04-11-2023

HAYS COUNTY

Local pet resource center to be built

By Samantha Guerrero News Contributor

On March 28, the Hays County Commissioners Office approved the Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) production of a new Hays County animal center called the Hays County Pet Resource Center. With production, management and medical services led by APA!, this new center will aid in alleviating the shelter

MEN'S BASKETBALL

crisis. This resource center is being built to support the pets, outdated shelter and staff. According to Hays County court staff, they are confident in ensuring that the pets will become a priority.

"What we're trying to do is partner with a well-known organization that understands don't kill, and that understands how to care for animals in a way that lessens their the rate of capture inside the facility," Alexander Villalobos, Hays County chief of staff said.

SEE HAYS COUNTY PAGE 3

"He's a dog": Harrell finishes career

By Xavier Zamarron Sports Reporter

After an illustrious career that saw him finish first in games played, second in games started, third in career assists and sixth in career points scored, graduate guard Mason Harrell brings his time at Texas State to a close.

Harrell is the sixth player in Texas State program history to be a three-time all-conference selection, and he helped guide his team to back-to-back Sun Belt Conference championships in the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 seasons.

Despite his career accolades and success in a Bobcat jersey, Harrell's fellow graduate student and teammate Nighael Ceaser thinks of him as something more than a basketball player.

"When I think of Mason, it’s more like a best friend, more like a brother," Ceaser said. "Somebody I went through a lot with, learned a lot with. There are game-winners, I see the hard work

How to adopt a pet in San Marcos

By Marisa Nunez Life and Arts Editor

San Marcos is home to many pet owners and animal lovers, but it is also home to several stray animals. The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter offers simple steps in the adoption process, making it easy for animals to find a forever home.

The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter is over capacity due to dumping, overproduction of animals and surrendered animals. Many look to breeders and puppy mills to buy a new pet instead of adoption.

“We do see a lot of like adopted pets from [The] San Marcos Animal Shelter, but then again, we also see an equal amount of if not more people buying from puppy mills and stuff like that,” Kenna Van Keuren, an employee at Tickle-Blagg Animal Hospital, said.

SEE ADOPTION PAGE 5

To adopt from the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter owners must be over 18-years old with a valid ID. All animals available for adoption have been spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated.

A green border on the kennel card means the animal is available for adoption. While selecting a pet, the shelter asks that no fingers are stuck into cages. To interact with animals, a staff member at the shelter can show future owners and pets to a yard to meet.

and can envision a bunch of moments, but when I think of Mason, he’s a brother."

Harrell recognizes that he's had a great career, but doesn't like to get too full of himself.

"I don’t really look at myself as a legend, I think that’s for other people to decide," Harrell said. "It’s cool to hear stuff like that. It kind of puts into perspective all the hard work and everything, but I don’t feel like that." Harrell is all about working hard, staying focused and being the best teammate he can be. That is easier said than done, especially as a 5-foot-9-inch point guard, but Harrell was always ready for the challenge.

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Texas State senior guard Mason Harrell waves to Bobcat fans, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2023, at Strahan Arena.

Emotional support animals comfort students

By Sarah Hernandez Managing Editor

College students love their pets, whether it is the family dog they are missing at home, the apartment cat they adopted with their roommates or the pet store fish they bought on a whim. No connection compares, however, to students and their emotional support animals.

"You kind of personify your ESA [emotional support animal], and it's not an animal that just exists like a pet or something, but it's more like, 'this is a human being that understands me, and I understand her,'" Grace Alter, a marketing senior, said.

Alter is the owner and companion of Onyx, an 11-year-old black and white tuxedo cat who has lived with Alter for two

years. Alter registered Onyx as her ESA with the Office of Disability Services (ODS) last year when she lived in Chautauqua Hall.

Onyx has been Alter's comfort and security during some of the trying times in her life. She said Onyx was there for her through things like familial problems, mental health diagnoses and the transition from homeschooling and community college to university life at Texas State.

"Don't stop yourself from having the college experience because you're relying on an animal," Alter said. "It should be an asset rather than something holding you back."

PHOTO BY SARAH MANNING

PHOTOS BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

(Top) A pair of dogs look out of their kennels, Saturday, April 8, 2023, at The San of Marcos Regional Animal Shelter.

(Right) Rockey grabs the fence from inside his kennel, Saturday, April 8, 2023, at The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter. Rockey is a white and brown terrier and American staffordshire boxer.

ILLISTRATION BY AFAAF ALNAHAS

Mr. Claus stares out his kennel, Saturday, April 8, 2023, at The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter. Mr. Claus is a Siberian husky mix.

PHOTO BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Trinity Building 203 Pleasant St. San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 245 - 3487

Editorial Staff

Editor-in-Chief: Arthur Fairchild stareditor@txstate.edu

Managing Editor: Sarah Hernandez starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu

Design Editor: Sarah Manning stardesign@txstate.edu

News Editor: Nichaela Shaheen starnews@txstate.edu

Life & Arts Editor: Marisa Nuñez starlifeandarts@txstate.edu

Opinions Editor: Dillon Strine staropinion@txstate.edu

Sports Editor: Carson Weaver starsports@txstate.edu

Multimedia Editor: Jeffrey Halfen starmultimedia@txstate.edu

Engagement Editor: Zaria Jackson starengagement@txstate.edu

Digital Products Developer: Sri Naga Sri Govvala starasstweb@txstate.edu

Creative Service Director: Michele Dupont starcreative@txstate.edu

Public & Internal Relations

PIR Director: Elle Gangi starpr@txstate.edu

Full-Time Staff

Director: Laura Krantz laurakrantz@txstate.edu

Student Publications Coordinator: Caitlin Mitchell cf1188@txstate.edu

History:

The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday of the spring and fall and once a month in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 3,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels HeraldZeitung.

Copyright:

Copyright Tuesday, April 11, 2023. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor-in-chief.

Deadlines:

Letters to the Editor or any contributed articles are due on Monday the week prior to publication.

Corrections:

Any errors that are in the pages of The University Star and brought to our attention will be corrected as soon as possible.

Visit The Star at universitystar.com

Bobcats pause to honor those lost

By Ryan Claycamp News Contributor

Students, alumni and Bobcat community members gathered on Thursday for the Student Foundation's Bobcat Pause Memorial Service to remember the students, faculty, staff and retirees who died in the last year.

The Student Foundation opened LBJ Student Center Ballroom, with three walls lined with tables covered in the photos and memorabilia of the memorialized Bobcats. Before the service, the Student Foundation offered refreshments and time to socialize.

"As we gather here today with families and friends, it is our hope that we are able to console one another as we reflect on and cherish the memories of our fellow Bobcats who have passed away this year," Christian Torres, Student Foundation representative, said. After the opening speech, the Student Foundation played a slideshow that presented the name and photograph of each 42 deceased honorees.

ENVIRONMENT

"Each of the students, faculty members and staff members that we honor here today made on impact on Texas State. They are all part of the fabric of our community and they will remain so," Texas State President Kelly Damphousse said.

After a brief performance by the Texas State University Singers, the names of those being honored were called. For each deceased Bobcat being honored, a single white rose was gifted to their friends, family or other loved ones who attended the ceremony.

Torres extended thanks from the Student Foundation to the memorial service attendees.

"We are thankful for each of you and your attendance tonight at Bobcat Pause Memorial Service, we greatly appreciate this opportunity you've given us to reflect on the impact your loved ones have had on the Texas State community," Torres said.

A complete list of the Bobcats honored this year can be found on the Student Foundation's website.

Think before you discard: Increase in invasive species has impact on river

By Lucciana Choueiry News Contributor

When aquatic pets like fish are discarded into the water, the San Marcos River is collateral damage. This is because of an increase in invasive species that threatens the river and its ecosystem.

Invasive species are non-native organisms that are introduced into an ecosystem and have the potential to cause harm to the environment, economy or human health. They can be plants, animals or microorganisms that can thrive and spread quickly in new environments with no natural predators, competitors or parasites to control their population.

Timothy Bonner, professor and director of the aquatic biology program, said if an invasive species were to end up in the river, it could cause an imbalance in the ecosystem by being a predator to other organisms.

"If somebody was just to throw their pet dead or alive in the river, depending

on what type of species it is, it could be a predator to other organisms, it could be a competitor to other organisms," Bonner said. "For it to be really a viable threat, you would have to throw enough in there to where they would be selfsustained and reproduce."

Lauren Chappell, a second-year aquatic biology and resources master’s student, said people need to be aware of the responsibilities of owning a pet, especially when they decide to let it go.

"The biggest way that invasive species are introduced into a new ecosystem, at least in this case, is human introduction," Chappell said. "It is very common that people just release unwanted pets into a place they find pretty in hopes that their pet will live a good life."

Executive Director of the Meadows Center Robert Mace said the center works to manage the shoreline and land bordering the springs and river to eliminate or manage the invasive species forming.

"There is a field crew that we

have that works in conjunction with the biology department that basically gardens the river to keep the weeds of invasive species from taking over the native species," Mace said.

Bonner said the different aspects of a river’s ecosystem are working and performing duties to keep it thriving. When a non-native species enters the river, it disrupts all the other mechanisms that are taking place.

"The most common way [invasive species form], I believe, is that people have aquatic pets here in San Marcos and they took the whole aquarium or gather them up in the bag and they come and release them into the water," Bonner said.

Ordinance requires pets be micro-chipped

By Blake Leschber Assistant News Editor

On March 7, San Marcos City Council passed the 2022-96 ordinance requiring dogs and cats four months and older to be implanted with a microchip with the owner's information within 30 days of ownership or movement in the city.

According to Minnie Buckhaults, The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter community engagement coordinator, the new ordinance will replace an old one that only required a pet license for owners.

"The previous ordinance basically asked citizens to stop by The San Marcos Animal Shelter and get a pet license. That included a tag so we could unite pet owners faster to their missing pets," Buckhaults said. "However, that was seeing minimal success."

A microchip is a small electronic chip directly injected into the animal. The chip is activated by someone scanning the pet which shows the owner's information. Kelly Arthur, an administrator of Lost and Found Pets of Hays County said microchips are more reliable than a collar and tag.

"Collars and tags fall off all the time," Arthur said. "All kinds of excuses are used. [A pet] chews his collar off, but a microchip is actually embedded."

A microchip is scanned after a pet is found, so it does not always track the location. It just holds information that

is released when scanned.

"I know a lot of times people assume that [the microchip] is like a GPS and unfortunately it's not like that. It's just a chip that carries information," Buckhaults said.

According to Buckhaults, the shelter is at extreme overcapacity, outnumbering the number of kennels currently built.

"We are severely at overcapacity. We have 93 dog kennels and generally have anywhere from 120 to 175 dogs in our care depending on the week," Buckhaults said. "It is a complete crisis, we are so overcapacity this is not normal at all."

With the new ordinance being passed, there are hopes that this can relieve the mass amounts of pets being put in shelters and eliminate overcrowding.

"I support the recently passed San Marcos animal ordinance that, among many positive updates, requires residents to microchip their dogs and cats," Jennifer Hayes, a Hays County animal advocate said. "It is an important tool to reunite lost pets and keep them out of an already overcrowded shelter."

An important effect of microchipping is the owner of a lost pet can be found quickly and easily with their information already in the animal.

"If your dog is microchipped, it's probably going to go back to you," Arthur said. "Even if your dog does get picked up by animal control ... they scan

right on the spot so they'll try to find the owner out in the field instead of doing intake."

There are hopes that animals can be found and returned much more quickly than before with the ordinance's passage.

"Our biggest hope is that we are able to reunite pets faster and keep animals out of the shelter," Buckhaults said. "So, the hope of this ordinance is that it reduces length of stay at the animal shelter and it keeps pets in homes rather than at the facility."

ILLUSTRATION BY MEAGAN WALTERS

Attendees of Bobcat Pause give respect to each display and learn about the lives of the honorees, Thursday, April 6, 2023, in the LBJ Grand Ballroom.

ILLUSTRATION BY EVA BOWLER

Read

PHOTO BY FELICITY GUAJARDO Read

FROM FRONT HAYS COUNTY

While there is no official location yet, the team plans for the center to be centralized in Hays County to support the community. Once the center is stable, little hubs will be built around the county to further aid the animal needs.

The goal of the shelter is not only to educate citizens but to eliminate euthanization and prioritize finding the owners of lost pets.

"The whole goal is to number one, be a resource, educate and then promote overall no-kill for cats and dogs," Villalobos said. "We want to have an organization that has a huge network that can really can help facilitate and support the idea of locating these animals within people's homes and then obviously, mitigate any type of euthanasia for animals."

Many residents are excited about this news as it helps the overcrowded shelter. The county said that active voices within the community helped them in deciding the best course of action for the animals.

"The animal shelter is crazy overcrowded. I know it’s not the staff’s fault and I really hope something can be fixed. Dogs and cats deserve a home, but they aren’t for everyone." Kathryn Jeanson, a San Marcos resident said.

The new shelter will not only alleviate the current shelter but can also support the staff that works with the overcrowding.

"Currently, the City of San Marcos has taken on quite a bit. We know that they're [at] overcapacity. We know they have a building that's outdated and that it's being used for what it's not intended for. And then

POLITICS

also their staff needs support as well. And so, I think this is something that's been a long time coming." Villalobos said.

While there is no solid plan for when the shelter is to be complete, the county is optimistic about positive results.

"The resource center sounds like it could help a ton of animals and even the community. The animals

will be able to have more space and the staff can have more time to ensure the ones at the shelter have the attention they need," Jeanson said.

Currently, the shelter is expected to be completed within three years.

Austin Pets Alive! was not immediately available for comment.

Anti-drag queen legislation, possible effects

By Carlota Pulgar News Reporter

On April 5, the Texas Senate passed two bills that attempt to criminalize and restrict aspects of drag performances, and they are now headed to the House Committee. If passed and enacted, a law would take effect on Sept. 1, 2023.

Authored by Senator Bryan Hughes, Texas Senate Bill 1601 and Senate Bill 12 can potentially leave a large population of the drag community vulnerable as this is a form of identity and livelihood for many.

Senate Bill 12 reprimands individuals who perform what the bill defines as “sexually oriented performances” in front of a minor or in a public place with a civil penalty of up to $10,000.

Drag queen Nadine Hughes thinks the rise in anti-sentiment toward drag queens after the pandemic spurred this legislation.

"It’s almost like we’re going back in time. It's 2023, not 1923," Hughes said. "It baffles me that me putting on makeup and lip-syncing to a Celine Dion song can get me a fine or a misdemeanor, or a like $10,000 charge."

children, and I don't mind doing it."

Hughes said this legislation could limit public performances, affecting celebrations like Pride events.

"There are going to be kids that they have queer families or kids that are queer with supportive families that look forward to this every year. They're not going to be able to go because they're not 21, because a drag queen is lipsynching. That’s absurd to me," Hughes said.

Bandit believes there are benefits to children being exposed to drag.

"I think kids are able to see adults and other people express themselves outside of our, modern-day constraints and like social norms," Bandit said. "It opens their eyes to a world of possibilities of who you can be and how you can be and how you can explore yourself and express yourself. I feel like that's so important for kids to feel empowered; to get to know themselves and feel confident."

Bandit’s testimony at the Texas Capitol went viral on social media, as she was born female and does drag, challenging what the legislation defines as drag.

"I didn't expect my testimony to go viral," Bandit said. "It was unexpected for me, in that it really forced people to look at drag from a different perspective and a different understanding of how they define drag, [as] just like a man in a dress or woman a dress, and that really resonated with people."

For both Bandit and Hughes, drag isn’t just a form of expression, it’s also a form of work, and if this legislation were to be enacted it could leave a lot of drag queens in possible financial ruin.

possibility for me to get hate crimes and for it to be legal for me to get hate crimes."

In Hughes' experience, she’s never felt in danger because of drag but recognizes how fortunate she is to feel that way because she lives in a city like Austin. "I think there comes that risk factor regardless. Before the, you know, the pinpointing of drag queens, we've had to deal with people not liking LGBT people to begin with," Hughes said. "There are officers on the APD who are

us ... but that's because we're lucky enough in Austin, not everywhere."

Hughes and others are committed to advocating for the community, and against this legislation.

"We are angry, but the great thing about the LGBT community, and the great thing about drag entertainers [is] we are so passionate about what we do, and we love what we do," Hughes said. "So we will fight for what we do, and we will do it in the most tasteful way possible."

Editor's Note: Senator Hughes

Drag queen Brigitte Bandit testified against both bills in the Texas Senate. Senate Bill 1601 prohibits events at municipal libraries where “a man presenting as a woman or a woman presenting as a man reads a book or a story to a minor for entertainment” in an attempt to stop events like "Drag Storytimes" which Bandit has participated in.

"There's not like a ton of drag queen story times or kid-friendly drag events here [in Austin]," Bandit said. "Most drag queens don’t want to work with kids, it’s not some weird thing we do to try to get around children. I ended up getting a lot of these opportunities because I have previous experience with

"I don’t know what else I could do in my life... I’ve never had another job." Hughes said. "The accessibility and visibility of drag because of social media and television has led to amazing opportunities for work. At the end of the day, we're just people trying to make a living."

Drag queen Mars Morningstar believes this legislation can have serious implications like leaving drag queens susceptible to violence.

"I do believe that it could become very dangerous if it passed because there are performers, people of the LGBT community and people of color already getting hate crimes," Morningstar said. "I feel like it's a very dangerous

ILLUSTRATION BY JEZ BROWN

“I think kids are able to see adults and other people express themselves outside of our, modern-day constraints and like social norms,” Bandit said.

BRIGITTE BANDIT

Drag queen

FUTURE VETS

Student veterinarians pave the way for the future of animals

By Haley Velasco Assistant Life and Arts Editor

From advising first-time pet owners, taking in stray animals, examining blood samples and administering CPR, student veterinarians prepare to take over the animal welfare industry through experience and compassion.

While many children develop a love for animals, some like Marleny Martinez, animal science sophomore and veterinarian assistant at Banfield Hospital in San Marcos, have grown that love so strong to turn it into a career.

Martinez has always loved animals but was not allowed a pet when she was younger. Her brother gifted her first dog, Louie, when she was five, and Martinez’s parents’ decision couldn’t change her new devotion to animals.

Louie, who died last year, was Martinez’s safe space and Martinez's inspiration for becoming a veterinarian.

“I just loved him and with him, I cut his nails, I did all this stuff at home and then I was just like ‘I want all the dogs in the world. I just want to save all the animals and help them. All of them,'" Martinez said. "So I got dogs, birds and bunnies."

In high school, Martinez worked as an extern at North Channel Animal Hospital in Houston. On her last day at work, she saw an owner dump their threeweek-old dog and quickly decided to welcome the new furry friend, Nebula, into her life.

“The shelter was already full, so we were like ‘What are we going to do? Who’s going to take her?’” Martinez said. “I was like, ‘You know what, I’ll take her.’ So I ended up taking her in and I have her now. She has been mine for two years and she’s thriving.”

Victoria Quiroga, animal science sophomore and kennel technician for Springtown Vet Hospital in San Marcos, didn’t have the same experience as Martinez. While working as a kennel technician at Stuebner Airline Veterinary Hospital in Spring, Texas, Quiroga witnessed the death of a dog she had assisted in checking into the hospital.

Quiroga said she helped with IV insertion and

FUNDRAISING

putting the dog into a crate to be monitored. As Quiroga was walking out of the room, she heard the dog fall over in the crate from a possible seizure. Although the experience shocked her, she feels it prepared her for a veterinarian career.

“I had seen animals euthanized before that but that was kind of different because they’re kind of going out peacefully and he was super sick,” Quiroga said. “It wasn’t necessarily a peaceful death which was kind of hard, but I think that’s just something that you have to deal with and overcome in the vet field.”

Joselyn De Leo, animal science junior and kennel technician for Banfield Hospital in San Marcos, said the experience that prepared her for and boosted her desire to be a veterinarian was drawing blood for a wiener dog named Corndog.

After multiple veterinarians were unable to draw Corndog’s blood because he refused to sit still, De Leo was given a chance. To her surprise, she did what the veterinarians could not.

“It was such a tedious situation in the moment where it was like if I don’t draw blood right now, game over,” De Leo said. “On that one try the doctors were having trouble drawing blood, but I got it. It just felt like it was a big step for me. It was like a ‘maybe I can do this’ moment.”

Aside from the good feeling that helping animals brings, these students work toward a career in the animal welfare industry hoping to change it, especially regarding expenses for treatments and medications.

Since heartworm, fleas and ticks are more prevalent in Texas, De Leo believes that treatments for them should be more accessible.

“Heartworm and flea and tick prevention should be easily accessible like getting a bandage or something for free at a school or a clinic,” De Leo said. “I feel like it should be easily available like that because they need it.”

Quiroga believes that expenses for having a pet should also be cheaper, but also that animal-care workers should be given more.

"I think employees at vet clinics are underpaid and they’re overworked," Quiroga said. "You see that in the health care too. There’s a pay discrepancy between a

PR students lead benefit concert for H.O.M.E. Foundation

By Connor Ek Life and Arts Contributor

On April 5, months of hard work from public relations seniors paid off at "Take Me H.O.M.E.," a benefit concert at The Porch to fundraise for the Homeless Outreach Mitigation Emergency Center (H.O.M.E.).

As a senior capstone project for their PR campaign class, the idea of a benefit concert was as captivating as getting an internship for these students. Over seven months, the students booked bands, a venue and built relationships with the H.O.M.E. Center co-founders Hannah Durrance and Ken Nesbitt.

Kenlie Golleher, a public relations senior and the rap music director at KTSW, helped reach out to all the bands, organizing acts and securing a place to host the event.

"I read an article in The University Star actually talking about the H.O.M.E. Center and how they were at risk of closing their doors because of lack of revenue for their employees," Golleher said. "So I pitched the idea to my group, and they all were like 'yeah, this seems like a really great cause. We could definitely get a concert to raise funds for this.'"

human doctor and a veterinarian and I mean, both of them went to school for four years and they’re doing kind of similar things, so maybe an increase for vet med staff and hopefully decrease of price for clients because that’s also discouraging."

The project seemed daunting because of a lack of funding and inexperience in planning large-scale events. Roles like bookers, guest/band relations and social media promoters were split among the students, each essential in running the show. The H.O.M.E. Center and its need for resources were always their main focuses.

The PR team aimed to fill The Porch with as many people as possible to help fund the H.O.M.E. Center and spotlight local music businesses in San Marcos.

The show packed the house and made a difference in the H.O.M.E. Center's funding. Sasha Mulisa, a public relations senior who helped with outreach to Hannah Durrance, said their group was the first group of students to follow through with helping the H.O.M.E. Center.

Read the rest of the story on The University Star's website:

Overall, working to become a veterinarian has been rewarding and insightful for De Leo, Martinez and Quiroga. Quiroga believes that more exposure and experience will be the best preparation and deciding factor to either stay or stray from the animal world.

“Working at a clinic in high school was really important for me to do because I kind of got to see the not-so-glamorous side of it,” Quiroga said. “Ultimately, I decided that I didn’t care and I still wanted to do it. I think some people, if they want to be vets and they haven’t worked in a clinic, they don’t see that side and it’s kind of a thankless job sometimes, so you just have to have a passion for it.”

PERFORMING ARTS

Student-directed show to challenge America's societal system

By Haley Velasco Assistant Life and Arts Editor

For two years, Jane Johnson, performance and production senior, aspired to direct “My Barking Dog,” a play that challenges the system America lives in and whether the younger generation should stick by the current societal and political constructs or start all over. Now, the show is coming to life on a Texas State stage.

“I know a lot of people in our generation are dissatisfied with racist institutions, racist policies, the shadow of capitalism and the shadow of colonialism hangs over us every single day,” Johnson said. “It’s like that quote that Timothée Chalamet says very jokingly in an interview where he said, ‘societal collapse is in the air.’ That’s what the show feels like, where we’re asking ourselves, 'Should it? Should society collapse? Would that be for the better?'”

“My Barking Dog” takes place in a studio apartment, where two individuals’ lives are changed as a coyote is found on the back of their apartment stoops. The show follows a simple summary but entails concepts like isolation, capitalism and liberation.

As a transgender woman, Johnson longed for an opportunity to express her identity and how it is affected by how society treats the transgender community. Over time, Johnson developed skills to relay those expressions and direct a largescale show that prompted revolutionary ideas.

Johnson has also decided to keep the show’s full summary and list of concepts that it addresses a mystery to give the audience an insightful shock.

“I read the play two years ago and it’s all I’ve ever thought about since, the ideas that it propagated inside me and that’s what I want to give to people where they see this and they’re initially shocked by its ideas, but it stays with them and carries with them,” Johnson said.

Johnson did not hold auditions for “My Barking Dog” as the show requires an articulate set of skills. Instead, she chose actors by observing students in previous performances and acting classes.

Although she struggled initially to find the right ones, Johnson is ecstatic to relay the talent within the cast through a societally challenging performance.

“The show deals with a lot of shocking and bold subjects, and it requires an actor who is willing to thoroughly explore these ideas in rehearsal and discuss them and be comfortable enough just to think about these ideas but also portray them and commit to them and believe them,” Johnson said.

Johnson is driven to make “My Barking Dog” a show to remember by emphasizing purpose and determination for a change.

“I want the audience to see the boldness in the show and the ability for change,” Johnson said. “The appetite for dissatisfaction. The whole show is about dissatisfied people finding a purpose and the radical means that they take to achieve them. I do think that we should throw down the system, just to be clear.”

Johnson will present "My Barking Dog" at 7:30 p.m. from April 21 to 23 at the Theatre Center in room 106. Admission is free.

To keep up with “My Barking Dog” visit its Instagram @my.barking.dog.

PHOTO BY HALEY VELASCO

Marleny Martinez poses with her dog Nebula, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at her apartment in San Marcos.

PHOTO BY CONNOR EK

Texas State public relations senior Maddie Brown (left) and public relations senior Kiarra Regaldo announce the winners of a donation raffle to the H.O.M.E. Center, April 5, 2023 at the Porch.

ILLUSTRATION BY HALEY VELASCO

ESAs that live in Texas State residence halls are considered accommodations, according to Director of ODS, Gavin Steiger. To register an animal as an ESA to live in a dorm, a student must submit proper documentation to ODS including veterinarian records and a letter confirming that the animal is for emotional support.

"We're looking for something from a qualified health care provider to validate that this animal was truly an emotional support animal and not necessarily a pet," Steiger said.

ESAs are regulated under the Fair Housing Act, unlike service animals which fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act. As a result, ESAs on the Texas State campus are restricted to residential dwellings and are not allowed outside the dorm or in communal spaces.

Alter said living with a cat in a dorm helped her form friendships in her first year at Texas State. Onyx was one of her go-to conversation starters when meeting new people.

"At the dorms it was really fun because it was kind of like you were the mascot of the floor essentially," Alter said. "So everyone knew I had a cat with me and we had a lot of fun visitors ... I made a lot of friends through her which was really fun. I even had a couple people that I helped get an ESA on campus because they saw that I had her."

Under the Fair Housing Act, housing providers in Texas cannot deny an ESA and cannot charge additional rent or pet fees to the owner. Taylor Price, a criminal justice senior, registered her cat Paisley as her ESA at the advice of her therapist so that she did not have to pay her apartment's pet rent.

Price adopted Paisley, a black domestic medium hair, from The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter along with Wanda, a white and brown tabby cat, last year. Although Paisley is the registered ESA, Price said the label does not define her connection with both cats.

"I love them both but I think Wanda just likes people," Price said. "Paisley is very, you know, kind of wants to be on her own. Like when we have people over, she kind of just stays by herself but I mean, I have a genuine bond with both of them. It kind of does make me feel nice knowing that Paisley's my ESA and

FROM FRONT ADOPTION

when she does decide that she wants to like, you know, be cuddly, it's just cuter."

According to Steiger, as of April 5, there are 128 requests to register an ESA on campus. He said ODS would have 50-60 ESA requests at a time before the pandemic.

a dorm was unpleasant.

"Texas State [has] a lot of regulations on ESAs," Walters, a criminal justice sophomore, said. "It took a lot of paperwork and even though ... I was on top of the paperwork months ahead of time, it still took three or four days for the paperwork after I got there because I had to go like do meet and greet with an RA."

Walters moved into her dorm on her own and said she had to drive three hours home to Magnolia, Texas, to pick up Bae, a 5-year-old golden retriever and bring her back to her dorm in Jackson Hall.

In Jackson Hall, Walters encountered problems like space issues, shedding and worrying about her ESA's safety. She moved into Bobcat Village during her second semester and said it was a better experience for Bae.

Bae is a washed-out service dog, meaning she was deemed unfit to continue working as a service animal. Walters said she became too aggressive with other animals during her training.

Despite this, Walters said Bae still has "tasks" as an ESA including deep pressure therapy to help her anxiety.

Walters and Bae live in an apartment with four roommates and other pets now. Last July, Walters adopted a Calico cat named Twix from The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter so that Bae could have a companion.

Walters had no friends or family to rely on during her transition to Texas State but said Bae was the companion she needed not to feel lonely.

"As a result of COVID, I think that there were a lot of individuals that were dealing with mental health issues because they had felt isolated, felt anxious, felt depressed with not having as much human contact as they once had," Steiger said.

Alter said some of the challenges of having Onyx in the dorm included not being able to grab her while drill sirens were going off in the building or when the hall flooded, and she had to evacuate.

There is no box in the Texas State roommate matching portal that Alter could check to tell her dorm roommate that she was bringing a cat. Luckily, she said, it all worked out. For Tristan Walters and her emotional support dog named Bae, however, living in

"She also just gives me the feeling that you know, when I'm home by myself, I'm able to be home on myself because she's with me, so I don't feel like I'm actually alone," Walters said.

It's easier to depend on an ESA than a human being, Alter said. She takes comfort in knowing she can express emotions and not cause anyone distress when she complains about a school essay or breaks down after a bad day.

"When everything around you is kind of falling apart, you know, you can rely on your ESA because she doesn't know," Alter said. "She has no idea what's going on. She's just living her life."

If a future owner already owns a pet at home, the shelter strongly suggests that the animals meet to test compatibility.

The pet adoption fee at The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter is $97.

Before bringing a pet home, it is essential to have all required necessities needed to care for the animal properly. Checking with apartment management, roommates or housemates and landlords is vital before bringing a new home as there is sometimes a fee or breed and weight restrictions.

“You can kind of look at it like having a baby," Van Keuren said. "I think more like parent education of like how you need to take care of these pets, first of all, is going to be really vital, because you don't want to push people to adopt if they can't do that. It's hard because there's a lot of first-time pet owners and they don't have a lot of resources.”

Van Keuren believes that it is crucial that future and current pet

RECREATION

owners are properly educated on taking care of their pets, including having all the resources needed to care for their companions to lower the capacity at animal shelters.

The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter is open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information on The San Marcos Regional Shelter scan the QR code.

Best parks for dogs in San Marcos

By Marisa Nunez Life and Arts Editor

Few apartments and student housing in San Marcos are accommodated with a dog park, especially those where dogs can be off their leash. These San Marcos parks provide perfect walking and play spaces for residents' furry companions to enjoy themselves on and off leash.

The Dog Park

The Dog Park off Charles Austin Drive across from the Bobcat Ballpark offers off-leash areas for small and big dogs to roam free.

“I live in an apartment [with] a lot of other residents here,” San Marcos resident Melissa Stewart said. “This place gives my dog a chance not to [just] get a lot of exercise, but to interact with other dogs.”

Stewart has been bringing her dog Mola to the Dog Park for nine months after moving to San Marcos last year.

The Dog Park offers two gated sections with one side for small dogs and the other side for big dogs. Each gate has a safety gate space to ensure that pets don’t get loose. Park rules are provided on the outside of each gate.

“I like the size of it," Stewart said. “It's nice that there are some, you know, little dog playgrounds and parking is very convenient. The safety piece right here is to prevent your dogs from getting loose.”

Water and doggie bags are provided at the park. Dogs can not only be off-leash but can also enjoy the playscapes that are scattered throughout the park. Tables are set up throughout the park for parkgoers to sit and socialize. Since moving, Stewart and Mola have met many new friends by going to the park.

The Dog Park is open every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Blanco Shoals Park

Blanco Shoals Park is another place to bring dogs on a quick nature walk. With 89 acres west of the Blanco River, dogs can enjoy a short walk surrounded by water. Throughout the park, there are undefined trails with memorable San Marcos scenery including the Blanco River and wild greenery.

There is a track for walking and running, shaded areas for sitting and a small field-like area where dogs can roam around and explore.

Blanco Shoals Park is open 24 hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Pyramid Park and Dog Beach

Pyramid Park and Dog Beach located next to the San Marcos River are other San Marcos parks where dogs can roam off-leash. Although it is not a gated area, dogs can enjoy going in the river with their owners and taking a swim.

There are several other parks scattered throughout San Marcos where pet owners and dogs can enjoy a nice river day or a brisk walk.

The Pyramid Park and Dog Beach are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

To check out more parks visit the San Marcos Parks and Recreation page at www. sanmarcostx.gov/153/Parks-Recreation.

Coco (right) looks at her owner Texas State communication studies senior Gabi Lopez with her sister Luna (left), April 9, 2023, at the San Marcos Dog Park.

Tristan Walters smiles for a photo with her emotional support dog named Bae, Sunday, Aug. 2, 2022, in Tomball, Texas.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRISTAN WALTERS

PHOTO BY HALEY VELASCO

SuperlativeWinners

Class Clown Gilgamesh

Best Hair Goose

Most Dramatic Spooky Charcuterie

These are the nine winners out of the 291 submissions

Most Likely to become Famous Duchess

Dynamic Duo Toast and Kitty

Cutest Pet Salem

Opinions in The University Star are not necessarily those of our entire publication, Texas State University’s administration, Board of Regents, School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Student Publications Board.

PETS

Benefits of adopting outweigh shopping

By Rhian Davis Assistant Opinions Editor

The phrase “adopt, don’t shop” has existed for many years. With the newfound freedom in college, it can be tempting to get a pet, but one should understand the significance of this phrase before doing so.

Shelters nationwide can put animals down due to overcrowding. In 2021, 61,245 dogs and cats were killed in Texas shelters alone. Though the three significant shelters in Hays County are no-kill, this only means they struggle more with overcrowding. By adopting a pet, you could be saving a life.

Cat and puppy mills are commercial facilities that massproduce animals. These animals are then sold to pet stores or directly to consumers. Because breeders choose profit over the well-being of the animals, they are typically inbred, don’t receive proper veterinary care and can suffer from malnutrition or starvation.

Most often with dogs, pet breeders prioritize “pure bloodlines” because it makes the dogs sound more appealing. Because of this, the breeders can charge thousands of dollars for just one puppy. Despite this label being seen as positive, it only leads to detrimental problems. Purebred dogs, for example, are at higher risk for cancer, joint disorders and neurological diseases.

Breeders take the attention away from the mistreatment of the animals by selling desirable breeds, such as golden doodles. Because of the mass production of “designer” breeds, the animals left in shelters can be forgotten and lose the opportunity to live in real homes.

When looking for a pet, it is imperative to do proper research on any facility you plan to buy from. Supporting puppy mills is also supporting cage stacking, grid flooring in cages and veterinary problems. We should do whatever possible to abolish puppy and cat mills because of the cruel treatment they inflict upon innocent animals.

Buying from a breeder is often expensive, so adopting is much more sensible, especially for college students. According to The Animal Humane Society, purchasing an animal can range into the thousands, while adoption costs are

HOUSING

Letter to the Editor:

Correction: Autism awareness illustration

Submitted via Email

To whom it may concern,

usually only in the hundreds with vaccinations and spaying or neutering included.

In addition to this, when you buy an animal from a breeder, it is possible that you will not hear from them again once the transaction is complete. This is because they leave you without resources and information. On the other hand, shelter and rescue groups are always willing to help to ensure the animal gets the best treatment possible.

Another perk of adopting an animal is that you get many different age options meaning the animal may already have training. Most breeders only sell puppies; while cute, they’re a lot of work. With a busy college life, students often don’t have time to house break and train puppies or other young animals. Buying an older animal relieves some of this stress and is just as cute.

If you’re considering getting a pet, make the right choice and adopt from a local shelter. You’ll give a deserving animal some much-needed love and might even find your best friend.

- Rhian Davis is a journalism freshman

The University Star welcomes Letters to the Editor from its readers. All submissions are reviewed and considered by the Editor-in-Chief and Opinions Editor for publication. Not all letters are guaranteed for publication.

Hello! I'd like to submit a request for a correction regarding the paper published Tuesday, April 4, 2023. Under the "Life & Arts" section with the headline about ODS hosting the virtual event for Autism Awareness Month, there is an illustration by Megan Walters of a puzzle piece ribbon. This illustration is problematic. For many members of the autistic community, the puzzle piece represents the notion that we are somehow "confusing" or "need to be solved", rather than celebrating who we are. Additionally, and more problematically, the puzzle piece is the icon of Autism Speaks, an organization which has come under fierce backlash by autistic individuals for many, many reasons including representing autism as a disease that needs to be cured, having 27 out of 28 people on their board be neurotypical, and many more issues. Many autistic college students who engage in the community view the puzzle piece as a negative symbol. It is my belief that it does not have a place in representing us. More recently, a new symbol has emerged - a rainbow infinity symbol. I urge you to do some research on the different symbols and inform your staff about the difference between them. Additionally, a removal/replacement of the symbol from the online version of The Star would be quite nice. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. I would love to discuss this with you.

Thank you for your time, Rebecca Clemons (they/them)

ILLUSTRATION BY EVA BOWLER

TXST should allow a greater variety of pets in residence halls

By James Phillips Opinions Contributor

Texas State currently only allows two kinds of pets within on-campus housing: emotional support animals and "fish contained in aquariums no larger than 10 gallons."

The university's position is that other animals pose multiple health concerns, are unpredictable and may "contribute to accidents." This policy, while on the surface logical, is arbitrary in practice and denies opportunities for residents to have other safe pets besides fish within their on-campus housing.

Texas State should modify its pet policy to allow a greater variety of pets in on-campus housing. This change would create positive mental wellbeing in students.

The only non-emotional support animal pets allowed under current university policy are fish due to their relative ease of care and ability to contain them in a tank. Yet this completely ignores other non-fish creatures that are just as easy to care for and can have them kept in a maximum of a 10-gallon tank.

Animals such as African dwarf frogs, small-aquatic creatures that grow to about 2.5 inches, are easy to take care of and require at "least a 5-gallon tank." African dwarf frogs are efficiently the same as freshwater fish in pet care. Yet, they are banned while freshwater fish are allowed.

Other animals easily set up in small terrariums, such as tortoises or hermit crabs, should be allowed in residence halls. These creatures, considered easy to care for, should not be banned while fish are permitted. The university's current pet policy needs to be more logical regarding what pets are allowed in on-campus housing.

An example of a favorable university policy toward pet ownership in on-campus housing can be found at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. Eckerd is a private liberal arts college located on the waterfront in St. Petersburg. However, Eckerd is fascinating because it is considered the "most pet-friendly college in the United States."

At Eckerd College, first-semester students can register small pets with the university and bring them into approved housing as long as they can be caged. Students are also able to get large animals into certain dormitories.

Eckerd's website states, "We know that by bringing your dog or cat or ferret, you're bringing a little bit of home with you." According to the administration at Eckerd, the result of this policy is a happier student population that is better able to stay connected to their

homes while living at college.

There are some significant differences between Eckerd College and Texas State. Eckerd is a small private school with a student population of around 2,000. In contrast, Texas State is a large public university with a population of about 40,000. The policy at Eckerd should be a blueprint for the favorable pet policy Texas State could implement.

The most apparent benefit this new pet policy would provide is improved mental health for students living on campus. The first year of college can be pretty scary for many students; moving out and living alone for the first time is a significant transformation that all first years must go through.

A National Library of Medicine report found that "at least 30.5% of students experienced feelings of depression" and around "70% ... have been found to experience homesickness." Pets provide a feeling

of homeliness to an area and allow for an emotional connection in unfamiliar places. In addition, a study found that "animals can reduce loneliness [and] increase feelings of social support."

The university already allows students to apply for emotional support animals if they are experiencing forms of anxiety or depression. Texas State should consider changing the pet policy for the better. This change would be more inclusive and better support the mental wellbeing of the on-campus population.

-James Phillips is a history freshman

Dillon Strine Opinions Editor staropinion@txstate.edu

ILLUSTRATION BY MADISON WARE

TXST Zine Fest aims to introduce students to the unique artform

By Ben Middleton Life and Arts Reporter

Printers on the Texas State campus might be a little extra busy next week. Many local zine makers are finalizing their designs and spending time printing and folding as many zines as possible in preparation for the first TXST Zine Fest on April 19.

Zines are small self-published magazines that contain anything that can be printed on paper, including poetry, essays, illustrations, photography and more. Historically, zines were made through photocopying illustrations, writings and collages to make small do-it-yourself booklets to hand out. Although some now use computers to design their zines, the doit-yourself element of the art medium has stayed consistent.

Zine communities thrive on college campuses because of the affordability and the low barrier of entry in the art form, according to Maya Diaz, director of the TXST Zine Fest.

“I think zines are the perfect medium for a college student,” Diaz said. “It's affordable and the culture itself is very complementary to some of the feelings that are generally in a college campus and college students.”

Anyone with access to a computer and a printer or a pen and a photocopier can make their own zine. Many college students gravitate toward the art form because zines provide a way to share perspectives and ideas affordably and relatively easily.

The TXST Zine Fest will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on April 19 at the Grand Ballroom in the LBJ Student Center. The event will include 30 zine artists vending their work, a panel about the history of zines and resources for students to make their own. Around half of the zine artists participating are Texas State students or alumni.

The TXST Zine Fest will be the first time several student zine makers have participated in an event like this.

Diaz, an applied sociology senior and president of Queer Cats, was introduced to zines last spring when they met their friend and zine maker Marcelo Gonzales. The seeds for the zine fest were planted when Diaz and Gonzalez held a zine workshop for Queer Cats. Diaz saw how

fests like Lone Star Zine Fest in Austin and the San Antonio Zine Fest, who gave Diaz advice on how to smoothly run one.

“Even though things have gone so well, it has not been smooth sailing,” Isla Ruiz, the TXST Zine Fest social media manager, said. “So I'm so grateful we have all this support to lean back on. They've definitely been like a crutch.”

On Feb. 16, Diaz announced the zine fest and opened applications for interested zine makers. They began receiving applications the same day. Other local zine fests started sharing the post and the event's excitement grew.

Diaz brought Ruiz on the project as the social media manager to build event exposure. Ruiz graduated from Texas State in business advertising last spring and was excited to work with his friend on the project.

“We got a lot of support really quickly,” Diaz said. “It blew me away just how welcoming and ready people were to engage.”

the

club enjoyed it and wanted to bring the medium to more people.

In January, Diaz started asking around to create the event. They created a small team of students and staff through connections within their major and Queer Cats to get the idea off the ground.

“It sort of was like people didn't tell me no,” Diaz said. “So I just started going for it.”

The zine fest is sponsored by the Center for Diversity and Gender Studies, Inclusive Excellence, Center for the Study of the Southwest and Common Experience. These organizations helped finance the event and advised Diaz on organizing the fest and ensuring its success. Another place they found guidance was through the organizers of other zine

One of the reasons that the Center for Diversity and Gender Studies sponsored the event was the long history that zines have inside social movements. Since zines are printed affordably and have a low barrier of entry, many use them to convey marginalized perspectives and ideas that aren’t shown in mainstream media. Several LGBTQ+ zine makers like Shelby Criswell, Grace Allen Perkins and PissKink Studios will show their work during the fest.

To read the rest of the story visit The University Star's website.

Cenikor’s Community Awareness, Intervention, and Mobilization (Project AIM) is a free non-confrontational program for young adults ages 18-34 to make positive lifestyle changes.

Cenikor Community Awareness Intervention and Mobilization (Project AIM) es un programa gratuito sin confrontación para adultos de 18 a 34 años para realizar cambios positivos en su estilo de vida.

ILLUSTRATION BY EVA BOWLER

STAR SNAPS

TXST V.S SOUTHERN MISS

Texas State interior design senior Erin AbuAlia looks at Middle Grey’s photo gallery at the club's photo exhibition, Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Sabinal Hall. Middle Grey is a Texas State photography club.

The family of student honoree Levi Saylor gather around his memorial display and share memories of their loved one, Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Bobcat Pause in the LBJ Grand Ballroom.

Texas State University Singers perform a selection of "Amazing Grace" in memoriam of the honorees at Bobcat Pause, Thursday, April 6, 2023, in the LBJ Grand Ballroom.

Denim jeans hang for diaplay in respect for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at the LBJ Student Center Hub. Positive affirmations are written on jeans such as "my body my choice" in support of the cause.

(top) Softball players run down the side of the field before switching from pitch to bat, Saturday, April 8, 2023, at Bobcat Ballpark.

(middle) Texas State sophomore outfielder Ciara Trahan (6) and senior infielder Sara Vanderford (26) high five each other at the plate as they switch off from bat, Saturday, April 8, 2023, at Bobcat Ballpark.

(bottom) Texas State softball players practice before their game, Saturday, April 8, 2023, at Bobcat Ballpark.

PHOTO BY ABBY RUSSELL

PHOTO BY FELICITY GUAJARDO

PHOTO BY FELICITY GUAJARDO

PHOTO BY JEZ BROWN

ALL PHOTOS BY CARLY EARNEST

Carson Weaver

Sports Editor starsports@txstate.edu

FROM FRONT MEN'S BASKETBALL

Being undersized, Harrell always felt he had to prove himself, even going back to his time at Carl Albert High School in his hometown of Midwest City, Oklahoma. Harrell did not receive many college offers during his first three high school years. He felt he would have to win Oklahoma's Gatorade Player of the Year to receive more interest.

Harrell won the award in his senior year of high school in 2018. It was an accomplishment that left no doubt in anyone's mind that he could play at any level, even at his size.

to respect it so I can’t even call him little or short. He’s a dog."

Harrell admits that all the talk about his height motivates him, but he said that he also appreciates the opportunity to be a role model for other undersized players hoping to make their mark on the game.

"I don’t get tired of it at all," Harrell said. "It’s part of the story whether I like it or not, so it’s just something I got to live with. My mom’s not that tall so I’m not really blessed with height... I think it’s cool and I think it gives other kids that aren’t that tall the belief that they can do it too."

Harrell went down a long road to reach the role model status he owns today. He credits those before him for showing him the ropes and teaching him what it takes to win.

"My freshman year I was the little brother of the team," Harrell said. "They always showed me love and they always took care of me. They really did a good job of setting the table for me and that’s a big reason I’m able to be here right now."

As those older players moved on, Johnson knew he had to find his team's new leader and remembers precisely when he realized who that would be.

"Obviously when you lose a 19-point-per-game scorer like Nijal Pearson, and you have no one on the team who’s averaging double-figures returning, we knew that we were going to have a little bit of a transition period as far as who was going to emerge as one of our leaders," Johnson said.

Johnson then saw one of Harrell's family members while out having breakfast in San Marcos.

"Mason’s great-grandfather, who recently passed away last year, I saw him while I was having breakfast at Cafe on the Square," Johnson said. "He was in town visiting Mason, and this is my first year [as head coach]. He said if you want to win, put the ball in his hands. And I listened to him."

Harrell is almost amazed by how much he's achieved at Texas State in terms of basketball and how much he's grown as a person.

"I saw him and he was short," Ceaser said. "But I already looked him up and stuff like that before I got here and I saw that he was Gatorade Player of the Year and all his achievements and how he hoops, and I was like ‘he got to be nice.’ I got

"It feels like I’ve lived my whole entire life here... five years is a long time," Harrell said. "I think it feels like that because this is really where I grew up, 18 to 22 years old. That’s when you go from a boy to a man and I really did that here in San Marcos. It’s definitely my second home."

Key seniors graduate, team looks forward to next season

By Kobe Arriaga Sports Reporter

This 2022-23 women's basketball season, where Texas State concluded its campaign atop the Sun Belt Conference for the first time in 15 years with an overall record of 23-10 and 13-5 in conference, marks the final season for seven seniors on the roster.

Graduate guard Kennedy Taylor, along with guard Ja’Kayla Bowie, forward Da’Nasia Hood and center Jaeda Reed polished out all five years together since joining the team as freshmen in 2018.

Taylor cherishes the bond she’s built with her teammates over the past five years and said it is special to finish alongside each other.

“I’ve seen each and every one of them grow into great young women in different areas of their lives,” Taylor said. “It was just amazing to go out there and knowing that we started with each other and now we're finishing it with each other and doing what we came here to do.”

Upon the departure of a large portion of the team, junior guard Sierra Dickson said she feels ready and fully prepared to step into a larger role as her senior year swings around next season.

“They’ve left off such a great platform for us and such a great example of what leadership and hard work looks like,” Dickson said. “As [an underclassman] I’ve got to watch them lead and watch them take our program to a championship... I think we have the tools that we need to take over that leadership role."

Head coach Zenerae Antoine now looks ahead to the offseason and figuring out ways to bring the team back to contention for next year.

“The most important thing is I need to level my players and get us in a positive position, and right now for us that’s recruiting,” Antoine said. “We really need to get after it recruiting-wise and tie up some loose ends with finishing out our roster so we can get started on that new crop of Bobcats to be a contender and be a part of the conversation next year.”

This season marked the first time Texas State led the Sun Belt Conference regular season standings. The last time the Bobcats were crowned regular season champions was in 2008 while playing in the Southland Conference.

Antoine, the 2022-2023 Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year, stressed the importance of remaining level-headed through adversities that occur over a long season.

“The philosophy this year was to take each game at face value and so we never looked ahead,” Antoine said. “Ultimately that was going to be really important regardless of injury, illness, wins, losses, whatever that might be.”

The Sun Belt Conference tournament saw Texas State reach the championship game with victories over Appalachian State and Southern Miss in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.

The Bobcats led a five-game winning streak heading into the championship game, before being defeated by James Madison University, 81-51.

The 2022-2023 season also marks the first championship appearance for Texas State since 2018, when the team finished second to the University of Arkansas Little Rock in both the regular season standings and conference championship.

After leading the conference in wins, the Bobcats also represented the Sun Belt Conference in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament, where they suffered a first-round exit loss to Stephen F. Austin University.

“There was a lot of success from this season across the board, whether it be records broken, lineup changes due to adversities, and finding a way to win,” Antoine said. “There’s so many positives within this particular year that there’s no way you can’t say that this team didn’t find success and that they didn’t persevere through stressors.”

Texas State was ranked fifth in the preseason coaches’ poll before the beginning of the season, which left the team feeling overlooked and with something to prove this season.

Dickson said the most important thing is finishing the season strong, regardless of where the preseason polls project the team.

“I think that does give us a little bit of extra motivation, but at the end of the day it just comes down to us worrying about each specific game and getting better,” Dickson said. “What really matters is you win each game; take it game-by-game regardless of what coaches poll thinks.”

Taylor said that winning the Sun Belt Conference was one of this season’s more significant achievements, considering all the hard work from the beginning of the season. “It was amazing celebrating that with my team,” Taylor said. “It feels amazing knowing that all of the hard work that we’ve put in throughout this whole season you know, really paid off.”

BOBCAT ATHLETES AND THEIR PETS

Texas State graduate guard Mason Harrell (12) passes the ball away from Arkansas State defender, Feb. 9, 2023, at Strahan Arena.

Volleyball player Alyssa Clark with her dog, Maggie.

Softball players Hannah Earls and Ciara Trahan with Earls' dog, Bear.

Softball players Sara Vanderford and Tori McCann with Vanderford's dog, Marley.

Texas State graduate guard Taelour Pruitt (2) shoots a floater layup against Troy University, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, at Strahan Arena.

PHOTO BY SARAH MANNING

PHOTO BY SARAH MANNING

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL