The Prospector 03 19 2024

of Student Opinion

From late nights to early mornings to the rst day of school, being a mom is a job of its own that creates beautiful life and everlasting lessons. Mothers can accomplish the impossible when it comes to raising children... However, being a mom can also be overwhelming to some, with the number sacri ces and having to plan around o spring.

Motherhood is handled di erently by each woman, so what does it mean to be a mom? 40-year-old, Vanessa Rivera, says being a mom to twins means doing everything in her power to ensure that she can provide for and protect her children.

“It’s one of the greatest gi s and roles I’ve ever taken on, it’s to provide for my kids anyway possible,”

Rivera said. “You never knew what you were capable of doing or how much you could love a human being.”

Apart from being a mother, Rivera is also a full-time pharmacist. A er having her children and starting a new career in Houston, Rivera says it’s especially di cult having to learn everything without the help of family members.

“It was a lot more anxiety, a lot more panic, knowing if I was doing anything right. It was a learning experience, and nobody could really give me a list on how to raise two kids at one time,” Rivera said.

Many mothers take on the role of being a sole provider for their children, whether they have friends and loved ones who they can depend on or not.

“I think the mom sense kicks in

HappyWomen ’ s History MonthfromTheProspector

and we want to take on everything and do everything all at once,” Rivera said. “I guess we feel like we can’t depend on anybody to provide for our kids the right way unless it’s us.”

23-year-old Jaden Soto relies on her past experiences to help raise her 3-year-old daughter.

“Growing up my mom was there, but she wasn’t as involved, so when my baby got older, I told myself I’m going to make sure she knows she’s loved,” Soto said.

Soto believes it is important to follow this rule, so her child grows up knowing her worth.

“I can tell there’s an impact on my baby,” Soto said. “I want her to know that if her mom thinks she’s good enough, she’s good enough for everything.”

Many underestimate the amount of time and self-sacri ce mothers

Graphic by Gael Araiza/The Prospector

devote to their kids and the endless obstacles.

“I lost a lot of friends a er I told everybody I was pregnant. I got judgement for being so young and I still get it now,” Soto said.

Mothers are also tasked with having to care for and nurture their kids while battling the physical and emotional e ects of pregnancy.

“Your hormones are everywhere. I felt alone, I had no sleep, I wasn’t eating good, and I was always in the house with the baby,” Soto said. “I think that got to me and I lost a lot of what I liked, and I didn’t feel like myself.”

To many, it is hard to balance so many roles and responsibilities at once, and it can be even more dicult for mothers to remember that it is okay for them to be their own

“Yes, you are a mom, but you’re still you,” Soto said.

Rivera says because much of her life encompasses her children, she tries to appreciate the moments where she can be herself.

“Sometimes I feel I get lost in it and nding me time is hard. ose hours I get to myself; I think are the times that I try to cherish,”

Rivera said.

Moms have their own de nition of what it means to be a mother.

To some, being a mother is to be a provider. To others it means to be a backbone for the whole family. It does not matter if these de nitions are tting for everyone because ultimately, being a mother can mean anything and everything depending on how they write their own story.

Alyda Muela is a contributor and may be reached at armuela2@miners.utep.edu; @aly.rose.photos on

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO

Assayer

What it means to be a woman

Socorro ISD placed under TEA conservatorship

The sweet sounds of Natalia Bermúdez

What it means to be a woman

What does it mean to be a woman? ere are many perspectives to what being a woman means, and as we celebrate women’s contributions and achievements during Women’s History Month, we get to see the di erent sides of being a woman.

Female UTEP students shared what being a woman means to them. For biochemistry student Juliet Brown, being a woman means having to work harder to overcome challenges that are o en put on women.

“Being a woman to me is having to work that extra bit harder to prove yourself because we are facing sexism from an early age,” Brown said. “People underestimate you and you have to be able to just ght through it, but it’s also

those happy moments, like the girlhood moments where you’re with friends and you don’t have to worry. ere are two sides, one where you have to face the struggles and the other with happy memories that we cherish.”

For some women, motherhood is an important aspect of their womanhood. Marketing student Miriam Ordaz has dreams of becoming an actress and mother shares how she embraces both traditional and modern roles for women.

“Being a woman to me means to withstand the hardships that are put on us by society,” Ordaz said. “I want to be taken care of, looked out for, but also know that my opinion matters and to be taken into consideration. For me motherhood is important, it’s a gi to bring a life into the

world, but I know that I can be more than just a mom or wife if I want to be.”

Geology and political science major Giselle Torres says being a woman is about being dependable and feeling trusted among those around her.

For so long women were conned to traditional roles, and they are still important and respected to this day, but being a woman means that now we have a choice to be what we want to be and not just what we are expected to be.

“Being a woman to me means having the strength to carry the weight of so many people on our shoulders while trying to look seamless at it, and as much as it may sound exhausting, which it can get, at the end of the day it makes me feel worthy,” Torres said. “It makes me feel strong, it makes me feel like a woman to know that people depend on me to keep going.”

Girlhood is a crucial part of being a woman for many including forensic science major Rosa Rivera who hopes to work for the FBI. She believes that girlhood encompasses the bond that women have for simply being a woman and sharing experiences and stories together.

“At the core, I think girlhood is a very big part of being a woman, being a woman means that you just support each other,” Rivera said. “You never feel alone because you know there is other women who feel like you do.”

To be a woman means to be resilient through the struggles, to be authentic to ourselves, and to continue to pave the way and evolve the world around us for the next generation of women that will follow.

Whether women decide to be homemakers, mothers, scientists, artists, or anything they put their mind to, the women that came before us worked and advocated so that the women of today get to choose their own paths and get to de ne what it means to be a woman. Ximena

Be an advocate for your beliefs and yourself because you matter.

Be spontaneous in a world full of order and reason.

Do not fear leaving your comfort zone, you will ourish if you do.

Be persistent. ere is nothing wrong with standing your ground.

Depending on others is not weakness, it is a sign of true strength.

Remember to speak your mind and not fear judgement.

Spread your kindness and always be kind to yourself. You’re trying your best.

Allow passion to lead the way sometimes. You never know where it will take you.

Everything in life is temporary, love yourself at every state and you will be ne.

You are worthy of anything you seek to achieve in this life.

Embrace your emotions and allow them to strengthen you.

Allow yourself to rest and plan as you accomplish your goals.

El Paso Annunciation House ghts to save its history

District Judge Francisco Dominguez has ruled against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his ongoing legal battle with an El Paso nonprot that helps migrants.

Paxton is seeking to shut down the non-pro t Annunciation House, a faith-based nonpro t that shelters the migrant and refugee populations living along the border in El Paso.

e decision to do so has le many people and residents in El Paso frustrated and disappointed, as they ght to save the shelter.

“ e O ce of the Attorney General (OAG) reviewed signicant public record information strongly suggesting Annunciation House is engaged in legal violations such as facilitating illegal entry to the United States, alien harboring, human smuggling, and operating a stash house,” the OAG stated in a press release.

e attorney general claimed Annunciation House would have one day to turn over all requested documents. Failure to comply would result in an immediate shutdown of the organization and would revoke their license to operate.

“I promptly emailed the Texas Attorney General’s o ce and said I, the Annunciation House, will respond in 30 days. I immediately got an email saying no, you have one day to respond, and if you don’t, we will close Annunciation House,” said

attorney Jerry Wesevich in a press conference. “ is le Annunciation House with no option but to sue Attorney General Paxton to challenge his abuse of power.”

Since 1978, Annunciation House has served undocumented individuals by providing food, clothing, shelter and medical attention. According to the Annunciation House’s website, they o er the same services normally provided to the poor. However, many undocumented persons are o en denied these basic services due to their immigration status.

For many years, the southern United States-Mexico border has experienced a large in ux of migrants seeking refuge in El Paso and Annunciation House helps relieve border tension concerns by taking in immigrants and o ering them a safe space until they can be reunited with their friends and families.

“We have been welcoming since 2014, the tens of thousands of refugees that border patrol, ICE, the immigration structure, the Department of Homeland Security processed and had to release and had no place to release them to,” said the director of Annunciation House, Ruben Garcia in a press conference.

e OAG has since led a suit against Annunciation House that may terminate their right to operate in Texas.

If the organization faces closure, a large portion of El Paso’s migrant, refugee, and nancially vulnerable community will be le without

access to the resources provided by Annunciation House.

Casa Vides is a long-term hospitality house managed by Annunciation House. It assists individuals undergoing political asylum cases, immigration proceedings, and medical situations.

Casa del Refugiado opened in 2019 and assists people with shortterm needs. It houses many immigrants released from ICE detention centers while they arrange to see friends and family.

Casa Emaus, located in Ciudad Juárez, provides housing for volunteers and people of the surrounding community. Additionally, it has been used to host community meetings and border immersion groups.

“Annunciation House has kept hundreds of thousands of refugees coming through our city o the streets and given them food. e work helps serve our local businesses, our city, and immigration o cials to keep people o the streets and give them a shelter while they come through our community,” Annunciation House stated in a press release.

e frustrations of OAG and Paxton’s decisions have made Annunciation House defend its purpose.

“If the work that Annunciation House conducts is illegal, so too is the work of our local hospitals, schools and food banks.” Annunciation House stated in a press release.

On ursday, March 7, Judge Francisco Dominguez, who presides over the 205th District Court, oversaw the court hearing in the case of Paxton v. Annunciation House.

Dominguez heard testimonies from both counsels and made his ruling Monday, March 11.

“ e Attorney General’s efforts to run roughshod

over Annunciation House, without regard to due process or fair play, call into question the true motivation for the Attorney General’s attempt to prevent Annunciation

House from providing the humanitarian and social services that it provides,” said Dominguez. Dominguez has blocked OAGs e orts to close Annunciation House until the constitutionality of Paxton’s requests can be reviewed. Alyda Muela is a contributor may be reached at armuela2@miners.utep.edu

DREAM BIG AND THEN... DREAM BIGGER!

The Office of Student Fellowships and Awards supports UTEP students who are applying for nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships to fund graduate school and overseas experiential learning (research, teaching assistantships, etc.).

What is an external fellowship?

Nationally competitive funding opportunities that are:

• Based on academic merit as opposed to financial need

• Open to students from a variety of majors Eligibility, application materials, and deadlines vary depending on the award

• Involve a substantial amount of time commitment and careful planning

What do these awards provide?

Depends on the award, includes but is not limited to:

• Funding for overseas experiential learning: research, intensive language study, teaching assistantships, etc., both during undergrad and beyond

• Funding for graduate school either domestically or abroad

Why should I apply?

The application process is a form of professional development in and of itself:

• Become a more confident writer

• Sharpen interviewing skills

• Think critically about future goals

Is my first or second year too early to start thinking about these opportunities?

Absolutely not! Most applications are due junior or senior year, but joining our Undergraduate Fellows Program as a first-year student or sophomore will help you prepare.

The Annunciation House is a non-profi t organization that helps shelter the migrant and refugee populations in El Paso. Photo by Joel Molina/ The Prospector

Socorro ISD placed under TEA conservatorship

e decision was made March 5 a er a lengthy debate at a school board meeting. e school board President of SISD, Michael Najera, made a statement in response to inquiries from El Paso Matters.

e Socorro Independent School District (SISD) has voted to have the Texas Education Agency (TEA) take over as a conservator, a move that could have signi cant implications for the district and its students.

“It is no secret that the district has been facing challenges and we want to do everything we can to remove any skepticism in the leadership of our district administrators and our governance as board trustees of the school district,” Najera said. “Our aim is to eradicate any doubts in our school district so that we can bring closure to the tribulations that have been impacting the district and continue to move our district forward, because the fact is despite these challenges our students, teachers and district are achieving great levels of success.”

TEA would have extensive powers during its takeover, one of which would be to help the district get its nances in order. SISD is reported to have a $33 million de cit, as the district has been struggling nancially for some time. e TEA could bring in resources and expertise to help turn things around.

However, some worry that this move could lead to a loss of local control and could negatively impact students and employees.

Concerned employees expressed their grievances but chose to stay anonymous.

“We’re giving up our local control, and I think that’s a problem. We, as in El Pasoans, speci cally those of us living and working in SISD, need to be able to make decisions that are best for our students and our community.”

Another SISD employee said the writing was on the wall.

“It didn’t surprise me because our board members and district

have been at odds for a few years now. It’s like a circus act from both sides if you watch the board meetings. It’s interesting how a lot of administrators that worked at the District Service Center were jumping ship within the last three years, that raised a red ag in my opinion.”

Parents have also voiced their concerns about the takeover, citing that it was like watching the schools their kids go to simply throw in the towel.

The fate of the Senate bill 4 remains unknown

Over the past few months, a bill began to polarize the state of Texas and the country into a heavy debate legality or unconstitutionality. e Senate Bill 4 (SB4), would allow state law enforcement to arrest people suspected of illegally crossing the border and was put on an extended pause by the U.S. Supreme Court March 12, elevating this heavy debate.

e strict state immigration law is now on temporary pause until March 18, as it will give the court additional time to review the case. is extensive block came a er Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alto overturning a decision from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that would have enforced the bill March 9, due to a previous hold, that was about to expire according to the Associated Press.

Justice Alto ruling is not the only one, as in late February U.S District Court Judge David Ezra also did not allow Texas to enforce this law, but his decision was overturned by the 5th Circuit by Texas request.

However, Texas o cials like Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton were not pleased with this decision according to ABC News.

“We will not back down in our ght to protect our state and nation from President Biden’s border crisis,” Abbott said in a statement. “Texas has the right to protect itself because of President Biden’s ongoing failure to ful ll his duty to protect our state from the invasion in our southern border.”

“It’s scary you know, I mean even being here talking to you, makes me nervous about what’s in store for my kids. I already know that the district may have bitten o more than it could chew with its new sports complex, that we probably didn’t even need, and the super intendent just le , it just feels like a disaster,” said a parent who also wished to remain anonymous.

e TEA will now begin the process of appointing a conservator, who will work with the district to develop a plan for improvement. It remains to be seen how this move will ultimately impact the district and its students, as rumors swirl about possible layo s, and eight investigations going back to 2020 regarding a multitude of possible infractions.

SISD employees say it’s a little nerve racking to see what is to come out of this and it is hard to see employees work as hard as they do with little to no reward. Although many hope this will lead to positive changes for SISD but only time will tell.

SB4 was initially signed in December 2023 by Gov. Abbott making it one of Texas latest attempt to deter people from crossing the Rio Grande. e bill also requires state judges to order migrants to return to Mexico if they are convicted as an alternative option to prosecution.

While many Texas o cials across the state continue to argue back and forth on whether this law will help the state with its border crisis, many o cials in El Paso had di erent reactions to this decision.

In a city situated near the border and an immigration detention, local leaders and migrant advocates had an array of emotions in response to the Supreme Court decision.

“We want our residents to know that we are going to be ghting, we are going to continue ghting for the residents of El Paso until the end, because we know that this law is unconstitutional,” said El Paso County commissioner Iliana Holguin in a statement from KTSM.

Many immigration advocacy groups in the country like Las Americas and El Paso County led separate lawsuits in contest to the law signed last year.

“We are using this as fuel, fuel to continue to make sure our community is educated and fuel to continue to ght in the courts,” said executive director of Las Americas Marisa Limon Garza. “Ultimately this is an opportunity for community organizing and for people to understand how their voice can be heard.”

With the battle over this immigration enforcement law continuing to amplify in the country, the 5th Circuit will have another hearing to hear more arguments regarding SB4 April 13, prolonging the fate of SB4.

Erik Acosta is the editor-in-chief and may be reached at

Socorro Independent School District (SISD) headquarters is located in far east El Paso, Texas. Photo by Jose G Saldana/The Prospector

STAFF REPORTER THE PROSPECTOR

JORGE GUAJARDO

Arts & Culture

Avery Escamilla-Wendell, editor

The sweet sounds of Natalia Bermúdez

Editor’s Note: is is the third part in a three-part series.

With the groovy mixed style inspired by Clairo and Lana Del Rey, artist Natalia Bermúdez or Nana Bersa, shares her sound with La Frontera. Ten singles and her latest EP “Cariño” sets the stage for Bermúdez, as she recently signed with Universal Music Publishing Mexico. e so vocals of Bermúdez brings a light breath of air to music today.

Bermúdez, a 22-year-old majoring in media advertising along with a minor in commercial music at UTEP, is creating new hits. Growing up, Bersa would hear classical music her father played which inclined her music.

“I remember that my dad used to put classical music all the time and that’s how I got my taste in music,” Bermúdez said. “Growing up, I was surrounded by a bunch of artists in my family such as painters, dancers and musicians, that’s how I started to love music.”

When creating music, Bermúdez thinks about past loves and bonds that were unforgettable.

“I feel that I write for people that are not with me anymore or that I had such strong feelings to just write it down and that’s how my inspiration comes with every song,” Bermúdez said.

Although she was born in El Paso, Texas, Bermúdez lived in Ciudad Juárez her whole life which creates a mix of culture in her music.

“I feel that being at the border, you get to experience two di erent cultures such as American culture and the Mexican culture in terms of music,” Bermúdez said.

across the border. “It’s a really good combination of both that only border artists can create because they have both things to experience and to see every day,” Bermúdez said. “I think it a ects how I do my music cause I like to mix some Mexican stu in terms of music and composition I feel that is more like the United States.” Being a student, having a job and being a musician brings a busy schedule for Bermúdez. “I work for music, to pay for my songs, production like everything that you see, I pay it or a part of it (my styling),” Bermúdez.

“My love for music and my love to be someday a greater artist and also prepare myself more.”

Bermúdez “Cariño” was created a er being inconsistent with her music. e EP addresses her feelings and failure of relationships.

“It was just to portray my feelings for them that I still love them, and I’m saying goodbye to them in a way of like letting them go,” Bermúdez said. “It’s just a letter of appreciation and just letting them know that I appreciate them.”

With hopes to tour with an album, Bermúdez also

wants to tour in Mexico and be consistent with her music. With the rise of musicians on social media, the light that shines on newfound artists can limit.

Bermúdez listens to American and Mexican musicians and believes these artists are benecial and can be enjoyed for artists who live

Bermúdez said. Even through the oversaturated music industry, Bermúdez continues to push through with her musicianship. Bermúdez can be found on Spotify as Nana Bersa and @nana.bersa. on Instagram.

Avery Escamilla-Wendell is the arts & culture editor and may be reached at amescamilla@miners.utep.edu or Instagram @by_avery_escamilla

“Right now, the music industry is really competitive because there’s a lot of people that are making this and it’s a really competitive business because some people who try to do music succeed more than the ones that are really trying hard to do it,”

business people music than are hard

Natalia Bermúdez, UTEP student majoring in media advertising with a minor in commercial music. Photo by Dominique Macias/The Prospector

From heels to a helmet:

From unwanted judgment to discrimination, women scientists in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM are becoming the leading domination.

Eight years ago, the odds of seeing a woman in a STEM related workforce was 21% according to STEM Women Limited.

Women are beginning to see an in ux in the male-dominated STEM elds. Women who are future engineers, coders, IT technicians or more, are beginning their careers at UTEP.

One of the women aiming to go against the stigma is Valeria Arellano. Arellano is majoring in engineering leadership and innovation or E-Lead with a concentration in electrical engineering.

“We take classes where we work in groups and we learn how to better our leadership skills, and we learn about the business side of engineering,” Arellano said. “We have core classes where each semester we work in a big group project, and we do (di erent things) like my sophomore year we learn about circuits, working with python, (etc.).”

Aspiring to work with either F1, Google or Microso , Arellano says E-Lead has prepared her for di erent opportunities, because of the support from her classmates. However, Arellano says at times she

is not prepared for the reality of being in a male-dominated eld.

“In my typical engineering classes, I’ve never really seen any females, if I’m lucky maybe ve in a class and the rest of them are males,” Arellano said. “Just recently, I got to visit the Halliburton Headquarters in Houston, and we got to see engineers doing what they actually do, (but) out of the actual engineers that were there, there was maybe ten to 15 women, and the rest of them where male.”

Yet, Arellano says she hopes for a future in STEM where men and women are not labeled by their gender in the work place.

“Within E-Lead, we don’t view

each other as men in STEM, women in STEM, we are just people in engineering,” Arellano said. “I hope that would translate to real life or more engineering elds, because in my actual engineering classes, they’re mostly male dominated, and the girls are kind of afraid to speak up or feel like their contributions aren’t as appreciated as the men’s.”

Marta Romeu Chen is another student who handles not only the challenging work of engineering but is also an athlete and dreams of becoming a manager for a factory.

“Industrial engineering is more of a management project, like supervision (it’s) more hands on than like mechanical or electrical engineer-

ing,” Romeu Chen said. “(I’m) trying to reach the point to where I can be a manager in a factory or something (similar).”

However, to beat the stereotype of engineering majors who spend most of their time studying, Romeu Chen balances her busy schedule of her social life, sports life and engineering life.

“I try to keep a to-do list of what I have to do that week, and (what’s) due to what date, so I know beforehand and don’t stress out looking on Blackboard,” Romeu Chen said. “(My team) is always asking (each other) how we are, and help each other even with classes, even though some of (us) don’t have the

same classes, they try to lookout for you. I try not to take school to (my sport), but sometimes you just can’t avoid it, because there’s so much in mind, so they are always trying to (tell) you, ‘Take your mind out of it,’ (and) make plans or come to the dorms to hang out a bit.”

As women are becoming more prominent in STEM elds, it’s important to recognize the women who were the rst to ght against the odds, and become the scientist, engineer, mathematician, etc. that they are today. UTEP and its various programs, are here to support women in STEM, and continue to blossom their learning and career.

Sofia Sierra is the web and copy editor and may be reached at sdsierra2@miners.utep.edu

SOFIA SIERRA

First-generation engineer Marta Romeu Chen, balances her time between the classroom and the golf course. Photo by Gianluca Cuevas/ The Prospector

Valeria Arellano is majoring in engineering leadership, or E-lead, and innovation. Photo by Gianluca Cuevas/The Prospector

Sports

Nicholas Maes, editor

C-USA title eludes UTEP as Miners fall to Western Kentucky

For two days, the Miners wrote a Cinderella story that had them punching their ticket to the big dance, the NCAA tournament, for the rst time since 2010. at fairytale ended March 16, as UTEP su ered a gut-wrenching loss to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, bringing an end to the 2023-2024 UTEP season.

UTEP nished the season with 16 wins and 15 losses and had to win the conference title to secure an automatic bid for the NCAA tournament, as their regular season record was not good enough for them to qualify.

Facing must-win circumstances, the Miners were able to gut out a tough opening-round win March 14 against the Liberty Flames, a team UTEP beat on the road.

UTEP faced a 12-point de cit in the second half but clamped down on the defensive end to catch up to the Flames with just under six

utes to go, allowing the Flames to score only three points during that stretch. UTEP secured a ninepoint win with excellent free throw shooting as time melted away in the rst round.

e Miners faced Conference USA’s regular-season champion and No. 1 seed in the tournament, the Sam Houston State Bearkats March 15. UTEP was able to get out to an early eight-point rst half lead before the Bearkats would claw back into the game, and by the end of the half, Sam Houston would build a six-point lead over UTEP. e Bearkats would pull away in the second half, building as much as a 14 point lead, aided by UTEP scoring droughts that plagued the Miners all season. With just over 13 minutes to go, things looked bleak for UTEP, but

a 25-4 run led by stars junior guard Corey Camper Jr. and senior guard Tae Hardy gave the Miners the lead with over four and a half minutes to go. UTEP would hold on despite a furious onslaught by the Bearkats. With excellent play in the paint o ensively and on the free throw line by senior guard Zid Powell, the Miners secured their win over the top seed. UTEP went on to face the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in the Conference USA Championship game March 16. e Miners started the game strong, leading by as many as 10 points in the rst half, but the Hilltoppers would mount a comeback and go into the half leading by two. e Miners would again start strong in the second half, leaning on their defense to bog down the Hilltoppers’ o ense and build a seven-point lead ve minutes into the

second half. At this point, UTEP was 15 minutes away from winning the C-USA title for the rst time in school history. UTEP also had a 75% win percentage that had fans like Angel Ramos excited.

“You could feel it. It was so close; we were about to punch our ticket,” Ramos said.

O ense struggles have plagued UTEP all season, and this game was no di erent; a er the Miners went up by seven, they endured scoring droughts that lasted as long as ve minutes, burying the Miners’ hopes for a Cinderella story.

UTEP Head Coach Joe Golding had this to say about the stagnant o ense. “ e turnovers obviously got us,” Golding said. “We just turned the basketball over, and they were able to get out in transition. en, we couldn’t score there for that stretch in the second half.”

UTEP’s o ense was not the only problem as UTEP’s defense couldn’t slow the Hilltoppers’ o ensive onslaught, particularly junior guard of the Hilltoppers Don McHenry, who scored 25 points on 56% shooting.

“Credit to them, they played a good game. (McHenry) is a special player. We couldn‘t get him corralled tonight,” Golding said.

Although Western Kentucky would dash the Miners’ hopes with a 78-71 victory, taking the C-USA championship, UTEP still had a lot to be proud of.

UTEP beach volleyball shines in historical rst home match

e cheers of fans, the sound of volleyballs being spiked, and the smooth movement of sand were heard at the sand volleyball courts behind the student recreation center March 9. A monumental day for UTEP and its beach volleyball

team as they hosted the school’s rst home match against Trinidad State Trojans. Some may be surprised to know that beach volleyball has some vast di erences from indoor volleyball. Both schools divide their players into ve teams with two players per team. All ve teams will compete for the school during the match. Each team will be tasked with two sets, with the winning number being 21 points. A third set of 15 points could also be played if needed. Each school will also have a sixth team that competes in a non-scoring match that will help place the school amongst the top ve scoring in the tournament. Each match is best of ve, and the team that has at least three pairs of wins will win the match.

e pairs to start for UTEP were junior Ema Uskokovic/freshman Mila Popovic and freshman Alexis Massey/junior Katie Call. Each won both sets and helped set the

tone for the other teams. e Miners were able to sweep both matches and nish their historic day with a 5-0 victory.

A victory that not only was felt amongst the players but the fans as well, allowing them to experience the rst home win in person, surrounded by the Franklin Mountains. UTEP fan Steve Blumenthal believes there should be more home games and the sport will bring a lot to UTEP. “It’s a di erent dimension of a popular game. It’s about time that we had an opportunity to be able to compete in this variety,” Blumenthal said. “I think we should have the facilities that will allow the UTEP players to compete.”

For UTEP beach volleyball to be certi ed to host home games against D1 and D2 schools, they must build at least one more additional court to add to the two they already have. UTEP student Jonathan Garcia, wants UTEP to build that third court.

“UTEP needs more home games,” Garcia said. “If the college can get

that third court, we can have more home games so we can support our beach volleyball team.” With the future of the beach volleyball team still unknown, the game was certainly a steppingstone for what looks to be another great sports program in the making.

e beach volleyball team will hit the road for several matches throughout the rest of the month and the next, gearing up for the Conference USA Championships on April 25-27.

PHOTO EDITOR THE PROSPECTOR

JOEL MOLINA B Y

Graduate student Summer McDonough bumps the ball during a set against Trinidad State. Photo by Joel Molina/The Prospector

Freshman Adriana Oporto and junior Katie Call celebrate a score against Trinidad State. Photo by Joel Molina/The Prospector

The UTEP men’s basketball team huddles together during the Conference USA basketball tournament, which took place from Mar. 12 through Mar. 16. Photo courtesy of UTEP Athletics

Forward Kevin Kalu jumps up in attempt to lay the ball over the defense of Liberty, Mar. 14. Photo courtesy of UTEP Athletics

Zid Powell and Otis Fraizer III come together to celebrate during a game that ended in victory for the Miners against Sam Houston, Mar. 15. Photo courtesy of UTEP Athletics

Alyssa Sianez: On the court and in the classroom

e UTEP volleyball team took home a second-place title in the National Invitational Volleyball Championship in December, gaining more recognition in the world of athletics at UTEP. In February, the team was presented to UTEP fans at a basketball game. What one of the team members, Alyssa Sianez, did not know was that she was about to be presented with a $12,500 scholarship. Her teammates stood behind her with only smiles across their faces, knowing what was about to happen. It was a moment both Sianez, and her team will never forget.

Sianez, a senior at UTEP majoring in mathematics with a minor in educa-

tion, has loved volleyball since she was young. Inspired by her older sisters, she grew up playing so ball and volleyball and eventually decided to focus on volleyball.

“I was around 10 when I joined my rst city club,” Sianez said. “It just grew on me, being in the gym from day in and day out, watching my sisters play.”

Sianez is known for being a local walk-on volleyball star for UTEP. She says although she loves volleyball, she hopes to teach middle school math and eventually progress to teaching high school.

e GoTeach scholarship is one meant to lead students on the path to successful teaching careers. According to the GoTeach Foundation’s website, student athletes are likely the individuals who possess the characteristics of being the prime targets for the eld of teaching. e GoTeach foundation says their goal is to place 10,000 students in teaching positions within 10 years.

years.

Sianez’s minor of education, made her one of those prime athlete targets. She says before receiving the scholarship, she was awarded a partial scholarship from the GoTeach program before.

“Because I’ve gotten it before, I was really intrigued, I really wanted to do it again.” Sianez said. It means a lot to me, from being a walk-on to

getting some of my masters (degree) paid for.”

Sianez excelled during her freshman and sophomore year on the team. Her junior year season was no di erent in accomplishments, with hitting perfect reception 14 times throughout the season. She was awarded the C-USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll in 2021 and 2022 and the C-USA Commissioner’s Academic Medal in the 2020-2021 season.

With the volleyball season over,

Sianez anticipates graduating in May 2025 and continuing her education with a master’s in education counseling. She says she will forever be grateful for the girls she calls family and for the opportunities the sport has made available for her.

Sianez expressed her love for El Paso while being able to play as her family and city watches and making them proud.

“ ere’s always time for traveling, there’s always time for getting out,” Sianez said. “Keep your options

open, don’t shut down staying in El Paso, don’t shut down your options.”

Sianez thanks her family, her city, and the girls that she has gotten the chance to play with. She says she can see the UTEP volleyball program growing and says she is thankful for every part of it.

Once Sianez leaves the court, she says she hopes to be someone others can look up to, making them proud along the way.

Adam Regalado is the multimedia editor and may be reached at anregalado@miners.utep.edu

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UTEP

UTEP senior Alyssa Sianez receiving the volleyball during the 2023 season as her teammates look on from the sidelines. Photo by Joel Molina/The Prospector

Alyssa Sianez was chosen as the Go Teach Dr. Pepper tuition giveaway program recipient. Photo by Gianluca Cuevas/The Prospector

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR THE PROSPECTOR ADAM REGALADO