The Weekly Ringer

“Let him cook!”: Investigation reveals new Top of the CRUC chef is an impasta

JOSEPHINE JOHNSON Associate Editor

This year, students have noticed great improvements in the Top of the Cedric Rucker University Center’s quality of food.

“I recently got food that was fully seasoned from the Top of the CRUC,” said senior sociology and communication and digital studies double major Jess Kirby. “This has never happened to me in my four years here.”

While many have said they are grateful, several students have become suspicious of the dining hall’s sudden improvement. After hearing so many comments from the UMW community, students in JOUR 300: Investigative Journalism began investigating the CRUC as part of their semester-long article. Sure enough, they spotted what appears to be a large rat hiding under the hat of UMW’s new Executive Chef, David Roeder.

“We knew there was more going on than just a new chef,” said Investigative Journalism student Charlie Li, a junior

CHATGPT

AI Writer

communication and digital studies major. “No man is that powerful. But a rat in a hat? Maybe.”

Roeder began work in the fall semester of 2022. Since then, students have consistently noted the dining hall’s improvement, and more students have even been eating at the dining hall this semester, according to UMW Dining Marketing Manager Rose Benedict. This drastic change stunned students, but the rat theory offers a rational solution.

“A rat that can cook is the only logical answer,” said Kirby. “I’m starting to think that CRUC actually stands for Can Rats Understand Cooking.”

A theory has spread across campus that the rat, often sighted perched on Roeder’s head under his hat, is the true chef behind the improvements in student dining options.

“I have literally never seen the chef without that hat on,” said Kirby. “I swear that when you catch him in the sunlight, you can see the rat’s outline. Even weirder—in the right light I could swear

that the rat is wearing its own tiny chef hat.”

It is a little known fact that the film “Ratatouille” is based on a real phenomenon of rats attaching themselves to human chefs and using these human vessels to cook. This phenomenon seems to have taken hold at our very own university.

“I can in fact say with confidence that the rat is real and it has been the true chef all along,” said Emma Bower, a senior English and studio art double major who considers the rat a close friend.

UMW Dining declined to comment on the rat appearance. However, an anonymous source that works closely with Roeder in the dining hall made a plea to readers.

“If you see him, don’t say anything,” the source said. “That rat is an artist. Let him cook!”

This story is a part of our April Fool’s edition and is intended to be satirical in nature. All information or quotations are made up and not to be taken seriously.

ChatGPT makes editorial debut in journalism

Artificial intelligence has taken another leap forward with the rise of ChatGPT, a language model developed by OpenAI that has quickly gained popularity. Since its launch, ChatGPT has become increasingly popular and is being used by people around the world for a variety of purposes.

According to OpenAI, ChatGPT is a powerful tool that can answer questions, provide recommendations and engage in natural language conversations. The technology has quickly gained traction, with many people turning to ChatGPT for help with tasks such as writing essays, creating marketing content and even planning their dayto-day schedules.

One of the most significant advantages of ChatGPT is its ability to learn from its interactions with users, making

it increasingly sophisticated over time. This has led to the development of new and innovative applications, such as chatbots that can engage with customers and provide personalized support.

In a statement to the press, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said, “We are thrilled to see the rapid adoption of ChatGPT by people around the world. This technology represents a significant step forward in the development of AI, and we are excited to see the ways in which it will continue to evolve and improve.”

Others in the tech industry have also expressed their enthusiasm for ChatGPT’s potential. Jack Dorsey, the CEO of Twitter, said, “ChatGPT is an impressive demonstration of what AI can do. It has the potential to transform the way we communicate and interact with each other.”

Similarly, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, said, “ChatGPT is a powerful tool that has the potential to

revolutionize the way we approach problem-solving. It is exciting to see the progress that has been made in AI, and we look forward to seeing how ChatGPT will continue to develop and evolve.”

As the use of ChatGPT continues to grow, it is clear that this technology has the potential to transform the way we approach communication and problem-solving. With the support of some of the biggest names in tech, it is likely that ChatGPT will continue to grow in popularity and sophistication in the years to come.

Editor’s note: This article was entirely written by ChatGPT with necessary AP style edits by our editors. The prompt was, “Please write a news article in Associated Press style, with three quotes from three sources, about the rise of ChatGPT.”

This story is a part of our April Fool’s edition and is intended to be satirical in nature. All information or quotations are made up and not to be taken seriously.

Executive Chef, David Roeder, poses with a rat in his hat.

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Editor-in-Chief Jess Kirby

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NAACP speaks to UFC to advocate for increased diversity amongst faculty

KY HUYNH Staff Writer

On Wednesday, March 22, members of UMW’s chapter of the NAACP advocated for more Black professors at the University Faculty Council meeting. The presentation follows a 2020 report conducted by the UMW NAACP examining the community’s feelings on various topics relating to diversity.

“In 2020 we launched a report about policing on campus, specifically after the policing violence that happened across the country, but specifically in Fredericksburg,” said Maya Jenkins, a senior political science major and president of the UMW chapter of the NAACP. “Along with that, we had a survey that helped to survey not just students but our community members, about how they felt about the police and certain things about the faculty.”

Results of the survey concluded that students felt UMW needed more Black professors on campus.

“We understand the University Faculty Council cannot singlehandedly increase the amount of Black professors on campus,” Jenkins said. “We understand that that’s not what

the governing body’s position is, but we did want to explain some of our concerns when it

comes to being Black students in the classroom and what we do gain from having Black professors.”

Owen Chong, a junior computer science major, and Kaylah Lightfoot, a sophomore political science major, were the two main speakers representing the NAACP.

“Black professors in the past have made me feel more welcomed and motivated in the classroom,” said Chong. He

looked like them. “In general, Black professors diversified our education, brought new topics to the table and challenged current perceptions about race and STEM,” he said.

In his time at UMW, Chong has nearly completed all requirements for the computer science major, but he has never had a computer science class taught by a Black professor.

Bringing in more professors of color, he said, “will offer new perspectives and integrate content about bias and equality.”

Through lived experiences, Lightfoot said, Black professors bring more than just a curriculum into the classroom.

“They’re using the facts that all Black people typically go through when it comes to teaching on certain concepts,” she said.

Lightfoot spoke about feeling disconnected from white professors.

“As a Black student, it was harder for me to connect to other white professors when I got here because it was a lack of understanding and a lack of blending with one another,” she said.

Shavonne Shorter, chief diversity officer, praised the efforts made by the UMW NAACP.

“To be honest, UFC are meetings I don’t typically attend, but I was so proud of

NAACP and their presentation,” she said. UMW NAACP has previously consulted with Shorter on various issues. “I’m grateful they consulted my opinions in the past about all of this, and I just want to continue supporting the things they’re doing,” she said.

Chong expressed the importance of fighting systemic racism, specifically in STEM.

“We ask that UMW equip us with the tools that we desperately need to combat systemic racism in STEM fields by either naturally bringing in more Black professors or other professors of color to offer new perspectives and courses or by integrating content about bias and inequities in STEM into current classes,” he said.

“If we are equipped with this knowledge, we will have a better and longer impact in our communities, especially in the world of STEM. We will be the educated students of today, the educated leaders of tomorrow and the educated mentors for the next generation.”

Lightfoot believes that by diversifying academics on campus, UMW can better adhere to its ASPIRE values.

“Black professors are the pivotal thing that make UMW, UMW,” she said.

Bell tower logo designed by Bernadette D’Auria ‘22

Members of the UMW chapter of the NAACP spoke in front of the University Faculty Council Wednesday to advocate for more Black professors. Ky Huynh / The Weekly Ringer

The cover of UMW NAACP’s 2020 police report. UMW NAACP

dad material”: Pedro

EMMA BRENNAN

Actor Pedro Pascal, of “The Mandalorian” and “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” fame, injured his back on Wednesday evening. The injury undoubtedly results from him carrying the entire acting industry on his sexy, talented, broad shoulders.

Pascal’s recent hits in 2023 which include “The Last of Us” and season three of “The Mandalorian,” has led to many interviews over the past three months. His interviews, work ethic from being overly talented and dangerously sharp jaw likely led to this injury. News outlets also reported additional underlying injuries likely due to him being an overachiever in the acting business.

Many people have shown support for his acting chops, charming personality and charisma, and his talent is abundantly recognized throughout the world.

“Tom Holland is absolute dog water compared to our lord and savior Daddy Pascal,” said sophomore historic preservation major Adam Shinberg. “His role as Joel in ‘The Last of Us’ was magnificent because his aesthetic and the way he portrayed Joel was spot-on from the original video game. He’s also hot as hell.”

Junior political science and philosophy: pre-law double major Corbin Poyer also showed support of Pascal’s role as Joel Miller in HBO’s “The Last of Us” series. “He’s a really talented method actor,” she said. “I anxiously await seeing more of Pedro’s acting chops alongside Bella Ramsey throughout the entirety of ‘The Last of Us’ season two.

Obviously, people have strong opinions about Pascal. His fans feel zealously about him as a person and as a character in their favorite shows, with many seeing him as the father figure he so often portrays, even though the actor has no lineage of his own.

“He’s such hot dad material,” said senior Spanish major Diana Olguin. “And he’s collecting kids like Pokémon.”

Olguin also noted his stellar personality, which is something we all look for in a father figure.

“He’s so easy to like because he matches the energy of whoever he’s talking to,” she said. “Co-workers sing his praises, he’s so agreeable. This is why kids like him! They keep casting him as a capable, loveable dad because he already is.”

skull crushed by HJ Björnsson, who plays The Mountain. Somehow, Pedro simply regenerated his head and put all of his brains back in, got a sandwich from craft services and waved goodbye to everyone. It took us all a bit off guard, but it was an amazing sight.”

Coincidentally, around three years after Pascal starred in “Game of Thrones,” he was subjected to yet another gruesome demise when starring in “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.” An interview by Pedro Pascal Daily that featured Taron Egerton and Pascal himself revealed more about his method acting.

In an interview by Pascal’s Pals, a news outlet entirely run by his fandom, Pascal’s co-star Lena Headey spoke on his commitment to acting and his ability to recover from serious injuries.

“Pedro, while playing Oberyn Martell, really gave it his all,” she said. “He was willing to, and did, have his

“This dude was the best actor I’ve ever worked with,” Egerton said. “This is a spoiler, but when his character, Agent Whiskey, got thrown into the meat grinder towards the end of the movie, Pedro actually threw himself into the meat grinder. We were all a bit shocked, but he’s so method that we got used to the ways he connected to his character. He didn’t even need a medic, he just put himself back together.”

This story is a part of our April Fool’s edition and is intended to be satirical in nature. All information and actor quotations are made up and not to be taken seriously.

Staff Editorial: The Weekly Ringer becomes The Weekly Wronger

Happy almost April Fool’s Day, Eagles! As it has been a time-honored tradition of the UMW campus newspaper, we hope you enjoy our April Fool’s edition this year. Under a temporary name, The Weekly Wronger, our editorial staff has written silly, satirical articles, drawn from our shared experiences at the U of MW— that “of” was too expensive for us not to mention it—and beyond.

This year, we bring you articles on the infamous ChatGPT, written by none other than ChatGPT itself; our love for Pedro Pascal; the secret, scary wonders of our editing space, the mansion; and the Top of the CRUC’s delicious meals, crafted by new Executive Chef David Roeder—or possibly a tiny chef in his hat. And some good news for all the writers out there: ChatGPT hasn’t quite mastered AP style—it loves the Oxford comma. While we still have real articles for you this week, the April Fool’s edition allows

us to break from the serious, heavy news we often cover in The Weekly Ringer, and we look forward to the reprieve that writing satire offers each year. As we poke fun at the silly, frustrating and challenging aspects of our lives, we hope you take this opportunity to laugh with us, as well as with the people reading next to you at this lovely liberal arts college. Happy April Fool’s!

This staff editorial was led by Jess Kirby.

“Hot

Pascal carries the acting industry, suffers severe spinal injury on the job

THE WEEKLY RINGER EDITORIAL BOARD

Online Editor

“He’s so easy to like because he matches the energy of whoever he’s talking to. Co-workers sing his praises, he’s so agreeable.”

-Diana Olguin

“His role as Joel in ‘The Last of Us’ was magnificent because his aesthetic and the way he portrayed Joel was spot-on from the original video game.”

-Adam Shinberg

Pedro Pascal injured his back as a result of his dedication to acting.

@bellaramsey / Instagram

Photo essay: Wednesday nights with The Weekly Wronger

JOSEPHINE GOOD Life Editor

“We’re The Weekly Ringer and we’re trying our best” is the newspaper’s lesserknown, unofficial motto. With a staff of 11 editors, more than 30 writers and photographers and eight pages to fill each week, we often find ourselves questioning our sanity during Wednesday night layout sessions.

Lovingly known as “the mansion,” the building on the corner of William Street and College Avenue is the home of the communication and digital studies department and, more recently, The Weekly Ringer. Each Wednesday night, this is where the fun— or agony, depending on the week—happens. Editors spend anywhere from four to 14 hours editing articles, fighting with InDesign to format them in the print edition and occasionally wishing for death.

From the jacuzzi tub to the Wall of Wonders, the mansion’s many quirks give us editors the pizzazz we need to keep going.

This story is a part of our April Fool’s edition and is intended to be satirical in nature. All information or quotations are made up and not to be taken seriously.

up to reveal an incredible bathroom with a massive, fancy tub and shower. Let this serve as an homage to Editor-in-Chief Jess Kirby (center, in bathtub) as she graduates at the end of the semester. Eli Keith / The Weekly

The “Is This Fugly?” plate, carefully curated by Copy Editor Grace Schumacher, hangs proudly over the clock in the editing room. A classy touch to the mansion, the “Is This Fugly?” plate gives a little bit of spice to our editing process. The phrase was coined by News Editor Callie Harkins, who always asks other editors, “Is this fugly?” about her layout pages. Bring your own watch to layout, though, because the time is always fugly in the mansion.

Inside the bathroom is a separate room for the toilet and bidet. Take extra time to notice that there is duct tape carefully placed over the drains on the bidet, and the toilet paper is nicely folded over just as you would find in a hotel bathroom.

This photo of Renesmee from “Twilight” was Life Editor Jo Good’s Halloween costume a year and a half ago. With this photo taped to her face, Editor-in-Chief Jess Kirby was her mother, Bella, and former Associate Editor Bernadette D’Auria was her father, Edward. Josephine Good / The Weekly Ringer

A comic drawn by Sports Editor Emily Hemphill, demonstrating a soccer game at Campus Rec’s Sportchella event. Josephine Good / The Weekly Ringer

The infamous “Jess Wall” is a collection of drawings from a group bonding night. The editors sat around the table at the Clubhouse, the former editing space, and drew pictures of Jess in crayon, which were then ranked Abby-Lee-Miller style.

Josephine Good / The Weekly Ringer

In the editing room, there is a set of French doors that open

Ringer

Josephine Good / The Weekly Ringer

Josephine Good / The Weekly Ringer

Book review: “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia MorenoGarcia expands traditional gothic themes

BERNADETTE D’AURIA Staff Writer

“He is trying to poison me. This house is sick with rot, stinks of decay, brims with every single evil and cruel sentiment.” These are the words that Noemí Taboado receives in a letter from her newlywed cousin, Catalina Doyle.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s “Mexican Gothic” was described as “a thoroughly enjoyable, thought-provoking novel” in a review by NPR, and I cannot find any room to disagree with this sentiment. Taking place in an isolated mansion in 1950s Mexico, Moreno-Garcia’s 2020 novel tells the story of Noemí’s quest to find out the meaning behind her cousin’s frantic letter and rescue her from High Place, the isolated countryside house that threatens to consume them both.

There are many things that this novel does well. The aspect that stands out most to me is the reimagining of the gothic novel and Moreno-Garcia’s ambitious—and successful—attempt to comment on the role of women within both the genre and the time period in which the novel takes place.

Anne Williams, author of “Art of Darkness: A Poetics of Gothics,” characterizes gothic plots as domestic, as they center around dangers that befall the home. Therefore, the setting usually involves a family home of sorts and a default focus on the woman—or women—at the center of the home. This phenomenon can be observed in novels

like “Jane Eyre,” “The Mysteries of Udolpho” and “Rebecca,” which have all been cited as inspirations for “Mexican Gothic.” By centering the plot at High Place, Moreno-Garcia is playing into the gothic plot that Williams outlines, as High Place is the center of domesticity for the Doyle family. The house is the location of their legacy and, with the arrival of Noemí, it has the potential to be the location of their downfall.

Other common tropes of the genre outside of the gothic location include but are not limited to isolation, madness, disease, superstition, dreams and nightmares, frame narratives and darkness. When applied shallowly, these tropes can come across as superficial and lacking substance. However, due to Moreno-Garcia’s background in eugenics history and knowledge of the historical landscape of Real del Monte, the town that served as an inspiration for “Mexican Gothic,” the novel’s approach to these tropes is grounded and lacking superficiality.

Certain updates to the gothic genre make “Mexican Gothic” such a compelling novel. Typically, the heroines of the gothic novel are virtuous, innocent and overall vanilla in their characterization. This does not mean that this type of heroine cannot be compelling to read about, as with Jane Eyre, or that these characters cannot be without their faults, like Catherine Linton of “Wuthering Heights.” But after a while, these heroines can come across as formulaic or even frustrating to read for even those familiar with and a fan of the genre. Noemí Taboado is anything but innocent and virtuous. The novel opens up with her on a casual date with a man she “does not intend to marry” who she asks for a cigarette. All of this clues readers into the type of person Noemí is: direct, free with her sexuality and not afraid to talk back to the men around her, i.e. her beau and father. A female protagonist like this deviates from the traditional gothic heroine, which makes for a much more charismatic and exciting third-person narrator. It also allows readers to see how interactions with the much more traditional Doyle family will eventually lead to conflict within the narrative.

Noemí also has goals outside of the narrative’s main plot. Her initial motivation to go to High Place is not just because her cousin asked, but because her father promises that she will be able to attend university if she does. Rather than strive for marriage, Noemí is actively fighting against the societal expectation that she needs to get married in order to be successful. Her path to that success, while being held in the hands of her father, is a quest to help

out another woman in her life. I do not view this as coincidence, as there are many instances throughout the novel in which Noemí must rely on women and other victims of the patriarchy in order to succeed in gaining her freedom.

A female protagonist like this deviates from the traditional gothic heroine, which makes for a much more charismatic and exciting third-person narrator.

Another—albeit obvious—deviation from the traditional gothic novel is the setting. No, I am not talking about the big, spooky house. Instead, I am referring to the fact that Moreno-Garcia sets her novel in the Mexican countryside, which is a new take on the traditional location of the gothic novel. This setting allows for a more direct commentary regarding the impacts of colonialism, as the Doyle family members are white Brits who have made their success by exhausting the resources that surround their property. As Moreno-Garcia herself said in an interview with Code Switch, “I just thought it was an interesting bit of the colonial legacy, to look at the British legacy, and to set it in Mexico to examine some of those forces colliding.”

There are plenty of other points that Moreno-Garcia hits on in her novel, and I could talk all day about them. However, I think that the best thing you could do in order to understand the grotesque beauty of “Mexican Gothic” is to pick up a copy to read yourself. It is truly a thrilling adventure for anyone who enjoys narratives revolving around atmospheric settings, headstrong heroines and horror that weaves the natural and supernatural together.

“Mexican Gothic” combines gothic themes with the time period in which the novel takes place.

Ioann-Mark Kuznietsov / Unsplash

Silvia Moreno-Garcia has written many novels that follow a similar theme to “Mexican Gothic.” @silviamg.author / Instagram

Crime Time Time for Crime

CALLIE HARKINS News Editor

Women in STEM panel talks discrimination, representation in field

JULIA MROTEK Staff Writer

Larceny

On March 29 at 11:23 p.m., there was an incident of larceny at the communication and digital studies mansion. The Weekly Ringer editorial staff was robbed of sleep.

Identity Fraud

On March 25 at 4:20 p.m., there was an incident of identity fraud involving the Sammy D. Eagle mascot suit at Vocelli’s Pizza. This case is pending.

On Friday, March 24, in light of Women’s History Month, the Optical Society and James Farmer Multicultural Center hosted a panel to discuss gender issues within STEM fields. The panel was entirely made up of female professors who spoke about the lack of female representation, overcoming imposter syndrome and experiencing discrimination in male-dominated fields.

While earning her graduate degree, Geography Department Chair Jacqueline Gallagher did not have any female advisors or mentors, which negatively impacted her time in school.

“I could not remember having a female professor during her time in my science or geography classes,” she said. “My graduate advisors were men. I do not feel that this allowed me to be mentored well.”

Associate Professor of Computer Science Jessica Zeitz recalled being one of the only women in her science classes during her time as a UMW student.

“As someone who was a student here, it was very challenging,” she said. “A picture resurfaced recently from my senior year. I look back and I do not think I paid too much attention back then but I was the only girl in that picture.”

Unlawful Possession

On March 29 at 6:09 p.m., there was an incident of unlawful possession of the news section of The Weekly Wronger. ChatGPT has taken control. Help.

For many of the panelists, it was hard to recognize incidents of sexism or misogyny while they were happening.

“Similarly to Sarah [Morealli], I do not have any radar for discrimination,” said Assistant Professor of Biology Josephine Antwi. “I do not know why I have always been like that. If I am discriminated against for any reason, sometimes someone will have to reiterate what the person said or did.”

Despite earning achievements within their fields, many panelists said, they still sometimes feel they do not deserve the roles they serve in.

“Imposter syndrome, no matter how much education or experience you have, it still hits you,” Gallagher said. “I overcome it by powering through.”

Seitz also touched on experiencing imposter syndrome.

“With imposter syndrome, it makes you question if you deserve to be there,” she said. “You do not feel like you fit in. It is very easy to have that feeling when there is no one around you that is similar to you.”

Sarah Morealli, a senior lecturer in the geology department, self-doubt has been a struggle as well.

“For me, my biggest hurdle is myself,” she said.

The lack of female representation throughout Gallagher’s time in school moti-

vated her to create a better environment for her own students.

“I try very hard to find my students opportunities,” she said. “It’s enormously important but I feel like I succeeded because I was determined to succeed.”

Female STEM students at UMW noted feeling this effort.

“As a woman in science, I feel so supported by the faculty at UMW,” said senior biology major Tori Ashton. “The school hosting events like this reinforces that support. Hosting events like the women

STEM panel gives the stage to people who haven’t always been able to have it.”

Ashton spoke on the importance of acknowledging how far women in STEM have come while also recognizing that there is still room for improvement.

“Just because women in STEM have come so far doesn’t mean there isn’t still work to be done. It is important to listen and support the community as we move forward,” she said. “It is important for people to attend events like the women in STEM panel because there hasn’t always been a place for women in STEM. Events like these help us acknowledge how far women have come in making this space and how much further there is to go.”

Despite the challenges that come alongside being a woman in a male-dominated field, Zeitz is grateful for the opportunities she has had at UMW.

“I have been lucky that I have placed myself in situations where I have a support system and I have colleagues that do respect me and do want to know what I have to offer,” she said.

Panelists discussed navigating imposter syndrome, discrimination and low representation as women in STEM. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

Female STEM professors at UMW reflect on building their careers and working to create a more inclusive environment in their departments. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

This segment is a part of our April Fool’s edition and is intended to be satirical in nature. All information is made up and not to be taken seriously.

Athlete profile: Amanda Sheward swims for Citi Para Swimming World Series 2023

People told her she would never be able to walk or talk. That she would never be able to attend college or swim competitively. But after her first experience at the Bill Keating Jr. Memorial Cincinnati Para Swimming open meet at age 9, Amanda Sheward, diagnosed with left hemiplegia since birth, realized she could prove them all wrong.

At this meet, she met her idol and future mentor, Cortney Jordan, a swimmer with the same disability who has won 12 medals at the Paralympic Games since 2008. Jordan helped Sheward calm her nerves for her first event, the 50 meter freestyle race, and was waiting to cheer her on at the end of the lane. From their first encounter, Jordan has taken her under her wing and has become a valued mentor throughout Sheward’s swimming career.

Sheward hasn’t let anything slow her down since then.

“When I started competing in the Paralympics, I realized that since I have a disability I’m not alone,” said Sheward. “People thought that I couldn’t swim because of my disability, so it’s cool to see myself in the others swimming.”

Sheward, majoring in communication and digital studies, finishes her sophomore year this spring as an athlete on the women’s varsity swim team. While her teammates enter their off season and begin to relax, Sheward is training even more in preparation for the Citi Para Swimming World Series 2023 meet in Minneapolis from April 20–22.

Sheward was born two months prematurely and suffered a stroke in utero, leaving her with a condition called left hemiplegia. This neurological injury has weakened the left side of her body and impacted her motor skills. To try and assist with fitness, physical rehabilitation and other therapeutic benefits, her parents started her with swim therapy at a very young age.

“I learned how to swim before I learned to walk,” said Sheward, who began swimming competitively at age 6.

The pool became her safe place and outlet.

“When I’m swimming, all my worries go away and it’s just me and the water,” she said.

When Sheward was in the eighth grade, she was invited to a swim training summer camp at the University of Virginia. While she was there, one of the swim coaches recommended that she reach out to Justin Anderson, a Paralympic coach as well as the UMW head swim coach. Sheward’s mom reached out and the two connected as he offered guidance and training for her future swimming career. They stayed in touch throughout her high school career; this relationship and support became one of the reasons why she committed to swim at UMW. Sheward also said that she remembers seeing Zach Shattuck, a past assistant swim coach at UMW who competed in the Tokyo Paralympic games, at one of the Paralympic meets wearing a UMW hoodie.

While the world of swimming is naturally inviting and accessible for a variety of individuals, Sheward has found the UMW community to be exceptionally accepting as well. There are certain aspects of the training regimen that she has to change due to her disability, such as swimming shorter distances in practice or modifying the workouts and team lifts, but she takes this all in stride and finds only support from her teammates.

Sophomore teammate Paul Datovech, a business administration and communication and digital studies double major, said that Sheward is easily one of the most hardworking and inspirational people he has met. She brings her positive attitude to every practice and constantly encourages Datovech, along with their other teammates, to do their best at meets.

“UMW swimming would not be a cohesive team without Amanda, and I’m looking forward to two more years with her on the pool deck,” said Datovech.

In preparation for the upcoming World Series meet, Sheward

University of Mary Washington Spring Sports Schedule

EMILY HEMPHILL Sports Editor

Outdoor Track and Field

March 25 @ Doc Jopson Invitational in Bridgewater, Va.

April 1 @ Battleground Relays

Women’s Lacrosse (7-5)

March 29 W vs. St. Mary’s (17-13)

April 1 @ Denison

April 5 @ York (Pa.)

swims six days a week for about two hours daily with Anderson or the assistant coaches, Ryan Sullivan and Grace Gartman. They have been focusing her training on pacing and technique.

“She competes in one of the most competitive Paralympic swimming classifications and continues to make progress each season toward becoming more competitive on the national and international Paralympic swimming levels,” said Anderson. “She’s been working hard toward her events in the 400 free, 100 back and 100 free and has set the foundation to have a great championship meet.”

Although Sheward loves swimming and competing, she said competitiveness with the Paralympic team can be difficult sometimes.

“I know I’m trying to do too much,” she said. “Sometimes I want to do more. Sometimes I want to exceed other people’s expectations for me, but then I realize I have to exceed my own before others.”

Sheward said the most rewarding aspect of her athletic career has been meeting friends from all across the world. That, and dropping time.

Men’s Lacrosse (5-5)

March 25 W vs. Marymount (177)

March 29 @ Bridgewater (Va.)

April 1 @ Montclair St.

Women’s Tennis (5-5)

March 26 vs. Franklin & Marshall (9-0)

March 31 @ Kenyon

April 1 @ Carnegie Mellon

Men’s Tennis (6-4)

March 25 L @ N.C. Wesleyan (2-7)

March 31 @ Kenyon

April 1 @ Carnegie Mellon

Softball (14-10)

March 26 L vs. East. Mennonite (1-2), W (2-1)

April 1 vs. Salisbury

April 4 @ Catholic

Baseball (20-7)

March 28 W vs. Southern Virginia (10-4)

March 29. W @ Bridgewater (8-6)

“The people make it worthwhile,” said Sheward. “We all motivate and support each other.”

Aside from swimming, Sheward enjoys spending time with friends and writing poetry. In addition to her major, she is also double minoring in journalism and sports management. During the summer, she coaches kids ranging from ages 3–17 at the pool where she also trains.

Sheward does not let her disability stand in the way of any area of her life. If anything, it has greatly contributed to her love for swimming.

“Have fun with whatever you’re doing,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a sporty person or not.”

Emily Hemphill contributed to reporting for this article.

April 1-2 @ Susquehanna

Men’s Rugby (4-7)

March 25 W vs. Siena @ Columbia, Md. (45-15)

April 1 vs. 7s Tournament

Games are available to watch via livestream on the UMW Athletics webpageFull schedule not listed above. Most recent games included. Bold indicates home game.

Amanda Sheward shows off her muscles. UMW Athletics

DANIELLE ROSS Staff Writer

“UMW swimming would not be a cohesive team without Amanda, and I’m looking forward to two more years with her on the pool deck.”

-Paul Datovech