The Daily Aztec 2/23/2022

Weds., Feb. 23 - Tues., March 1, 2022 Weekly Print Edition

Vol. 108, Issue 18 www.thedailyaztec.com

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

CHANCELLOR RESIGNS CSU chancellor Castro resigns after facing criticism.

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SEX APPEAL IN SPORTS

People are finding other reasons to watch sports.

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LOVE YOUR PET DAY

OLORA DE TEATRO Estudiantes dan luz a asuntos sociales a través el teatro.

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SDSU students with emotional support animals and service dogs have a special relationsip with them.

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The Daily Aztec

News

Feb. 23, 2022 - March 1, 2022 EDITOR: Katelynn Robinson • news@thedailyaztec.com

CSU Chancellor Joseph Castro resigns

by Catlan Nguyen EDITOR IN CHIEF

California State University Chancellor Joseph I. Castro submitted his resignation to the Board of Trustees last Thursday.

The board accepted Castro’s decision after a recent USA TODAY report revealed Castro’s mishandling of sexual harassment complaints against a former employee during Castro’s tenure as president at Fresno State.

Castro has faced public backlash and criticism since the report’s release along with other CSU presidents calling for him to resign.

“I have been honored to serve the California State University for more than eight years, including as its eighth chancellor, and the decision to resign is the most difficult of my professional life,” Castro said, in a press release Thursday night.

Castro’s term as chancellor lasted just 13 months after taking over for former Chancellor Timothy White on Jan. 4, 2021.

“While I disagree with many aspects of recent media reports and the ensuing commentary, it has become clear to me that resigning at this time is necessary so that the CSU can maintain its focus squarely on its educational mission and the impactful work yet to be done,” Castro continued in the press release.

The Board of Trustees is currently working on finding a replacement for Castro. Steve Relyea, the CSU Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer, will be stepping in as Castro’s interim replacement until the new Chancellor is named.

“I support Chancellor Castro’s decision to resign,” California State Student Association member Shawki

After critcism from the press and from within the CSU system, Joseph Castro stepped down from his position after just 13 months as CSU Chancellor.

Moore said. “Sexual harrassment allegations and Title IX complaints are very serious matters, and I know many students who were extremely disappointed and disturbed to learn details of the settlement and letter of recommendation Chancellor Castro had given to former Fresno State vice president of student affairs.”

Moore also emphasized how Associated Students at San Diego State does not tolerate sexual harassment and takes the matter very seriously.

“It saddened me because you also feel for the survivors, and you feel for all of the people that stayed quiet and

then had the guts and had energy and just the willingness to say something,” California State Student Association Vice President of Systemwide Affairs Fabiola Moreno Ruelas said. “And then after saying something, nothing happened.”

CSSA president Isaac Alferos said in a statement that he would like to see an independent investigation of Castro’s mishandlings. He also urged victims of sexual harassment to take the time to heal.

“I will add that I support an independent investigation and any efforts to better understand what

Courtesy of the CSU

happened,” Alferos said in the statement. “More important to me, though, than the attention of the article or the merits of justification is the health and wellbeing of the many survivors in the CSU community.”

Ruelas also said this situation is a reminder to everybody to reevaluate the existing CSU Title IX policies and she urged more CSUs to offer support services to sexual assault survivors.

SDSU has the Sexual Assault Victim Advocate program to help provide one-on-one services to sexual assault survivors.

CSUN reevaluates learning options amid pandemic

by Pablo Orihuela CSU WIRE WRITER

At Cal State University Northridge, a student-run petition through Change. org with over 5,000 signatures is one way students are trying to make sure their voices and perspectives are taken into account when school administrators make their decisions.

The pandemic has made CSUN one of many colleges and universities across the country that have students advocating for a hybrid option for their learning. The rise in COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant has made some students worried about the return to on-campus learning. Also, some students have realized over the last two years that the online option is a more convenient way for them to learn.

Just this past week, students at UCLA staged a sit-in protest advocating for a hybrid option to be made available to students. The students protesting were advocating for the rights of students who are disabled, immunocompromised and/or have underlying health conditions, which may put them at a higher risk of catching COVID-19 and experiencing strong symptoms when returning to campus for the spring 2022 semester.

The hybrid model allows students flexibility when it comes to participating in class. Students who wish to appear in person can go to their designated

classrooms, while students who prefer to learn from home can connect to the class online through a video feed.

Chase Baker, a graduate assistant and master’s candidate within the biology department, is one of the students advocating for a hybrid model to be made available at CSUN. Baker started the instagram page ResistCSUN, which advocates for universal access to education through a hybrid learning option.

“I could see that there was a need for students to organize and voice their opinions, and so I put together the tools for them to do that,” Baker said.

Beyond being a graduate assistant at CSUN, Baker is also a professor at Casa Loma College, a private medical school in Van Nuys. Baker said the idea for him to start the page actually came from his students, who had voiced their concerns about returning to campus through the messaging platform Discord.

“It started about two weeks ago when I first saw the petition,” said Baker. “I kind of felt it was my responsibility that, since they’re opening up to me and I’m kind of a mentor to them, that I should at least give them tools they need to have their voices heard.”

Though some advocates for an alternative learning option are requesting a total move back to online instruction, Baker argues that schools offering a hybrid model would be the most practical solution because it would

benefit students who want to return to campus and students who would prefer an online option.

“A hybrid setting should be the option that we have for students who are not worried at all, and with the professors who are not worried,” said Baker. “But for classes where it’s just a lecture, I just don’t see the benefit of it.”

The Sundial conducted a survey through Instagram and Twitter that asked whether participants felt CSUN should resume in-person or online learning this February.

CSUN’s enrollment numbers for the 2021-2022 academic year were reported to be 38,551 total students, with 32,214 students enrolled with full-time status.

From a total of 56 participants on Twitter, 52% said they preferred the spring semester to remain online while 41% preferred an in-person semester, with 7% saying they were undecided.

From a total of 311 participants on Instagram, 47% wanted in-person classes during the spring semester, while 53% said they would prefer to remain online.

The total response pool accounts for roughly 1% of the total student body.

Among those participants is Gabriela Torres, a third-year psychology student who returned back to campus last week for the first time this semester. Torres has six classes, three of which are in person. Although she admitted she was

excited to come back, she also said that she was nervous about how the school would look with everyone returning.

She found her nervousness to be wellfounded when she noticed her classes weren’t very socially distanced.

“Classes look how they used to be,” Torres said. “The dance class I take is pretty well spread out because the room is big, but the strength training class I’m taking is not socially distanced at all.

We have to work in groups of three, so it’s hard to socially distance. We all just make sure we keep our masks on.”

Torres felt confident that she was taking every personal measure possible to keep herself safe. She made sure to keep up with her vaccination schedule and keep her mask on at all times.

However, Torres said that she realizes she can only do so much, and that part of her safety relies on the cooperation of others on campus — something she hasn’t felt very confident in.

“I feel safe, but the environment doesn’t feel very safe,” Torres said.

“There are areas that aren’t very socially distanced, and in certain places, especially in the library, a lot of people take their masks off and the staff aren’t very strict about that. I would say not all.”

The CSUN Matadors Forward COVID SEE LEARNING OPTIONS AMID COVID-19 PAGE 2

Feb. 23, 2022 - March 1, 2022 EDITOR: Katelynn Robinson . news@thedailyaztec.com

News

The Daily Aztec

3

Research team conducts study about affects of opiates on human connection

by George Liao STAFF WRITER

The Social Health and Affective Neuroscience Lab (SHANL), a study associated with the Department of Psychology at San Diego State and the SDSU Research Foundation is conducting research on the effects of a naltrexone. Naltrexone is a prescription medication.

The study will examine opiate and alcohol addiction and the consequential effects of the medication to promote wellbeing. The study is looking for volunteers to be a part of the trial. Each volunteer must go through a detailed screening process.

Alexis Pinela is a project coordinator for SHANL explained more about the medication being studied.

“Naltrexone is the medication that we are primarily using in our opioid research project,” Pinela said. “It’s a U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved prescription used to treat opioid use disorder as well alcohol-use disorder.

Naltrexone works as an opioid blocker for our body.”

In this specific study, the researcher team is looking at healthy volunteers in order to explore the specific effects of how this medication influences social behavior when using the opioid blocker.

On the program’s website, it states the researchers want to find out the effects of naltrexone on the pleasure and pain centers of the brain.

The website said, “​​ Endogenous opioids, best known for their role in pleasure and pain, are also proposed to

Courtesy of Freepik

The research team will be examining the effects of opiates on human connection. So far, no studies have researched the affects of opiates on humans.

influence social connection with close others.”

The study will look at how naltrexone affects the participant’s ability to form connections with others, according to the website. The role of opioids in forming social connections has never been tested on humans.

Prime volunteers are those who are interested in neuroscience, psychology

Over 5,000 CSUN students signed a petition and students at UCLA hosted a sit in to advocate for hybrid course options.

Learning options amid COVID-19: continued from page 2

Dashboard reports that the vaccination rate for individuals coming to campus is 89.3% for students and 94.8% for faculty members.

The dashboard also reports that as of Feb. 14, roughly 43% of faculty members and 36% of the student body have self-reported to have received their

booster shots. Not all members of faculty or students are yet eligible to receive a booster shot.

Because she feels that she can only do so much, Torres has joined many students in lobbying for a hybrid teaching model that gives students that aren’t in her position the option to feel comfortable and safe while in class.

“I understand that it might benefit some students to be in person, especially when it comes to mental health or being motivated in class,” Torres said. “But some people are unable to get the vaccine, some people are immunocompromised,

and the potential benefits for those who have the opiate or alcohol dependency.

“We are looking for people from the ages of 18 to 25 at the present moment, and we are looking overall for healthy individuals as our main criteria,” Kris Ngo, a project coordinator for SHANL said. “They get the opportunity to contribute to mental health research and contribute to those overcoming

Courtesy of the CSU Wire

[and] those people should have an option.”

One of Torres’ classes, an upperdivision psychology course, has started to attempt to operate in a hybrid model.

However, some departments at CSUN have spoken about the challenges that come with pivoting toward hybrid learning.

Linda Bowen, chair of the journalism department, said that some of the department’s classes are currently operating in a hybrid setting. However, Bowen said that the hybrid model may not be practical for all of CSUN’s classes

hardships in their lives because our research looks to better the lives of others.”

Pinela mentioned the study is open to all university students, and they have recently looked for volunteers from clubs and organizations on campus.

“Right now we reached out to different clubs at SDSU that are affiliated with medical or psychology interests,” Pinela said. “They can also get exposed to neuroscience research.

And also experience a MRI scan for the first time.”

On what participants can learn by being a participant in the study, Pinela said, “From the students that we had who were interested, they were mainly interested in the exposure to neuroscience and the research process.

Our principal investigator has said that a lot of people are also interested if they have known people whether like family or family members or mutual people that [they’ve known who] suffered from alcohol abuse or from opiate abuse disorder.”

Pinela said the study is transparent, and volunteers can withdraw from the study at any time.

“Even though they sign a consent form, they are not bound to complete the study,” Pinela said. “We also have a medical doctor working on this project with us. So once a person signs the consent form and goes to the last round of screening, the ultimate checkmark is with the medical doctor for his final signoff on the prescription.”

For those who are interested, information on the study can be accessed at their website and an interest sheet can be found at this location.

and departments.

“CSUN is not an online university,” Bowen said. “Some faculty really love it, but other faculty are struggling with it.”

Elizabeth Adams, associate vice president of academic and undergraduate studies, also talked about the possibility of scheduled inperson classes operating in a hybrid manner by the Feb. 14 return date.

Adams said that part of that decision would have to come from the CSUN faculty.

“That is up to the faculty member,” said Adams. “So if a faculty member is willing to work with the students on having more hybrid classes, they can.

But generally speaking, the courses that are scheduled to be on campus are going to meet on campus.”

CSUN Vice Provost Matthew Cahn talked about how administrations across many colleges and universities have been responsive to the national conversation surrounding hybrid learning in the midst of the pandemic.

Cahn said that the pandemic forcing campuses to close in the spring of 2020 has allowed many schools to assess what classes would be practical to switch to an online setting.

Cahn said that the administration is working to figure out what the right ratio of in-person, online and hybrid classes should be. CSUN is currently offering twice the number of online classes than it did pre-pandemic.

“We don’t know whether that’s the right ratio,” Cahn said. “So we will be starting this semester really initiating conversations with students, with faculty, with the community: what makes the most sense?”

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The Daily Aztec

Arts & Culture

Feb. 23, 2022 - March 1, 2022 EDITOR: Ryan Hardison • arts@thedailyaztec.com

Read the Black literary classics

By Marian Cuevas STAFF WRITER

During Black History Month, the intentional inclusion of Black creators, scholars, writers and musicians is particularly highlighted. Still, it is important we all are aware that diversifying the sources of the media and art we consume goes beyond a commemorative month. In literature, it is unfortunate and outrageous that the voices of Black people are still on the fringe–and this can hardly be ascribed to a lack of material.

Even for the average bookworm, it is more than likely that Black authors are embarrassingly underrepresented on their bookshelves–myself included. In spite of a substantial and continuously growing body of praiseworthy and masterful writing by Black authors, very few works have come to be considered “classics.” We should not only seek to hold more inclusive libraries for the sake of diversity and we truly are at a loss for neglecting to engage with the written voices of Black folks.

In the spirit of not only diversifying our library, but also of enriching our lives with some of the noteworthy, heartwrenching, and deeply-moving writing by Black authors, here is a necessarily incomprehensive list of book recommendations to provide some deeply thoughtprovoking reading material.

“Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston

is undeniably a staple of Black literature. Closest to being considered a classic, Hurston’s Harlem Renaissance novel follows the story of Janie Crawford as she reclaims her life after the death of her abusive first-husband.

Unjustly tried for murder and found innocent, Janie returns to where she lived with her firsthusband and must deal with the community’s gossip. Hurston’s most popular work, “Their Eyes Were Watching God” has been acclaimed for being greatly influential for both African American literature and women’s literature, and is a must-read for any avid reader.

From the first African American winner of the U.S. National Book Award for Fiction, “Invisible Man” is notable for Ralph Ellison’s self-described “experimental attitude.” In contrast to many African American novels written in protest at the time, Ellison’s unnamed main character is selfadmittedly “not complaining, nor… protesting.” The novel explores topics of personal identity and individuality as the narrator discusses his own invisibility throughout his life, is admitted and later expelled from an at the time all-Black college (now to be considered a Historically Black College), and temporarily becomes a speaker for the Brotherhood, a group that seeks to improve living conditions in Harlem.

Internationally acclaimed author and civil rights activist Maya Angelou published a series

of seven autobiographies, the first of which follows her life up to the age of 17 and earned her international recognition.

“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” written in deeply poetic prose, is Angelou’s own comingof-age story that shows how crucial literature and poetry were in her growth and journey to reclaiming her voice and agency.

Although controversial in its implementation in high school programs due to the at-times graphic depictions of sexual violence, the autobiography is perhaps all the more impactful and relevant due to it’s authentic depiction of Angelou’s struggles.

For those interested in historical fiction, “The Underground Railroad” by contemporary author Colson Whitehead is a must-read. The Putlizer awardwinning novel follows two slaves who run for their freedom by using an underground railroad system in their journey to freedom in the West, which is painfully coloured with death, racism, and the peril of being captured again. A wonderful alternate history novel, “The Underground Railroad” is a marvelously inventive work that provides insightful commentary on both the past and present lives of African Americans in the United States.

Last but definitely not least, “Go Tell It on the Mountain ‘’ is a semi-autobiographical work

by James Baldwin that explores the various roles and influences the Pentacostal Church had on

EDITOR IN CHIEF Catlan Nguyen MANAGING EDITOR Trinity Bland NEWS EDITOR Katelynn Robinson OPINION EDITOR Aaliyah Alexander MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Noé Sandoval ASST. MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Karina Bazarte ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Ryan Hardison

Photo by Marian Cuevas

A few Black literary “classics” include “The Invisible Man,” “The Unerground Railroad” and “Their Eyes Were Watching God.”

ASST. ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Cristina Lombardo SPORTS EDITOR Jason Freund ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Andrew Finley

the lives of African Americans in Harlem. Criticizing the Pentacostal Church that Baldwin himself became a preacher of as both a source of repression to a fountain of community, Baldwin tells his story in a notably creative format in two parts, the latter of which is divided into three parts.

Baldwin, who was one of the few openly gay civil rights activists, has been not only an important figure in African American literature, but also in queer literature as his stories often feature gay and bisexual men.

His entire body of literature is an easy recommendation, although “Go Tell It on the Mountain” is perhaps amongst the most insightful of his writings due to its autobiographical nature and the multifaceted issues it addresses.

Stacy Dyson shares spoken word at BRC

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Sara Rott PHOTO EDITOR Noelani Sapla MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Mackenzie Stafford ASST. MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Jayne Yutig

STAFF WRITERS Eugènie Budnik George Liao Gabriel Schneider Justin Cox Jayden Hanzy Aaron Velasquez Marian Cuevas Gwenyth Hoebing Morgan Prickett SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Jenna Meyer Marco Perez CONTRIBUTORS Adriana Horne ________________________________

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Brian Arnold ________________________________

By Gwenyth Hoebing STAFF WRITER

Black History Month is being celebrated within the San Diego State community in many ways, and creative expression through the medium of poetry is just one way people come together to connect shared experiences.

On Thursday, Feb. 4, students and staff joined poet Stacy Dyson in a spoken poetry and open mic artistry event hosted by the Black Resource Center. Students were also given the opportunity to share their poetry and open mic artistry prior to Dyson.

Dyson, the featured speaker of the event, has traveled the country doing workshops, literary program design, and written and spoken live performances in Colorado, Oklahoma, Massachusetts, New Mexico, South Dakota, Nebraska, and all around San Diego. She is a former Poet Laureate for Imagination Celebration in Colorado Springs, Winner of the 2000 Colorado Women’s Playwriting festival, Poet Laureate nominee for the state of Colorado (2009), and a TEDx speaker.

She is the author of seven powerful collections of poetry, including her most recent publications “Lonely and Suffering” and “Follow Me On This,” both available for purchase at the event.

Throughout the evening,

Screenshot courtesy of Black Resource Center

The Stacy Dyson poetry event included her performing two spoken word pieces.

Dyson shared multiple pieces of spoken poetry illuminating the philosophy, life and times of being a Black woman. While Dyson doesn’t name titles of her poems as she performs, various pieces from her newest publications were presented, finishing the evening with a piece about why she is a poet.

Jasmine (Jaz) Miles, BRC Wellness Partner, poet, and Community Based Block Multicultural Counseling & Social Justice Education Program graduate student, opened for the event by sharing two spoken pieces, “Amerikkka Had a Dream 2.0” and “Dialect.” Miles’s Instagram is @vocalize.jay.

“Stacy Dyson and I found each other through this event. When I was asked to open for her, I quickly Googled her name,” Miles said. “The first poem I found was about how hard it is for society to

accept the vulnerability, fear and humanity of Black women. I felt like that poem spoke to the many times I cried myself to sleep wondering if my emotions were too much for the world to bear; it was lonely. Even though Stacy Dyson has only recently came into my life, she reminded me of how powerful I am. She inspired me to get out of hiatus & speak through Nommo again.”

Miles opened up about what motivates her to write.

“To keep it short, I would say my ancestors inspire me to write.

I believe that it is through them that my gift of feeling, knowing and having the courage to speak is possible. They paved the way for me to express my anger, my joy, my insecurities, my pleasure.

It is truly an honor,” Miles said.

Along with explaining how her ancestors inspire her, Miles described how friends in her life have helped her along this journey.

“A good friend of mine, Ayesha Kosaka, shared with me through conversation that we are all creatives in our own right; it’s about listening to ourselves and our experiences. That’s powerful and I hope that anyone who is reading can tap into what makes their souls ignite with passion.

Ashé,” Miles said.

Visit Stacy Dyson’s website or visit her Instagram/Facebook to purchase her collections, learn more about her work, and get

updates on her future events.

The Black Resource Center is located at 5723 Lindo Paseo and is open Monday through Thursday (10 a.m to 6 p.m) and Friday (10 a.m to 4 p.m). They will be holding multiple other events celebrating Black History Month in the coming weeks.

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GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST Luis Valenzuela EDITORIAL 619.594.4190 editor@thedailyaztec.com ADVERTISING 619.594.7807 advertising@thedailyaztec.com PRINT The Daily Aztec publishes 3,000 copies of its weekly print edition every Wednesday throughout the semester WEB Daily content is available at www.thedailyaztec.com QUESTIONS/COMMENTS letters@thedailyaztec.com The views and opinions expressed in this issue do not necessarily reflect those of The Daily Aztec.

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Feb. 23, 2022 - March 1, 2022 EDITOR: Aaliyah Alexander • opinion@thedailyaztec.com

Opinion

The Daily Aztec

5

Women in sports Sex appeal in athletes can round up new fans photography are truly unstoppable by trinity bland MANAGING EDITOR

Courtesy of Noelani Sapla

Sapla posing in San Diego State’s Aztec arena for a game with her camera equipment and Sport’s photographer pass.

by noelani sapla PHOTO EDITOR

Sports photography is a challenging but thrilling profession.

As a photographer, you usually get the best seats in the house. However, it comes with a price.

Safety is the most important factor when it comes to shooting sports. You always need to keep your head on a swivel and be aware of your surroundings when shooting a game or event. Specifically, women in the profession need to make sure they’re doing everything in their power to stay safe because most athletes are usually bigger and stronger, so no matter how safe you may think you are, accidents still occur.

On Feb. 16, during the Rams Super Bowl parade celebration in Los Angeles, Kelly Smiley, a former Daily Aztec photo editor back in 2018, suffered a brutal fall off a stage. Smiley was a two-time photo editor for The Daily Aztec and now is a photo editor for the NFL. “Unfortunately I fractured my spine,” Smiley tweeted.

The video that went viral on social media shows Smiley backing up to take a photo of winning quarterback Matt Stafford and, unfortunately, falling backwards off the stage. Not only did Smiley fracture her spine, her cameras were also broken by the fall.

Stafford and his wife Kelly were both witnesses to the accidental fall. The video shows Stafford walking in a different direction from Smiley while his wife attempts to check on the photographer.

However, after her GoFundMe went viral online, Smiley’s Twitter and Instagram accounts were soon deleted after a lot of users online started criticizing her for old tweets from 2013 to 2014.

Like myself and many others, I was surprised by Stafford’s poor efforts to see if Smiley was okay. Although he is not a trained medical professional, I thought he could have at least looked over the edge or flagged someone to help. The Rams and the Staffords released a statement stating their plan to pay for her medical bills and camera replacements. I’m not sure if the Staffords were pressured by the negative criticism from the video to want to cover all of Smiley’s expenses, but I’m glad they are because medical bills and camera

equipment are not cheap.

Today, I am the current photo editor for The Daily Aztec, a woman of color and someone that loves photographing sports. I joined The Daily Aztec because I have always dreamed of shooting college sports. At this newspaper, I have had many amazing opportunities to shoot many events and games. However, when I get the chance to photograph on the baseline or sidelines, there’s one thing that stands out: me.

Standing at only 4 feet and 9 inches tall, I am about a foot and a half shorter than the athletes I am photographing.

I have experienced athletes who have caught a touchdown that results in them being pushed out of bounds, the ball being thrown in my direction and dunks so intense their landing is on top of the baseline photographers. At that moment, the only thing you can do is try to get out of the way. Sometimes you’re successful and sometimes you need to duck and cover your camera.

I know the risks it takes to capture photos that will live on for years to come.

The atmosphere alone is enough for me to keep coming back. I grew up heavily involved in sports: karate for four years, basketball for seven and track for one. I also shot sports for my high school yearbook.

The competitiveness is something I grew with and have always loved to be a part of.

Now, with The Daily Aztec, I get amazing opportunities while getting to share experiences with my staff.

The photo team is a well mixed group with both men and women. A lot of women are interested in sports photography with The Daily Aztec and it has provided many of them their first experiences with photography. I will always encourage and support my team to try new things, aware of the fact that my staff and I choose to put ourselves in potentially dangerous situations when we cover games.

Although sports photography can become dangerous from a player falling on you, running into you or even getting hit with a ball, it still is something I hope to continue doing in the future while inspiring others to do the same.

From The Daily Aztec, we also wish Smiley a speedy and healthy recovery.

Noelani Sapla is a senior studying liberal studies. Follow her on Twitter @lanishootz.

In no way, shape or form am I a fan of the San Diego Padres.

As a graduating senior at San Diego State, the Padres have been on my radar more than I would prefer. Most of the people I know enjoy attending games at Petco Park, keeping up with the team’s statistics and even remaining up to date on franchise history. Even still, I always said I couldn’t care less.

That is until I had one breathtaking encounter: Fernando Tatis Jr. Not only does Tatis arguably give the Padres their magic touch – and yes, I can recognize that objectively – he also possesses other alluring qualities that draw me in when I watch him play.

His multicolored and luscious strands of hair begging to be gripped in moments of pleasure, his confident strut inviting enough to approach me for locker room rendezvous and his sexy accent capable of uttering the most seductive phrases to me all add to his blazing charisma.

Similarly, all athletes carry sex appeal.

Whether they’re Major League Baseball players or members of a lacrosse team, these individuals have an advantage and it is the automatic ability to attract people solely based on their athletic dominance.

Athletics are heavily influenced by masculine ideals which women like myself find desirable and society considers the “perfect man.” Some of these features include men who are at least six feet tall, have facial hair and are physically fit. These physical characteristics are often associated with maturity, vigor, dominance and aggression – appealing elements that can enhance one’s attraction levels.

Athletes go above and beyond when they perform on the field or court, which is enticing all by itself. However, when their performance is rooted in passion, it is captivating and convincing enough to make anyone a believer in that respective sport.

Despite my lifelong refusal to let go of the Washington Nationals’ 2019 World Series victory and the Golden State Warriors’ reign during my high school years, I’m not a sports fanatic. I wouldn’t call myself a die-hard supporter of any one team. I don’t wager with others on how well a shooter or pitcher performs in a given game. That’s not something I’m interested in.

What excites me about sports, aside from the enjoyment of the game itself, is watching the athletes who, if given the chance, I believe could provide me with a good time. Seeing them exert maximum

Screenshot from San Diego Padres’ Instagram

Fenando Tatis Jr. preparing to enter a packed stadium.

strength in a single game in the hopes of winning makes my imagination run marathons – and my fan experience is just as valid as the next one’s.

It wasn’t Blake Griffin’s skills and game-by-game statistics that drew me into keeping up with him as a decent Los Angeles Clipper. I was a teenager experiencing my first feelings of arousal and found Griffin’s 6’9’’ stature, buttertanned skin, massive hands, long fingers and deep voice absolutely enticing that I couldn’t just enjoy basketball by itself anymore. I had to also cope with my bodily reactions to his irresistible physical dominance.

This doesn’t make me or any other woman who has had similar feelings any less of a fan.

Women are already a small minority of sports fans, but society must shift to properly recognizing us as legitimate fans regardless of how we became one.

Every woman who has ever claimed to be a David Beckham fan or more relevantly, an Odell Beckham Jr. fan, cannot possibly call them their favorite athletes solely on the basis of their talent. It’s not fair, but it’s the truth. These men flaunt their sex appeal and wear it on their sleeves.

There aren’t rules for why a fan can and should enjoy sports. There aren’t certain prerequisites required of someone to root for a particular team or player. Sports are meant to be fun all around and society needs to be reminded of that sometimes.

People can act as if an athlete’s level of attractiveness does not inspire new fans, but I’m willing to tune into the Padres now and that’s all the proof I need that it does.

Trinity Bland is a senior studying television, film, media and Spanish. Follow her on Twitter @trinityaliciaa.

6

The Daily Aztec

Sports

Feb. 23, 2022 - March 1, 2022 EDITOR: Jason Freund • sports@thedailyaztec.com

Men's and women's basketball

leash Bulldogs over weekend

By Justin Cox and Jayden Hanzy STAFF WRITERS

Men's Basketball Sophomore transfer Chad Baker-Mazara put up 20 points on 6-of-7 shooting to lead the red-hot Aztecs to a 61-44 victory at Fresno State, extending the Aztecs' winning streak to five on Saturday.

Baker-Mazara cashed four of the team's season-high nine threes while the Aztecs held the Bulldogs to just 44 points, locking down standout Fresno State junior transfer Orlando Robinson.

Robinson entered the game averaging 18.4 points but was held to only nine points on 3-of-10 shooting and one assist.

The Aztecs often left Robinson oneon-one, only doubling if he put his head down or lost sight of the weakside defender. The goal was to limit his assist opportunities. Head coach Brian Dutcher’s risky strategy paid off.

“He’s such a gifted passer like (junior Matt Bradley) is,” Dutcher told the San Diego Union-Tribune postgame. “If he draws a double, he finds his teammates.

We were just reading eyes. You’ve got to have a feel for the game. You’ve got to know if he’s just dribbling and looking at you, you can’t go. But when he drops his head into his move, then you’ve got to go once in a while and try to strip the ball.”

Despite a quiet shooting night, Bradley routinely faced two Fresno State defenders which led to open shots for Aztec teammates. Bradley finished with four assists and had multiple smart passes to teammates that led to open shots for others.

“They were running at me left and right,” Bradley told the Union-Tribune after the game. “One thing I think they counted out was my ability to pass. Like I’ve been saying all season, I think I’m an understated passeser. I was finding my teammates.”

Not only did the Aztecs move to third place in the conference, but they catapulted from 35th to 23rd in the always important KenPom rankings, signaling a

Top photo by Noelani Sapla, Bottom courtesy of SDSU Athletics

(Top) Keshad Johnson has been a force for SDSU basketball all season, and put up 13 points against Fresno State.

(Bottom) Seniors Sophia Ramos and Mallory Adams share a fun moment on their Senior Day.

strong case for an at-large March Madness entry.

The road tune-up is a good test for the Aztecs as they head into Boise this Tuesday to challenge the current Mountain West leader. With a win, the Aztecs would be tied for second with three conference losses, one back of Wyoming who is set to battle fourth place Colorado State

on Wednesday. It will be an important week in the MWC with the postseason tournament just a couple weeks away.

Women's Basketball In the final game of the season in Viejas Arena, the San Diego State Aztecs (13-13, 7-8 MWC) beat the Fresno State Bulldogs (9-16, 5-9 MWC) in a dominant 77-69 win.

Although some of the seniors will be able to return and play due to an extra year of eligibility because of COVID-19, the night was an emotional one for the seniors who will play their last game in Viejas Arena. The game started off with head coach Stacy Terry-Hutson placing all of her seniors in the starting lineup.

The Aztecs were looking to build on the success they had against San Jose State.

They played a physical game against a team with a lot of talent and a bright future.

“You have two young ladies on that other team that are outstanding ball players, and we tried to make it tough on them,” Terry-Hutson said, describing why her team was successful against the Bulldogs. “I’m really proud of the defensive effort, they’re good players and they made big shots, but we were able to answer their runs with shots of our own.”

During the game, the Aztecs were taking good shots and making them as they shot at 50 percent from the field.

Senior Mercedes Staples had a monster night as she scored 21 points while going 80 percent from the field and 83 percent from the 3-point line.

“You know we are going to just work hard these next two weeks, and focus on our next game, because like coach says ‘the next game is our most important,’ so we are going to focus on these next three that we got, and head into the Mountain West tournament with a couple more dubs,” Staples said, when asked what to expect from her team down the final stretch of the season.

Following this win, the Aztecs will finish their final three games on the road.

On Feb. 24, the Aztecs will be looking to beat Colorado State (17-7, 8-6 in Mountain West) for the second time this season.

Currently, the Aztecs are seventh in the Mountain West standings and hope to win their last three games to boost their position going into the Mountain West Conference tournament in Las Vegas.

Water Polo secures first win against UC San Diego

By Justin Cox STAFF WRITER

After struggling in the Stanford Invitational last weekend, the No. 19 Aztec water polo team had a much stronger showing this weekend against tough competition in the Triton Invitational in La Jolla.

The Aztecs’ first win of the season came on Saturday in the first game of the invite as SDSU defeated Santa Clara University 14-7, with six Aztecs scoring multiple goals including senior Delaney Binette (2), senior Sydney Hurst (2), senior Jessica Leckich (2), senior Samantha Loughlin (2), sophomore Laurene Padilla (2) and freshman Klara Goldstein (2).

Meanwhile, sophomores Dayna Bond and Kendall Houck each added a goal.

The balanced scoring is a promising sign for the Aztecs after Padilla scored five of the Aztecs’ ten goals last weekend.

The Aztecs jumped out to an early lead as Binette scored the first two goals of the game, and the Aztecs never looked back as they cruised to their first victory of the season.

Following the win against Santa Clara, the Aztecs dropped a hard-fought game against crosstown rival No. 12 UC San Diego 13-10 despite freshman Kari Canale’s three goals and Padilla’s two.

The game was tied 6-6 late in the third quarter, but UCSD was able to tack on two goals to close the quarter and opened the fourth with two more to take a 10-6 lead. Despite two goals from junior Danni Croteau and Canale late in the fourth, the Tritons proved too tough for the Aztecs in the 13-10 loss.

The Aztecs followed a strong showing on Saturday with two thrillers against No. 20 Loyola Marymount and CSU Northridge on Sunday, however, the Aztecs fell just short losing by one goal in each game.

With just 30 seconds to play in an 1111 game after Canale scored to make it a tie game, LMU found the back of the net to take a 12-11 victory despite Padilla and Hock’s five combined goals.

Against CSUN, the Aztecs' slow start came back to bite them as the Matadors scored the first four goals of the game to take a 4-0 lead into the second quarter.

However, a strong Aztec comeback led by sophomore Faith Cerussi, who scored four goals in the contest, came up just short as the team never found an equalizer after Cersussi brought the Aztecs to within one with 56 seconds left in the fourth.

The Aztecs will look to rebound at the Barbara Kalbus Invitational on Feb. 25 in Irvine.

Photo courtesy of SDSU Athletics

Sophomore Laurene Padilla scored two goals to help the Aztecs overcome UCSD for their first victory of 2022.

Sports 7 Writer’s Roundtable: Aztec Baseball predictions

Feb. 23, 2022 - March 1, 2022 EDITOR: Jason Freund • sports@thedailyaztec.com

The Daily Aztec

Photo by Jenna Meyer

The SDSU baseball team competed in the MLB4 Tournament in Scottsdale, AZ. They finished the tournement with a 1-2 record, falling to both Texas Christian University and California, while defeating the University of Houston.

By Jenna Meyer SENIOR STAFF WRITER

The Aztecs’ baseball schedule will return to a typical schedule with midweek nonconference matchups and weekend series leading up to the return of the Mountain West Conference Tournament that will be hosted at Tony Gwynn Stadium at the end of May. I checked in with two leaders of The Daily Aztec sports section — Sports Editor Jason Freund and Assistant Sports Editor, Andrew Finley — to hear their thoughts and preseason predictions leading up to the new season.

Jenna Meyer: SDSU was predicted to win the Mountain West title in 2021 and often leads the Mountain West Conference. Who do you think the team to beat will be in the upcoming season?

Andrew Finley: “I think the Aztecs are a really young team this year and Nevada won the Mountain West Conference last year so obviously they are going to be very competitive. San Diego State also struggled against UNLV when playing them at the end of the year. So Nevada and UNLV are top teams to beat but I think teams that they need to beat are San Jose State and New Mexico who were at the bottom last year. A young San Diego State team needs to take advantage of those less competitive Mountain West opponents to give more of a cushion when they face Nevada and UNLV.” Jason Freund: “Well, it's got to be the first place team. It has to be Nevada, kind of like with your major league baseball is taking your the potter's for example the team to beat is going to be the Dodgers. They were in first place and in this case scenario in the Mountain West, Nevada did finish in first place just above the Aztecs with a 22-9 conference record. However, their overall record was a different story. They were 25-20 as opposed to San Diego State’s 30-16.

However, much of that can be due to the fact that the Aztecs were only 1-6 against Nevada and the Aztecs won just the first game 15-7 on April 10. Nevada is going to be a very scary team especially considering that they're bringing back four all Mountain West players and I believe even a couple second-team picks as well and are finished to pick within the top 50 of collegiate baseball.”

JM: In your opinion, who are your “players to watch” for the upcoming season?

AF: “Well like I said earlier, this is a super young team with only two seniors

and five juniors. First of all, Troy Melton, the golden spikes nominee for last season, had a down year. I think consistency and a non-COVID season where the baseball players are already on the field and practicing will be beneficial for Troy Melton being the face of that rotation. I’m also looking at Brian Leonhardt. He was in the heart of that lineup last season and coming back for his junior season. I’m also looking at sophomore Caden Miller.

He showed a lot last year and I could see him batting leadoff for the Aztecs this year. Those are the three guys I’m watching this year but most importantly Troy Melton. I see a bounce-back season for Troy Melton.

JF: “​​I mean, there's a lot of players to pick from. We're bringing back a lot of players from last year, we saw five Aztec’s in total get drafted in the Major League Baseball draft from 2021. I believe we're going to have another strong crop this year of a graduating seniors and people who leave early but I think one person I want to focus on in particular and look at in particular in terms of potential is Brian Leonhart, who served 36 games as the designated hitter last year. I think we are starting to see his power numbers slowly increase as the years progress as we saw in 2019. I think if he takes the next step when it comes to his power development, he can become a very steady presence in his offense and in this lineup for the Aztecs and maybe even draftable when it comes time for July.”

JM: The team will be facing a full schedule this spring, opposed to last year’s modified COVID-19 schedule with doubleheaders and Sunday afternoon games. Do you think the schedule with mid-week games and full weekend series will affect the team?

AF: “It’s a really interesting question because it has a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde kind of feel because on one hand, if your team is a bit streaky, this can be great for them. Last year, they only played on weekends and if you played really well one weekend, you’ve got a whole weekend to wait until you play again, and maybe that mojo is gone by then. But on the flip side, if you had a bad weekend, you would have had a whole week to clean that up. I think it all depends on how they start off the season. If they start off the season hot, it can be very beneficial for the Aztecs to play more consistently. If they come out cold, it is going to be hard to recover.”

JF: “Well, first on the positive side, it's going to help the team bond a lot more as they are going to be traveling a lot and playing just as frequently as before

but now there going to be playing in midweek games and a lot more weekend series. This is going to help this team bond throughout the season, throughout all the struggles, and throughout all the positive things that come out of this. This team is going to be able to play together a lot more frequently and that's going to help them chemistry-wise. Playing wise, it's a different story because now you're playing more frequently, you're on the road more and traveling to different states and different cities. These players are going to be very fatigued, especially trying to consider balancing out things like classes and going to practice every day. This team is going to be very worn out. Last year was great, but I think this year is kind of the ‘prove it’ year.”

JM: In the past year, SDSU Athletics as a whole and within the Football and Men’s Basketball programs has been competitive with many teams from the PAC-12 conference. Baseball will be faced with four PAC-12 opponents in University of California Berkeley, University of Utah Arizona State, and Stanford. How do you think Baseball will compete?

AF: “Well, I think San Diego State has one of the best athletic programs in California so that bodes well for them playing and being competitive with PAC12 teams. They are a Power 5 conference but in recent years, we’ve seen regression

in Football and Basketball. In Baseball, we are seeing that the Pac-12 is a powerhouse.

We are seeing many Pac-12 players get drafted into the Major League every single year. I think it is good to stay competitive with the Pac-12. It’s very on-brand for San Diego State that we don’t back down from a challenge. It’ll be really interesting to see how well they are able to compete with them though.”

JF: “Well, you never want to count the Aztecs out. People have counted the Aztecs out before with football and the Aztecs won those games. They counted out with basketball and they won those games. You know the saying “fool me once shame on you, fool me twice…” I don't think you can count the Aztecs out especially the first two opponents. I think they have a really strong chance against Cal Berkeley, Utah, and Arizona State.

Both are good teams and good programs, but the Aztecs can certainly hang with them. Now Stanford, on the other hand, is a much different story. Stanford is much more of a powerhouse, especially within the baseball program. If this team can take one, maybe two games against Stanford, this is going to prove this is a real, legitimate Aztec baseball team, one that we can see go far in the postseason and playoffs. I really think they have a good shot and I think they're gonna show well, it’s just can they win those games. I'm not gonna say no at all, but you never know.”

8

The Daily Aztec

Mundo Azteca

Feb. 23, 2022 - March 1, 2022 EDITOR: Noé Sandoval • mundoazteca@thedailyaztec.com

El Mes de la Historia Negra es celebrado en el mes más corto, según educadores por Adriana Horne CONTRIBUYENTE

El mes de febrero nos recuerda sobre la larga lucha de la comunidad negra para terminar discriminación, racismo y segregación. Adicionalmente, este mes nos recuerda sobre la historia afroamericana y muchas figuras importantes que lucharon por terminar la esclavitud.

Trimaine Davis es un ex-alumno y graduado de La Universidad Estatal de San Diego que trabaja en La Universidad de California. Davis es reconocido por la coordinación de eventos y actividades que apoyen la diversidad de los estudiantes universitarios.

1915 De acuerdo con Trimaine Davis, explica que el mes de Febrero es importante para la comunidad afroamericana. El 8 de febrero de 1915, hubo un boom en tecnología sobre la película “The Birth of a Nation.”

Esta película tomó parte durante la era reconstructiva en la cual era racista hacia afroamericanos. La película trataba sobre afroamericanos haciendo lo que querían con mujeres blancas y el Ku Klux Klan viniendo al “rescate”. Esta fue la primera película que fue presentada en la Casa Blanca.

Ese mismo año Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, decidió que un cambio tenía que suceder para esta comunidad. Dr. Carter G. Woodson venía de padres que cayeron bajo la población de esclavos.

Woodson buscando salir adelante, se puso a trabajar en minas de West Virginia para ayudar a su familia al cual él mismo empezó a enseñarse como leer y escribir.

De acuerdo con Trimaine Davis estas fueron las fechas significativas para la comunidad afroamericana: 1916 Dr. Carter G. Woodson inició una revista académica la cual es conocida como “El Diario de la Historia Afroamericana.”

1926 Dr. Carte Woodson inició La Semana de la Historia Negra, la segunda semana de

febrero que coincide con el cumpleaños de Frederick Douglas y el presidente Lincoln.

1933 Hubo una publicación de la falta de educación de la comunidad negra. Esta publicación fue un grito demandando cambio.

1969 Un grupo de estudiantes blancos y afroamericanos decidieron empezar a celebrar el Mes de la Historia Negra.

1970 Más de 300 escuelas y distritos empezaron a celebrar el Mes de la Historia Negra.

La celebración del Mes de la Historia Negra continuó por seis años hasta que el presidente Ford lo declaró un mes festivo.

Trimaine Davis explica que la única razón por la que el presidente decidió declararlo un día festivo fue porque unos documentos del FBI salieron al público.

Los documentos eran de cómo iban a terminar el Partido Pantera Negra.

2006- ahora Trimaine Davis explica que el Mes de la Historia Negra es hasta este día algo que muchos no quieren aceptar como Morgan Freeman. Explica que nosotros mismos como estudiantes eliminamos la discriminacion que existe entre la comunidad negra. Davis dice, “No somos enemigos todos hemos sido colonizados”.

Davis habla sobre la importancia de los valores les queremos inculcar a la siguiente generación.

“No tuvieramos centros culturales como EOP, o EOC si no fuera por los estudiantes” dijo Cynthia A. Torres, la directora del Centro de Recursos para Indocumentados.

“Los estudiantes imponen un significado inmenso para llegar donde estamos”.

El mes de febrero representa un significado importante para nuestra comunidad por el hecho de los movimientos que ocurrieron. El mes de la Historia Negra celebra la historia afroamericana y la lucha para terminar la segregación y descriminacos en el país. El cambio empieza ahora.

Foto por Adriana Horne Trimaine Davis habla sobre la historia del mes de la historia negra y como influenció a escuelas y educcación en Los Estados Unidos.

Professora de ingenieria electrica en la universidad provee oportunidades de estudio para los estudiantes Por Noé sandoval EDITOR DE MUNDO AZTECA

La Universidad Estatal de San Diego tiene muchos recursos académicos para ayudar estudiantes tener exito en sus carreras.

El Centro Latinx de Recursos, o LRC por sus siglas en inglés, en la universidad ha programado un centro conjunto llamado El Centro De Investigación Culturalmente Conectado siendo una forma alternativa, arraigada en la comunidad, para invitar a los estudiantes universitarios de SDSU a acceder, participar y explorar la investigación como un elemento de su experiencia en SDSU. “Estamos ansiosos por ayudar a los estudiantes y profesores a repensar la forma en que se invita a los estudiantes a considerar e imaginar la participación en la investigación de pregrado” dice el LRC en su sitio web. “Al albergar este esfuerzo, uno de los centros de Identidad Cultural de SDSU, presentamos una invitación diferente a la experiencia de investigación de pregrado, ofreciendo una introducción segura, de desarrollo y culturalmente receptiva a estudiantes de pregrado con un interés incipiente en oportunidades de investigación.

El 22 de febrero, la Dra. Mahasweta

Foto por Noé Sandoval La Dra. Sarkar habla de nuevas technologias con controlando movimientos de aparatos con las señales del cerebro.

Sarkar se juntó con el LRC para dar una presentación virtual sobre su trabajo en red inalambrica para comunidades marginalizadas en San Diego. Dra. Sarkar es una profesora de ingenieria electrica y de computación aqui en la universidad desde 2006.

En su presentación, la Dra. Sarkar explico de su trabajo ayudando a estudiantes

de la primaria hasta la secundaria sobre los estudios y profesiones en ciencia, tecnología y matemáticas.

Ella tambien enfatizo la importancia de proveer recursos de tecnología y internet para estudiantes en comunidades de bajos recursos como en reservaciones de la comunidad indigena en Los Estados Unidos.

Según sus investigaciones, 40% de cada comunidad de afro-americanos, hispanos y indigenas no tienen acceso a internet band ancha.

El trabajo de la Dra. Sarkar se dedica dentro del dominio de las redes inalámbricas, su trabajo aborda temas como la programación, el enrutamiento y los esquemas de asignación óptima de recursos.

Dentro de sus laboratorios, la Dra. Sarkar enseña a sus estudiantes sobre telecomunicaciones y computación. Ella da clases de idiomas de informática, estructura de datos en programación orientada a objetos y redes de datos informáticos.

La Dra. Sarkar enfatizo la importancia de tener representación y diversidad en su equipo.

“Cuando hay personas que vienen de diferentes países, los estudiantes no aprenden del estudio cientifico, también aprenden de cultura” dijo Dra. Sarkar.

Los proyectos de la doctora son basados en alcance comunitario. Ella quiere presentar que hay un futuro en exponiendo a estudiantes al estudio y profesión de ciencia y tecnología para poder crecer el numero de representación en estas profesiones.

Mundo Azteca

Feb. 23, 2022 - March 1, 2022 EDITOR: Noé Sandoval • mundoazteca@thedailyaztec.com

The Daily Aztec

9

Estudiantes de teatro usan experiencias pasadas dando luz a sus roles teatricos

Foto por Gabriel Schneider

El set de “A Raisin in the Sun” en SDSU representado el hogar de la familia protagonista en la obra, dando a luz a la importancia del mes de la Historia Negra en febrero.

por Gabriel ESCRITOR

Schneider

La Escuela de Teatro, Televisión, y Cine en La Universidad Estatal de San Diego presentó “A Raisin in the Sun” del 18 al 25 febrero. La obra muestra a un afroamericano familia que lidiar con muerte, racismo, asimilación y pobreza.

“Al crecer en un hogar afroamericano, hay tantos paralelismos con mi propia vida y la dinámica de mi propia familia”, dijo teatrales Amira Temple.

Temple interpretó a Beneatha Younger, la menor de los hermanos de la familia y un personaje identificable con las

normas sociales actuales. Se relacionó con las luchas y presiones de Beneatha por ser mujer.

“Esa sensación de manos siempre empujándome hacia abajo y esa presión para ser perfecto”, dijo Temple.

“A Raisin in the Sun” fue la primera obra de Temple en SDSU. Jaden White es una estudiante de teatro y tuvo el rol principal de Walter Lee Younger “Me sentí como en casa”, dijo Temple.

“Fue muy fácil involucrarse con todos, y todos pudieron conectarse con la historia de una manera personal”.

White enfrentó el racismo cuando era niño y pudo incorporar esas emociones

de frustración y dolor en su actuación.

El director Niyi Coker, profesor de SDSU, le dio a la obra original de Lorraine Hansberry un giro de San Diego al entrelazar ciudades reales y puntos de referencia. Coker representó las disparidades de la familia a través de escenas muy emotivas y elementos cómicos en capas a lo largo de la obra.

Tanto Temple como White dijeron que fueron empujados más allá de los límites que creían que eran posibles para estos papeles, pero que estaban agradecidos por la libertad y la dirección que Coker les dio a los artistas.

El escenario de empuje colocó a la audiencia en el departamento de la

familia Younger, brindando un ambiente íntimo.

Cuidadosamente planeado, el escenario se cubrió con accesorios de la década de 1950 mientras que la iluminación interior daba la bienvenida a los espectadores a la casa. Los efectos de sonido se sumaron a la sensación de estar en un apartamento con ruidos del exterior filtrándose por las ventanas y paredes. Proyectores se utilizaron de manera creativa para mejorar la experiencia de los recuerdos, capturando los sentidos de la audiencia. “(El set) solo me ayudó a sumergirme más profundamente en el personaje y realmente ver el mundo como mío”, dijo Temple.

ATTENTION SDSU SDSU STUDENTS! ATTENTION STUDENTS! SDSU is mandatory fee fee to secure investments for studentand university-serving technology infrastructure and sustainability initiatives.

SDSU is considering consideringa anew, new, mandatory to secure investments for studentand university-serving technology infrastructure and sustainability initiatives.

SDSU wants your feedback on the proposed ACCELERATING TECH AND SUSTAINABILITY FEE. Students must bring their SDSUcard to the forums.

SDSU wants your feedback on the proposed ACCELERATING TECH AND SUSTAINABILITY FEE. Students must bring their SDSUcard to the forums.

ATTENTION SDSU STUDENTS!

Please visit sdsu.edu/alternativeconsult for the most current list of scheduled forums and for more information about the alternative consultation process and the proposed fee.

Please visit sdsu.edu/alternativeconsult for the most current list of scheduled forums and for more information about the alternative consultation process and the proposed fee.

SDSU is considering a new, mandatory fee to secure investments for student- and university-serving technology infrastructure and sustainability initiatives.

Date

Time

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Host

Date Time Location Wednesday, 23, 2022 11:00 AM ACCELERATING Conrad Prebys AztecAND Student Union, Park Boulevard Greentheir LoveHost SDSU wants February your feedback on the proposed TECH SUSTAINABILITY FEE. Students must bring SDSUcard to the forums.

Wednesday, February23, 23, 2022 12:00 11:00 Conrad Prebys Student Union, Park Boulevard Love Wednesday, February 2022 PM AM Conrad Prebys Aztec Aztec Student Union, 210P Commuter Green Resource Center Wednesday, February 2022 PM Conrad Prebys Aztec Aztec Student Union, Afrikan Student Union process Wednesday, February23, 23, 2022 3:00 12:00 PM current Conrad Prebys Student Union, 210P Commuter Resource Please visit sdsu.edu/alternativeconsult for the most list of scheduled forums and forPark moreBoulevard information about the alternative consultation andCenter the proposed fee.

Wednesday, February 2022 PM PM Conrad Prebys Aztec Aztec Student Union, Theatre Wednesday, February23, 23, 2022 4:003:00 Conrad Prebys Student Union, Park Boulevard Afrikan Student Union Thursday, February 24, 2022 11:45 AMPM Location SDSU-IV Calexico Campus Date Host Wednesday, February 23, 2022 Time 4:00 Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Theatre Thursday, February 24, 2022 3:00 PM SDSU-IV Brawley Campus Wednesday, February 23, 2022 11:00 AM AMConrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, Park Boulevard Green Love Thursday, February 24, 2022 11:45 SDSU-IV Calexico Campus Wednesday, February 23, 2022 12:00 PM Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, 210P Commuter Resource Center Thursday, February 24, 2022 3:00 PM SDSU-IV Brawley Campus

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Thursday, March3,3, 2022 Calpulli 4th East FloorLipinsky Conference Center Room #3 FratManners/SISSTER Thursday, March 2022 1:004:00 PM PM Student Services Conference Room Latinx Resource Center Thursday, March 3,2022 2022 PM Aztec Student Union, APIDA Center Resource Center Friday, March PM Conrad Commons 201 Black Resource Goodwin Scholars If you require an4,accommodation for 2:30 your2:00 participation inWest a Prebys scheduled open forum, please contact the Student Ability APIDA Success Center at either (619)Center’s 594-6473Henrietta or sascinfo@sdsu.edu.

Thursday, March 3, 2022 4:00 PM Calpulli 4th Floor Conference Center Room #3 FratManners/SISSTER

IfFor you are interested in hosting an open forum, please contact at cfac@sdsu.edu. students who are unable to attend a scheduled open forum, youCFAC may come to SDSU Testing Services starting Tuesday, February 15th through Friday, March 4th. Students can drop in If you are interested in hosting an open forum, please contact CFAC at cfac@sdsu.edu. between the hours of 8:30am and 3:00pm. Please bring your SDSUcard and plan on being there for 45 minutes to watch the full presentation and to complete your feedback form.

IfIf you require an accommodation for your participation in a scheduled open forum, please contact the Student Ability Success Center at either (619) 594-6473 or sascinfo@sdsu.edu. you require an accommodation for your participation in a scheduled open forum, please contact the Student Ability Success Center at either (619) 594-6473 or sascinfo@sdsu.edu.

For SDSU Imperial Valley students who are unable to attend a scheduled open forum, you may come to SDSU Imperial Valley Library starting Tuesday, February 15th through Friday, March

4th. students Students can drop in between the hours of 12 noon open and 5:00 pm. you Please bring your SDSUcard and plan on being there for 45 minutes to watch15th the through full presentation and to complete your can dro For whoare are unable to attend a scheduled may SDSUServices Testing Services starting Tuesday, Friday, March 4th. Students For students who unable to attend a scheduled open forum,forum, you may come to come SDSUto Testing starting Tuesday, February 15thFebruary through Friday, March 4th.

Students can drop in feedback the form.hours Students8:30am can check in3:00pm. at the circulation desk near entrance of theplan library. between Please yourthe SDSUcard on being there for 45 minutes the fulland presentation complete your feedback form. between the hours ofof 8:30am andand 3:00pm. Please bring bring your SDSUcard and planand on being there for 45 minutes to watch the to fullwatch presentation to completeand yourtofeedback form.

For SDSU Imperial Valley students who are unable to attend a scheduled open forum, you may come to SDSU Imperial Valley Library starting Tuesday, February 15th through Friday, March 4th. Students can drop in between the hours of 12 noon and 5:00 pm. Please bring your SDSUcard and plan on being there for 45 minutes to watch the full presentation and to complete your feedback form. Students can check in at the circulation desk near the entrance of the library.

10

The Daily Aztec

Arts & Culture

Feb. 23, 2022 - March 1, 2022 EDITOR: Ryan Hardison • arts@thedailyaztec.com

‘A Raisin in the Sun’ connects with audience

By Gabriel Schneider STAFF WRITER

San Diego State’s School of Theatre, Television and Film is hosting “A Raisin in the Sun” from Feb. 18 to Feb. 25. The play deals with the struggles of the Youngers, an African American family searching for the American dream in the 1950s while facing death, racism, assimilation and poverty.

“Growing up in a Black household, there are just so many parallels to my own life and the dynamics of my own family,” said theatre arts major Amira Temple.

Temple played Beneatha Younger, the youngest of the family’s siblings and a relatable character to today’s societal norms. She related to Beneatha’s struggles and pressures of being a woman.

“That feeling of hands always pushing down on you and that pressure to be perfect,” Temple said.

“A Raisin in the Sun” was Temple’s first play at SDSU. “It felt like home,” Temple said. “It was very easy to jump in with everybody, and everybody could connect to the story in a personal way.”

Jaden White, a theatre arts major, played Walter Lee Younger for his first

lead performance at the university.

“I got to tap into some stuff that I felt when I was a kid,” White said.

“Remembering those feelings and going back to being a twelve-year-old to bring back those emotions.”

White faced racism as a child and was able to pull those emotions of frustration and pain into his performance.

Director Niyi Coker, an SDSU professor, gave the original Lorraine Hansberry play a San Diego spin by intertwining real cities and landmarks. Coker depicted the disparities of the family through heavily emotional scenes and comedic elements layered throughout the play.

Both Temple and White said they were pushed far past the boundaries they thought were possible for these roles but were grateful for the freedom and direction Coker gave the performers.

The thrust stage placed the audience into the apartment of the Younger family, providing an intimate setting.

Thoughtfully planned out, the set was covered with props from the 1950s while the lighting inside welcomed viewers into the home. Sound effects added to the feeling of being in an apartment with outside noises leaking through the windows and walls.

Projectors were used creatively to

Photo by Gabriel Schneider

The set of “A Raisin in the Sun” highlighted the apartment of the Younger family and featured 1950s architecture.

enhance the experience of memories, capturing the audience’s senses. “(The set) only helped me dive deeper into character and really see the world as

my own,” Temple said.

To get more information or purchase tickets, go to the School of Theatre, Television and Film website.

Batter up: Nintendo Direct debuts new sports games

Screenshot courtesy of Nintendo Direct

“Kirby and the Forgotten Land” allows players to swallow objeects in the game, including cars.

By Eugènie Budnik STAFF WRITER

On Feb. 9, Nintendo held a 40-minute long ‘Nintendo Direct’ livestream giving a glimpse into highly anticipated games releasing in the first half of 2022.

A classic game making its way onto the Nintendo Switch platform this summer, is “No Man’s Sky,” an action-based adventure game originally released for Playstation 4 and Microsoft Windows in 2016. In this game, players can explore an open universe of innumerable planets with an unimaginable variety of flora and fauna.

This announcement of the game’s release parallels the game’s “Sentinel” update, which improved in-game combat and was released earlier this month.

Fans were also treated with a peek of the upcoming installment in the Kirby video game series. The adorable, round, and food-loving pink puffball will be returning in “Kirby and the Forgotten Land” on Mar. 25. The event also talked about a new “mouthful mode” which will allow players to swallow and take the shape of whole objects in game. The game also has couch co-op, as a partner can play as Kirby’s partner Bandana Waddle Dee. “Splatoon” fans have been patiently

waiting for the release of the third game in the series ever since its initial announcement at the Feb. 2021 Nintendo Direct event. A year later, fans finally got a look at the co-op mode for the third installment of the third person shooter series. “Splatoon 3” sees the return of the 4v4 turf war with new stages and new weapons, while also introducing a new single player story mode. “Splatoon” fans will have to keep waiting for this one, though, as it does not release until this summer.

Sport-themed video game connoisseurs rejoice, as Nintendo also announced the release of three sports video games.

“Mario Strikers,” the rowdy soccerinspired game series, will be returning to the consoles of gamers this June. Players can join clubs of up to 20 teammates and play against rival clubs with Nintendo Switch Online. Players will also have the option to play with up to eight other teammates on one switch using local wireless or Nintendo Switch Online.

Major League Baseball may have delayed spring training due to a lockout, but baseball fans fear not. “MLB The Show 22” was announced for release on April 5, and Nintendo has scheduled exclusive playtests in order to build up anticipation for the new game. “MLB The Show 22” gives fans an immersive

ballpark experience as well as the ability to create their own fantasy baseball team with cross-platform multiplying abilities.

The deluxe version of the game features anime cover art of rising Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani.

Long time Nintendo fans have been awaiting the announcement of “Nintendo Switch Sports.” “Nintendo Switch Sports” will feature tennis, bowling, and sword fighting much like it’s Wii and WiiU predecessors. However, this updated version of the game will also include soccer, volleyball, and badminton. The physical version of the game comes with a leg strap to place your joycon in for a more immersive soccer experience. The game releases on Apr. 29, but Nintendo has already announced that more sports will be added to the game in the fall of 2022.

Nintendo fans new and old have a plethora of games to keep occupied with until Nintendo holds the next Nintendo Direct event! Fans wanting to watch the Feb. 9 Nintendo Direct event in full can do so here.

Screenshots courtesy of Nintendo Direct

(Top) Preview of “Nintendo Switch Sports,” (Bottom) Shohei Ohtani promotes the game “MLB the Show 22.”

Feb. 23, 2022 - March 1, 2022 EDITOR: Ryan Hardison • arts@thedailyaztec.com

Arts & Culture

The Daily Aztec /

11

I’m ‘mutts’ about you: SDSU students celebrate National Love Your Pet Day

By Trinity Bland MANAGING EDITOR

Feb. 20 marks National Love Your Pet Day and the holiday reiterates what San Diego State students already know: pets are a special part of life.

The SDSU community represents a variety of demographics, but the emotional support animal (ESA) population is noteworthy. ESAs, animals prescribed by medical professionals for comfort, boost academic success by providing tender love and care to students in their vigorous pursuit of higher education.

A senior psychology student, who wishes to be anonymous for privacy reasons, has had her ESA for nearly three years. Without her ESA, the student says she would not be able to succeed in college without her.

“My ESA lowers my anxiety levels, making it possible for me to function and get out of bed and go to classes,” the student said. “When I am stressing about an exam and on the verge of a panic attack, my dog is the one that lays on my lap for hours so I can calm down and get my studying done.”

With her therapist’s recommendation, the student chose this route of professional help because she needed extra support with her mental health struggles beyond her therapist’s office.

“I have comfort and I always have

Photo by Karen Díaz

Karen Díaz’s service dog “Snoopy” helps her manage anxiety attacks and with making new friends.

someone to come home to that is excited to see me and makes me feel loved,” the student said. “I have an important responsibility being a dog parent so it ensures I get out of the house and walk each day, and that I stick to a schedule so my dog is cared for in all the ways she needs to be.”

Similarly, after being diagnosed with depression and anxiety, junior nursing major Cindy Koh sought out accessible options. Koh has had her dog, who became a registered ESA in August 2021, since she was 12.

“My dog has been emotionally supporting me since I was little, I just wasn’t diagnosed back then,” Koh said. “I think the biggest benefit of having an ESA

is knowing that she loves me no matter what and there is never any judgment.”

Just like ESA’s, service dogs — dogs who have been strictly trained to work and perform tasks for a person with a disability — can provide emotional support.

Unlike ESA’s, service dogs are permitted to enter residence halls, classrooms and public areas on campus to provide necessary assistance under the control of their owner.

Junior theater arts major Karen Díaz has had their service dog, Snoopald “Snoopy” Leopold Trooper, for a year.

“Snoopy is a great student. Even though he sleeps in class sometimes, all of the professors love him,” Díaz said. “When I have an anxiety attack, he licks my face and lays on me, which helps ground me. When I try to hurt myself, or when he senses I’m ‘acting weird,’ he alerts me and directs my attention towards him. Sometimes he knows before I even realize what is happening. When I have a depressive episode, he helps me get out of bed and get outside. Not to mention seeing his ears flopping as he runs is the best antidepressant.”

Díaz said Snoopy helps her in social situations on campus like making new friends.

“I also feel that Snoopy is a great way to make new friends. I’m very shy, so having Snoopy makes talking easier as it directs their attention to him and not me,” Díaz said.

While service dogs have a job of their own, they are still dogs who will occasionally want to go about their own agenda instead of working.

“Some people don’t realize that service dogs are still dogs,” Díaz said. “There are some days where they don’t feel like working, or are too restless because they want to play. As much training as you give them, they are bound to make some mistakes.”

Students considering getting an ESA or service dog must uphold pet parent responsibilities, which can be taxing on those who aren’t prepared for that level of commitment.

“Having a dog as an ESA is not easy in college and I would only recommend this to students who have time to fully take care of a dog and treat them the way they deserve,” Koh said. “Yes, the ESA is there to support you, but it isn’t fair if you can’t take care of them. Cats are more lowmaintenance so I would recommend a cat as an ESA for people that don’t have as much time to take care of a dog.”

Caring for pets, including ESAs and service dogs, is a never-ending role, and students need to embrace the ups and downs of the journey.

“Another thing to keep in mind is that training goes on forever, you have to reinforce their habits. So I’d recommend it, as long as you do your research and are willing to go through some unpleasant times,” Díaz said.

Many superstar athletes have a passion for fashion

By Aaron Velasquez STAFF WRITER

The world of sports has long coincided with the world of fashion; however, many notable athletes of the 21st century have transcended the ways of fashionable expression for athletes.

The millions of eyes that follow these stars are now tuning in for a glimpse at their fashion sense just as much as their athletic ability.

Athletes are still evolving in the way they style themselves and it’s easy to overlook those athletes in the past who figured out how to push boundaries.

THE PAST In the NBA, Dennis Rodman was known for his look off the court. Rodman often dyed his hair a variety of colors and patterns, engaged in off-the-court antics such as pro wrestling and took player fashion to a new level; all while winning NBA Championships alongside Michael Jordan.

One of his most memorable instances was when he defied gender norms and showed up to a book signing of his in a wedding dress, declaring he would be marrying himself in 1996.

Another pioneer in NBA fashion history is Allen Iverson. His style of showing up to games with fits that consisted of durags, baggy clothes and enough jewelry fit for a king, brought hip-hop culture to the big league.

The NBA would respond to Iverson’s flashy style and forced players to adopt a certain look that wasn’t genuine to themselves. Then NBA Commissioner David Stern implemented a new dress code in 2005 that would change NBA gameday fashion for years to come. Players were urged to dress in “business casual” attire when arriving and leaving games and league/team events according to ESPN. In the NFL, it was another notable athlete who took the league by storm with their gameday style of dress throughout

their career. That athlete was none other than Cam Newton.

With his iconic style of flashy suits paired with an equally mercurial hat, Newton took the NFL’s professional dress code to new heights during the 2010s decade.

THE PRESENT Drawing on those that came before them, athletes now are continuing to push boundaries and bring new styles to the forefront of mainstream culture.

Many of the changes we’ve seen to athletic fashion in recent years can be attributed to a pioneer in fashion that the world lost last year, Virgil Abloh.

Abloh’s work with Off-White and Louis Vuitton bred creations with some of the biggest names in sports fashion and athletes. His relationship with athletes often led to them receiving a personal touch from Virgil, such as what he gave to LeBron James when he wrote “Virgil Was Here” on his custom Off-White Nike Air Force 1’s.

The NBA and NFL continue to showcase some of their star athletes’ best fits. During the recent NFL playoffs, all eyes were on 2nd year Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and what he would wear to his first Super Bowl.

NBA star Russell Westbrook has long made headlines for his outfits, one of his most memorable being when he donned a dress during New York Fashion Week in 2021.

Athletic brands are also thriving from fashion partnerships, some of the most notable being Jordan’s brand deal with French soccer team Paris St. Germain which intertwines basketball and soccer culture.

With sports teams’ collaborations with fashion brands such as Moncler, Louis Vuitton, and BAPE to name a few, it is evident that fashion and sports will continue to thrive together. Any sports fan looking for fashion advice can tune into postgame press conferences and enjoy the extravagant outfits.

Graphic by Ryan Hardison

Star professional athletes such as Russell Westbrook, Lebron James, Cam Newton, Dennis Rodman and Allen Iverson have all established a presence for their fashion choices off the court as much as their athletics.

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12

The Daily Aztec

The Back Page

Feb. 23, 2022 - March 1, 2022 Editor: Jason Freund • sports@thedailyaztec.com

Sara Kjellker reps SDSU around the world

By Marco Perez SENIOR STAFF WRITER

The Scandinavian country of Sweden produced arguably the best women’s golfer of all time in Annika Sorenstam.

She is third all-time with 72 LPGA Tour wins and collected 10 major titles in her career. She helped grow the women’s golf and helped inspire future generations.

One Swedish golfer trying to follow in Sorenstam’s footsteps is San Diego State fifth-year senior golfer Sara Kjellker. She plans to turn professional in May after the conclusion of her senior season.

Coming off a 2020 season where Kjellker was named the Mountain West Women’s Golfer of the Year after winning the Mountain West individual title, she returned home to compete in Europe for the summer and represent Sweden at the European Ladies Amateur Championship in Italy.

She led the tournament after the end of the third round with a score of 8-underpar going into the final day of competition.

She shot a one-over-par 73 in the final round and finished in third-place.

“I actually did not expect to play well that week,” Kjellker said. “I had played three weeks in a row so going into that week I’m like, ‘Okay I’m probably tired but I’m just going to have fun.’ I ended up not winning, but I love being in contention and that’s why we all play this sport. You get adrenaline and it’s just a whole different feeling when you’re up there (on the leaderboard) and people are watching.”

Like all professional success stories, it starts with a beginning and a moment where a fire is ignited. Kjellker’s story is no different.

She grew up in Hollviken, Sweden and started playing golf when she was six years old by tagging along with her family when they would go play. During the summer months, her parents would drop her off at the course where she would spend all day playing and competing against her

Courtesy of SDSU Athletics

Senior Sara Kjellker has already won Mountain West Player of the Year in her junior season and has made a name for herself in golf around the world.

friends.

Her love of the game took off by first being disappointed. When Kjellker was in the American equivalent of ninth grade, she became age-eligible to participate in the Swedish national camp. However, she was told she wasn’t good enough.

“I think that sparked a fire in me,” Kjellker said. “When that happened I got a different mindset and started working really hard, and then ever since, I’ve been part of the Swedish national team. Since

then it has become a different type of love of the game and more like determination.”

Her love of the game got the attention of first-year head coach Lauren Dobashi, who was hired in August after spending the previous eight years as an assistant coach at Stanford University.

“I think one thing that is unique about Sara is that she loves the game,” Dobashi said. “It may not sound that unique, but I’ve been around a lot of players and a lot of golfers and she just genuinely loves

Women’s tennis bears down against Rainbow Warriors, but falls to Cal Bears

By Morgan Prickett STAFF WRITER

San Diego State women’s tennis (6-2) won 5-2 against The University of Hawai’i (13-3) on Friday, Feb. 18, moving their home win streak to nine games before falling to No. 7 University of California Berkeley (6-3) 5-2 on Sunday, Feb. 20.

Versus Hawaii Despite the score, the Aztecs had to fight hard for this win.

SDSU got off to their usual strong start as the senior duo Bunyawi Thamchaiwat and Tamara Arnold recorded a 6-0 victory over senior Gitte Heynemans and sophomore Léa Romain. Hawai’i then tied up the doubles matchup as freshman Ana Vilcek and senior Tal Talya Zandberg were 6-2 winners over the Aztec team of seniors Nnena Nadozie and Alicia Melosch.

For the third consecutive match, senior Regina Pitts — who was named Mountain West Conference Player of the Week on Feb.16 — and junior Cécile Morin would have the opportunity to win the doubles point for the Aztecs. And indeed they did as the duo defeated junior Satsuki Takamura and senior Nidhi Surapaneni 6-3.

The Aztecs then went on to win their singles matchups 4-2.

Thamchaiwat kicked it off with a ​​6-2, 6-1 win against Takamura in what would be the only singles game to end in two sets.

Aztecs Arnold, Nadozie, and Melosch each won their singles matchup in three sets while Pitts fell to Zandberg in her first loss of the season and junior Julia Jordan fell to Heynemans.

Versus Cal Berkely On Sunday, the Aztecs faced their toughest matchup of the season so far: No. 7 University of California Berkeley.

Thamchaiwat and Arnold opened up the doubles matchups with another win, defeating juniors Haley Giavara and Valentina Ivanov 6-4. The win moved the duo to 6-1 on the season.

The Golden Bears then clawed back as freshman Jessica Alsola and sophomore Hannah Viller Moeller defeated senior Pitts and junior Morin 6-4 to tie the doubles point.

The point came down to Aztec seniors Nadozie and Melosch who fought Erin Richardson and Julia Rosenqvist with all they had before narrowly losing in a 7-6 (7) decision. The doubles point belonged to the Golden Bears.

In singles, Pitts would draw the Aztecs level after defeating senior Julia Rosenqvist, 6-1, 6-1 before the Golden Bears went on to win the next three singles matches to clinch the victory.

Despite losing the match, the highlight of the day was the highly competitive matchup between Thamchaiwat and Giavara who ranked No. 27 in singles in 2021. The match, which went on for much longer than expected, ended 6-1, 5-7,

11-9 with a large crowd of suppoprters in attendance. The win moved Thamchaiwat to 7-0 in singles this season.

“This was a good test for her and I was very proud of the fact that she was able to come on top even though the team match had been decided,” said head coach Peter Materra. “They both played great matches, her and Giavara, could’ve sold tickets to that one.”

Even with the varied results, the Aztecs Tennis Center was loud all weekend whether it was the players or the fans.

Mattera has been recently talking to his team about using their voices to improve their results on their court.

“They did a really good job today of using their voices, we talked about it after the Hawai’i match that they need to hear each other out here because the amount of emotional energy that provides to the group is significant,” Mattera said. “We got to watch a great example of that on this court with Bunyawi using her voice almost entirely for good and to pump herself up. With some of the teams in the rest of our schedule the rest of the way that’s what it’s gonna take, it’s an emotional battle out there and the team that believes they’re gonna win is gonna win and the team that stays together is probably gonna win too.”

The Aztecs will take a short break but are back in action against the University of San Diego, Wednesday March 2, at 1:30 p.m.

the game. Another thing that stands out is she’s always curious. I think that’s a rare quality in a lot of golfers and so she’s super coachable because she’s curious and always wants to know how she can be better.”

Dobashi noted that Kjellker spends a lot of time working on her craft and that “she basically lives at the golf course.”

Dobashi has had to rely on Kjellker’s veteran presence on a team that has a majority of underclassmen.

One teammate in particular that has grown and been successful because of Kjellker’s veteran leadership is Japanese freshman Anika Sato. Like Kjellker, Sato comes from a different country and aspires to do great things in her career at SDSU. “She is like my idol,” Sato said of Kjellker. “She plays so well. Not only her style, but her personality is also good. If I struggle with my golf she helps me a lot.

I am so sad that I have to play without her next year, and I can’t imagine what it’s like to compete against the other schools without Sara.”

Along with her school’s fall competition schedule, Kjellker competed in Q-School qualifying events with the hopes of getting her LPGA Tour card.

She made it to stage two before missing the cut and missing out on participating in the final eight-round Q-Series event.

“I was super disappointed but I think it was also a great learning experience,” Kjellker said. “The more you play the more you know how to handle pressure situations. I was trying to overdo it. I tried to overcome the game rather than just playing it.”

Kjelker is currently ranked 57th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings. Based on her ranking, she is hoping to qualify for the 2022 Augusta National Women’s Amateur. The final round of the event takes place at Augusta National, home of The Masters.

She will not know if she qualifies until February but her fingers are crossed, as it is a dream of hers to be able to play in it.

When she graduates in May, Kjellker will have status on the Symetra Tour, which is the tour directly below the LPGA Tour. Her eventual goal is to be on the LPGA Tour.