Wednesday, Jan. 27 - Tuesday, Feb. 2 Weekly Digital Edition
Vol. 107, Issue 12 www.thedailyaztec.com
San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
by
Kyle Betz
SPORTS EDITOR
Through season postponements/cancellations in 2020, pauses due to campus coronavirus complications and uncertainty if athletics would be able to resume in 2021, San Diego State spring sports are ready to run it back. It’s been nearly 11 months since the start of the pandemic. Only the football team has been able to compete and finish a season — even though it was shortened to eight games. Although not considered spring sports by the
book, men’s basketball and swimming and diving were robbed of opportunities to compete in postseason play last March. With a 30-2 record and regular-season Mountain West Conference title, men’s basketball was unable to play in the NCAA Tournament. It was all too familiar for swimming and diving, who claimed the MWC title in February but was stripped of competing in the NCAA Championships the following month. Both teams are back in action and began their seasons last November and December, respec-
tively. Women’s basketball was the only other sport to resume play in 2020. Now, all three teams continue to play into the spring semester. So will at least seven other programs, including teams that usually play during the fall. Men’s golf recently began its first competition of the season in the Southwestern Invitational, held Jan. 25 to Jan. 27. Cross country will be the next sport back in action and is set to participate in the UNLV XC Invitational on Feb. 1. Volleyball is scheduled to face the Runnin’ Rebels
in the team’s first game of the season in Las Vegas on Feb. 4. On Feb. 8, SDSU women’s golf starts and will look to retain the Lamkin Invitational trophy for a second straight season. The lights above SDSU Softball Stadium and Tony Gwynn Stadium will also shine again, as softball begins Feb. 12 and baseball starts Feb. 19. Both teams lead off their seasons against San Diego. For now, women’s soccer is the only program to begin play in March. The sole SDSU program in the Pac-12 Conference, men’s soccer, is the latest pro-
WOMEN’S SOCCER PREVIEW After 430 days, women’s soccer returns to the pitch to compete in conference round-robin schedule.
ADAMS IS BACK Mallory Adams dealt with injury troubles in the past year, but her return to the court brings a significant addition.
See page 5
See page 7
gram to release its season schedule. The squad begins play Feb. 11 at home against Dixie State. Among the programs that have yet to officially release a schedule include men’s tennis, lacrosse, women’s tennis, water polo and track and field. As we’ve seen earlier this month, game postponements and cancellations are still a possibility in 2021. But remember when we were without athletics last spring and early summer? These next few months are going to be sportsheavy, so buckle up.
MEN’S GOLF UPDATE Q&A: With the men’s golf season lingering on the horizon, head coach Gene Carswell has the inside scoop. See page 5
2
News
The Daily Aztec
Jan. 27 - Feb. 2, 2020 Editor: Jadyn Brandt
Biden sworn in as 46th President, Harris makes history as first female, Black VP by
EDITOR IN CHIEF Brenden Tuccinardi
Brenden Tuccinardi
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States of America on Jan. 20 in a ceremony that was anything but ordinary and marked several firsts for the nation. Former California Senator Kamala Devi Harris became the first female vice president, the first Black American vice president and the first vice president of South Asian descent. Biden and Harris campaigned on a message of unity and a mission to “restore the soul of America.” The president echoed that sentiment in his inaugural address on the Capitol steps, which only two weeks prior had been overrun by a violent mob
NEWS EDITOR Jadyn Brandt ASST. NEWS EDITOR Katelynn Robinson OPINION EDITOR Trinity Bland MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Noé Sandoval ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Devin Whatley SPORTS EDITOR Kyle Betz Graphic by Emily Burgess
of now-former President Trump’s supporters. “We’ve learned again that democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile. At this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed,” President Biden said. “So now on this hallowed ground, where just a few days ago violence sought to shake the Capitol’s very foundations, we come together as one
nation under God – indivisible – to carry out the peaceful transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries.” The violent events of Jan. 6 prompted increased security in the nation’s capital. 25,000 National Guard members were deployed to Washington D.C. to beef up security ahead of Biden’s swearing-in. The
National Mall was closed and many of downtown’s streets were cordoned off. “It’s really crazy to think about how a lot of D.C. residents have been inconvenienced,” criminal justice third-year Kayla Bradshaw told The Daily Aztec. Bradshaw was born and raised in the district and see
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SDSU begins COVID-19 vaccine rollout, delays in-person instruction by
Patrick Doyle
STAFF WRITER
San Diego State will soon be distributing COVID-19 vaccines at Calpulli Center pending approval from the state of California. Meanwhile, the university has postponed in-person instruction for most currently approved courses until March 1. Governor Gavin Newsom announced last week the arrival of more than 2 million doses of vaccines in the state for qualified individuals through phase one, which includes paramedics, health care workers and individuals over 75. Once SDSU is approved to administer vaccines, all faculty, staff and students will be able to receive them as they become eligible. The university expects its distribution site will be approved within the week. On Jan. 23, the county
expanded vaccine eligibility to San Diegans 65 or older. The county is distributing vaccines at several sites, including Petco Park, and appointments are available. Amidst the hurried rollout of vaccines, the university also announced a delay of in-person instruction, with most courses containing in-person elements to continue virtually until March 1. This comes after San Diego County reported over 100,000 new cases in the last 30 days, with many ICUs having reached full capacity. In the days since the start of the semester on Jan. 20, SDSU has reported three positive cases among individuals “associated with campus housing,” according to a Jan. 22 email. However, the university is optimistic that this
spike in cases will stabilize near the end of February, and continue improving as more people are vaccinated. “If enough individuals are vaccinated, and given the high efficacy that has been observed, we may reach a point where there is herd immunity in late summer or early fall,” said infectious disease epidemiologist and Interim Director
of SDSU’s School of Public Health Eyal Oren. Previously, SDSU had planned to delay the start of spring in-person classes until Feb. 3 to allow time for students to complete mandatory testing requirements. Students are reminded to adhere to the Regional Stay Home Order, wear masks and socially distance whenever possible.
ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Luis Lopez SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Catlan Nguyen PHOTO EDITOR Alexa Oslowski ASST. PHOTO EDITOR Amanda Orozco VIDEO EDITOR Angela Kurysh ASST. VIDEO EDITOR Mackenzie Stafford GRAPHIC DESIGN EDITOR Emily Burgess
SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Ryan Hardison Breven Honda Amber Salas Reese Savioe STAFF WRITERS Patrick Doyle Aleah Jarin Isabel Smith CONTRIBUTORS Nicholas Edabat Sam Rott
3 Opinion Perspective: Surviving in the epicenter of the country’s political division Jan. 27 - Feb. 2, 2020 Editor: Trinity Bland
by
The Daily Aztec
Trinity Bland
OPINION EDITOR
East Coast pride is something that can be seen (or heard) over a mile away. Typically, natives are some of the loudest and proudest, representing their city wherever they go. I can attest to this being an East Coast native myself. This was no different when I came to San Diego State as a freshman in 2018. I made sure people knew I wasn’t from California, whether it was intentional or not. Many times, my mannerisms and things like the way I spoke, dressed and my music taste could say it more immediately than I could verbally share. If I had a dollar for every time someone from California told me,“Oh, we can tell you’re not from here,” I’d be living luxuriously.
Graphic by Emily Burgess
I didn’t mind it though. I was glad people knew I wasn’t from California and while spending four years or more in California meant inevitably adapting to west coast culture, I never wanted to fully conform to California customs. I love being from the east coast but far more, I love being from Washington, DC. DC, Chocolate City,
by
icholas
CONTRIBUTOR
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Bryan Diamond
EDITORIAL editor@thedailyaztec.com ADVERTISING advertising@thedailyaztec.com PRINT The Daily Aztec publishes 5,000 copies of its weekly print edition every Wednesday thoughout the semester when we are not in a global pandemic. WEB Daily content is available at www.thedailyaztec.com
was happening on CNN also on friends’ Instagram stories as they were working downtown — all on lockdown — some even in the Capitol, the sacred place that was monstrously violated. I received a plethora of text messages, DMs, calls and many ‘stay safe’, ‘thinking of you’ wishes from people who were not natives to DC and messages from friends who lived in the area who were like me, absolutely petrified — and there have been too many instances where we as Americans have felt this way for far too long. Within the multitude of messages, I was constantly asked about how I felt, seeing this all unfold in my own backyard and what my city was like during a see
ONLINE
United States division sparked by SDSU has good intentions in creating both sides of the political spectrum rest and recovery days N ment, Obamacare, and for years to come. E by
Sara Rott
CONTRIBUTOR
Rest and Recovery days are often used in terms of exercise. Getting enough rest after a high level performance gives the body time to repair and strengthen itself. Recovery allows the body to replenish its energy. Without sufficient time to recharge, the body will continue to break down
from intensive exercise. This also applies to mental health, the brain is just as important as the rest of our body, especially if you are a college student. On Dec. 1, 2020, it was decided that instead of a spring break, San Diego State would take days throughout the semester where there would be no see
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SOCIAL MEDIA @thedailyaztec
@TheDailyAztec
/DailyAztecVideo
/thedailyaztec The views and opinions expressed in this issue do not necessarily reflect those of The Daily Aztec. Photo by Brenden Tuccinardi
Washington, The District, Politics Central, The Nation’s Capital, whatever you prefer to call it — it’s home to many including Smithsonian museums and memorials, great food spots, world-class universities, award-winning sports teams and so many amazing people from all walks of life. I’m used to historical events of any magnitude
happening in my own backyard. Experiencing tourists from all over the world come to DC to indulge in the sights is nothing new for me. Despite the exception that major things happen in my city regularly, people go to work, come to sightsee, it’s lively yet quiet, and the routine starts all over the very next day. I’m grateful I grew up constantly witnessing these significantly special moments because it really showed me just how wonderful my city is. On Jan. 6, when a multitude of pro-Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, it felt like my own home had been broken into by mad intruders. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing on the news but it became concretely real when I saw exactly what
Graphic by Emily Burgess
dabat
Tensions within the country remain heightened between the radicalized masses of the democratic and republican parties after “The Trump Insurrection,” coined by CNN, on Jan. 6. The blemish on American history was just the pinnacle of a long-running feud between parties fostered by social media, a rampant pandemic lasting over time, and conflicting ideologies that fight to be the prevailing face of the nation. The beginning of our divided public can be traced back to over a decade ago. The United States has felt the impact of a divided nation ever since the presidency of Barack Obama from 2008 to 2016. Critics like Elaine Kamarck argue Obama’s legacy can be summed up by his single major legislative achieve-
his less than successful attempt at building his party. Many believe it was Obama’s response to the Great Recession that gave President Trump a way in the Oval Office. He had a choice between a large stimulus package developed by Christina Romer or a smaller more refined stimulus advised by Lawrence Summers. He decided on Summers’ plan that promised a slow and stable recovery that would not be perceived in Obama’s favor
According to the Pew Research Center, in 2015, seven-out-of-ten Americans said the government’s policies did little to nothing to help the middle class most affected by the 2008 recession. The economy was a driving argument to decide the winner of the election in 2016 and President Trump’s most boasted promise was that he would fix it. In addition, Obama’s atsee
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Graphic by Emily Burgess
4
The Daily Aztec
Mundo Azteca
Jan. 27 - Feb. 2, 2020 Editor: Noé Sandoval
Presidente Biden tiene un plan extensiva para la comunidad latina by
Noé Sandoval
EDITOR DE MUNDO AZTECA
Con solo siete días de su presidencia, el Presidente Biden ya está poniendo varias órdenes ejecutivas que ayudarán al país. Después de meses de campaña, el partido demócrata ganó la elección en noviembre del 2020. Muchos votantes en todo el país salieron a votar para que su voz sea escuchada, especialmente la comunidad latina. El 20 de enero señaló un gran evento en la historia de Los Estados Unidos, con la inauguración del 46º presidente, Joseph Robinette Biden, y de la vicepresidente, Kamala Harris, Harris es la primera mujer en la vicepresidencia, la primera persona negra en este cargo, y la primera persona de ascendencia asiática e hija de inmigrantes en alcanzar el segundo mayor puesto en la Casa Blanca . El ambicioso plan de
Biden es una reforma migratoria bastante progresista para el país. Este plan es llamado el 2021 US Citizenship Act, o Ley de Ciudadanía Estadounidense de 2021, y ayudará aquellos sin estatus legal que residen en los Estados Unidos de antes del 1 de enero del 2021 solicitar una residencia temporal. Con esta residencia temporal, los solicitantes podrán ser residentes permanentes al cabo de cinco años, y eventualmente ser naturalizados como ciudadanos tres años después, reporta un artículo de BBC . Bajo esta ley, los solicitantes deberán ser sometidos a verificaciones de antecedentes penales, pagar impuestos, y completar otros requisitos básicos. La legislación deberá ayudar a 10,5 millones de indocumentados viviendo en los Estados Unidos, que representa 23% de la población inmigratoria en
File photo
este país, según el Centro Pew de Investigaciones. Esta legislación requiere al menos 60 de 100 votos en el Senado para que sea aprobada. Aparte de esta legislación, aquellos que están bajo los programas de Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia (DACA, por sus siglas en inglés), el programa de estatus de protección temporal (TPS, por sus siglas en inglés) y trabajadores agrícolas que cumplan requisitos específicos inmediatamente calificarían para la residencia permanente.
Los beneficiarios de esos programas podrán también solicitar la naturalización de la ciudadanía al cabo de tres años. Los beneficiarios de DACA, también llamados dreamers , son unos 700.000 jóvenes, más del 75% de ellos mexicanos, que llegaron a Estados Unidos cuando eran niños. Además del camino para un estatus legal para muchos inmigrantes en este país, esta propuesta también aborda una reforma del sistema de inmigracion para la reunificación de familias. La propuesta ayudará en
eliminar tiempos de espera largos, despejar la saturación de casos por atender, e incrementar los cupos disponibles para familias según su país de origen. “El plan establece también una serie de protecciones para los trabajadores inmigrantes que denuncien explotación y aumenta de 55.000 a 80.000 el número de visados de diversidad”,dice el artículo de BBC Otros planes que tiene la administración de Biden/ Harris es enfocarse en una técnica diferente para la seguridad fronteriza, a través de nueva tecnología que expedite el chequeo y la capacidad de identificar narcóticos y otro tipo de contrabando en puertos de entrada del país. Una gran parte de este plan también es la ayuda para los países centroamericanos de Guatemala, El Salvador, y see
ONLINE
by
Noé Sandoval
EDITOR DE MUNDO AZTECA
Con el nuevo año y nuevo semestre, la Universidad Estatal de San Diego continúa con clases virtuales debido a la pandemia de COVID-19. La universidad mandó un correo electrónico como rotina para informar sobre las actualizaciones de la pandemia y los casos en campus. Los estudiantes viviendo en el campus debieron hacer la prueba del COVID-19 para regresar de las vacaciones de invierno. La universidad reportó 3 casos entre alumnos en total de COVID desde el 20 de enero que fue el comienzo de este semes-
tre de primavera 202l. La tasa de positividad entre las 662 pruebas hechas en los últimos 7 días es 2.27%, según el reportaje. Además, 66.67% de los estudiantes que viven en el campus completaron su periodo de aislamiento. Aunque estos datos parecen ser bajos, la universidad continúa administrando más pruebas. En el condado de San Diego, junto con el resto de la nación, ha habido una ola de más casos positivos debidos a las fiestas navideñas de diciembre 2020. Con los número de casos en subida, la introducción de la vacuna será una manera para ayudar a aplanar la curva de la tasa de pandemia. Sin embargo,
la distribución de las vacunas serán hechas por fases. El aviso anotó que muchas agencias federales, estatales y del condado ya han empezado a dar la vacuna a gente en la primera fase. Individuales en esta categoría incluye personas trabajando en el sector de la salud pública y medicina, como enfermeros, médicos, y facultad de hospitales. Además, personas de la tercera edad, edades 65 y adelante, también puede irse vacunar a partir del 23 de enero del 2021, según el condado de San Diego. Debido a la llegada de la vacuna, muchos sitios se están abriendo para la disponibilidad de recibirla. El condado de San
Diego tiene información en su sitio web para más información sobre la vacunación y procedimientos. Junto con la distribución de las vacunas, puede haber estafas potenciales y el riesgo de desinformación, alerta la universidad.
Es importante seguir el sitio web de la Administración de Drogas y Alimentos de EE. UU. sobre información actual de la autorización del uso de la vacuna en una emergencia. see
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File photo La vacunas están por llegar pero SDSU continua las medidas de protección para mejor prevención.
The Daily Aztec
5
Gomez making presence known on both ends of court in 2020-21 by
Kyle Betz
SPORTS EDITOR
He might be only 5-foot-8, but San Diego State men’s basketball senior guard Terrell Gomez is making an impact on both ends of the floor in 2020-21. Gomez is one of the best shooters in the nation – he’s averaged 2.9 3-pointers made per game during his four-year collegiate career, including a 43.5% clip from deep. When he transferred to SDSU from Cal State Northridge last summer, he couldn’t just be a shooter anymore. Defense is the staple of the Aztecs’ program. Gomez was primarily tasked with guarding shooters at CSUN but said assistant coach Dave Velasquez has helped him improve defensively in an Aztec uniform. “All of my energy was
Photo by Jason Freund Senior guard Terrell Gomez attempts a layup during the Aztecs’ 78-65 win over Colorado State on Jan. 4 at Viejas Arena.
used on offense,” Gomez said. “Coming here, I had to make a big adjustment which I knew I was going to have to do... I’m getting over ball screens better, I’m boxing out, I’m going in there and getting deflections. I’m just continuing to get better.” That improvement has shown, and then some. Through 15 games, Go-
mez has already tied his season-high steals average from 2018-19 (1.1 steals per game). Head coach Brian Dutcher said he’s noticed more from Gomez’s defense than what appears in the box score. “I think he’s defending at a higher level every game,” Dutcher said. “He’s in multiple places at the same
time, contesting shots for a guy his size. He gets in his gaps and he’s playing better defense.” Gomez has averaged 23.4 minutes per game this year. To put things into perspective, he tallied an average of 37.1 game minutes last year with the Matadors. Part of that reason is he’s come off the bench for 12 of his 15 appearances.
“Your best players aren’t always in the starting lineup,” Dutcher said of Gomez’s role off the bench. “He brings energy to the floor, he changes the pace of the game and he can really score the basketball.” Recently, however, his efforts as the spark plug off the bench have earned him a spot in the starting five. He started in two consecutive games versus Air Force, including a 15-point performance (with five 3-pointers) in the Aztecs’ win on Jan. 24. “Offensively, he’s feeling more comfortable,” Dutcher said of Gomez’s production. “I think he was trying to fit in when he first got here and didn’t really exert himself on the offensive end. Now, as he gets more comfortable, he’s taking more aggressive shots at the offensive see
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Q&A: Carswell discusses COVID-19 challenges, benefits by
Breven Honda
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
SDSU mantiene las medidas de la pandemia, mientras la vacuna está en llegar
Sports
Jan. 27 - Feb. 2, 2020 Editor: Kyle Betz
San Diego State men’s tennis players have found ways to compete even without playing together during the pandemic. For example, freshman Judson Blair competed in the Oracle Intercollegiate Tennis Association Masters in October. The Daily Aztec caught up with head coach Gene Carswell to see how his program has been since the pandemic began as well as communication with players and his assistant coach. The Daily Aztec: How are you and the program doing right now? Gene Carswell: “I am doing pretty well, just navigating all the different protocols that go along with the worldwide pandemic. Preparations, as far as the group of guys that we have coming, I’m very excited about this group of Aztecs
that will try to win a conference championship and hopefully a regular-season title. Unfortunately, we won’t have any team tournaments so far.” DA: Where is your team at in terms of repopulation protocols to return to the court?
GC: “We already have players back on the tennis court. So we have a partial group at the moment. We have about more than half the team with us and we are slowly but surely making progress. We have a couple of internationals who are, for a variety of
Courtesy of Derrick Tuskan, SDSU Athletics San Diego State men’s tennis head coach Gene Carswell looks on during a match at the SDSU Tennis Center.
different reasons, it will take them a little bit longer to get back to campus. But as they trickle in, they will get added into the group as well.” DA: During this pandemic, your players have still found ways to play. What have you seen from them? GC: “It’s interesting because tennis is kind of like that safe activity. So from that standpoint, we’re pretty fortunate that guys are able and play events while they are kind of playing independent from their collegiate team. The good thing is they keep up their skillset during times where they couldn’t because the fall (season) of the Mountain West (Conference) was basically cancelled. From that standpoint, it’s been awesome. These guys have been able to maintain their level and have opportunities to compete and play, compared to some other team sports.”
DA: How have you been keeping in contact with your assistant coach and your players? GC: “The contact is the easy part. Much like most other programs, we’ll get together for Zoom meetings as a team and then in our group, I don’t have to deal with 60 players. I am dealing with a group that is about 10, usually. The individual communication with each one of them, I am able to maintain and stay connected that way. As the world gets smaller, especially with my international guys, it’s not like how it used to be. You can, with your device, you can message, call and Facetime all over the world. That’s what we’ve been doing to keep up the line of communication going. We’ve done a pretty great job of that.” DA: Every season you have been playing in fall see
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Sports
The Daily Aztec
Jan. 27 - Feb. 2, 2020 Editor: Kyle Betz
Mallory Adams ‘nervous’ in return from injuries by
Breven Honda
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
San Diego State women’s basketball’s Mallory Adams was coming off a freshman campaign where she averaged 12.2 points, led the team with 8.9 rebounds and started all 32 games en route to receiving Mountain West Conference All-Freshman team honors in 2018-19. The 6-foot forward began her sophomore season averaging 12.8 points and six rebounds through the team’s first six games of the 2019-20 season. On Nov. 26, 2019, she played 30 minutes and scored 10 points on 4-of12 shooting in a 64-52 loss at UC Santa Barbara. That would be her last game of the season because of knee and shoulder injuries that required surgery. During this past offseason when Adams’ teammates got the news that she would return in 202021, they were ecstatic. However, through the
And with 53 seconds left 3-pointer in almost 14 in the third quarter, she months to the day — a made her first bucket. shot from the top of the Adams said she was a key that sank as the horn little timid when she re- sounded, marking the end turned to the court. of the first half. “I was nervous because it Sophomore guard Isabehad been so long,” Adams la Hernandez said she was said. “I felt really relieved, “excited for her” when Adjust to finally end all of my ams ended the first half on rehab and surgeries. Every- a high note. thing has paid off. (I) started Hernandez also said Adthe process of getting back ams’ return to the floor is to playing and getting back crucial because of the moto myself.” tivation she brings, both on Three weeks later on and off the court. Jan. 24, Adams hit her first “Mallory is great to have back,” Hernandez said. “Not only is she a great player on the floor, but she brings a lot of energy from the bench. She has a great spirit to her that makes us all happy.” Head coach Stacie Terry-Hutson said Adams’ work to getting fully healthy is still ongoing, but is delighted to see her back on Steve Fisher Court. “We’re proud of Mal and what she’s been able to do,” Terry-Hutson said. “It’s going to take some time File photo Then-sophomore forward Mallory Adams shoots from the charity stripe for her getting back into during the Aztecs’ 55-45 win over the Titans on Nov. 17, 2019 at Viejas rhythm. She is on some Arena. team’s first eight games, the Frisco, Texas native was nowhere to be seen on the floor. It all changed on Jan. 7 when the Aztecs traveled up to Reno, Nevada to take on the Nevada Wolf Pack for the first of a two-game series. With 4:54 remaining in the first quarter, Adams was at the scorer’s table and ready to step onto the hardwood for the first time in a little more than 13 months.
minute restrictions, but she’s doing a good job when she can and you are going to see her back to what she can be very soon.” During Adams’ rehab process, Terry-Hutson said the team wanted her on the court as soon as possible because of her commitment, despite some of her teammates’ unfamiliarity with her playing style. “We were really anxious for her because she means a lot to our program,” Terry-Hutson said. “It’s funny because our new kids don’t really know what she can bring to the program, but I am just really proud of the effort she has put in. She worked tirelessly to get herself back into shape so she can play. I am looking forward to reap the benefits of all the work she has put in.” Over the last few weeks, Adams said she found more difficulties than what she originally thought. “It has been challenging,” Adams said.“I felt like when see
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Men’s soccer back with new coach, new roster, new normal by
Amber Salas
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
San Diego State men’s soccer announced its 2021 schedule and is set to take the field for its first match in just 16 days. The Aztecs are ready to embrace the “new” that comes with this season. This is the Aztecs’ first season with new head coach Ryan Hopkins, along with a new roster featuring 13 incoming student-athletes. Additionally, this is the first time the Aztecs are playing in the spring season due to COVID-19 changes. The Aztecs will play in 11 total matches, with six home games and five away. The Aztecs face all five Pac12 schools twice with one non-conference match. The Scarlet and Black kick off the season at home
with their lone non-conference match against Dixie State on Feb. 11. The Aztecs then head a few hours north to Los Angeles to play their first Pac-12 match of the season against UCLA on Feb. 20. Their first conference match at the SDSU Sports Deck is set for Feb. 27 against Stanford. The Cardinals finished second place in the conference last season with a 14-2-5 overall record, 6-2-2 in Pac-12 Conference. Next, the Aztecs will start the month of March with a trip up north to Seattle to play the Washington Huskies. The Huskies went 17-4 (8-2 Pac-12 Conference) in 2019 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament. The Aztecs play the Huskies on March 6.
The Aztecs return home to face California on March 13, then face a quick turnaround for a road match at Oregon State on March 20. SDSU comes back home for a little over a week to begin facing opponents for the second matchups of the season. The Aztecs will host UCLA on March 24, followed by Washington on March 28. For the home stretch of the season, the Aztecs will head back on the road for the first week of April facing Stanford on April 3, and California on April 10. The season finale concludes with Senior Night at the SDSU Sports Deck, when the Aztecs host Oregon State on April 17. All start times will be announced at a later date, as well as broadcast and streaming information. As
File photo Then-sophomore forward Mallory Adams shoots from the charity stripe during the Aztecs’ 55-45 win over the Titans on Nov. 17, 2019 at Viejas Arena.
of now, no fans will be in attendance at SDSU home matches. On Jan. 14, the SDSU men’s soccer program shared on social media the perfect weather conditions for their first training of 2021. This marked a sign that the program was hopeful for a schedule to be announced soon, and a
spring season to be played. Head coach Ryan Hopkins faces a unique coaching experience this season. It’s one that involves a lot of time on Zoom. The team has been physically training on the field to get ready for their season, yet also is spending time on see
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Sports
Jan. 27 - Feb. 2, 2020 Editor: Kyle Betz
The Daily Aztec
7
Women’s soccer returns after pandemic postponement Reese Savoie and Devin Whatley
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San Diego State women’s soccer has not played a game since Nov. 19, 2019, when they lost to Boise State in the Mountain West Conference championship game. They were hoping to play a fall season last year, but it was postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. More than 430 days have passed since that final game. However, starting in March, the team will finally get their chance to compete on the pitch. Here are a few observations entering the 2021 women’s soccer season. An unorthodox schedule Last August, the Aztecs had an initial fall schedule set with non-conference games and Mountain West games on the slate. Head coach Mike Friesen said he felt that at the time, some games could end up being postponed or canceled because of high COVID-19 cases going on across California. Then came the postponement, and all of the non-conference games were no more. Now with this new schedule, the Aztecs will be playing 20 conference games where they face five opponents at home and on the road. “It was done based on geography more than anything else, ease of getting to those places, cost and then safety and all that,” Friesen said. Set to face the team this season is a mix of opponents who finished at the top, middle and lower half of the conference standings two years ago. The Aztecs face two of the bottom teams in the league with UNLV and Nevada, the fourth and fifth place finishers, San Jose State and Fresno State – and the conference tournament champion Boise State. “It’ll be a good test on
our side, that we’re going to play in this (west division),” Friesen said. “It’ll be good to get a chance to see what teams do against us, and then if we can adjust and do things the second time around, and make some changes.” Many of the players are looking forward to finally getting a shot at getting back on the field. “The games are what we look forward to,” senior defender Sarah Broacha said. Senior midfielder/forward Chloe Frisch felt the
phases of practice – from running, to socially distanced passing drills and mini-scrimmages – with the hope of slowly building toward full 11-on-11 games. As the season nears, a lot of players have used this time off to improve themselves, both mentally and physically. “Mentally, I’ve been really having to focus on the joy that soccer brings me,” senior defender Jordan Girman said. “There were times during this pandemic when I was like, ‘Oh my gosh. I have five more
healthy on levels that go in this unprecedented seabeyond just physical. son. “What I really worked on Depth and experithis year was just my fit- ence are aplenty ness, because I knew that Heading into this season, was going to be an ultimate the Aztecs return 18 scholfactor, and you know as arship players. (Coach Friesen) said, he’s Despite losing four sebeen kind of worried about niors – most notably MWC injuries, and I am unfortu- Defensive Player of the Year nately one of those players Brooke Lisowski – to gradthat is pretty injury-prone,” uation, Friesen believes the she said. “I’ve been focusing amount of experience and on my physical health and depth coming back is a mamy mental health, to just jor plus. make sure that I am ready “We only get (stuto take on the challenges dent-athletes) for three that this season is going to and a half years,” he said. bring.” “So the fact that we have our seniors for this spring, and then we’re going to get them again, most of them for next fall, that’s the part that gets exciting, thinking about how mature we can be.” Heading into a season where a COVID-19 case could put one player out for two to four games, having enough players ready to play becomes more valuable than previous years. Considering the circumstances of one conference bid to the NCAA Championships only adds more weight to it. The Scarlet and Black return depth in their front File photo seven, and Friesen believes The San Diego State women’s soccer team celebrates after scoring a goal during the Aztecs’ 1-0 win on Oct. 4, 2019 at the SDSU Sports Deck. they are in better shape now compared to when same way. months before I get to join She said that keeping her- they won the regular sea“I’m really looking for- my team, how am I gonna self mentally sharp has been son title last season. ward to getting to play stay motivated?’” key for her in the offseason. “I think we’re in a way again because we haven’t Broacha used her time to “Being off the field for that better spot depth wise and been able to play,” she said. rest and refocus. long, your brain kind of for- we were in the fall of 2019,” “We’ve just been practic“To take a little rest time, gets how quickly you have Friesen said. “We’re gonna ing, and practicing isn’t the when I first stopped (last to be thinking on the pitch be so deep and so good it’s most fun part about it – it’s spring it) was really essen- because soccer is a game gonna be scary.” the games, so I’m excited tial for my body,” she said. that’s constantly moving,” There’s hope among the to do that.” “I kind of just needed a little Girman said. “So I think team that this depth will Whoever finishes first in recovery.” just by training my brain to translate to fresher legs, the West Division will face Other players have fo- keep going and making sure healthier players and more the winner of the Mountain cused on maintaining their my fitness is up to where it victories this season. Division in a single-game fitness over the break. needs to be I’ll be in good Keeping the chemelimination match for the Frisch sees it in practice, shape and so far so good.” istry high conference title. This year, and believes it will translate “I think that’s what I get With the team returning the conference title winner when games start. excited about: we have a to the field amidst the onwill get an automatic bid to “I think people came back bunch of players that have going pandemic comes the the NCAA women’s soc- (in great shape) and even committed to their fitness adherence of specific rules cer Championships. our soccer has been pretty and getting better and designed to keep the playTime away allows good,” she said.“I think that learning,” Friesen said. ers safe. for freedom to grow that’s because people are Time away for the Scarlet Namely, remaining inside After the fall season was excited – we haven’t played and Black has opened the each of their respective postponed, Friesen and in so long.” door for players to work COVID-19 bubbles. the team continued going Girman said she’s been on their game – which they through three different focusing on keeping herself hope will make a difference see ONLINE
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The Daily Aztec
Arts & Culture
Jan. 27 - Feb. 2, 2020 Editor: Devin Whatley
Quick Take: ‘Driver’s License’ showcases TikTok’s explosive influence on music industry by
Ryan Hardison
SENIOR STAFF WRITER
Amassing a loyal fanbase is one of the biggest hurdles standing between musicians and achieving commercial success, but at least it’s getting easier. Contemporary technology and growing access to vast demographics of listeners, are creating wider avenues for musicians to market themselves and inspire fans. Less than two decades ago, it was routine for artists to gain exposure for their newest releases and obtain a large following on shows like BET’s 106 & Park and MTV’s Total Request Live. These shows aired the day’s most requested music videos in a countdown style format and were
crucial for promoting new songs to teens. At the height of this era, a song’s long-standing request on any of these shows would practically guarantee a long shelf life on the Billboard charts and a permanent place in the American populace culture. Not so much anymore. So what’s changed? As content creation continues to expand, music promotion has gone right along with it, shifting towards a more visual form and advertising to people with shorter attention spans. Aligning with this younger and immensely tech-savvy audience, the next great determinator for hit songs on the pop charts is TikTok. As one of the most popular apps in the world,
TikTok maintains a commanding presence, but its premise is not unique. Similar apps like Musical.ly and Triller served as mildly well-known predecessors, but neither has been nearly as addictive or as influential. Even with a thinly veiled threat from former president Donald Trump to pursue legal action against TikTok, it has gained a larger following and solidified its place as the preeminent video-sharing app. The infamous and often controversial app has over 1 billion users as of January 2021 and attracts burgeoning media users along with a dedicated teenage audience. This includes young pop listeners and musical “stan” communities which devote lots of time to streaming and supporting
Photo courtesty of Olivia Rodrigo “Driver’s License” has become a number one record on Billboard charts since gaining traction on TikTok.
their favorite artists. Unlike previous platforms of its kind, there seems to be a clear avenue to fame that anyone can achieve on TikTok, with short, appealing snippets that appeal to a variety of interests. When it comes to music specifically, TikTok allows artists of all
sizes to achieve a viral moment, as most of the popularly used sounds on the app come from unknown or lesser-known artists. The latest TikTok success story is “Driver’s License,” an emotional recollection of adolescent lost love see
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Column: New year, new fashion Aztec Nights kicks off trends. Here’s what’s currently spring semester with trending in the fashion world ‘Under the Big Top’ by
Aleah Jarin
STAFF WRITER
2020 was an interesting year for fashion. With nowhere to go due to the pandemic, dressing up and putting together a full outfit was put on hold as comfy loungewear became the everyday look for most people. However, the new year is here and people are starting to up their stayat-home attire as a way to feel more productive and
ready for the day’s tasks. Whether it be to attend a Zoom meeting for work or school, run an errand, or simply “pose for the gram,” here are the major trends people are wearing these days. Monochrome Outfits Monochrome, outfits consisting of only one color, is a big trend people are currently taking hold of, especially after the monochromatic outfits we saw from key women at Pres-
Photo by Anna Williams Anna Williams styled in a sweater vest and long sleeve button up combination.
ident Joe Biden’s inauguration. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former First Lady Michelle Obama and the Biden granddaughters all sported simple, yet stunning monochromatic outfits. The colors ranged from blue, purple, burgundy, pink, camel brown and white. Nearly every color on the color wheel was represented as poet Amanda Gorman was seen in a knee-length yellow coat and Meena Harris, the niece of Vice President Harris, wore an emerald green dress. Lady Gaga’s long, red flowy skirt graced the Inauguration Day outfit lineup as well. After the somber year we’ve had, color is definitely in. Dressing in these fun, see
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by Isabel
Smith
STAFF WRITER
Aztec Nights have always been a favorite among San Diego State students as a way to kick off the semester with free late-night events and entertainment. Despite SDSU being online due to COVID-19, Associated Students is continuing the tradition with virtual events on Zoom.
The fun started on Jan. 22 with Street Performer Night running from 9 p.m to 1 a.m. With musical performances, magic, comedy and drawings to win SDSU Hydro flasks, there were many opportunities for students to enjoy some late-night fun from the comfort of their own home. Marketing junior Jacquesee
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Photo by Isabel Smith Drag Queen Nina West from the show RuPaul’s Drag Race, hosted the event.