading up to the fight, according to the website Down Detector.
While it did go all eight rounds, I was only able to watch six of them because of the connection. Jake was able to coast to a win because of one main reason — age.
Tyson is 58, over 30 years older than his opponent. Jake dominated because of his ability to strike fast and dodge Tyson’s punches. Being
out of the professional ring for 19 years took a toll on Tyson’s body. After what looked to be wins in the first two rounds by Tyson, he hit a speed bump and didn’t look the same.
The age difference also sparked similar conversation on social media.
“Love @MikeTyson,” sports television personality Stephen A. Smith said on X after the fight. “Always have, always will. But 58 is 58. Plus the legs just wasn’t there. Old is old. Thank God he didn’t get knocked out. Now it’s time for @jakepaul to get in the ring with a Top-10 fighter — or Hell, a Champion. No more BBall players, strikers from MMA, or old men. It’s time for Jake to get into a real fight. He’s good enough! Make it happen.”
This fight wasn’t even the worst thing to be streamed on the night because when Netflix was interviewing Tyson before the fight they showed
his buttocks.
At this point in Tyson's career, which looks like it’s on their final legs, seemed like a money grab. Tyson was rumored to make $20 million from the fight, according to Bleacher Report. Without getting knocked out and walking away with $20 million in your pocket seems like a win. It was clear that Jake won the match fighting against somebody who was not on par with him in a movement aspect. His boxing record may deceive some, but when you look deeper you see what’s behind the naked eye.
Robinson, Askren, Woodley, Silva and Tyson are all 40 years or older while Jake isn’t even 30. This needs to stop.
Influencer boxing is just a way for YouTubers and TikTok giants to fight boxers past their prime. Until an influencer registers for the WBC, I will not take their fights seriously.
‘Shawn’ embraces authentic vulnerability
By GRACE CONNEELY-NOLAN Associate Arts & Life Editor
In 2022, singer and songwriter Shawn Mendes canceled his “Wonder” tour to prioritize his mental health, stepping back from the industry.
After his two-year hiatus, Mendes unveiled his fifth studio album, “Shawn,” on Nov. 15.
He initially set the album’s release for Oct. 18, but announced the delay on Instagram, writing that he and his team needed more time “to bring some new inspiration and ideas to life.”
And it’s safe to say that this album brought something new to his sound.
“Shawn” is a journey of discovery and soul-searching, letting go of and remembering who he is. I think it’s the most organic of his albums — it has a quiet vulnerability grounded in his raw songwriting.
I really didn’t expect this album; it hits the heart and strikes a chord.
“Shawn” strips away any form of radio pop Mendes relied on in his past and marks a new era of his music, leaning into the acoustic guitar and layered vocals.
I listened to all 12 tracks in a short 30 minutes. But I had to go back and listen to each one again, taking in everything I’d waited years for.
The album opener, “Who I Am,” conveys that it's OK not to know everything about yourself. At 26 years old, Mendes weighs the expectations of others while finding the right balance for himself.
Mendes sings, “I feel pressure from the people that I love, and it hurts / But I know I gotta do it, gotta put me first / Losin’ myself tryna make you proud / Sorry, gotta do it, gotta let you down.”
He tries to find himself again after becoming famous at a young age. At age 15, he entered stardom with his debut single, “Life of the Party,” which charted No. 24 on the Billboard 100, making him the youngest artist to have a debut song in the top 25.
With so much of his life in the media, many of Mendes’s songs reflect on early self-perception and the hardships of constantly performing and making music.
But “Shawn” is about him falling in love with music again and listening to it was very therapeutic.
His early release on Aug. 8, “Why, Why, Why,” is by far the most radio-friendly song, as he grapples with how to process his fame. Through the “why” refrain, he questions his own life choices — going through a pregnancy scare, he has almost a healing breakthrough.
“Thought I was about to be a father/ Shook me to the core, I’m still a kid/ Sometimes I still cry out for my mother,” he sings.
One of my favorites from the album, “Isn’t That Enough,” is soft and warm. It explores themes of love and validation, delving into the coexistence of pain and happiness.
This song felt very individual. He’s not falling back on past pop methods; he’s
branching out in a way that speaks more to himself than to collaborators or producers.
In an interview with the New York Times, Mendes explained that he wanted this album to “break down any walls that were remaining between me and people listening.”
As I listened to his album, one of his overarching messages was not lost on me: the media’s fixation with his sexuality. He addresses it on the track “Mountain,” and in the chorus, he gently sings, "You can say I like girls or boys/ whatever fits your mold.”
Mendes relinquishes control and accepts that he can’t meet everyone's expectations. Call him what you want; he doesn’t have to prove anything.
In a surprising ending, he wraps up the
album with a cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” He did a solid job; I just don’t know why it was included.
Even though this album has some great messages within songs and a stronger sense of individuality, it doesn’t speak volumes. There’s not a lot of melodic distinction between the music.
The pace is a bit dull, it feels like a collection of tunes that string together familiar images, airy strums and melodies.
While I appreciate his new direction and folk-country tunes, the album is nothing special. But I acknowledge that this may be the beginning for Mendes and his new era of authentic, down-to-earth songwriting.
ILLUSTRATION BY TRIPP MENHALL
JOSIAH VANDIEN/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Shawn Mendes' second self-titled album, "Shawn," discusses heartfelt personal issues.
Do first-week album sales really matter?
By MICHAEL PETITTO Staff Writer
Hip-hop has always been driven by competition. From the inception of battle rap in the late 1980s, to the clash of titans the world witnessed earlier this year when Drake and Kendrick Lamar put their lyricism to the test.
How many units an album has sold in its first or first-week sales has always controlled the hip-hop landscape. But it seems as the genre has shifted from CDs to the streaming era, it’s become a tool to judge the quality of an album. People — especially online — are using calculators to judge an album rather than their ears.
Take Doechii for example. The Florida rapper was recently nominated for four Grammys for her mixtape “Alligator Bites Never Heal” which sold 11,000 units in its first week. The critically acclaimed project helped to push Doechii into the mainstream and even got a cosign from Lamar himself.
“The hardest one out,” Lamar wrote on Instagram while sharing the album’s cover art.
Despite being critically and publicly acclaimed on release, there’s now a public divide online ever since the Grammy announcements.
While many used the dreaded industry plant accusation and pointed out the low first-week sales, some came to Doechii’s defense to point out the quality of her work.
YouTuber and music reviewer Elsie Not Elise posted on X to point out that the
growth of Doechii could be the reason for the blind criticism.
“The conversation around Doechii is a classic example of how people only want to see you succeed to a certain level,” Elsie said. “Once you surpass their expectations, you become a threat.”
Cordae recently weighed in on the situation after releasing his third studio album “The Crossroads” on Nov. 15. The North Carolina rapper believes first-week sales should not be used as a metric to measure album success.
“It’s a very inaccurate way to calculate impact, especially with the current streaming metrics,” Cordae said. “I seen somebody do 11K first week and then do an ARENA TOUR off the same album.”
To really understand how irrelevant first-week sales can be to an album’s success, circle back to Lamar. The Compton rapper’s first studio album “Section.80” sold just 5,000 units in the first week. That project is now certified gold and Lamar is slated to headline the Super Bowl in February 2025.
Another prime example is “Illmatic” by Nas. The Queen’s native released Illmatic in 1994 with just 59,000 units sold in the first week and debuted at No. 12. The album’s five singles failed to chart at all on Billboard when first released. Fast forward almost 30 years and “Illmatic” is hailed
as not only a classic record but one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.
On the flipside, there have been albums that have dominated in first-week sales that are not fondly looked back on by the general public. “Revival” by Eminem is widely regarded as the Detroit rapper's worst album, despite selling 267,000 units in the first week and debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard charts.
Another example is “Vultures 2” by Ye and Ty Dolla $ign, which was released to the general public unfinished yet still finished with 107,000 units sold in its first week. It’s simple, first-week sales should not matter when judging the overall quality of an album. But in the online age where anyone can share their opinion, it seems like first-week numbers will continue to be a topic of discussion for a very long time.
A night of dancing and celebrating culture
By AMANDA MADERA Arts & Life Editor
On Nov. 17, the Organization of Latin American Students held its most anticipated event of the year. "Noche De Baile," or night of dancing, was held in the Mount Carmel Recreational Center in Burt Kahn Court.
From 7-10 p.m., students enjoyed great food, music and mocktails. The theme was Havana, Cuba, and participants did not disappoint with the semi-formal dress code.
OLAS also promoted entering its raffle by bringing a canned item in order to win a pair of Beats Studio Headphones.
COMMONS
Rapper Nas adds to the conversation of whether first-week album sales really matter.
ALAN MCNEELY/CHRONICLE
OLAS Vice President senior nursing major Jolene Dinzey (left) and President senior criminal justice and legal studies double major Alyssa Martinez (right) pose for the camera while drinking mocktails.
ALAN MCNEELY/CHRONICLE
Participants took to the dance floor to show off their moves at the Organization of Latin American Students' "Noche De Baile" event on Nov. 17.
ALAN MCNEELY/CHRONICLE
Winners senior human resources major Todd Bivens (left), senior criminal justice major Autumn White (right) and sophomore journalism major Sherly Nuñez presenting the award.
Stray Kids’ ‘Giant’ comeback
By ALEXANDRA MARTINAKOVA Editor-in-Chief
Is it possible to have songs injected straight into your veins? If so, I volunteer, and Stray Kids’ new Japanese comeback “Giant” will be first on my list.
Japan is the second largest market for K-pop groups, naturally after South Korea, so it makes sense that these artists tend to drop Japanese albums as well.
Released Nov. 13 with 10 tracks, I wouldn’t be surprised if this album somehow made its way into my most listened-to things on Spotify (and yes I know that thing is closed already, it’s called exaggeration).
Granted, not all songs were worth listening to. The Japanese version of “Chk Chk Boom” should’ve stayed in the drafts, we already had two perfect versions in the original and the festival one, no need for this travesty.
The title track “Giant” though, is an explosion of power and noise, which pretty much sums up the entire Stray Kids discography, to be honest. And of course, these eight geniuses (BangChan, Han, Hyujin, Seungmin, Changbin, Felix, Lee Know and I.N.) already had the time to perform it at their “dominATE” world tour with a full choreography and all, which seriously just go watch it. It’s kind of incredible.
And the lyrics “do-re-mi-fa “King Giant”?” I see what you did there Bangchan.
Two of the songs, “NIGHT” and “Falling up” were already previously released on Oct. 6 — in Korean, Japanese and English — as both are used as opening songs to the second season of the anime “Tower of God.”
And to an avid anime fan like me, these songs are pure masterpieces. They
are exactly what an anime opening should be, even though I’m refusing to listen to the English version based on principle. I’m sorry but I will always be a sub over a dub anime watcher, and that goes for the openings as well.
Also the high notes? Listen, I’m as tonedeaf as it gets, but even I can appreciate the vocals from Han here.
My absolute favorite song from this album is, “Christmas Love.” As someone who doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving, (I’m not American put the pitchforks down), I’m already in a very Christmas mood and this song hasn’t left my playlist.
After the viral Bangchan and Seungmin cover of “All I want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey, we, the fans, have been all waiting for this, and dare I say it did not disappoint at all. Rather — and it does pain me to say this — goodbye to “Last Christmas” and the aforementioned Carey song — I have found my new Christmas love song that I will obnoxiously play during the whole year and make everyone around me miserable.
It’s also just a really fun, goofy song to listen to and surprisingly catchy — even to someone like me who doesn’t understand the language — seriously go give it a listen. You won’t regret it.
“WHY?” is such a hilariously timed release in my opinion. A song about them wanting people to leave them alone and that no matter what, they just continue to progress and ignore all the hate? HYBE, you called?
Anyone who knows anything about the K-pop industry knows how much HYBE talks
about Stray Kids, essentially calling them short and bad dancers. Yeah, if this album didn’t come out like two days after that happened, I would’ve called that it was scripted.
“Saiyan” — other than the anime reference — doesn’t stand out that much to me, it’s a lot slower than other songs on the album but there’s something so nice about the music, which made sense when I looked at who produced it (Bangchan and Han).
And would it really be a Stray Kids album if these men didn’t include an absolute heartbreaker?
“愛をくれたのに、なぜ” or “Why did you give me love?” carries so much raw emotion in it, and while yes I did have to google the lyrics, even without knowing what they are singing about you can feel the pain.
That being said “I hate you, but I want to see you / I miss you so much, the scars are still there / You left me behind so quickly” kinda hurt, not gonna lie.
The album has been out for barely a week so there aren’t really any statistics that I can pull out to show you just how good this is. Go give it a listen and make your own opinion.
Stray Kids are just putting out banger after banger this year. Just look at “Come play,” which made it as a title track in the Netflix show “Arcane season 2.”
Stray Kids are simply taking over the world. And I will be back. Because apparently, these men don’t sleep, since their next Korean come-back is already announced for Dec. 13.
Shaboozey brought some ‘Good News’
By RYAN JOHANSON Associate Sports Editor
My favorite genre of music is country, so whenever a new singer puts on their cowboy boots and strums their guitar, I have to peek at their music.
That’s exactly what happened when Shaboozey appeared on my TikTok feed, teasing one of his new songs “Let It Burn.” His ability to combine country with hip-hop feels like a contrast to the slow country music we see in the genre.
After listening to “Let It Burn” I explored his other releases “Vegas” and “Anabelle” and had the same reaction — I was hooked.
I started to follow Shaboozey as his popularity grew. I then stumbled upon his single, “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which was released April 12.
Seven months later it became a top charting single. The song spent 17 nonconsecutive weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, according to NPR, and amassed 910 million listens on Spotify.
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is a country song turned pop and the infectious melody and catchy lyrics bring that thought to the forefront. The lyrics are sure to get stuck in your head like it did to me, while its upbeat tempo and playful tone make it perfect to listen to wherever you are.
The biggest thing that makes this song so catchy is the use of banjo and fiddle alongside Shaboozey's vocals. The song's bridge features only handclaps and vocals, showcasing Shaboozey's raw talent.
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” was the No. 1 song in Shaboozey’s third studio album “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going” which was released on May 31 with 12 songs.
His popularity from “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going” earned him national
recognition. Shaboozey scored six Grammy nominations, including Song of the Year and Best Country Solo Performance for “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” as well as Best New Artist. However, he probably has work cut out for him for Best New Artist with Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan and Benson Boone all being nominated for the award as well.
Following his nominations, Shaboozey dropped a new single “Good News.” And I
felt ecstatic when it landed on my playlist Nov. 15.
“The response to this song the past 12 hours has been unreal! It’s telling how many people feel the weight of today’s problems,” Shaboozey wrote on Instagram. “In a world that feels heavy at times, we all need a little light. This song is my reminder that even in the darkest moments, there’s always hope.”
The first time I heard “Good News,” I
was immediately shown the vulnerability of Shaboozey. One lyric that struck me was "Drown my sorrows, but they learned to swim," which captures the nature of the difficulties we frequently want to avoid.
The song opens with the line, “Man, what a hell of a year it's been” which seems to encapsulate his success in country music this year, but when you continue to listen that theme switches. “Good News” delves into the search for positivity while battling personal issues with alcohol.
The opening verse embodies trying to solve his issues with alcohol. “Head in a bottle, but my heart in a cage / It's gettin' harder to act my age.”
The chorus has Shaboozey looking for some good news that'll lift his spirits, before returning to the first verse confessing he's still leaning on alcohol. “I need some good news / Sittin' here, sippin' on cold truth / Nobody knows what I'm goin' through / Bet the devil wouldn't walk in my shoes.” He stresses how his situation doesn’t even have the devil walking in his shoes and asking for good news to make his life better.
In the second verse, the lyrics deepen the story. Shaboozey reflects on missed opportunities using the line "Love keeps knockin', but I just ain't home / Ain't pickin' no flowers from the seeds that I've sown / It gets darker when you're coverin' them doors / Still lookin' for the right at the end of my wrongs" to express hope for redemption and closure.
"Good News" connects deeply with the struggle to find the light in the dark times. It's his storytelling and imagery that create a powerful anthem for life’s challenges.
If you need something uplifting when you are struggling, look no further than “Good News.”
ILLUSTRATION BY KATERINA PARIZKOVA
‘Remember my roots:’ A walkthrough of Quinnipiac hockey’s goaltender’s helmets
By AMANDA DRONZEK Sports Editor
In the late 1960s, Boston Bruins goaltender Gerry Cheevers was struck in his all-white mask by a puck during practice. When he stepped back onto the ice after going to the locker room, Cheevers’ fiberglass had black stitches painted across it.
He had asked trainer John Forristall to paint his mask in places where he would have been injured if he hadn’t worn one. Why? Cheevers wanted to stand out. He despised how plain his mask was and
FRESHMAN DYLAN SILVERSTEIN
Q: Q: A: A:
Is this your first custom helmet?
I had my last two helmets before this one with the team I played for in (the) SDHL in Sweden.
Can you take me through your helmet design?
I have the Bobcat on the (both) side(s) because I wanted to match my pads, and I have the Bobcat on my pads. And then I had a ‘Q’ on top because I also have that on my pads and locker and gloves. And then I have (the Swedish flag) on the backside together with the team I played for when I was a kid (Falko¨ping Blue Riders). (There’s also) lighting bolts on it and it’s just because (it) matches my pads.
Q: Q: A: A:
wanted to add his own flair, kickstarting a long-standing tradition in college and professional hockey of goalies customizing their helmets.
With technology’s evolution, helmets and their designs grow more intricate every season. Take Quinnipiac’s six
Is this your first custom helmet?
This helmet’s actually a throwback to my first one. Very similar design, navy base. I did the same thing on the chin, wrote my nickname ‘Silvey’ on it. That was my first helmet with the (USNTDP). For the second one (in juniors), I went kind of opposite. I did a white base, just kind of generic (bald) eagle, USA Hockey logo.
Can you take me through your helmet design?
The top we have Bobcat eyes and a bunch of scratch marks. On the sides, just our standard logo. Chin we have my nickname, kind of a dark navy base helmet. Back plate, something I’ve done with all three of my helmets was Darth Vader, pretty big Star Wars fan. Coffee cup, kind of known for being a caffeine addict and it was actually something my strength coach from the national team (who) said I should do on my helmet. And then the last thing I added for the first time on this helmet is actually Naruto, just like a show I liked a lot when I was younger.
What’s your favorite part of the helmet?
goaltenders among men’s and women’s hockey. Give their helmets a closer eye and you can learn a thing or two about the player behind the cage.
designs
Q: A:
Are there any other inspirations to your design?
I mean, pretty much just going based off my first helmet. I basically just sent photos of that helmet to our painter and said, ‘Kind of make it look like this,’ since I really like that helmet and I really let him do what he wanted with it.
I really like the Bobcat eyes. I think they came out super well. Whenever I see overhead shots of me playing in games I think they look sick. Q: A: Q: A:
Q: A: Are there any other inspirations to your design?
I have a No. 29 on it that is a symbol for my old teammates. We played together (the) last two years, and we got so close and still have contact.
Q: A:
What’s your favorite part of the helmet?
My brother’s birth year because we are so close, and I admire him. So I wanted to have him with me on the helmet. Q: A:
Q:
Q: A:
What is the design process like?
I did some drafts on it and then sent a picture of it and then they tried to do it as best as they painted on. I submitted (it in) May (and it was here) in September.
A: Is this your first custom helmet?
Q: A:
What is the design process like?
We ended up going a very different direction and basically had a white base helmet, scratches on the chin and just pretty much the only thing we kept from the original design was the logos inside. It was a few weeks going back and forth, him sending me mockups, until we kind of sat on something I liked.
I think my first one ever was in the Slovakian national team two years ago. Then I had one in (USHL) Fargo (Force). I had one last year for my first year at Quinnipiac. And this is my fourth. Can you take me through your helmet design?
(On the chin) it’s No. 33 which I changed from last year. Last year I had No. 35, I always had No. 33 so I changed it back. On my left side, the (Arnold Bernard) Library just to show the school. On top, I have the (Quinnipiac) logo which I like. On my right side (university seal). I would say the most important part for me is the back so that’s the date of birth of my parents, the cross because I’m Christian and just (Slovak) flag to remember where I’m from.
What’s your favorite part of the helmet?
I think overall, the helmet. It’s a really nice design. I think the guy who painted it did a really good job on it. I think that’s my favorite one I’ve ever had.
Q: A:
Are there any other inspirations to your design?
The design is from Linus Ullmark who played for the Boston Bruins. I think he had kind of the same one like three seasons ago. It’s also simple which I like a lot, nothing crazy on it.
Q: A:
What is the design process like?
I looked (at) Instagram and I just chose my favorite one. And then I kind of sent the painter what I want on every side and on top and in the back. I have some friends who actually (drew) on paper what they want and then they send (it) but I’m not that guy.
Helmet
by Doug Wager
Photoillustrations by Tripp Menhall
JUNIOR TATUM BLACKER
Q:
Is this your first custom helmet?
These are my sixth and seventh. I had another Quinnipiac one from my first two years, but it’s at home. It was blue on the top, blue on the bottom and the sides were white and it just had basic Bobcat logos on it. I’m from Los Angeles and I’m a big Lakers fan and Kobe Bryant (was) one of my favorite athletes. And that was the second helmet I’d got since Kobe passed away, so I had a cool mural of Kobe on the back of my helmet shooting a fade away jump shot.
Can you take me through your helmet design?
So the idea of it is the Bobcat goes from the top all the way down to the bottom. So it’s like eating the cage in the middle, it’s like an open mouth with the teeth (down) here, the teeth (up) here and the eyes. If you’re in a resting position where you’re kind of down, this part looks really cool.
(The back) we ran into some timing issues. What I wanted to do was a map. So instead of this, it was gonna be a big map of the U.S., and it was gonna have the logo of all the teams I’ve played for before I came here. Instead of the Bobcat in Connecticut, it was gonna be the national championship trophy. Because we ran out of time, I didn’t really know (the trophy) was going to be this big. When I first saw it, I was like, ‘I don’t know if I want the whole focal point to be the national championship trophy, but it’s still cool.’ And then I kept the ‘BELIEVE’ for Michael Torello (former impact player who passed).
Q: Q: A: A:
Q: A:
Is this your first custom helmet?
For Christmas my freshman year of high school, I asked for a customized helmet for my youth team. We were the Chicago Young Americans. So I had the Captain America shield, a bald eagle and a U.S. flag. It was kind of just like red, white and blue, and stars and the skyline.
Can you take me through your helmet design?
Quinnipiac, (left side) because I go to Quinnipiac. And then I’ve got the Bobcat (right side) and then I’ve got a nice plaid shield of my (number) on it (front). And then the back is the Chicago skyline because I’m from Chicago, well, the suburbs of Chicago, but I like to say Chicago. Keep it simple.
What’s your favorite part of the helmet?
Probably the shield with my number on it. I like the shield. That’s my favorite logo of ours.
I was thinking about doing a different colored cage, it was gonna fade so the outsides where it’s mostly yellow, was gonna fade yellow then into navy over the middle. But I was worried because when they powder coat it they do both sides, so I didn’t know what it would look like to look through.
Are there any other inspirations to your design?
Tuukka Rask for the Bruins had one that was similar. And then Michael Garteig — he was the goalie when we went to the national championship game in 2016 — he had a similar one where he had the open mouth. And I think Ullmark for the Bruins had one too.
What is the design process like?
If there’s an NHL goalie or college goalie that you saw (and) you really like their design, you can send it to him and be like, ‘OK, I really like this but there’s this green and black. How are we going to translate this into white gold and navy?’
GRADUATE STUDENT KALEY DOYLE
Q: A: Are there any other inspirations to your design?
I got some ideas from the previous goalies before I came here. I checked out Instagram and copied them, honestly. Probably Catie Boudiette, Logan Angers ‘24 and Corinne Schroeder ‘22.
Q: A:
What is the design process like?
I was told that the front is Quinnipiac and the back you can make personal. So that’s kind of what I did, just Quinnipiac in the front, and then my hometown in the back to remember my roots, where I came from.
Q: A: Is this your first custom helmet?
I’ve had four different painters. I had two different ones at Brown, I had one before in youth hockey and then obviously, a new one here. I would say the ideas are the same. I try to keep my helmets very simple and I try to stick to them. But I like to incorporate new things if I can make it more memorable.
Can you take me through your helmet design?
I’m always big (into a) university seal, so that’s something I put on my previous helmet at (Brown). The Bobcat on (the left) side, just to kind of have a mix of both down the middle of the stripe. I had the idea of putting puzzle pieces (on top) for my cousin who has autism, so kind of a way to incorporate him. And then I’m always big on little low-key details. So if you see there are little ‘Qs’ (faded on top).
The Michigan license plate (on back), (I’m) from Michigan. This was a new license plate they just made and this is actually the colors of the license plate. So I just used my name (on plate), lightning bolts are something I put on my stick.
(Then there’s) ‘PROVE PEOPLE WRONG.’ It’s something I always put on my helmet, so I thought it looked cool to add it to the license plate. Got an angel wing over here. My grandma, my mom and her sisters wear an angel wing on a necklace that my grandma’s brother gave them and he passed away.
The two hearts are for two girls that I played against growing up in youth, passed away
(Above license plate) ‘YOU MATTER.’ That’s mental health awareness, kind of in memory of my aunt who passed away. Her big thing was red lipstick so I had it written in red lipstick, then lastly just (a) tow truck. My grandparents owned a tow company growing up, and that’s kind of where I was raised. I didn’t really go to daycare. It was a family business.
Q:
A:
What’s your favorite part of the helmet?
I would say my favorite part is ‘YOU MATTER.’ I think these days mental health is so important and just raising awareness for it as a student athlete, like being able to have that on the back of my helmet and knowing so many people see it, I think it’s just so important.
Q: A: Are there any other inspirations to your design?
Pretty much everything came from my mind. I’m into drawing, I can decently draw and I can also do Photoshop. Designing my helmet is actually one of my favorite things.
SENIOR NOAH ALTMAN
in a car accident.
‘An elite competitor’
Matt Balanc settling in to pro basketball in Denmark Sports
By RYAN JOHANSON Associate Sports Editor
As the buzzer sounded in the opening round of the College Basketball Invitational on March 24, Matt Balanc ‘24 walked off the court for the final time as a Bobcat after a 64-63 loss to Evansville.
It wasn’t the ideal ending for the Silver Spring, Maryland native’s illustrious career. Balanc shot 25% from the field and only scored seven points, finishing his career in Hamden with 1,721 points — eight points shy of Quinnipiac’s Division I alltime scoring record.
“The special thing about him was he was just such an elite competitor,” assistant head coach Jeff Robinson said. “That’s the biggest thing, that he was skilled, and he got better as he went. He was great shooter, but he was a competitor, and that’s what drove him every day to get better and make the team better.”
Though he fell short of the record, Balanc finished his Bobcat career with accolades such as being named 2023-24 MAAC Player of the Year after being the No. 2 scorer in the conference (17.9 PPG).
When he finally hung up his jersey after five seasons, Balanc was faced with a decision as to what to do with his basketball career.
“I took an extra year of college just to prepare myself more for professional basketball,” Balanc said. “When I was there, (head coach Tom Pecora and associate head coach Shaun Morris) helped me develop a little bit better as a player. I told them, ‘I want to do certain things a little bit better on the court.’ My jump last year that I took, really helped me prepare for this.”
On July 30th, 128 days later, Balanc signed with Horsens IC in Denmark, becoming the second Bobcat in the Denmark Basketligaen league with Kevin Marfo ‘22 — who recently retired from basketball on Oct. 13. But before donning Horsens’ yellow and red, Balanc received interest from several teams.
“A couple of teams (reached out) in this league that I’m in now,” Balanc said. “I heard from a team in Finland and the Netherlands. But, I mean, a lot of the interest came from the Danish league that I’m in now. There was just something about (Horsens IC) that was the right pick.”
What drew Balanc to Horsens was its
winning culture.
“(Horsens) had their coach who won Coach of the Year (2023-24),” Balanc said. “They were second in the league. They should have, from what I remember watching and from what they told me, they should have won their championship.”
With all the success at Quinnipiac, Balanc’s ability to score on all three levels makes him a target of opposing defenses. This was present when Balanc had his “welcome-to-pro-sports” moment.
“I went one for eight from the three,” Balanc said. “The first game I played, (Bakken, the previous Basketligaen champion) was face-guarding me. They were making sure my threes weren’t getting off.
Balanc only amounted 12 points in his first contest — his lowest of the season so far— but after that, the old Balanc kicked into gear and made himself an offensive weapon. He is averaging 19.2 PPG in the short season, slotting him as the No. 7 highest scorer in the league.
“(Balanc) is a good vocal leader which is very rare when players come overseas straight out of college,” teammate Liam Churchill Sorenson wrote. “It usually takes them a little bit to adjust but Matt was talking on and off the court from day one.”
Balanc has been a plus for Horsens, who
finished 25-7 in the Basketligaen last season, putting itself at No. 2 during the regular season. Balanc quickly found his role in the lineup — starting all nine games as of publication — and has made an impact right away.
“I’ve seen a lot of the city of Horsens,” Balanc said, “We’ve been out to eat, we’ve been to a bowling alley. But, I mean, a lot of the time I relax and rest my legs. I play a lot of video games out here (his favorite being Fortnite). When my teammates do stuff, and I’m up for it, I’m down to go but most of the time, I’m relaxed.”
There was something new for Balanc turning pro it was moving across the Atlantic Ocean for the first time. Nearly 4,000 miles away from home, Balanc now has adjusted to a new way of life.
“I have friends on the team that have Danish upbringings, and it’s just a lot different from what I went through,” Balanc said. “And it’s just based on what the country is and it’s really nice out here. You know, I enjoy myself, I’m comfortable, and it’s a peaceful area.”
His professional career may have started the same way as his college career ended, but he hasn’t stopped being the same player that left the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida in defeat.
‘Workhorse’ Gal Raviv continues hot streak
By MICHAEL PETITTO Staff Writer
Last season for Quinnipiac women’s basketball could be described as underwhelming at best. Most of that disappointment can be attributed to elements out of the team’s control, such as injuries.
It was clear Quinnipiac needed to regroup and recruit — and recruit it did.
The Bobcats landed the services of freshman point guard Gal Raviv, who spent the summer representing her home country of Israel in Fiba’s U18 Tournament. During the tournament, Raviv averaged 17.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game, guiding Israel to a fourth-place finish.
It was always going to be an adjustment going from playing professional basketball in another country to competing at the collegiate level under the bright lights of the U.S. But Raviv seems to have acclimated just fine.
“There’s a lot of differences,” Raviv said. “In the beginning it was a little hard to adjust, but once I adjusted it got easier.”
The opportunity to compete in America has been second to none for the Kadima, Israel native, as she’s already carved out a vital role on a team with big aspirations.
“It’s amazing,” Raviv said. “It’s a great opportunity for me, I came here to get better and I came to an amazing team.”
While the season is young, Raviv and the Bobcats have impressed through the first couple of games. Quinnipiac is currently 3-0 and Raviv is averaging 34.6 minutes per game with 17.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists — not to mention the attributes that aren’t shown on the stat sheet such as defensive versatility.
Raviv credits the trust she’s built over the offseason to how well the first few games have played out.
“Having the trust from the coaches is amazing and I’m doing what the team needs me to do and I’ll keep doing it.” Raviv said.
The MAAC Rookie of the Week has played 104 of a possible 120 minutes of game time in the first three matchups, making it clear that she can lead the team on the court. The point guard has quickly become an integral part of the Bobcats game plan on both sides of the floor despite being a freshman.
Head coach Tricia Fabbri hasn’t had much to complain about since Raviv’s start to the season either.
“She’s an unbelievably skilled player,” Fabbri said. “She has such a drive and a desire to become so great. Her skillset, acumen with the ball, IQ, toughness and running the team, she’s really the total package.”
So how did Quinnipiac land a total package? According to Fabbri, it was by chance.
“It’s great recruiting, a lot of these times you find someone when you’re out looking for someone else and that was the case with Gal,” Fabbri said. “She’s really a talent and we’re lucky to have her.”
The bar is set high, but it seems Raviv is up for the task. She’s a “workhorse” on and off the court, according to Fabbri, who has integrated Raviv into a three-guard rotation.
“With Gal, (graduate student guard) Jackie (Grisdale) and (sophomore guard) Karson (Martin), I think we could have those three be the best guards to play here in a rotation and that’s really saying something considering who we have,” Fabbri said.
For a team vying for a MAAC championship and a spot in the NCAA tournament, adding a high-caliber player like Raviv not only increases the odds, but expectations as well.
