November 4, 2019 I Vol. 116 Iss. 14 AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER • SERVING THE GW COMMUNITY SINCE 1904 WWW.GWHATCHET.COM 2019-20 Basketball Season Preview Pages 2-6

ARIELLE BADER & DEAN WHITELAW | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS REVERSE THE COURSE: Wave of new players brings optimism to unsteady programs EMILY MAISE SPORTS EDITOR

oming off a season marred with disap- Atlantic 10, the women’s team will need to rely on fensive style. As a three-year starting point guard, pointment, men’s and women’s basket- its new players to increase production and remain Bautista was a vocal and experienced leader who ball are armed with an infl ux of new competitive. guided the team on and off the court, leaving a void players looking to rebound for the 2019- The men’s team is slated to fi nish 12th in confer- for this year’s team to fi ll. 20 season. ence play, but Christian has eyed a complete trans- Rizzotti said a trio of guards – sophomore Mad- Both teams hit historic lows last season, winning formation of its off ense well before the poll was die Loder, junior Sydney Zambrotta and redshirt Cjust 19 combined games – the lowest total in three released last week. Players have focused on three- freshman Tori Hyduke – are expected to handle decades. This season, the men’s and women’s teams point shooting and pick-and-roll to create a scoring the ball this season. Zambrotta and Hyduke are un- will both rely on a combined crop of 15 new players threat down low and on the perimeter. tested in A-10 play after missing last season because and new off ensive strategies to turn their programs The women’s squad returns nine members of of NCAA transfer rules and an ACL injury, respec- around. last season’s roster. Among the returning players, tively. Loder holds the most experience at the point The women’s squad ended last season with just junior forward Neila Luma leads the pack off ensive- position with 770 minutes played last season. 10 wins, its worst record since 2010-11. Injuries and ly, averaging 10.4 points per game last season. But Luma, a junior forward, said the new team mem- NCAA transfer rules kept the Colonials’ bench the remaining roster averages less than a combined bers have brought a newfound and much needed short, but seven of 13 members will see the court 20 points per game. energy to the roster. for the fi rst time, and the team hopes its new pieces Rizzotti said the lack of a returning core is “That’s something that we need,” Luma said. spark a return to its former glory. “scary” because the new members’ adjustment “We need motivation, helping our teammates out, “They understand that they underachieved, and to the pace of collegiate play is unknown, and her just overall being inclusive to members of the pro- I think everyone is on the same page on what they starting rotation is still up in the air. Three of last gram.” want to accomplish going forward,” women’s bas- season’s fi ve starters graduated, leaving the team Rizzotti said she wants fi ve players who can act ketball head coach Jennifer Rizzotti said. with holes to fi ll at the point guard position, from as a cohesive unit. She said the starting fi ve is not On the men’s side, the team earned just nine the three-point line and on defense. set in stone because she wants to play around with wins during the 33-game season, resulting in for- “It’s not perfect, but I don’t think any team is at diff erent lineups. mer head coach Maurice Joseph’s fi ring. The squad’s this point in the season,” Rizzotti said. “The fact that A duo of transfers and a pair of freshmen round .273 winning percentage is its lowest since the 2000- they’re accepting that there’s room to grow is what’s out the Colonials’ roster. Rizzotti said the level 01 season. With new head coach Jamion Christian important to me.” of competition has increased in practices, which at the helm, along with overhauled off ensive and On the men’s side, nine players are returning, makes her want to off er game time to players who defensive systems and eight new additions to the and eight players will wear a GW uniform for the push themselves in practice. team’s roster, the Colonials aim to fl ip their down- fi rst time. Junior guard Maceo Jack hit his stride “If we don’t have nine or 10 ward trajectory. down the stretch and leads all returning players guys on thethe flfl ooroor consistently consistently ear- ear- “It’s going to come all down to how we connect with 11.5 points per game. The men’s squad scraped ly in the season, I’ll be surprised though, because the connection gives you the abil- together a combined average of 38 points per game because there’s a lot of people who ity to make plays that maybe you can’t draw on the among eight players last season. have earned the opportunity to play,” whiteboard,” Christian said. Christian said he wants to weaponize each play- Rizzotti said. er’s diff erent background and skillset to outpace the Preparing new players for action team’s competition this season, using last season’s Men look to rebuild program Across both programs, 15 players will see shortcomings as a learning experience. Christian rebranded the program the court for the fi rst time “We come here armed with a staff of guys who when he stepped in this year, introduc- as Colonials. In off ensive are able to really come in here and evaluate the guys ing a new offoff ense,ense, defensedefense andand teamteam cul-cul- systems rampant with for what they do well,” he said. “Not to be critical ture. scoring woes, the new of them in the past, but to have the right mindset to The Colonials will play pieces will play a key role help them learn from it.” mayhem defense, an ag- in generating scoring op- gressive style focused on a portunities, Christian and Women navigate uncharted waters full-court press and trap- Rizzotti said. Rizzotti’s fi rst full 13-member roster comprised ping. Christian said the On the women’s side, of her own recruits relies heavily on new pieces fol- team aims to propel the off ense continued to lowing the departure of three seniors. 2019-gradu- its off ense through through be a sore spot for the Co- ates guard Mei-Lyn Bautista, forward Kelsi Ma- its defense, forcing lonials throughout last honey and guard Anna Savino were key fi xtures for turnovers and mak- season, but the team is the Colonials last season. ing stops to give the heading into the year with Mahoney topped the team in three-point shoot- squad more time in seven new faces ready for ing, draining 63 from behind the arc and fi ring at a the off ensive zone. action on the court. Project- .360 clip. Savino was a walk-on turned starter for the ed to fi nish seventh in the Colonials last season who played a disruptive de- See SQUAD Page 6 College Democrats silent amid slew of e-board resignations LIZZIE MINTZ election, while one member said he wants to did not return multiple requests for com- ward after the event and whether they were CONTRIBUTING NEWS EDITOR be transparent with general body members ment. Former vice president of membership forced out of their positions. about how they will work to regain student Elizabeth Gonzalez declined to comment. Current e-board members Nathan Former and current leaders of GW Col- trust. Charlie Panfi l, the group’s former fi - Yohn, Nick Koehler, Amanda Msallem, lege Democrats are remaining tight-lipped “Part of this rebuilding process is to re- nance director, and Helena Russo-Delee, Sarah Gregory, Maddie Goldstein – the or- about details surrounding a slew of execu- uie Kahn, the group’s campaigns manager, the group’s former chief of staff , said they ganization’s current Foggy Bottom fresh- tive board resignations last week. said. “A big part in doing that is being open resigned for the reasons stated in the email man representative – and Jovawn McNeil After seven e-board members an- to hearing their opinions on how we can sent Monday. did not return multiple requests for com- nounced their resignations Monday, re- make our elections more transparent, how Panfi l and Russo-Delee declined to say ment. John Hicks, who lost the Foggy Bot- maining leaders held a town hall where they we could act as a more transparent organi- when they learned that students had re- tom freshman representative race after the unveiled that several departed members zation overall.” moved votes from the election, whether they incident, did not return multiple requests omitted votes from a freshman representa- Lauren Bordeaux, Luke Briggs and Har- were involved with the event and which re- for comment. tive election in September. But 12 current ita Iswara, the organization’s former presi- signed members were involved. and former group leaders have declined or dent, programming director and vice presi- Panfi l and Russo-Delee declined to say not returned requests for comment on the dent of diversity and inclusion, respectively, how College Democrats should move for- See ELECTION Page 8 Vern clinic will improve access to health care, students say TIFFANY GARCIA effi ciency and accessibility on the campus, the CHC, and the center was completely stay there for half a day when you’re sick REPORTER but some students said the Vern’s clinic closed on Sundays. Students can now re- just to get seen,” Hawley said. “If you have should operate on Saturday and past 4 ceive care from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays one right next door, it makes the process a Students said recent changes to the p.m. so Vern residents always have access at the CHC and Sundays in Merriweather lot easier, which is super benefi cial.” Colonial Health Center will increase ac- to care. Hall on the Vern. Freshman Jane Wilde said sick stu- cessibility, but some said offi cials should “Everybody should have access to Hawley said infrequent Vern Express dents who used to take the Vex to Fog- further expand operating hours to en- health care, but we’re students, and hav- departures over the weekend inconve- gy Bottom for the CHC placed healthy sure students always have quick access to ing to spend a lot of time and eff ort and nience students who need to attend ap- riders at risk for catching their illness- health care. money trying to fi gure out how you can be pointments at the center. She said the ex- es. She said the Vern’s clinic prevents Offi cials opened a new health care clin- seen by a doctor just seems like a waste of tended hours give students more time to them from spreading their sicknesses ic on the Mount Vernon Campus and add- time and energy,” freshman Brianna Haw- see a health care professional without hav- to others on the Vex and in other public ed two extra weekend urgent care hours ley said. ing to rush to the center before closing. areas. last week. More than 30 Vern residents Urgent care was previously avail- “Especially if there’s going to be a long said the changes will improve health care able from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays at line at the CHC, you don’t really want to See CLINIC Page 8 November 4, 2019 • Page 2 BASKETBALL SEASON PREVIEW THE GW HATCHET

Colonials bond over the summer 2019-20 Basketball Season Preview

Summer training bolsters women’s team dynamic

ROHAN KANDESHWARATH they built up a strong re- of us,” Brown said. STAFF WRITER lationship heading into Stephenson said the the season. The team spent team combined condition- While the rest of GW time watching movies and ing with off ensive prac- was away for the summer, sporting events like the tice. She added that if the women’s basketball was WNBA fi nals. team did not fi nish what using the extra campus “Just trying to build my it wanted to accomplish in space acclimating as a team reputation on the court so practice, the entire squad and fi nding time to get to my teammates and coaches would hit the gym after- know one another. can learn to trust me on the ward and work until they Players said the team court,” Stephenson said. hit their goals for the day. spent the summer bond- “Communication and trust “We just put everything ing over movies, planning are mutual when it comes into one,” Stephenson said. outings around D.C. and to basketball.” “We learned mostly of- sharpening its individual Brown said the team fenses over the summer and team skills in practice. also went out to eat, partici- and then we morphed con- As a relatively new squad – pated in a D.C.-wide scav- ditioning into that too. We welcoming more than half enger hunt created by the got a little bit of both.” of its players on the court program and walked to the Despite the attention to ZACH BRIEN | PHOTOGRAPHER Freshman forward Chase Parr said the summer training allowed the team to analyze players’ roles on the court through for the fi rst time – players monuments together. She off ense, Zambrotta said the individual workouts. said the free time was cru- added that she and Blethen Colonials also made sure cial for them to spark con- leaned on each other to ad- to sharpen up their noto- nections with one another. just to college life because rious hard-press defense Summer training builds “We have a lot of new the experience was new for through a specifi c block of pieces coming in, so it’s re- them as freshmen, which practices called “Camp D ally important for us to get made them closer friends Up,” where they practiced cohesion among men’s team that chemistry down and and teammates. all things defense over a learn each other’s tenden- “We’ve helped each three-day stretch. BELLE LONG us together in a deeper land for players to enjoy cies so we can come togeth- other for sure,” Brown said. She added that the team CONTRIBUTING SPORTS EDITOR way, just off the court a meal. Williams said er when it’s time,” graduate “If there’s something that worked on taking charges, getting to know each these dinners were some student guard Ariel Ste- I have a weakness at, she’s moving their feet, defen- For men’s basketball, other more,” Paar said. of his favorite memories phenson said. there to help me and same sive slides and scrimmag- an early end to summer Some of the practic- from the summer be- Stephenson and fellow for me for her. We push ing against one another. was just what players es were tailored to the cause they helped create graduate student forward each other and we’re com- “We had ‘Camp D Up’ needed to acclimate as a needs of individual posi- a more united team. Alexandra Maund and petitive with each other to in the beginning of the nearly brand new squad. tions. Senior guard Jus- “I really liked going freshmen guard Essence make each other better.” year, basically like three The squad arrived tin Williams said head to the coach’s house,” he Brown and forward Faith In addition to team days of straight defense,” back on campus July 1 coach Jamion Chris- said. “He’s doing a great Blethen joined the squad bonding, players said the Zambrotta said. “It was re- to train and bond with tian divided the team job building a team- this season. Redshirt fresh- summer training focused ally fun.” eight new players and into “bigs, wings and oriented environment. man Tori Hyduke and red- on developing individual Head coach Jennifer a brand new coaching guards” and instructed So we do everything as shirt freshman forward skills, like shooting and Rizzotti said because a por- staff. Players said they them to work on skills a team, one unit. So we Mayowa Taiwo will see defensive footwork, learn- tion of the team has played spent the summer serv- like shooting. Williams, went to his house and their fi rst minutes on the ing the off ense and defense one or two seasons of col- ing the D.C. community who was sorted as the had a barbecue to spend court after spending time systems and conditioning. lege basketball, any blips at food banks, getting to- wing, said he primarily time with family.” on the bench last year with Brown said she worked down the road it could run gether for team dinners worked on perfecting his Williams said this preseason injuries. in small groups within the into will clear up once the and practicing to become shot during the summer summer felt different Redshirt junior guard team, but players broke off team gets into the swing of a more cohesive unit be- sessions. than his previous three Sydney Zambrotta also for one-on-one time with the season. fore hitting the court. He added that dur- years because there are will hit the court for the coaching staff to improve “We have a lot of matu- “We’re kind of like the ing team practices, the several new additions to fi rst time as a Colonial this shooting capabilities off a rity in our team and a lot only ones on campus at team would mainly fo- the team, and he needed season after sitting out the screen. She added that as- of guys that are willing to that point so we’re with cus on defensive drills to take more time to get 2018-19 season per NCAA sistant coach Ganiyat Ade- take ownership,” she said. each other all the time, geared toward its new to know his teammates. transfer rules. duntan helped her fi rm up “When you have guys that really getting to know “mayhem” defensive But he said the team ad- Stephenson, who trans- her shot. are invested in the team each other and working style. Under Christian, justed fast and created a ferred from Wake Forest, “We did a lot of group success, then some of those hard,” Paar said. “I think the squad has practiced tight connection. said she prioritized spend- stuff , but we also did small wrinkles will end up iron- that’s the best part of the a fast-paced, pressure- “It was a little dif- ing time with teammates group things where it ing themselves out as the summer.” oriented defense with ferent because the team and coaches to ensure would just be two or three games start.” Paar said the work- the goal of forcing turn- is so different,” he said. outs gave them chances overs. In past seasons, “We have so many new to run through plays and the Colonials focused on pieces, but it was really combinations to deter- developing a fast-paced easy to get to know the mine what worked well offense and protecting guys. We have a great together. He said the the rim. group of guys, and the team evaluated the roles Williams said indi- team chemistry.” each player would hold vidual practices are more Between drills and on the court through in- common in the summer, dinners, the Colonials dividual workouts. and a typical week con- spent most of the sum- “It’s like honing in on sisted of “three or four mer in one another’s your individual skills, individual days,” fol- company. Ace Stallings, and then honing in on lowed by a team day and who transferred into those individual skills lifting as a team. Indi- the program this sea- and then having those vidual practices empha- son, said the time spent translate over to our sized offensive work like together over the sum- team offense and defen- shooting and ball han- mer helped facilitate sive system,” Paar said. dling, he said. real friendships between Off the court, Paar Food was another players. said the team volun- bonding activity for the “We’re already close teered at organizations team. Every day, the with everybody,” Stall- like food banks and players would pick a ings said. “But I think it Habitat for Humanity. restaurant to eat at, like started because we really He said the service work Tonic or Founding Farm- tried to get vulnerable deepened the relation- ers, Williams said. so we can get close with ships between players. Christian also hosted each other really fast ERIC LEE | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER “On the court, we’re regular team dinners early, I think that helped The women’s team said bonding activities over the summer helped foster connections between teammates and connected, but it brought at his home in Mary- us bond early on.” coaches. Men’s basketball rises one Women’s basketball falls four spot in A-10 preseason poll spots in A-10 preseason poll EMILY MAISE Men’s basketball 2019-20 Women’s basketball 2019- and sixth in 2017. SPORTS EDITOR The team fi nished with A-10 preseason poll 20 A-10 preseason poll a 10–20 record last season Men’s basketball is and ended its conference projected to finish 12th 1. VCU 8. Duquesne 1. VCU 8. Massachusetts slate just shy of breaking in a field of 14 Atlantic 9. George Mason 9. Duquesne even, notching a 7–9 A-10 10 teams, according to a 2. Davidson (8) 2. Dayton (1) record. The preseason preseason coaches’ poll 3. Dayton (1) 10. La Salle 3. Fordham (1) 10. Saint Joseph’s ranking is the lowest in announced last week. 4. Rhode Island 11. Massachusetts 4. Saint Louis (1) 11. Richmond head coach Jennifer Riz- The prediction is an 12. George 5. Davidson 12. Rhode Island zotti’s four years with the improvement from last 5. St. Bonaventure 13. Saint program. 6. Richmond Washington 6. George Mason season, when the team 13. Saint Joseph’s Bonaventure VCU is expected to was chosen to finish 7. Saint Louis 7. George 14. La Salle win the A-10 Champion- 13th. The squad had 14. Fordham Washington ship this season. The Rams been on a steady de- GRAPHIC BY OLIVIA DUPREE GRAPHIC BY OLIVIA DUPREE fi nished the season 24–10 cline in the preseason Men’s basketball rank rose one spot in the 2019-2020 A-10 preseason Women’s basketball fell four spots in the A-10 preseason poll, from third to overall and 13–3 in con- rankings since 2015 poll, from third to seventh. seventh. ference play. They went when the team was on two seven-game win picked to finish fourth. win percentage. season No. 1 Dayton. EMILY MAISE The prediction is a streaks throughout the GW did not have a VCU is expected to The Rams topped SPORTS EDITOR four-spot downgrade from season. The program is member selected to a win the conference. The the Colonials twice last last year’s third-place pro- in pursuit of its fi rst A-10 preseason team. Rams finished the sea- season by a 10-point jection. The Colonials’ pre- Championship. The team finished son 25–8, including a margin Feb. 6 and by 28 Women’s basketball is season ranking is its low- The Colonials snapped the season 9–24. The 12-game win streak that points Feb. 23. slated to fi nish seventh in est in fi ve years. The squad VCU’s fi rst win streak Jan. Colonials earned four left the team perfect in A panel of the the Atlantic 10 this season, boasted fi rst- and second- 23 in a 57–48 upset win. wins in conference February. VCU last won league’s head coaches according to a preseason place fi nishes in 2015 and The conference’s 14 play and ended its A-10 the A-10 Championship and select media mem- coaches’ poll released 2014, respectively, before head coaches chose the schedule with a .222 in 2015 over the pre- bers chose the poll. Tuesday. falling to fourth in 2016 poll. THE GW HATCHET BASKETBALL SEASON PREVIEW November 4, 2019 • Page 3

Women's team searches for leadership 2019-20 Basketball Season Preview

Lacking starting lineup, slate of players look for game time ROHAN KANDESHWARATH STAFF WRITER the fi eld her senior year, av- clip from the fi eld. eraging 17.9 points, 7.5 re- Maund said coming into Last season, it was clear bounds, 3.0 assists and 3.6 the program as an older play- who would see game time steals per game. er was diff erent because she for women’s basketball. Maund said she and her did not know the culture of Guard Mei-Lyn Bautista teammates reached out to the team. But as she’s become would run the point, forward the freshmen throughout the more acclimated, Maund Kelsi Mahoney would be preseason to develop rela- said she leads by example a threat around the perim- tionships with them. and from an experienced eter and guard Anna Savino “Having them view us basketball perspective. would be a consistent defend- as older sisters who are here She added that she has er. But these members of the to help them and will trust developed a close relation- squad have since graduated, them to make decisions,” ship with the coaching staff , and players are welcoming a Maund said. taking trips to their offi ces to slate of newcomers and play- Stephenson spent the lat- ask about plays. She said their ers returning from injury to ter half of the preseason re- close relationship has facilitat- take the court this year. habbing a foot injury, but both ed communication between The squad’s two fresh- she and Maund have added a them for her to point out what men, guard Essence Brown strong presence to the locker she sees on the court. and forward Faith Blethen, room. Rizzotti said the matu- Stephenson comes from are looking to add off ensive rity and experience Stephen- Wake Forest where she ex- production to a team that son and Maund bring will celled at scoring, becoming struggled to put points on help guide a team that does the 25th player in program the board last season. The not have a four-year senior. history to score 1,000 points. team’s graduate students, DEAN WHITELAW | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER “We don’t have guys that She said her three years Redshirt junior guard Sydney Zambrotta said having an unclear starting lineup means players are competing guard Ariel Stephenson and each practice to earn playing time. have played here for three at Wake Forest have given forward Alexandra Maund, years going into their fourth her game-time experience will provide experience, with while Zambrotta needed bench last season, players are and 5.8 steals per game in her season, so to have two fi fth- and allowed her to accli- four years each of collegiate to sit out because of NCAA competing to grab a wide- senior year. year guys, even if they’re mate to off -the-court aspects basketball experience. transfer rules. open starting spot. Rizzotti Brown said Blethen, who coming from a diff erent per- of the game, like watching Redshirt freshman guard Head coach Jennifer Riz- tested multiple lineups and is rostered as a forward, spective, come in and add fi l m . Tori Hyduke, redshirt fresh- zotti said she expects the players in diff erent positions can provide versatility as a some leadership and matu- “Now coming here, I’m man forward Mayowa Taiwo freshmen to see time on the at the Colonials’ exhibition guard and cuts fast and hard rity, it’s been really helpful,” able to take the knowledge and redshirt junior Sydney court early in the season as game last week. throughout the Colonials’ of- Rizzotti said. that I’ve gained through Zambrotta will also see the she plays around with line- Blethen displayed her of- fensive system. Maund was a key fi xture the experience and help court for the fi rst time this ups. fensive prowess at Boothbay Brown also joined the for Yale, playing 18.3 minutes my teammates out and season. Injury sidelined Hy- She added that with more Region High School, averag- 1,000 club as a senior at Galax per game her senior year. Of- teach them some of what I duke and Taiwo last season, than half the roster on the ing 19.1 points, 11.2 rebounds High School. She dominated fensively, she shot at a .516 learned,” Stephenson said. Women’s team starting five unclear as season begins BELLE LONG with a lot of new pieces.” petition this year. Hyduke, CONTRIBUTING SPORTS Rizzotti said that while a natural point guard, is EDITOR players don’t have “roles de- poised to earn game min- fi ned,” she feels no pressure utes in the role. For a fairly new wom- to hammer out a starting Standing at 6 feet, Taiwo en’s basketball squad, it’s lineup early in the season. is expected to swipe lots of going to take some time Of last season’s regu- boards for GW. Averaging before fi nding a core start- lar starting fi ve, only two 34.4 rebounds per game, ing fi ve. players – junior forward the Colonials ranked 12th More than half of the Neila Luma and sophomore in the Atlantic 10. team – seven of 13 players – guard Maddie Loder – re- Rizzotti also added two did not see play last season, main on the roster. Luma is graduate transfers this sea- with some returning play- the Colonials’ leading scorer son. Guard Ariel Stephen- ers bouncing back from and rebounder, and Rizzotti son and forward Alexandra injury and others arriving has pegged her as a leader Maund each have four years to GW for their fi rst season for the team this season. of previous collegiate ex- with the Colonials. Head The team will be with- perience and will provide coach Jennifer Rizzotti said out three 2019 graduates, basketball experience to a she will experiment with guards Anna Savino and relatively untested team. her starting fi ve early in the Mei-Lyn Bautista and for- Zambrotta is another DEAN WHITELAW | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER season to strike the right ward Kelsi Mahoney, who transfer making her debut Playing nearly every game last season, sophomore center Kayla Mokwuah is one of the most experienced players on the women's team this season. balance. soaked up minutes on the after sitting out last year Last season fell short court and provided leader- per NCAA requirements. of the lofty expectations ship to a young roster. Like Brown and Stephen- pinned on the Colonials. Redshirt junior Sydney son, Zambrotta gives Riz- Women’s squad navigates The team won just 10 games Zambrotta, who sat out last zotti more fl exibility at last season, fi nishing with year per NCAA transfer point and allows her to a .333 win percentage. In rules, said the squad’s start- experiment with diff erent season with no seniors conference play, the squad ing fi ve isn’t set in stone, but combinations. ROHAN KANDESHWARATH their older perspectives with for the team lead. nabbed a 7–9 record, strug- players are competing ev- In the exhibition game, STAFF WRITER the squad. Rizzotti said she advised gling in conference play for ery day in practice to earn sophomore center Kayla “She specifi cally want- the team to increase its level the fi rst time since the 2011- minutes on the court. Mokwuah, Maund, Zam- Women’s basketball will ed maturity from me and of leadership to fi ll the gaps 12 season when it won just “It’s all up for grabs,” brotta, Hyduke and Blethen be without a four-year senior our other graduate Ariel,” left by last season’s senior four conference games. Zambrotta said. “I feel like started. Luma was missing for the fi rst time in six years. Maund said. “She told me class. She said the team was Rizzotti said the squad we’ve all had diff erent rota- from the lineup, but Rizzot- After guard Mei-Lyn that when I came in, so it’s at fi rst “stressed out” about has put the disappointing tions throughout practice ti said she will be expected Bautista and forward Kelsi been a challenge that I have the lack of leadership, but she season in its rearview mir- to see who works best with to start in the team’s open- Mahoney graduated, the Co- accepted.” has continued to tell players ror and turned its attention each other, but I feel overall ing game at Villanova Tues- lonials must rely on younger Rizzotti and the team to use the gap as a strength. to the season ahead. like the spots are open.” day. She said she wanted to leadership for the 2019-20 have emphasized a leader- Starting leaders like She added that the Two freshmen are set see diff erent combinations season. Players said head ship-by-committee approach Luma and redshirt junior squad’s longer bench is an to embark on their fi rst col- in the exhibition game. coach Jennifer Rizzotti ex- – keen on not relying on forward Sarah Overcash are added bonus from previ- legiate seasons, and two Maund said the coach- pects each and every mem- one person to lead the team. returning, but the Colonials ous seasons, but becoming redshirt freshmen will ing staff placed a high pre- ber of the team to step up and Rather than trying to fi ll the are setting high expectations a cohesive unit can prove see their fi rst minutes on mium on team bonding act like a leader. leadership role of three-year from their new teammates, challenging for the squad. the fl oor. Forward Faith and protecting the team Graduate student for- fl oor general Bautista with especially the graduate The team will need a few Blethen and guard Essence dynamic given the team’s ward Alexandra Maund said one person, all of the Colo- transfers. more games under its belt Brown provide scoring and several new faces. Rizzotti wants every player nials are focused on holding Rizzotti said she was im- to fi nd its footing, she said. the ability to play multiple “It’s helped us leaps on the team, including the in- each other accountable. pressed with the vocal and “We’re a very deep positions for the Colonials. and bounds over the past coming freshmen and gradu- “She was a great leader caring leadership abilities team, very talented team," Guard Tori Hyduke and three weeks, just seeing ate students, to lead, whether on our team and someone of Maund and Stephenson. Rizzotti said. "And we’ve forward Mayowa Taiwo, the growth in our bond that is on or off the court, vo- can’t just step into that posi- She added that even though been working really, really both redshirted last season and our trust in each other cally or by example. tion,” sophomore center Kay- the pair are in their fi rst year hard to fi nd that cohesive- after sustaining preseason to make the right play,” “Every day, Riz is saying, la Mokwuah said. at GW, their three previous ness that you need to have injuries, are ready for com- Maund said. ‘Who’s going to step up and Rizzotti said she has years playing collegiate bas- be a leader?’” Maund said. called upon junior guard ketball have provided them “She’s emphasizing that she Neila Luma, Mokwuah, red- with maturity the younger wants leadership from ev- shirt junior forward Sarah players don’t have. erybody.” Overcash and sophomore “They really care about Maund and fellow gradu- guard Maddie Loder as vet- how their teammates are do- ate student guard Ariel Ste- eran Colonials who have ing,” Rizzotti said. “So that phenson joined the squad what it takes to help fi ll the combination has been really, this season. Maund spent leadership void left by Bau- really helpful for us, because three seasons at Yale, where tista’s departure. we don’t have any seniors.” she gradually increased her Luma tops the returning The freshmen, consisting points and rebounds per Colonials in minutes, points of guard Essence Brown and game, ending the 2018-19 sea- per game and rebounds per forward Faith Blethen, both son averaging 5.8 points and game. Overcash collected received signifi cant minutes 4.2 rebounds per game. valuable minutes through- under their belt during the Stephenson was sidelined out the season, playing in exhibition game against Mer- her senior year at Wake For- all 30 games. She was most cyhurst Oct. 17, and Brown est with a shoulder injury. productive on the off ensive nabbed double-digit scoring. She was a consistent scorer glass, grabbing a team-lead- Luma said the two have fi t for the Demon Deacons, av- ing 42 off ensive boards. right into the swing of college eraging 12.7 points as a fresh- Mokwuah played in basketball. man, 13.1 points as a sopho- nearly every game last sea- “They’re both very smart more and 8.9 points per game son and shot 77-of-165 from players, so that helps our in her junior season. the fl oor. Loder, who saw team,” Luma said. “They’re Maund said Rizzotti action running the point all aware of coach’s expecta- wanted the pair – as the two last year, shot at a .750 clip tions. It’s easier when you can DEAN WHITELAW | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER most experienced players on from the charity stripe, tying steer the young guys in the Women's basketball head coach Jennifer Rizzotti said graduate student forward Alexandra Maund will bring four years of collegiate basketball experience to the team. the team – to bring and share 2019-graduate Anna Savino right direction.” November 4, 2019 • Page 4 BASKETBALL SEASON PREVIEW THE GW HATCHET

Players step up to fill roles 2019-20 Basketball Season Preview

Junior forward looks for voice after breakout season

BELLE LONG the team adjust to Rizzotti’s CONTRIBUTING SPORTS expectations and the pace of EDITOR the Atlantic 10. “I’ve been using my voice Last season, junior for- a lot and I’ve been using my ward Neila Luma found her experience playing for coach game on the court, but this to let other players know season, she’s expected to find what the expectation is, what her voice. it’s like to play in this league, Luma was one of the what it’s like to play for coach team’s offensive centerpieces and just using my knowledge as one of three Colonials to of the game,” Luma said. appear in all 30 games last Luma said her teammates’ season, scoring a team-high positive attitudes have helped 10.4 points per game and the squad remain malleable pulling 6.1 rebounds off the to different offensive and de- glass. But now that then-se- fensive expectations. nior guard Mei-Lyn Bautista “Other players, they’ve and forward Kelsi Mahoney stepped in by bringing in en- have departed, head coach ergy every day,” Luma said. Jennifer Rizzotti said Luma “That’s something that we needs to take on a more vocal need. We need motivation, leadership role this season, helping our teammates out, advising the team as an up- just overall being inclusive to perclass mentor for players members of the program.” on and off the court. While Luma continues “She’s continued to im- to make waves on the court, prove on really starting to sophomore center Kayla think about how other peo- Mokwuah said she solidifies ple fit into the equation and and nurtures relationships how she needs to include with her teammates off the them in her level of competi- court. She added that Luma tiveness,” Rizzotti said. ZACH BRIEN | PHOTOGRAPHER is one of her “best friends” Rizzotti said Luma is Women's basketball head coach Jennifer Rizzotti said junior forward Neila Luma may take up the mantle from last year's seniors. and the underclassmen’s go- poised to fill the void as the to for advice on basketball or returning starter with the points per game and was defensive press. But Rizzotti nior at GW, Rizzotti said somebody that they can turn off-the-court matters. most minutes under her belt. the only Colonial to attempt added that she wants Luma Luma has taken on an active to,” Rizzotti said. “She’s kind of like the She said Luma doesn’t let the more than 300 field goals, to also use her voice more role in practice and helped Luma said she’s transi- mom of the group,” Mok- expectation to help fill the connecting on .390 of them. frequently on the court. the team’s two freshmen ad- tioned into the challenging wuah said. “I think she takes leadership roles left by last Rizzotti said Luma, who “I think she’s really em- just to collegiate basketball. role of becoming a vocal a lot of responsibility when it year's seniors pressure her, in- is rostered as a forward, can bracing that role and getting “I’ve been able to notice- leader well and has used her comes to team dynamics. So stead using their departures guard every position and more and more comfortable ably hear her be more vocal experiences from her fresh- I think a lot of the girls go to as motivation to improve. plays a large role in setting with it every day,” she said. and more positive with some man and sophomore seasons her as the upperclassmen if Luma led the team in the aggressive pace on the Without a four-year se- of the young guys, and she’s to help the new players on they need guidance.” Women’s basketball looks to expand offensive production

EMILY MAISE & ward Kelsi Mahoney aver- sistant, sank 18-for-56 from ROMAN BOBEK aged 9.3 and 8.3 points per behind the arc, making STAFF WRITERS game, respectively. her good for second on the But the team still retains team last season. Bautista junior forward Neila Luma, rounded out the top three After a futile year on who led the Colonials’ of- with a .313 percentage. the off ensive end, women’s fense last season with an Rizzotti said the team basketball is looking to sev- average of 10.4 points per had to play slower and saf- en new faces on the court to game. Sophomore center er last season to protect the revamp scoring opportuni- Kayla Mokwuah will also ball on the off ensive. But ties. come back after ranking she added that she can use The Colonials mustered fourth with 6.5 points per the team’s defense to cre- just 51.3 points per game game last year. ate off ensive opportunities last season, its lowest team Rizzotti said the squad this year by causing turn- average in more than 38 lacked scoring depth last overs and tacking on extra years. With an extended season, which caused the possessions. ERIC LEE & DEAN WHITELAW | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS bench and fresh faces, head team to overuse players “We will be able to do Redshirt freshman guard Tori Hyduke, sophomore guard Maddie Loder and redshirt junior guard Sydney coach Jennifer Rizzotti said like Luma and Mokwuah. more things where we force Zambrotta are slated to ll the shoes of former star point guard Mei-Lyn Bautista. she wants to let go of the Brown, Blethen, Stephen- more turnovers within our shortfalls of last season and son, Mound, Zambrotta, half-court and full-court de- maximize the team’s scor- Hyduke and Taiwo give the fense,” Rizzotti said. “This ing capabilities this year team new looks both on the year, we’ll be able to play Depth gives women’s by turning defensive stops perimeter and in the paint, faster, more aggressively.” into off ensive momentum. she said. Last year, the Colonials’ “We had experiences At the point guard po- defense ranked fourth in basketball more point options that were really good for us sition, the Colonials have the Atlantic 10 in points al- to learn from last year, but added depth, with Hyduke, lowed, only giving up 57.4 EMILY MAISE program history, racking up assists, but she turned the ball we have to use a little bit of Zambrotta and sopho- points per game. But the SPORTS EDITOR 404 assists to rank seventh over twice while sharing the that disappointment to fuel more guard Maddie Loder squad’s defense caused just all-time. Firing at a .320 clip point responsibilities with our hunger going into this healthy and eligible this 13.2 turnovers per game, For three years, women’s in her four years as a Colo- Hyduke. season,” Rizzotti said. season. Zambrotta and Hy- second to last in the A-10. basketball could rely on for- nial, Bautista also sits at No. Junior guard Lexus Levy Seven Colonials will see duke split the point respon- Zambrotta said the mer fl oor general Mei-Lyn 7 all-time in three-point fi eld said Hyduke was the No. 1 the court for the fi rst time sibilities in the exhibition Colonials have worked on Bautista to handle the ball. goals made. point guard on the squad this season, opening new game, gaining the duo off - penetrating inside from the But the team is heading into Rizzotti said fi lling Bau- during preseason practices. scoring avenues. Fresh- the-ball experience as well. point position and connect- the season with three diff er- tista’s shoes will take time be- “She knows the plays,” men guard Essence Brown Rizzotti said the added ing with the forwards in ent options at the point. cause Hyduke and Zambrotta Levy said. “She’s been pre- and forward Faith Blethen, depth allows the squad the paint. Sophomore Maddie Loder have not yet experienced real- pared. She studied them graduate students guard to open up more scoring Luma said the added fi lled the role as 2019-gradu- game scenarios, but the added while she was out. So com- Ariel Stephenson and for- opportunities at the point depth helps address the ate Bautista’s understudy, but depth will bolster the squad’s ing back, being able to know ward Alexandra Maund, guard position. team’s scoring woes by point guard options were still scoring opportunities. them and get right into it, I redshirt junior guard Syd- She added that the spreading the ball around scant, with redshirt freshman “I don’t have someone in feel like she’s our No. 1 point ney Zambrotta and red- squad has several solid the court and relieving the Tori Hyduke relegated to the the program that just all of a guard right now.” shirt freshmen guard Tori three-point shooters but team from relying on one sidelines with an ACL injury sudden becomes a three-year Sophomore center Kayla Hyduke and forward May- will need to replace its top or two people. and redshirt junior Sydney starter,” Rizzotti said. “It’s Mokwuah said Bautista will owa Taiwo will add to the three from behind the arc “This year we have a lot Zambrotta forced to sit out got to be something that we be hard to replace, but Hy- selection of players who after losing them to gradu- of players that can score, per NCAA transfer rules. do by committee.” duke’s natural point guard can test out off ensive play. ation last year. Mahoney we have a lot of versatil- Head coach Jennifer Rizzotti Loder returns with the tendencies – passing, shoot- The squad lost two of its led the pack, shooting at a ity,” Luma said. “We’re just said all three players are now most experience handling ing and vision of the fl oor – top three scorers to gradua- .360 clip. Guard Anna Sa- working really hard togeth- healthy and eligible this sea- the ball, ranking fourth on will help set the Colonials up tion. Former players guard vino, who will stay with er, it should be a lot easier to son, providing the team with the team with 770 minutes for a strong season. Mei-Lyn Bautista and for- the team as a graduate as- put more points up.” depth at the position. and starting 14 of the team’s “There are defi nitely “Between the three of 30 contests. She secured six some people who are looking them, I feel that we have a lot points per game and dished to inherit some of the roles more versatility in our point out 49 assists on the year. that she had on the court,” guard options,” Rizzotti said. She struggled to keep Mokwuah said. “Tori Hy- Bautista assumed the the ball under control, with duke is the fi rst person that point guard job full-time in 57 turnovers on the season comes to mind.” her sophomore season, run- and an average of two turn- Hyduke, who earned a ning the fl oor for each season overs per game. Rizzotti said starting spot in the squad’s afterward. Loder’s growing pains from exhibition game, grabbed six She started all 28 games the unexpected shift into the points. She added two helpers she played in, missing two point guard position will pay and one turnover to her per- games down the stretch after dividends for this season. formance last week in her role suff ering a concussion. Bau- “I slid Maddie Loder into at the point and off the ball. tista demonstrated versatility that backup point guard role, As a center, Mokwuah on both sides of the ball, rank- which wasn’t what she was said her relationship with ing second on the team with expecting,” Rizzotti said. the point guard is special 9.3 points per game and earn- “So now this year, she’s more because the point guard is ing All-Defensive Team hon- ready to take on ball han- someone who can see the ors during her senior season. dling responsibilities.” layout of the court and hit the Assists were Bautista’s In her fi rst taste of compe- center when she’s open. bread and butter, dishing out tition as a Colonial, Zambrotta “In the past, I’ve always 3.9 helpers per game to notch posted 13 points in the squad’s been the closest with point third in the Atlantic 10 last exhibition game against Mer- guards on my team, it’s the DEAN WHITELAW | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Sophomore guard Maddie Loder could help the women's team add much-needed points to its season. cyhurst last week. Zambrotta center-point guard connec- season as point guard. She cemented herself in recorded two steals and three tion,” Mokwuah said. THE GW HATCHET BASKETBALL SEASON PREVIEW November 4, 2019 • Page 5

Christian takes over program 2019-20 Basketball Season Preview

Men’s basketball’s new defense technique: ‘mayhem’ style BELLE LONG CONTRIBUTING SPORTS ence teams and managed products we have on this EDITOR to only make 40.6 percent court.” of its fi eld goal attempts. The switch in defensive Head coach Jamion Christian spent last sea- style posed a signifi cant Christian is switching up son at the helm of Siena’s adjustment for the Colo- men’s basketball’s defense, team perfecting his defen- nials, some of whom had introducing a strategy fo- sive strategies, which he little to no experience with cused on pace and aggres- also used at his previous mayhem defense, junior sion. school, Mount St. Mary’s. guard Maceo Jack said. The team is shifting Under his direction, the But Jack added that the from its previous defen- Saints showcased an iron- supportive, learning atmo- sive techniques of man-to- clad defense that proved sphere Christian and his man and zone to a “may- instrumental in securing coaching staff fostered in hem” style, a fast-paced one of their best seasons in the preseason has allowed technique centered on ag- recent years. the team to embrace the gressive pressure and trap- In the 2018-19 season, challenge. ping. Christian said the Siena allowed 66.8 points “There’s always some style is designed to pro- per game, ranking second kinks when learning a duce turnovers and steals, in the Metro Atlantic Ath- new off ense, learning a bolstering the team’s of- letic Conference. Off the new style, defense in this fense and giving the squad glass, the Saints carried case,” Jack said. “But I a few extra possessions. a plus turnover margin think we’ve defi nitely tak- “Mayhem is all about and garnered the highest en it in stride. We’re defi - us being connected on assist-turnover ratio in the ARIELLE BADER | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR nitely learning. Coach has the fl oor for 40 minutes, MAAC. Junior guard Maceo Jack said adapating to a new defensive style has been relatively easy because of the sup- created an environment pressing and trapping, Last season, GW posted portive atmosphere created by head coach Jamion Christian. where it’s a learning envi- forcing you to spot some- a -0.8 turnover margin and ronment, where he’s there one somewhere you don’t allowed an average of 71.7 He added that communi- cause even if we don’t get hem defense will not only to help us with any ques- have the ball at and giving points per game, No. 10 in cation between players is the ball on press, we have rile up GW players but will tions we have.” our off ense a jumpstart off the A-10 Conference. The necessary to be able to co- opportunities where the excite the crowd and create Jack said the team will the defense on the fl oor,” team had more turnovers ordinate traps and move- opponent keeps the ball an energized atmosphere. take a proactive approach Christian said. on the season (412) than ment into passing lanes. over the 20-second shot “The version of may- on defense and prevent the An off ensive push is assists (375), compared to Stallings said the dy- clock, which gives us time hem that I had with coach opposing team from waltz- just what the Colonials Siena’s 322 turnovers and namic nature of mayhem to guard one or two, as Christian is this: How we ing up the court easily. needed last season. The 415 assists. defense allows the team to opposed to three or four,” play it is going to create “Mayhem is a mental- team ranked last in the At- Junior forward Ace spend less time defending Stallings said. mayhem in the stands,” ity," Jack said. "It’s defi - lantic 10 in points scored, Stallings, who played un- and more time taking shots Assistant coach Ryan Devlin said. “That’s the nitely something coach averaging just 63.8 per der Christian for one year by causing turnovers, de- Devlin, who coached un- kind of eff ect we want has instilled in us since game. The squad also took at Mount St. Mary’s, said fl ections and steals. der Christian at Siena and people to have. We want he’s got here, and we’re the lowest number of shots the mayhem defensive “We get a lot of fast- now serves as GW’s defen- to have the people going defi nitely going to imple- from the fi eld of all confer- style is “organized chaos.” paced off ense from it be- sive coordinator, said may- nuts because they love the ment that.”

Christian leans on past No tough love: Christian prioritizes coaching success ahead connections as head coach, of first season colleagues say BELLE LONG EMILY MAISE tian headed Mount St. Mary’s from become a coach during a rough Christian spent six years CONTRIBUTING SPORTS EDITOR 2012 to 2018. He led the Mount to SPORTS EDITOR patch in his junior year. He said with the squad before moving to two NCAA appearances during his his head coach benched him, but Siena for the 2018-19 season. The After enduring one of its worst tenure. Coaching was in Jamion he was still determined to get bet- Saints fi nished the year with a seasons in recent history – and mul- In his six seasons with the Christian’s blood at an early age. ter and see time on the fl oor. winning record and second in tiple seasons plagued with turnover Mount, the team dipped below He spent his formative years in “When I was working that the Metro Atlantic Athletic Con- and scandal – men’s basketball was .500 just twice. The squad excelled New Kent, Va., living on the same summer, I worked at some basket- ference. in need of more than just a new against conference competition un- street as his extended family. As ball camps and did some things, Now, Christian is joining a coach. GW needed someone who der Christian, winning 63.1 percent the oldest of the bunch, Christian and I realized I enjoyed the pro- team with a recent history of dis- could reverse the fortunes of its en- of its contests against Northeast con- said the responsibility fell on him cess of improving – that’s what appointment. At GW, Christian tire franchise. ference foes. to teach his younger family mem- coaching is.” said he is trying to foster a cul- That’s when Jamion Christian The squad’s three-point shoot- bers how to play games like bas- He said Kirk Sonny, one of ture of support and emphasizing stepped in as the new head coach, ing increased from 33.8 percent in ketball and baseball. Christian’s coaches at Mount St. education, which aligns with his carrying with him past coaching Christian’s fi rst year to 37.9 percent Christian said he always fa- Mary’s, took him under his wing coaching philosophy of demon- success at Mount St. Mary’s and in his fi nal year at the helm. The vored basketball growing up, and showed him how to watch strating “love” over “tough love” most recently at Siena. In one season, team’s assists also increased. pointing to childhood memories and analyze fi lm. Sonny acted as for the team to ensure players are Christian transformed Siena from a a mentor for Christian, guiding not discouraged by setbacks. second-to-last-place conference fi n- “If we do a good job of loving ish to a regular season runner-up, them up, then that’s going to al- and players and coaches said he has low them the platform to be able the ability to create the same kind to fail time and time again and of transformation at GW to lead the know that they can recover to be Colonials to greater heights. even better the next time,” Chris- “I’ve worked for some great guys tian said. as well, so I’ve been very fortunate,” Graham Bousley, an assistant Christian said. “My entire journey coach in charge of GW’s off ense, has shaped what we’re able to do has been on Christian’s staff since here.” 2016, when he served as an assis- The 2018-19 Colonials and the tant coach at Mount St. Mary’s. 2017-18 Siena squad showed strik- Bousley said Christian’s phi- ing similarities prior to Christian’s losophy as a coach is connection arrival. In 2017, the Saints went 8–24, driven, adding that he wants to one game worse than the Colonials’ develop a bond that resembles 9–24 record last year. The Saints av- family ties. Christian invited eraged 67.7 points per game, a mere the team to his house over the four points more than GW’s scoring summer as a way to get to know average last season. players on a personal level, he But unlike the Colonials, the said. Saints made strides in almost every “He’s a relationship-based area during Christian’s season as coach,” Bousley said. “He’s a men- head coach, improving to a 17–16 tor and I think that’s the biggest record. part of his philosophy. ” Now, Christian again fi nds him- Bousley added that Christian self at the helm of a team in des- keeps an open-door policy where perate need of improvement. The coaches and players can pop into Colonials ranked dead last in the his offi ce anytime they want to Atlantic 10 Conference in points ARIELLE BADER | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR talk to him or hear his honesty scored per game. Head coach Jamion Christian's colleagues said he aims to foster a family-like team environment. about their performance. Christian said both Siena and Assistant coach Ryan Devlin, GW had trouble living up to their who leads the defense and post potential and fully realizing the tal- Junior forward Ace Stallings, of watching college basketball him while he navigated high-level plays, also has a long history with ent of their rosters. who was a freshman when Chris- games and using the advanced play, he said. Christian. The two have known Along with Christian, freshman tian coached at Mount St. Mary’s, level of play as motivation to im- Christian said he progressive- each other since they were teen- guard Shawn Walker Jr. de-commit- said playing for Christian in the prove his game. Over the years, he ly became more involved in the agers, Devlin said. ted from Siena to join the Colonials, past has given him more confi dence developed and refi ned his coach- coaching realm while still playing The two had mutual friends, and sophomore Sloan Seymour in the upcoming season. ing skills, later taking on more at Mount St. Mary’s, speaking up as Devlin’s high school friends transferred to GW after one year “While we do look at how he’s formal roles on teams like at his in scouting reports and off ering were basketball managers while with the Saints. Christian said he had success in the fi rst year at Mount, alma mater Mount St. Mary’s and insight that helped his team win. Christian played at Mount St. was “fortunate” to inherit the re- fi rst year at Siena, it’s defi nitely given Siena before stopping at GW for After graduating, he took on Mary’s. Devlin said the two turning players at Siena and GW. us some optimism,” Stallings said. his fi rst season. his fi rst coaching gig at Division would play pickup games at “I’ve walked into programs Assistant coach Graham Bou- “I’ve kind of been coaching III Emory and Henry College as the Mount over the summer where guys can play, and you just sley, who worked with Christian forever,” Christian said. “I’ve been an assistant. With two years un- and built a strong relationship redirect them a bit,” Christian said. both at Mount St. Mary’s and Siena, coaching since I was like, 4 years der his belt, he transitioned to Di- throughout the years. “I think these situations are very, said Christian has fi rmed up his old or something, just trying to vision I basketball, becoming the Devlin said Christian has very similar.” philosophies around off ense, de- get everybody up to speed and be director of basketball operations immense emotional intelligence Players like junior guard Maceo fense and pressing throughout his able to play games.” at Bucknell and then an assistant and is willing to go the extra Jack and senior forward Arnaldo years as a head coach. In high school, Christian ran at William and Mary. mile for his players, realizing Toro fi t Christian’s description of He added that Christian’s expe- the point on New Kent High He worked as an assistant at when they need help and doing “underutilized” pieces. Despite im- rience allows him to assess players School’s undefeated Group A VCU for a season before fi nally everything in his power to assist proving in the fi nal stretch of the on the court quickly, and each year, state championship team in 2000, landing his fi rst head coaching them. season, Jack started the season av- he betters his off ensive and defen- according to the Daily Press. position back with Mount St. “He just has a good level of eraging 4.3 points per game. Toro sive strategies. He played collegiately at the Mary’s in 2012. Under his leader- understanding of where people missed the majority of last year “Every year you’re a head coach, Mount from 2000 to 2004, seeing ship, the Mount won two North- are, what their needs are and because of a hip injury but is now you refi ne it a little more or learn a time in 90 games and averaging east conference championships then instead of saying, ‘Hey can I healthy and ready for competition. little more and hone in on your style, 6.5 points per game. Christian and made two NCAA tourna- help you out?’ – he actually does Prior to coaching Siena, Chris- on your message,” Bousley said. said he realized his aspirations to ment appearances. go out of his way,” Devlin said. November 4, 2019 • Page 6 BASKETBALL SEASON PREVIEW THE GW HATCHET

New faces enhance men's offense 2019-20 Basketball Season Preview

Players from the DMV flood men’s basketball’s roster EMILY MAISE and senior forward Arnaldo tor, staying close," Paar SPORTS EDITOR Toro from Puerto Rico. said. "And obviously, D.C. When recruiting, Chris- is great and you’re right in Men’s basketball harbors tian said he draws from the the city. So I think a mix of its largest number of DMV DMV area because of its those two is kind of why I recruits in at least a decade. solid recruiting base. Chris- chose GW. With six of its 17 mem- tian added that local players Paar added that he rec- bers hailing from Mary- were knowledgeable about ognized the other Maryland land, D.C. and Virginia, GW, giving them an edge players from the AAU cir- the team has the second on how to make a differ- cuit. After years of competi- highest number of regional ence in the program. tion, he called the opportu- recruits in the past decade. Over the past 10 years, nity to be on the same side Head coach Jamion Chris- players from the DMV have of the court “pretty special.” tian, who was raised in comprised less than 25 per- Stallings went to Sidwell Virginia, said regional simi- cent of the total team. In Friends School where he be- larities – like rooting for the 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and came acquainted with Offu- Nationals or eating crab 2019-20, the number of local rum, who attended George- and shrimp – can connect recruits eclipsed more than town Prep. The two never ARIELLE BADER | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR the teammates and foster a a quarter of the total team. competed, but Stallings said Freshman guard Jameer Nelson Jr. said he wants to improve his long-range shot. family-like environment. When choosing schools, the two played for the same “Being able to know Williams said he wanted to AAU program, giving them someone on a different level, focus on a competitive level a connection as teammates. Eight new pieces fit seamlessly into I do think it’s important, and of play, and the close prox- The two grew closer as the geographical stuff gives imity of GW to his home they shared mutual friends, program under Christian an opportunity to be able to was the cherry on top. Stallings said. He added that do that,” Christian said. “It's always been a his relationship with Harris, ROMAN BOBEK he has also offered at his "A lot of us are buddies al- Six Colonials hail from dream of mine to play at the a Frederick, Md., native, de- STAFF WRITER previous schools and still ready and it’s only been four the DMV. Freshman for- highest level possible," Wil- veloped in the same way. earned a 118–111 win record. months," Stallings said. "It wards Chase Paar and Miles liams said. "Also the prox- After playing two sea- On the largest men’s bas- “Sometimes there’s an un- feels like it’s been four years Gally, sophomore guard imity to where I live – I am sons at Mount St. Mary’s, ketball team in more than 15 derstanding that you get your already. We’re all really close." Amir Harris, sophomore from Maryland, so that was Stallings made the decision years, new faces comprise young kids in and you’re go- At Mount St. Mary’s, forward Mezie Offurum a bonus.” to transfer to GW to fin- nearly half of the roster. ing to benefit from it later, but Stallings grabbed 17 boards and senior guard Justin Wil- Williams spent the ish out his collegiate career Five freshmen and a trio I think if you do a great job, in 16 games and averaged liams are from Maryland. summer taking classes and with the Colonials. He said of transfers make up the Co- we’ll benefit from it now and one point per game. Junior forward Ace Stallings preparing for the upcom- his previous relationship lonials’ eight new additions. later,” Christian said. He said his enthusiasm calls D.C. home. ing year. He said because with Christian at Mount St. Head coach Jamion Chris- Nelson Jr., the son of for- on the court and the bench A majority of the re- Harris and Offurum were Mary’s, coupled with the tian said all players have a mer NBA All-Star Jameer will allow him to energize maining players are from in the area, the trio bonded idea of moving home, drew chance to earn minutes on Nelson, saw time at the point the team both on the court. Northeast states, like Rhode and spent time inside and him back to the District. the floor, which will be a guard position in practice. He said Harris, the sopho- Island, New York and Penn- outside the gym together. “He was like a men- competitive battle for a spot He said his ability to score more guard who transferred sylvania. Two members are Paar said he decided to tor to me," Stallings said. in his rotation. on his own distinguishes his into the program from Ne- from North Carolina, and a join GW because of its loca- "We even stayed close last Guards Shawn Walker play from his father’s, but he braska, brings a well-round- sole player comes from Min- tion in the District and to year. And when I looked to Jr. and Jameer Nelson Jr. and wants to improve his shot ed skillset to Foggy Bottom. nesota. GW rosters two in- stay close to his family in transfer, it was pretty much forwards Chase Paar, Miles from long range – a key facet “Amir is a freak athlete,” ternational students – junior Mount Airy, Md. a no-brainer to come back Gally and Jamison Battle of GW’s offense. Stallings said. “He’s a guy Javier Langarica from Spain “That was a huge fac- home.” compose the incoming fresh- “I want to be a knock- who can do everything on man class. The three transfers down three-point shooter, the floor. He’s long, he’s ath- consist of junior forward Ace and I feel like I just need to letic, he’s fast. ” Stallings, sophomore guard finish better,” Nelson Jr. said. Injury plagued Har- Amir Harris and sophomore Christian coached Stall- ris’ time as a Husker. Mono forward Sloan Seymour. ings in his freshman year at coupled with a meniscus Christian said the fresh- Mount St. Mary’s. Christian tear benched him for 13 men have acclimated well to was in his sixth and final games during the 2018-19 the program and are lucky year with the program, and season. Per NCAA transfer to have a group of seven ex- the culture of support he rules, Harris will need to sit perienced returners to guide aimed to build was thriving, out a year, but officials said them. He said he and his which Stallings has helped to the team requested that the coaching staff have worked pass down to his new team- NCAA waive the restriction. to foster a positive environ- mates, Christian said. Stallings added that ment in practice to avoid un- “He’s doing a great job sophomore forward Sloan healthy competition between helping these guys under- Seymour, who came with younger and older players. stand me, understand the in- Christian from Sienna, “We’ve tried to build a tensity I have and the passion brings a consistent shot, system of love and account- I have for them, understand- which will be an asset in the ability where the upperclass- ing that it’s real and that it’s team’s new offense focused men don’t feel threatened by not going to waver,” Chris- on three-point shooting. the younger guys,” Christian tian said. “He made 94 threes last said. Stallings, who made the year as a freshman, which Christian added that he move to GW from Mount St. is incredible," Stallings said. DEAN WHITELAW | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER is willing to give freshmen Mary’s, said the transition "He’s a guy who can shoot Senior guard Justin Williams is one of six Colonials from D.C., Maryland or Virginia. minutes on the floor, which onto the team was seamless. the lights out for sure.” Three-point shooting dominates men’s basketball’s offense

ROMAN BOBEK said the team has focused to sink balls outside the arc. STAFF WRITER parts of practice on shooting, Jack said the team’s off ense which could give players an will work in tandem with its In the off ensive zone, the advantage in a conference mayhem-style defense to put Colonials can be found fi ring that does not attempt many points on the board. from behind the arc or kick- three-pointers. “It goes hand-in-hand ing it inside on the pick-and- “If we’re able to take a few with our mayhem-style de- roll. more threes, like we’ve done fense," Jack said. "We’re going When head coach Jamion at every stop I’ve been at, my to press you up. We’re going Christian joined the program highlights and top skills of to press a lot.” in March, he brought with being able to kick and spray Sophomore forward him an off ensive style fo- the ball a little bit will really Mezie Off urum, junior for- cused on three-point shoot- help us,” he said. ward Javier Langarica and ing, clean passing and points Christian added that the Toro are the returning big in the paint – three areas the team will earn dividends on men for the Colonials. Toro team struggled with last sea- the off ensive side by acting as missed the remainder of the son. With a new crop of fresh- a threat on the outside. 2018-19 season with a hip in- men and transfers and senior “It’s going to open up the jury. He nearly averaged dou- forward Arnaldo Toro back fl oor for us, allow us to play ble-digits in his seven games, from injury, Christian said a little bit faster, give us a averaging 10.1 points and 9.3 the Colonials are positioned lot of quick strike ability,” rebounds per game. to turn a new off ensive leaf. Christian said. “We’ll be able Off urum and Langarica Among players with at to go on quick runs, so that tallied a combined 237 points least 100 three-point shots means we’ll never be out of and 202 rebounds, account- taken, junior guard Maceo the game.” DEAN WHITELAW | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ing for 11 percent of the Jack leads the group of re- Last year, the Colonials Junior guard Maceo Jack leads returning players with at least 100 three-point shots taken. team’s overall points and 18.1 turners, shooting at a .344 only earned 588 points from percent of the team’s total re- clip from behind the arc. behind the arc during the beyond the arc if its passes last season, recording 117 as- development. bounding. Junior guard Terry Nolan season, accounting for 28 are not crisp and frequent. sists. Redshirt senior Armel “We’re going to ball Mazzulla said the team Jr. led the Colonials last sea- percent of their total off ense. “If you’re going to be a Potter ranked second on the screen 65 times a night," has placed a heavy focus on son with a .349 three-point At Christian’s last stop at Si- great three-point shooting team with 57 fewer assists Bousley said. "We’re going off ense during practices, run- shooting percentage on 146 ena, the Saints earned 864 team, you’ve got to be able than Mazzulla. to be the No. 1 in hitting the ning plays and shooting from attempts, but he transferred points from the three-point to pass the ball really well,” Assistant coach Graham big man on the pick-and-roll diff erent spots on the fl oor. out of the program in March. line, accounting for 40.5 per- Christian said. Bousley, who is in charge of because we really like to de- "We have our guards fo- The Colonials ranked No. cent of their total points. The squad averaged 11.4 leading the team’s off ense, velop our bigs.” cus on what reads we’re sup- 11 of 14 in the Atlantic 10 in Christian said passing assists per game, ranking said the Colonials will mimic The team is looking to- posed to be making, what three-point shooting per- and three-point shooting are them No. 13 in the A-10. Ju- a “pro-style” off ense, heavily ward Jack and sophomore shots we’re supposed to be centage, only connecting on connected because a team nior guard Justin Mazzulla using pick-and-roll and ball forward Sloan Seymour, taking and just letting it fl ow 196 of 631 attempts. Christian cannot be dangerous from dished out the most helpers screens alongside big-man who transferred from Siena, from there,” Jack said.

Men's squad looks to shift mentality, utilize new pieces From Page 1 after averaging 10.1 points as head coach. Sophomore After Christian joined a very positive manner, The women’s team will and 9.3 rebounds per guard Shandon Brown, the staff , Jack, the junior and everything is a learn- open the season on the Among the nine returning game. He will be back on junior guard Terry Nolan guard, said a shift toward ing experience,” Jack said. road against Villanova players is senior forward the court this year for his Jr., sophomore forward a positive mentality was “I think that’s the biggest Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Arnaldo Toro. He started fi nal season with the team. Marcus Littles and senior the biggest change to the thing coach has brought to men’s team will travel the fi rst seven games of Four players trans- guard DJ Williams an- team. the table, was that they’re to Towson to kick off the last season but was quickly ferred out of the program nounced their intentions “We’ve defi nitely been going to love us and we’re 2019-20 season Tuesday at sidelined with a hip injury after Christian signed on to leave the program. asked to look at things in going to love them." 7 p.m. WHAT THE UNIVERSITY WON'T TALK ABOUT THIS WEEK Which College Democrats members omitted freshman representative ballots. p. 1

FROM GWHATCHET.COM/OPINIONS “Ignorance of students’ financial situations divides people from different economic backgrounds.” OpinionsNovember 4, 2019 • Page 7 — HANNAH THACKER ON 10/31/19 Mental health is not an excuse to cover up College Democrats scandal alf of the GW College stantly under stress to stay com- Democrats’ executive petitive with peers, meet family board members quit members’ expectations to per- Htheir positions last week after form well, pay for school and rigging a freshman representa- finally find a job post-college. tive election. But in a statement It is not a surprise that many released by those resigning, students struggle with mental former GW College Democrats health problems like anxiety President Lauren Bordeaux, Vice and depression, which explains President of Membership Eliza- why the e-board resignations beth Gonzalez and Vice Presi- were taken so seriously at first. dent of Diversity and Inclusion Mental health struggles are Harita Iswara all claimed that more than just headaches that they were resigning to focus on come and go, and the resigned their mental health. e-board members’ actions dis- miss the constant issues that Hannah Thacker those who struggle with men- tal illness experience. Using Contributing Opinions mental illness as a cover-up Editor encourages the idea that focus- ing on mental health is just an excuse young people can use – and get away with – to back When I read that three out of commitments or hide be- members of the e-board had hind poor choices. stepped down for their mental Even with increased at- health, I initially felt concern tention on mental health in for these students who experi- students, there is still a seri- enced so much stress that they ous stigma attached to those needed to quit. As a full-time who choose to prioritize their student who struggles with a mental health or struggle with mental illness, I thought of my their mental health. Those who own leadership experiences choose to step down from lead- and about the stresses those ership positions, drop classes positions have placed on me. or quit work are seen as lazy When I later heard that for- and just giving excuses. mer College Democrats leaders Using mental health as an were resigning because of un- excuse now could lead to a ethical actions and not mental slippery slope that ends with health, I was outraged and of- people not believing others’ le- fended. Student mental health gitimate mental health needs. is a serious issue, and using it Taking care of your mental as an excuse to mask wrong- health is a form of self-care, doing dismisses the mental but using mental health as health struggles many stu- your false reason to step down dents face. is foolish and shortsighted. I constantly need to work It is clear that these former twice as hard to take care of board members had to resign my mental health as I juggle because of their unethical ac- academics, several leadership tions, not their mental health. positions and an internship. These former members should I have never needed to resign be ashamed of their behav- from leadership spots because ior and the insensitivity paid my mental health got in the Cartoon by Jekko Syquia to those with actual mental way, but I have cut down on health struggles.. work hours and decreased in- Three out of 10 college stu- recorded the highest national campus, with some alleging that Hannah Thacker, a sophomore volvement with student orga- dents struggle with depression suicide rate since World War II. officials do not do enough to care majoring in political communica- nizations to prioritize myself and one in four deal with anxi- Students have also shared their for the mental health of students. tion, is The Hatchet’s contribut- and my well-being. ety, and the country recently own concerns about health on College students are con- ing opinions editor.

The Crimson was right to contact Program on Extremism should ICE for comment catalogue domestic terror STAFF EDITORIAL niversity research should be ducted by far-right extremists in the honest. GW’s research insti- United States have also increased When a relevant figure released a statement on sources from authorities, in- tutes and think tanks pub- in recent years. But the Program on or organization is involved their decision, saying they cluding the federal govern- Ulish cutting-edge scholarship about Extremism does not pay attention to with a story, reporters al- reached out to multiple or- ment. Although students felt everything from food policy to vio- violence happening closer to home, ways reach out for comment. ganizations before asking that The Crimson had put lent extremism. But not all GW re- misdirecting people who follow The story would be unfair ICE to comment. The Crim- them in harm’s way, jour- search is entirely fair and balanced. these pressing issues to think there without balanced reporting. son should not have needed nalists protect those who is less of a domestic threat. But Harvard University stu- to explain itself in the first cannot be named for what- Jack Murphy By solely studying ISIS, the pro- dents didn’t get the common place, but its reasons for ever reason. Sources can be Writer gram leads people to believe that journalistic memo late last contacting ICE were valid kept anonymous, and details Islamic extremism, not far-right ter- month when they condemned because journalism requires about a person’s identity can ror, is a pressing threat. This propa- The Crimson for asking Im- covering every side of the be withheld from the story GW’s Program on Extremism gates Islamophobic beliefs, creating migration and Customs En- story. to protect the person. Some has cast doubt on the University’s an irrational fear that may push forcement to comment on a People perceive the me- students could also have expectations of academic freedom. people to believe we should be do- protest calling on the orga- dia as just trying to get the been concerned about pho- Hassan Hassan, a former employee ing more to protect ourselves from nization to dissolve. Students story, not as public servants tographs taken at the rally of the program, published a series threats across the globe than issues are taking a stand for all the following ethical rules to tell and the possibility for ICE of tweets asserting that the program in our own backyard. Using U.S. in- wrong reasons. both sides of heated prob- to identify them from their was subject to wealthy and power- tervention to expel terrorists is diffi- ICE did not respond, and lems. Some students may photographs. But The Crim- ful interests in Middle Eastern coun- cult and never as simple as it seems. The Crimson wrote in the have only wanted The Crim- son did not name the people tries. Universities should not use But the program is over-reporting story what journalists typi- son to ask the protesters for in the photos, so it is diffi- their influence as research institu- on outside extremism and overlook- cally do when someone does comment and avoid the or- cult for ICE to actually know tions to uphold the agendas of other ing grave domestic violence issues. not respond: “ICE did not ganization – ICE – they so who they are. countries, and Hassan’s accusation The program should demon- immediately respond to a openly condemn. But stories These basic journalistic brings to light possible issues with strate academic freedom and rigor request for comment Thurs- are not supposed to be told practices are so commonly the program’s work. by conducting desperately needed day night.” But the fact that from one side, and commu- known among reporters, but Since its formation a few years investigations into domestic terror. reporters reached out at all nities should understand students might not get the ago, the program has published The federal government has ignored prompted students to circu- that it was OK to contact the gist right away. Initial dis- studies on ISIS in America, ISIS On- these acts of violence, and GW has late a petition to boycott the federal agency, as long as re- comfort about The Crimson’s line, Terrorism Financing, Ameri- a chance to pick up the slack. Ex- newspaper. Critics of The porters are careful and pro- choice to contact ICE is val- can Jihadists in Syria and Iraq and panding the scope of the Program Crimson alleged that reach- tect their sources. id, but there are also details a collection of captured ISIS in- on Extremism’s work would not ing out to ICE was danger- There may have also been about the paper’s inquiry ternal files. Hassan’s concerns are only make us all a little safer, but ous because some of the stu- a misunderstanding about and reporting that people especially important because they it would also propel the University dents involved could have what The Crimson’s inquiry should understand before highlight a flaw in the program’s to a new level of cutting-edge social been at risk of deportation. actually included. The Crim- they criticize. research – it almost exclusively re- research. The Crimson made all son’s outreach did not put Students assumed that searches Islamic extremism. The Regardless of what the program the right moves, adhering to anyone in harm’s way – it reporters aimed to harm program ignores domestic extrem- does or does not do, students and standard ethics code in re- called for comment after stu- rather than help the com- ist threats and wrongfully hyper- the general public should be aware porting on a sensitive topic, dents had cleared out of the munity, but newspapers focuses on Islam. Researchers must of concerning allegations made and students still think the protest, and it only reached have every responsibility expand their breadth of work to in- against the program and of the real paper is in the wrong. The out to ICE’s public relations to tell both sides of a story clude more than Islamic terror. facts about violent extremism in this back and forth between The office. The Crimson asked fairly and appropriately. The Domestic terror, not foreign or country. Information that only tells Crimson and students is ICE for comment on the pro- community likely saw The Islamic terror, is far more common half the story, especially if it is pro- more than a scuffle – it shows test and did not name any of Crimson’s inquiry into ICE in the United States. Between the moted by a foreign interest, threat- a broader issue of communi- the protesters or their im- as revealing its community 2016 election season and August ens not only the academic freedom ties misunderstanding the migration statuses. Students members who are undocu- 2017, domestic terror has been on and integrity of our institution but actions and decisions made were not put in danger be- mented immigrants and be- the rise, with 62 attacks being clas- the health of our national democ- by the journalists who serve cause of The Crimson. traying the trust of the com- sified as far-right fueled and only 23 racy. them. Journalists go to great munity. Newspapers do the attacks being classified as Islamic- Jack Murphy, a sophomore majoring The Crimson’s editors lengths to protect their exact opposite. extremism fueled. Hate crimes con- in philosophy, is a columnist.

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He said specifi c names. to try to make things right,” he does not plan to run for the “We agree with the CSE he said. “These members that Kahn, the campaigns manag- presidential position. that nothing positive will I’ve spoken with have gone er, said College Democrats is He said the group will come of naming names, and two or three hours a night of working with Natalie Hersh- continue activities, like at- that we are choosing to move sleep since this news broke, berger, the assistant director tending a “Get Out The Vote” forward with our organiza- not to be covering things up, ewsNovember 4, 2019 • Page 8 for experiential learning and trip to Virginia last weekend, tion’s mission to elect Demo- but ultimately to be making N leadership who advises the to show members that the crats and advocate for pro- things right.” group, to chart out its goals values and goals of the group gressive values,” he said. He said College Demo- for increasing transparency have not changed and to re- He declined to say how crats should either institute CRIME LOG within the group. build trust within the group. he found out last Wednesday an independent group that He said the organization Kahn said he and Yohn, that former members rigged the e-board selects or use the UNLAWFUL ENTRY, URINATING IN is exploring how to increase the organization’s interim the election, but he said the GW Joint Elections Commis- PUBLIC transparency and fairness president, met with D.C. Col- person who informed him sion – the body that oversees Stockton Hall (Law School) during elections, like estab- lege Democrats – which over- about the incident is still an Student Association elections 10/23/2019 – 11:43 a.m. lishing an independent group sees college chapters – Friday e-board member. Kahn de- – to supervise the group’s fu- to oversee elections or using about how the group can clined to say if any current ture elections. Closed Case GW Engage to implement move forward. He said D.C. leaders have expressed inter- Amstutz said that all stu- GW Police Department offi cers responded to ranked-choice voting. He said College Democrats pledged to est in running for president. dent organizations should a report of a female who urinated on the fi rst the group has not decided on support GW College Demo- Drew Amstutz, the orga- evaluate how their groups fl oor of the GW Law School and refused to what changes will be made. crats’ upcoming events for the nization’s former vice presi- conduct elections to ensure leave. GWPD offi cers arrested the subject and “There have been many 2020 election. dent of communications who that elections are “100 per- issued her a bar notice. Metropolitan Police people who think that every “Amid everything that’s resigned, said the current cent fair.” He said groups Department offi cers responded to the scene student organization’s elec- happened in the last week, e-board’s decision to hold should take advantage of tions should be run on Engage we need to show that we are a town hall “speaks” to the the fall semester to consider and transported the subject to the Second because now we have the continuing our commitment group’s goal of promoting their election processes be- District police station. ability to do ranked-choice toward electing Democrats,” transparency within the or- cause many organizations do Subject arrested voting, which eliminates the he said. ganization. not hold elections until the need for run-off s,” he said. Kahn declined to say if the Amstutz said Monday spring. TRAFFIC ACCIDENT: HIT AND RUN “I don’t know if we’re going group plans to disclose infor- that he found out about the “It is my recommenda- to be doing that as an orga- mation about how the votes incident Sunday evening and tion, having served on the ex- Public Property on Campus (2200 Block of I nization, but these are just all were omitted during this chose to resign because the ecutive board who apparently Street) things that we’re exploring in year’s e-board elections or organization was “not head- had this issue, that all student 10/24/2019 – 8:32 a.m. the future.” which members were directly ing in a direction I could sup- organizations self-evaluate Closed Case Kahn said the group will involved in omitting votes, port.” and think that’s how they A male staff member reported that he ob- hold elections to fi ll vacant saying they were advised by “It is worth noting that could implement a system served damage done to the rear bumper of positions before fi nal exams Center for Student Engage- the members that have stayed like this into their own elec- begin, but the organization ment members to not disclose have been working tirelessly tion,” he said. his vehicle, which was parked on the street. The staff member did not report the incident to MPD. No further action THEFT II/FROM BUILDING Vern clinic should operate longer hours: students Center or the GW Hospi- should be resting instead of to the CVS MinuteClinic Mitchell Hall (7-Eleven Store) From Page 1 10/26/2019 – 5:02 a.m. tal,” Campo said. “It’s just spending energy traveling close to the Vern, which was so much more accessible and to Foggy Bottom for medical inconvenient because she Closed Case “It’s really important to much needed.” attention. felt too weak to walk. GWPD responded to a report of a man steal- emphasize student care so Last year, more than 10 “You’ve got to start some- “You can’t choose when ing two bars of Dove soap. The responding that we don’t spread what- current and former Vern where, and having one day a you get sick, so if you’re sick offi cers located and identifi ed the subject. The ever illnesses happen in this residents said they lacked week of that urgent care is at a time the clinic is closed, soap was returned to the store, and GWPD very crowded space we’re all quick access to health care better than no days,” Kusma that’s not helpful at all,” Ev- barred the subject. living in,” Wilde said. “It’d services. said. “I defi nitely hope that angoulis said. Subject barred be really good to skip going Some students said es- they start to expand it out First-year student Sim- on the Vex at all and to be tablishing a health clinic and have more than just one one Saraiya said the extend- able to just stay on the Vern on the Vern is a good “fi rst day.” ed CHC hours and Vern SIMPLE ASSAULT (DOMESTIC until you’re better.” step” to increasing access to Students said that ex- clinic will benefi t students VIOLENCE) First-year student So- health services for Vern resi- tended urgent care hours of- seeking mental health care fi a Campo said the lack of dents, but medical and men- fered in the afternoon rather assistance. She said prop- Thurston Hall health services on the Vern tal health services should than in the morning give erly attending to students’ 10/25/2019 – 11:49 a.m. has concerned her in the past operate more frequently. students more fl exibility to mental health needs will Closed Case because she cannot quickly Junior Tyler Kusma, a attend the clinic, because create a better environment GWPD responded to Thurston Hall for access emergency care. She resident adviser on the Vern, sick students won’t want to for students who live on an a report that two male roommates were said the Vern clinic elimi- said most of his friends who wake up early or may be- “isolated” campus like the involved in a physical altercation. The nates lengthy commutes to live on the Vern are unlikely gin to feel ill after the clinic Vern. students were arguing, and one of the the CHC, which operates on to travel to Foggy Bottom closes. “Mental health espe- a separate campus. on the weekends because of First-year student Metak- cially is a big deal now,” she students pushed the other in the “thoracic “If anything happens the long commute. He said senia Evangoulis said her said. “Especially as students, region,” according to an MPD report. MPD here on the Vern, the clos- the extra open hours are a eye once swelled during we’re constantly working, offi cers responded to the scene, arrested est thing would have been “positive fi rst step” to better an allergic reaction, but the we need to have that access, Kareem Al Ali and Joseph Gursky and to take a 15-minute Vex and student health care, because CHC was closed at the time. we’re not going to want to transported them to the Second District police then walk to the Marvin Vern residents who are sick Evangoulis said she walked run to the hospital 24/7.” station for processing. Gursky declined to comment, and Al Ali did not return a request for comment. Referred to the Of ce of Enrollment and the Student Experience D.C. faces some of the highest food insecurity rates in HARASSMENT: EMAIL AND ELEC- TRONIC MEDIA United States: report Thurston Hall MAKENA ROBERTS Multiple – Multiple REPORTER Open Case GW sits in an area of the A female student reported to GWPD that she United States facing some received several unwanted text messages. of the highest food insecu- Case open rity and housing rates in the country, according to a na- ATTEMPTED FRAUD, THEFT II/FROM tionwide study the Urban Institute released late last BUILDING month. Marvin Center Nearly 12 percent of the 10/27/2019 – Unknown District’s population strug- Closed Case gles with food insecurity, A female student reported to GWPD that meaning an individual lacks someone stole her wallet and that several suffi cient access to nutritious fraudulent charges were attempted on her and aff ordable food, accord- ing to the study. Community credit card. No suspects or witnesses members who work to com- bat food insecurity in the District said D.C.’s soaring SIMPLE ASSAULT, THREATS TO DO housing costs hinder low-in- BODILY HARM come residents’ ability to pay for food. Public Property On Campus (2100 Block of G GRACE HROMIN | PHOTOGRAPHER Marina Streznewski, the Miriam’s Kitchen is an organization that feeds people experiencing food insecurity, which is nearly 12 Street) president of the Foggy Bottom percent of the District, according to a recent report from the Urban Institute. 10/30/2019 – 2:05 a.m. Association, said low-income Closed Case individuals often need to pri- cook for themselves because she said. over the summer. GWPD responded to a report that a male oritize housing costs over gro- they are not as strong or may Cheryl Bell, the executive Almost 36 percent of resi- suspect was threatening and cursing at a cery costs because residents have a tremor, which makes chef for Miriam’s Kitchen, dents in Ward 7 and 27 per- male staff member and a male contractor on have to meet rent deadlines, their movements shaky, said her organization works cent of residents in Ward 8 the sidewalk. The man bumped into the staff not food deadlines. Streznewski said. with other community live below the poverty line member. GWPD offi cers made contact with “When you are insecure The Foggy Bottom As- groups, like Western Pres- – which the U.S. Department the suspect. MPD offi cers arrested the subject in one area of your life, you sociation partnered with the byterian Church and GW of Health and Human Ser- and transported him to the Second District try tightening up your ex- GW Hospital last year to give Hillel, to provide meals and vices defi nes as an income penses in all other areas of shelter for the population of of $25,750 a year for a family police station for processing. senior citizens a 50 percent Subject arrested your life, including food,” discount on food in the GW people experiencing home- of four. An average of 17 per- Streznewski said. Hospital cafeteria, which in- lessness in Foggy Bottom. cent of the D.C. population The study found that 38 cludes a Starbucks and a Sub- Bell said companies that lives below the poverty line, SEXUAL ASSAULT, ATTEMPTED percent of D.C.’s population way, Streznewski said. She come into D.C. with tax in- according to Census Report- MANUFACTURING OF DRUGS, SIMPLE is housing cost burdened – 4 said the program has helped centives increase the prop- er, a website that tracks U.S. ASSAULT (DOMESTIC VIOLENCE), percent higher than its peer senior citizens who struggle erty costs in a given area. demographic data. group, a selection of urban to fi nd aff ordable food in The highest levels of food “That being said, food in- LIQUOR LAW VIOLATION areas like Boone County, Foggy Bottom. insecurity in the District are security is something that oc- Thurston Hall Mo., and Providence Coun- “I get stopped so many in Wards 7 and 8, which are curs everywhere, and people 10/31/2019 – 2:44 a.m. ty, R.I. Almost 16 percent of times by people who said, home to a high concentration don’t realize it and we have Closed Case D.C.’s population is consid- ‘Thank you so much, this re- of low-income residents. people in need all over the GWPD responded to Thurston Hall for a re- ered “extremely housing cost ally helps a lot,’” Streznewski Miriam’s Kitchen part- District,” Jensen said. port that two male roommates were involved burdened,” about 5 percent said. ners with the GroW Garden The highest percentage in a domestic and sexual assault against higher than the average of Students with a Foggy to provide fresh produce for of D.C.’s SNAP recipients, 23 the District’s peer group, ac- Bottom Association member- meals that Miriam’s Kitchen percent, are from Ward 7, she each other. One of the students admitted to cording to the report. ship, which costs $10 a year, prepares, Bell said. said. using prohibited items to attempt to manu- The report states that can also receive a 25 percent “Starting in 2017, we Jensen said the dichoto- facture drugs. Housing offi cials conducted housing instability – defi ned discount in the GW Hospital worked with the former my between the high- and an administrative search, during which in the report as the inability cafeteria, Streznewski said. managers Elizabeth Ferrante low-income residences in they found a bottle of alcohol. The evidence to keep permanent housing A report released last ‘Lizzie’ and Isabelle ‘Izzy’ D.C. leads people to ignore was transported to the Academic Center for for fi nancial reasons – is a December found that nearly Moody to expand our use of the District’s food insecurity processing, and the alcohol was disposed of risk factor for food instability. 40 percent of students faced the garden to grow for our problems because the topic is on scene. The District is one of the most low or very low levels of Permanent Supportive Hous- uncomfortable for communi- Referred to the Title IX Of ce expensive cities in the United food insecurity. The Hatchet ing residents,” she said. ty members to acknowledge. States to move to, according reported that students often Melissa Jensen, an anti- “No one wants to talk to a study released in July. skipped meals so that they hunger program associate for about the fact that we’re the Senior citizens in Foggy didn’t run out of food. D.C. Hunger Solutions, said capital of the richest nation in Bottom face the brunt of “Everything is expensive, the nonprofi t strengthens the history of the world and food insecurity in the com- especially housing, and that federal nutrition programs one in seven D.C. residents – Compiled by Kateryna Stepanenko munity because aging indi- has a trickle-down eff ect on and provides meals for chil- can’t aff ord enough food to viduals are not as likely to the ability to aff ord food,” dren who are not in school eat,” she said. THE GW HATCHET NEWS November 4, 2019 • Page 9 Student leaders proposed changes to building naming policy last spring

ZACHARY SCHONFELD “Before entering into ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR an agreement to name a building or space after Student Association an individual, the George leaders presented recom- Washington University mendations to amend will carefully consider GW’s building naming the prospective honoree’s policies to offi cials last strength of character as spring. demonstrated by his or The proposed guide- her integrity, dignity and lines state that offi cials work ethic,” the document should revoke any build- states. ing name if the individual Former Student Asso- after whom the building ciation President Ashley was renamed has engaged Le said she is not aware in behavior “inconsis- of any current Univer- tent” with GW’s values sity policy about building that “jeopardizes the Uni- naming or renaming. versity’s reputation and Le said she did not per- public trust,” according sonally present the rec- to the document obtained ommendations to offi cials, by The Hatchet. The sug- but University President gested rules come months Thomas LeBlanc told her after SA leaders revived a that he would take the task force to evaluate con- proposed guidelines un- troversial building names der “advisement” after on campus, like the Mar- student leaders presented vin Center. them to him in the spring University spokes- at the board meeting. woman Crystal Nosal did Le added that she is not return a request for “encouraged” by offi cials’ comment about what the eff orts to create a task University’s policy is on force focused on building changing the name of a renaming, as the issue is building named for a do- important to many stu- nor. She did not return dents. a request for comment HATCHET FILE PHOTO “Sometimes it can be about whether it is pos- Former Student Association President Ashley Le said she did not personally present guidelines about renaming University buildings to of cials. a very symbolic gesture, sible to change the names and it doesn’t aff ect the of buildings renamed af- task force, its charge and ed that offi cials should ment. lectual or creative fi eld; student experience di- ter donors or where that membership will be an- consider the honoree’s The guidelines pro- service or contributions rectly in any way,” Le said procedure is codifi ed if nounced in the coming “commitment” to GW’s pose that the honoree to the University and about building namings. one exists. days,” Nosal said in an academic mission and up- should demonstrate “no- commitment to social re- “But I think that what we She said a task force to email. holding the University’s table achievement” in at sponsibility, measured call them matters a lot to examine renaming build- When naming a build- reputation as a “preemi- least two of three areas: through actions like pub- students, especially when ings is in “development.” ing after an honoree, stu- nent” research institution, distinction in their pro- lic service or advocacy for the name carries with it “The specifi cs of the dent leaders recommend- according to the docu- fessional, scholarly, intel- civil rights. such a lot of meaning.” Officials work to revive student health council

SHANNON MALLARD did not fi nd the meetings pointments about the ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR “appropriate” at the time center’s quality of care council members pro- and length of appoint- Offi cials are working posed them to offi cials. ment wait times. to revive a student coun- Wexler said directly “If I could go back cil that advocates for requesting that the Uni- and do it all again, I on-campus health care versity make changes to would actually have issues after all three offi - the health care system someone go to the Colo- cial members graduated was “easier” than work- nial Health Center and in the spring. ing through committees. just sit there and observe The Student Associa- “The upper admin- what it’s like for a day,” tion initiated the Student istration primarily used Le said. Health Advisory Coun- the SA exclusively to She said involving cil in 2017 to provide a gauge student opinion, more students from forum for students to and any proposed de- health-focused organi- voice concerns about viation from that ended zations, like Students the quality and safety of up falling fl at because Against Sexual Assault, campus health care. Cis- they were so used to one in discussions about sy Petty, the vice presi- method of outreach,” health care issues will dent for student aff airs Wexler said. ensure that many stu- and the dean of students, The council was in- dents’ viewpoints are said offi cials are working volved with the Univer- considered and that the to change the group’s op- sity’s decision to man- council’s actions repre- eration to become “more date that all students sent all students’ health collaborative” to amplify have health insurance care needs. voices of students advo- in 2018 and the CHC’s “Partnering with cating for student health. switch to an electronic them and including “That gives me an op- record-keeping system them in the Student GRAPHIC BY ALYSSA ILARIA Mitchell Hall and District House have experienced nine re alarm activations since the beginning of the portunity to just start a in 2018. Health Advisory Coun- semester. student advisory council “That fact can help ex- cil would be a very good that has people who are plain why the University way to expand the scope interested in health and responded so quickly to of what we can do, the wellness, people who change health insurance feedback that you get District, Mitchell alarms activated are interested in campus and electronic health re- and maybe even getting life, in general safety and cords policy back in 2018 more ideas and more cre- care,” Petty said in an in- but dragged its feet on ative innovations to pur- more often than other halls terview late last month. cementing student in- sue,” Le said. RYAN NORRIS She said no “transi- volvement last academic “GW is working with resi- A Mitchell resident, who Le said the council REPORTER tion” took place to fi ll the year,” Wexler said. should focus on improv- dential life to develop mes- spoke anonymously because vacancies. The Colonial Wexler said offi cials ing the quality of medi- saging about safe cooking her on-campus job prevents Health Center, the dean’s adopted changes to cal and mental health Mitchell Hall and District and using exhaust fans to try her from speaking to the me- offi ce and “interested” GW’s health insurance care, which she said is House have experienced four to prevent the incidents that dia, said GWPD promptly students will determine policy and electronic an issue students and and a half times more fi re cause the alarms,” Fox said in responded to the hall’s fi rst how students are ap- record-keeping system offi cials still need to alarm activations than other an email. few fi re alarm activations, but pointed to the next coun- based off recommenda- combat together. Stu- residence halls, according She said GW Police De- the offi cers have taken about cil, Petty said. tions in a student report dents alleged earlier this to data from the Division of partment offi cers scan the de- 20 minutes to respond during She added that offi - released in 2018. The re- semester that the CHC Safety and Security. partment’s fi re annunciator the most recent activations. cials will work with the port recommended that lacks administrative or- The two halls have each panel, which shows the loca- She said one fi re alarm made new members to decide the University subsidize ganization and a suffi - experienced nine fi re alarm tion of fi re alarm activations her late for a class because on the exact structure, premiums for lower-in- cient number of trained activations – fi ve more than on campus, and head to the she left textbooks in her room format and number of come students based on staff to adequately ac- the average of about two acti- noted location whenever an when residents were evacuat- council meetings, as well information from fi nan- commodate students’ vations for residence halls not alarm is activated. She said ing and needed to wait until as what issues the coun- cial aid documents. health care needs. including District and Mitch- offi cers sweep the fl oor where the evacuation was over to cil will prioritize going Wexler said Egelman “At the end of the day, ell – since the beginning of the the alarm was activated, and retrieve her books. forward. Petty said she and former SA leaders you go to a health center academic year, the data show. other offi cers supervise the “A full evacuation has wants to regularly meet pushed for offi cials to to make sure that you In interviews with more than evacuated students. been required every time, with members over meals adopt the report’s rec- are taken care of, and 30 District and Mitchell resi- D.C. fi re code requires GW there have been several stu- to discuss health care is- ommendations. But he oftentimes, I keep hear- dents, more than half said the to execute four scheduled fi re dents who were in the middle sues at the University. said he “butted heads” ing about how students fi re alarms have made them drills each academic year, and of showering or napping,” “Once a month or ev- with Danielle Lico, for- go to the health center late for class and interrupted Fox said the drills cannot be she said. ery third week, I could mer associate dean of but they don’t receive everyday activities like show- replaced by unplanned activa- Gus Robertson, a fourth- have a group of students students for administra- the highest quality of ering and napping. tions. Fox said the health and fl oor District House resident, for lunch or dinner and tive service who oversaw care,” Le said. “That is Kathleen Fox, the associ- safety team has conducted said he has usually been in then we can sit down the CHC, because the concerning, especially ate vice president of health one drill so far this academic class when the fi re alarms and talk through poli- University did not com- because students want to and safety, said cooking mal- year and plans to initiate one have gone off , but he has re- cies,” she said. “We could mit to using fi nancial aid get better, not worse.” functions and dust – which more later this month. ceived emails from offi cials talk through problems. to subsidize premiums Alumnus Reed El- activate accidental fi re alarms Students said they don’t encouraging safe practices We could talk through for students who did not man, a former council – prompted the majority of respond urgently to the fi re for cooking in residence hall the hiccups – the pain waive the student health member and the former residence hall evacuations so alarm activations because rooms. points.” insurance. SA co-director of student far this semester. the alarms have sounded fre- Twelfth-fl oor District Alumnus Noah Wex- Former SA Presi- health services, said the Eight of District’s nine quently after no serious inci- resident Grey Harral said he ler, a former member of dent and former council council provided a “criti- alarm activations were set dents occurred. wishes GWPD would evacu- the Student Health Advi- member Ashley Le said cal” forum for students off by cooking malfunctions, Katie Capristo, a seventh- ate one fl oor at a time to make sory Council and former the group spent much to provide input on and one was set off by dust. fl oor resident of Mitchell Hall the evacuation process more SA director of student of last year observing health care issues at the Seven of Mitchell’s nine acti- , said she doesn’t respond to orderly. He said offi cers’ re- health policy, said the how changes like the University. vations sounded because of the alarms anymore because sponse time to District is council did not accom- electronic record-keep- “In just months after cooking malfunctions, and the activations are frequent, usually quick, but he thinks plish much last year. ing system and student its launch, SHAC was able two were caused by contrac- and none have resulted in a offi cers could arrive faster The council an- health insurance went to secure systemic chang- tors, according to the data. severe fi re. given that the department is nounced plans last De- into eff ect and deciding es to the mental health of- Fox said a total of 38 fi re “One time, I was in the located less than one block cember to host town what to prioritize based ferings and student health alarm activations – 30 in shower and took the time away from District. halls focused on student on the group’s past prog- insurance program at the Foggy Bottom and eight on to collect my things,” Ca- “The alarms going off health care issues in an ress. University,” Elman said. the Mount Vernon Campus pristo said. “The other time, I pretty constantly force me to eff ort to expand stu- She said the council “But more work needs to – have occurred since the be- changed to go to the gym be- leave without being prepared, dent participation in the should consider send- be done, and critical to ginning of the academic year. fore evacuating just because or on some occasions have council. Wexler said the ing members to the CHC that eff ort is the work of Guthridge Hall had just one I knew I had the time and it prevented me from being able town halls were post- to garner feedback from the Student Health Advi- activation, the lowest number wasn’t a real hazard. This, I to grab something necessary poned because the CHC students leaving ap- sory Council.” of all residence halls, she said. feel, is very dangerous.” from my room,” he said. November 4, 2019 • Page 10 NEWS THE GW HATCHET Growth in career center engagement levels out ILENA PENG courses. Last fall, staff rience. CONTRIBUTING NEWS EDITOR from the Elliott School of As more commentators International Affairs’ Ac- predict a recession in the The rise in student and ademic Advising Office coming years, students alumni engagement with and the center launched who begin interacting the Center for Career Ser- a first-year experience early with career services vices has leveled out after course that includes a will be better equipped a large spike in growth professional development to thrive in spite of the from 2013 to 2016, offi- component. recession’s impact on the cials said. Brown said employer job market since career Student engagement engagement with the services centers monitor with the center rose 3 career services center, trends like which jobs percent from the 2015- which includes partici- and skills are in the high- 16 academic year to the pation in job fairs and est demand, he said. 2018-19 academic year, a recruiting events, rose 18 “Recessions will af- far smaller jump than the percent from 2015 to 2019, fect everyone,” he said. nearly 50 percent growth during which officials “However, students who in engagement the center switched from an old job have considered their fu- experienced from aca- search platform to Hand- ture careers from day one demic years 2013-14 to shake. of their campus experi- 2015-16. Officials said the She added that the ence will be much better growth in student use is “strong job market” has positioned to enter the attributable to a shift in prompted career cen- world of work than those focus on “fewer, higher- ter staff to launch “new who have not.” and different ways” for quality programs,” but HATCHET FILE PHOTO Mariaton Tate, a ca- center staff continue to employers to recruit Officials said career center student participation has risen slowly over the years as the center shifted to reer adviser at Illinois struggle with students GW students, like last "fewer, more high quality programs." State University, said who fail to attend events week’s Media, Journalism universities can encour- they register for. and Public Affairs Net- But many students still summer to continue edu- it starts to negatively im- age student involvement Rachel Brown, the as- working Fair held with do not attend networking cating students on “prop- pact their career opportu- with career services by sociate vice provost of Georgetown University and career events they er cancellation etiquette.” nities,” Brown said. integrating them into aca- University career ser- and an inaugural STEM sign up for on Hand- The policy requires Career services ex- demic programs, like the vices, said the center + Health Career Connec- shake, Brown said. that students cancel event perts said universities can Elliott School’s first-year changed its focus after tions Fair next spring. She said 42 percent of RSVPs 24 hours prior boost student involve- experience program. She receiving feedback from Brown said career cen- registrants for events did to the event and cancel ment in career services added that officials can students who said they ter employees now offer not show up to the events coaching appointments by encouraging engage- emphasize career services felt “over-programmed.” several opportunities for during the first month 48 hours in advance on ment soon after a student as part of the University’s “We are working with students to polish skills and a half of the school Handshake. Students arrives on campus and “overall language and student organizations to related to applying for a year, an “improvement who fail to meet the re- integrating career devel- culture.” better understand student job. Officials introduced over past years.” Brown quirements receive a opment into academic “In this way, career needs and partner on pro- summer webinars offer- added that she expects “professional remind- courses, a practice the planning and develop- grams and also encourage ing resources like resume that figure to rise as stu- er message,” and their center currently follows. ment is always a thread more collaboration to re- advice for federal work- dents become busier dur- Handshake accounts are Jacob Jedamus-Denu, through the course cur- duce over-programming study students and host- ing the academic year. blocked, according to the an employer develop- riculum and the stu- for students,” she said in ed an open house during In 2017, 50 to 70 per- career services website. ment specialist at the dent experience, so that an email. this year’s New Student cent of students did not “We also plan regular University of Colorado students are thinking Brown said officials Orientation that gave stu- attend employer events outreach to students who Boulder, said career ser- about their intended ca- have also boosted stu- dents further opportuni- they had signed up for. are missing too many vices are most helpful reer paths from the time dent involvement by em- ties to have their resumes Brown said the center professional and career- to students who take ad- they get to campus and bedding the resources reviewed and practice in- updated its RSVP cancel- related events so they can vantage of resources ear- throughout,” Tate said in offered into academic terviewing skills. lation policy earlier this make adjustments before lier in their college expe- an email. Nearly half of underclassmen fill out student experience survey

CATE BURGEN ready” working on experience as a student REPORTER releasing the informa- at GW has been good, tion to administrators but it has taken a while Nearly half of fresh- so they can better serve for her to feel at home men and sophomores students with the needs in the new city atmo- provided feedback to they have indicated. sphere. officials about lacking University spokes- “So far, it’s been a school spirit and their woman Crystal Nosal good experience, but I time adjusting to col- said the survey asked am still adjusting,” she lege in a survey sent to questions about “criti- said. “Adjusting has students last month. cal factors” impacting taken longer than I ex- Officials said about the student experience, pected it to.” 49 percent of fresh- including feelings of Baugher said her men and 41 percent of “connection,” “engage- feedback in the survey sophomores completed ment” and academic is straightforward, so it the Student Tempera- satisfaction. should not be difficult ture Survey, open to all She said Office for officials to identify first- and second-year for Student Success student concerns. students from Oct. 1 to employees and other Some students said Oct. 22 to check in on “campus stakeholders” they told officials that their experience, class- will use the informa- students tend not to es and personal health. have the pride in their FILE PHOTO BY EMMA CAAMANO | PHOTOGRAPHER tion to guide efforts to Hundreds of people showed up to four public forums to comment on the University's upcoming strategic plan. Students who filled out support “students of school that one might the survey said they concern.” find at another college are enjoying their time “Research indicates or university. at GW in general but that first- and second- Julia Arnsberger, a Hundreds turn out to provide input for hope officials can boost year students experi- freshman in the School the sense of school ence similar challenges of Engineering and strategic plan committees in first forums spirit on campus. academically and so- Applied Science, said Georgette Edmond- cially and that these her first three months ZACH SCHONFELD son-Wright, the asso- first two years are the at GW have been “so ways of collecting information,” tive” and “very helpful” to the ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR ciate vice provost for most critical in ensur- nice” but added that he said. “In November, we’re committee as it seeks input from student success whose she can feel a strong going to dig down into a lot of the community about how to ing a successful college Hundreds of faculty, staff office administered the school spirit is missing more strategic issues.” develop a distinguished gradu- experience,” Nosal and students turned out to four survey, said the survey from her overall expe- Greenberg said he has tried ate education program. said in an email. open forums last month to pro- will be used as a “pri- rience. to keep the planning process Attendees at her commit- More than 10 stu- vide feedback to officials lead- mary tool” to identify “I would have to “inclusive” and “transparent” tee’s forum, which was held on dents who responded ing the University’s next strate- priorities for support- agree that the school by encouraging as much input Oct. 24, questioned how officials to the survey said gic plan. ing students. spirit is lacking,” she as possible from faculty, staff plan to evaluate graduate pro- they hope officials use Officials held two-hour-long “First we use this said. and students. Sonali Bahl and grams. Some faculty expressed their feedback in their public forums for each of the data to identify stu- Nica Albertson, a Danielle Gilmore, student repre- concerns that officials have a decision-making to en- four pillars – distinguished and dents who may require freshman in the School sentatives on the committee, are “set of internal criteria” for eval- hance a sense of school distinctive graduate education, additional support of Engineering and developing a survey to gauge uating programs that are not spirit. high-quality undergraduate ed- from advisers, residen- Applied Science, said feedback about research from “driven by faculty” input. Isabella Baugher, a ucation, world-class faculty and tial life staff and the - she told officials that the University community, and Gayle Wald, the chair of freshman studying po high-impact research – guiding Office for Student Suc- litical science, said she GW feels “unconven- the committee will likely hold the undergraduate education GW’s next strategic plan. Com- cess team, as student is glad officials created tional,” and she feels additional town halls, he said. committee and the American mittee chairs who hosted the responses indicate,” the survey and thinks it more like a resident “We’re hoping that by the studies department chair, said forums said the feedback will she said in an email. will help officials better of the District than a time we get to the end of this forum attendees expressed con- frame their discussions moving The survey includ- understand the needs student at the Univer- process, what we’re recom- cerns about how officials will forward as they synthesize their ed eight questions that of current and future sity, which she says mending won’t be a surprise to fund undergraduate academic final recommendations for ad- asked students to rate students because it al- both empowers her but anyone,” Greenberg said. initiatives that they will roll out ministrators. how they feel about lows students to give makes her wish for a Scott Kieff, the chair of the in the next few months, like in- “We’ve tried to structure it to their courses, to de- direct feedback about traditional college ex- faculty committee and a law creasing the proportion of sci- encourage the committees to do scribe their friendships their experience. perience at times. professor, said his committee ence, technology, engineering outreach at the grassroots level and to evaluate their “If we don’t tell “We are lacking has received a “lot” of feedback and math students from 19 per- as much as possible, but main- personal health and them, how are they school spirit, and I from the GW community at the cent to 30 percent. tain a focus,” University Presi- well-being. The survey supposed to know?” don’t really feel like town hall and online about dif- She added that attendees dent Thomas LeBlanc said about was sent to students she said. I’m at a university,” Al- fering views on how to develop expressed a desire to priori- the strategic planning process in through email. Baugher said she berston said. “It’s more world-class faculty. tize diversity “broadly speak- an interview earlier this month. Edmondson-Wright told officials in the real here, which has its “We are delighted that we’ve ing.” Faculty have previously LeBlanc established the com- said her office is - “al survey that her overall pros and cons.” been spending a lot of time to- raised concerns about how the mittees, led by faculty chairs, for gether – as a committee and in- planned cut in enrollment by each of the pillars in September dividually as committee mem- nearly 20 percent over five years to receive feedback from the GW bers – reaching out to speak will affect the diversity of the community and develop rec- with, listen to and gather input student body. ommendations for the Board of from all corners of our campus “It is clear that there is a de- Trustees by February. The board community,” he said. sire for more experiential learn- will subsequently approve the Kieff added that the feedback ing opportunities and fewer final strategic plan in May. will help the committee gain barriers to students’ pursuit of Alan Greenberg, the chair of new perspectives and develop their goals,” Wald said. the high-impact research com- a “focal point” as it meets over Wald said students attended mittee and the epidemiology the next few months to form its the forum this month, but she and biostatistics department report to administrators. hopes they will also attend the chair, said his committee is Carol Sigelman, the chair of committee’s additional forums, meeting this week to consoli- the graduate education commit- which are intended specifically date the information it has re- tee and a professor of psychol- for undergraduates, on Tuesday ceived so far. ogy, said the committee met this and Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 Attendees at the research week to discuss the importance p.m. in Funger Hall. forum, held Oct. 10, expressed of diversity and the need for “I was really pleased with concerns about defining “high- more competitive graduate stu- the turnout at the town hall impact research” and about dent support packages – issues and impressed by the passion- how officials plan to distribute that committee members heard ate commitment to a distinctive research resources moving for- during the forum. GW education expressed by so PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JACK FONSECA | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR ward. Sigelman said the input on many in the room,” Wald said Officials said 41 percent of sophomore and 49 percent of freshmen completed the survey. “We have a lot of different these topics was “very construc- in an email. THE GW HATCHET NEWS November 4, 2019 • Page 11 Nearly half of GW community does not receive emergency text alerts ALLIE COHEN & porting tool. officials should add a sen- KATERYNA STEPANENKO Students can register tence in the alerts that say REPORTERS up to two email addresses which areas of campus to and three phone numbers avoid after a crime and Nearly half of students, to receive notifications when they can return to faculty and staff do not about crimes, weather and the area. receive emergency text other emergencies through “Give more informa- alerts, officials said. the Division of Safety and tion, like are we allowed GW uses an opt-in Security’s website using to go in the area?” she policy for text alerts, re- a NetID, according to the said. “Is the area safe? quiring those who wish to division’s website. Like OK, ‘He has left the receive alerts about crimes Students said emergen- area,’ but what area?’” and emergencies on cam- cy text alerts inform them Freshman John Hicks pus to manually register of which areas of campus said GWPD should send on their phone for the ser- to steer clear of when students pictures of the vice, Scott Burnotes, the crimes have occurred. location of crimes so stu- MAANSI SRIVASTAVA | PHOTOGRAPHER associate vice president Sophomore Drew dents know what to keep Junior Caroline Fenyo, the founder of the "GW Students for Pete" Twitter page, said the group has already of safety and security, Spero said the Univer- an eye out for. He said held two watch parties and will promote the candidate's platform points. said. Officials are work- sity should advertise all adding a map of campus ing to switch to a model of the options for receiv- to the alert that shows that allows students to opt ing emergency alerts, like where crimes have oc- Students rally behind 2020 out of the system to boost texts and emails, so stu- curred would more clearly the number direct stu- of people “GW promotes the text alert system via new dents in the who receive wake of a presidential hopefuls emergency student, faculty and staff orientations and other crime. text alerts, he promotional platforms like GW Today, safety He added LILLIAN BAUTISTA ally affect him. But- that people vote, first said. fairs, emergency trainings and social media.” that the text STAFF WRITER tigieg has relied on his and foremost.” “GW pro- alerts he re- young age to draw in Senior Haynes motes the ceives only Celebrities, politi- young voters since he Young, the co-founder text alert sys- include the cians and public fig- announced his bid. of The George Wash- tem via new SCOTT BURNOTES name of the ures are throwing their “His climate pol- ington Yang Gang, student, fac- ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT, SAFETY AND SECURITY crime that weight behind presi- icy, it’s very compre- which launched in Sep- ulty and staff occurred, not dential candidates, and hensive, but also if it tember to support en- orientations the specifics students want in too. doesn’t work, he’s going trepreneur and candi- and other promotional of the situa- At least five stu- to have to come up with date Andrew Yang, said platforms like GW Today, dents are alerted through tion. dents are forming stu- another one because the group is currently safety fairs, emergency the communication sys- “Having it on the map, dent groups to host he’s going to be alive in working with the CSE trainings and social me- tem they are most likely to ‘We have increased se- debate watch parties 30 or 40 years when we to become a recognized dia,” Burnotes said in an check. curity presence because and participate in reach that point of no student organization. email. “Staff repeatedly “There are more op- of X,Y,Z’ – I think things canvassing events for return,” she said. About 15 people have recommend that all ‘opt tions than just email to get like that could be helpful, presidential candidates Sophomore Adam indicated they are in- in’ for text alerts.” the notifications, because I I guess just for students,” like Andrew Yang and Friedman said he terested in joining the He said 49 percent of think not everyone checks he said. Sen. Kamala Harris, D- founded “GW for Ka- group, Young said. students, faculty and staff their emails that quickly,” Freshman Amanda Levy Calif. Students spear- mala,” an informal stu- He said he supports receive text alerts, and 100 he said. said the emergency text heading the groups dent group, last month Yang because of the can- percent of the population Freshman Katherine alerts are efficient because said the organizations to rally for the presi- didate’s focus on topics receives alerts through Grubbs said the informa- students receive them at will foster community dential hopeful. He said like mental health and email notifications from tion included in the alert about the same time. among people with the group – a fi ve-mem- environmentalism and the Division of Safety and notifications is “limited” “I think it’s helpful in similar political inter- ber executive board and how companies “mea- Security. Burnotes said the because the messages the sense that it is fast,” she ests and help spread about 30 interested par- sure” success. department collects data only provide a few sen- said. “I don’t know how candidates’ campaign ticipants – has started Young said the on the volume of people tences about the situation quickly we get those text messages. the student organiza- group will host a de- who receive GW Alerts and a picture of the sus- messages, but everyone gets Junior Caroline Fe- tion registration pro- bate watch party later through the system’s re- pect in a crime. She said them at the same time.” nyo created the Twit- cess with the CSE. this month to discuss ter page “GW Students Friedman said many Yang’s policies and for Pete” in August and great Democratic can- performance, like a applied for the group didates are running for focus on growing U.S. to become a student president, but Harris’ businesses. The group organization with the policies – like her plan will work with Yang’s Center for Student En- to increase aff ordable campaign to phone gagement in October. housing and wages for bank, he said. Fenyo said she sup- teachers – appear to be “As a Yang support- ports Buttigieg because more feasible than some er and someone that of the representation of her opponents’ plans. comes from very tra- for LGBTQ individuals He said Harris’ time ditional political-like he will bring to office. serving in the U.S. Sen- circles, I feel like an “As a queer person, ate has taught the pres- outcast,” he said. I like the visibility of idential hopeful how to Joey Rodriguez, the having someone who’s tackle different initia- director of public rela- gay and running for tives, like ending gun tions for GW College president just for the violence. Republicans, said the future of LGBTQ kids “She’s doing incred- organization is part- that want to run for of- ible work on issues that nering with the Repub- fice,” she said. we all care about, sexu- lican National Com- Fenyo said near- al violence prevention, mittee to coordinate ly 100 students have gun violence preven- campaigns and can- signed up on the tion and being a real vassing events – like group’s email list. advocate for not only door-knocking in D.C., Members of the or- teachers, but also work- Virginia and Maryland ganization send out ing class people across – to advocate for a sec- information about de- the board,” he said. ond term for President bate watch parties and Friedman said the Donald Trump. campaign discussions group will table in Ko- He said the group for students who want gan Plaza Friday to will also campaign for to learn about Butti- spread awareness about the candidate on social gieg’s “moderate” and Harris’ policies, recruit media leading up to the “progressive” values, members and register election. like his climate plan students to vote. He “We are really ex- that advocates for a said the group will can- cited about 2020,” national insurance vass for Harris, speak Rodriguez said. “It’s program for natural to the public about her presented a lot of op- disasters. campaign ideas and call portunities for our She said Buttigieg potential voters. young members to get can directly relate to “The reality is, not involved with poli- younger supporters everyone has the band- tics. You don’t have like college students width to volunteer for a to support President because he is one of campaign to do campus Donald Trump to be a the only candidates organizing,” he said. Republican or to be a whose young age of 37 “We just want to make right-leaning person, years old ensures that sure that people are we just want everyone policies he plans to put educated and informed to get involved if they into place will person- on the candidates and want to.” THE GW HATCHET CULTURE November 4, 2019 • Page 12

THE KING PRINCESS LOUIS THE CHILD DANCE YOURSELF CLEAN SCENE 9:30 Club The Anthem Black Cat Nov. 7 • $35 Nov. 8 • $46-$76 Nov. 8 • $12 Pop singer known for This DJ duo will perform This indie dance party her LGBTQ advocacy will Friday alongside León and featuring lasers and fog will perform Thursday. Sebastian Paul. take place Friday. RELEASED CultureNovember 4, 2019 • Page 12 THIS WEEK: ‘IN MY ROOM,’ AN ALBUM BY FRANK OCEAN STUDENTS PACK MALL TO CELEBRATE NATIONALS’ WORLD SERIES WIN

ARIELLE BADER | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR JACK BOROWIAK | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER SKYLAR EPSTEIN | PHOTOGRAPHER

ELIZABETH POWER seven of the 115th World Se- tie Kunkel and Liam Kapples Nationals’ parade was “cute.” scooter. fan” but noted the “unifi ed” REPORTER ries Wednesday, marking said they are not true Nation- Freshman Justin Myali Another crowd favorite atmosphere of the parade. In the fi rst championship for a als fans, but they wanted to said he is a true Nationals fan was Jeff Adams, the now- a city known for its divisions, The color red coated Con- D.C. baseball team since the come to the parade to have a and was excited for the team famous Nationals fan who the World Series was a mo- stitution Avenue sidewalks Washington Senators won in good time. to fi nally bring home a cham- was hit by a home run ball ment of unity as original Na- as fans cheered on the Na- 1924. “I watched most of the pionship, especially for one in game fi ve while holding a tionals fans and D.C. trans- tionals – the reigning World Freshmen Emma John- games, and we all watched of his favorite players, fi rst Bud Light in each hand. plants alike rallied around Series champions – Saturday. son, Sydney Graves and the last game together,” Dar- baseman Ryan Zimmerman. While the actual parade the team. People lined the streets Vivian Martin said they wich said. “It was crazy. Af- “I’ve been a Nats fan since began at 2 p.m., people gath- “It’s not often that the to cheer and blow air horns struggled to fi nd a hole in ter the game, we all ran to the they moved here in 2005,” he ered at about 4 p.m. for a rally team of the city you’re in while players drove by in the crowd so they could have White House.” said. “I’m from the DMV, and on the National Mall, where wins the World Series,” Teat double-decker buses. Stu- a better view of the parade. Most in the group said so it’s been a long time wait- jumbotrons along Pennsyl- said. “We’re only at GW for dents who attended the pa- Graves said she was hoping they were attending the pa- ing.” vania and Constitution ave- four years, and I’d love to rade said that while they are to catch a glimpse of Nation- rade for the fi rst time, but Fans laughed and took nues displayed the festivities stay in D.C. after that, but I not primarily loyal to the Na- als pitcher Max Scherzer Kapples said he has been to photos as giant foam carica- to fans who couldn’t get close don’t know where life is go- tionals, they enthusiastically drive by. about six in Boston to cel- tures of George Washington, enough to the stage. ing to take me. So it’s just joined D.C. residents in the “I think he’s really cute,” ebrate the Red Sox’s previous Abraham Lincoln and Theo- Players got emotional as that once in a lifetime op- celebration anyway because she said. “He’s the only one I championships. Kapples said dore Roosevelt rode bikes they gave heartfelt speeches portunity that you can’t re- of the team’s historic win. really know.” the Boston parades are “a lit- in circles along the parade to the densely packed crowd. ally miss out on.” The Nationals defeated Sophomores Adam Dar- tle more rowdy” than Satur- route. They were trailed by Junior Josie Teat called –Yankun Zhao contributed the Houston Astros in game wich, Sophie Van Gilder, Ka- day’s celebration was, but the the Geico Gecko on a Lyft herself “a total bandwagon reporting.

Fans hype up teams off the court 2019-20 Basketball Season Preview

GEORGE’S ARMY KICKS OFF BASKETBALL SEASON

SIDNEY LEE “I wanted to make an organization CULTURE EDITOR that could have something available for people regardless of how well the The newly branded George’s team was doing,” Glass said. “You can Army is kicking off basketball season come in and still have a pizza party, in the bleachers with more than just a you can still come in to the Smith new name. Center and feel involved and invested George’s Army President George regardless of how well the team is do- Glass said the organization is leaving ing.” the Colonial Army name in the past in Glass said he wants to grow the or- hopes of revamping the student fan ganization to at least 100 dues-paying section and increasing participation members by the end of the academic in games. Now on game days, Glass year. George’s Army currently tallies said George’s Army members can en- 60 members, and Glass said “that’s joy perks like a 20 percent discount at only going to increase as the year goes GW Deli and free merchandise. by.” He said members of George’s George’s Army Vice President Army are also working to incentiv- Laurel Braaten said the name change ize students to attend more games will ensure George’s Army is “inclu- by charging them a yearly $10 fee to sive” to those who want to be part of offi cially join the organization. Previ- a school spirit organization, pointing ARIELLE BADER | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR ously, Glass said anyone could join to the ongoing Colonials moniker con- The cheer team’s new leadership said they are working to ready the squad for high-energy games. the organization, and nearly 1,000 stu- troversy. dents signed up but “only two of them “It is not a political organization in actually cared about anything.” that sense,” she said. “It’s just we love TWO ALUMNI STEP UP TO CO- “We actually tried to make it more basketball, and I think that George’s exclusive so that people could engage Army is a name which encompasses and feel that they have stakes in being that without any of the other things COACH CHEER TEAM in the org and have stakes in being in- that could be going with ‘Colonials’ or volved with the athletics department name changes that could be going on JACLYN SERSLAND them to increase their ability to cheerleading because she and the basketball teams,” he said. in the future.” REPORTER to adapt to diff erent groups’ said it looked more fun. Glass said non-dues-paying mem- Braaten added that the e-board styles,” Cohen said. “In any other sport, you’re bers can still stand with George’s aims to continue increasing participa- Two former GW cheer- The team has focused trying to get better individu- Army during games and cheer in the tion throughout the year. She said ath- leaders are stepping up to co- on getting comfortable with ally. With cheerleading, there student section, but they won’t have letes and coaches like men’s basketball coach the team just one week the high energy of games by are individual things you can access to the same benefi ts as regis- head coach Jamion Christian have before the season begins. completing cardio workouts do, but at the end of the day, tered members. expressed appreciation for the group, After former cheer head to increase its endurance for there’s another person stand- Students involved with the group and she wants the group to continue coach Robert Bell left his po- the fi rst games of the season, ing on top of you,” Jones said. will also receive a free t-shirt and invi- making an impact on the teams. sition late last month, alumni which began last week. “It’s genuinely the most team tations to exclusive events like the bas- “It is also just a great community and former cheer members “A lot of it is just getting sport I’ve ever done.” ketball season kick-off held last week to be a part of,” Braaten said. “More Tiff any Jones and Josh Cohen comfortable with the pace Jones said she wants to at the Smith Center Champions Club. than anything, I just want more stu- will both fi ll the role. Cohen and performance level of bas- sharpen the image of the team Glass said about 40 students attended dents to feel comfortable coming to and Jones said that they have ketball games for the team and present it as a pivotal part the event, which featured pizza and these events and want to have these regularly kept in touch with since it’s really hard to ex- of the athletics program and speeches from people in the athletics events, and hopefully in the long run, the team by attending practic- plain it before you’ve actually for improving game days. department like Kate Southall, the di- raise some GW pride.” es and games after they grad- lived it, so that’s where we’re “Just trying to hone in rector of marketing, strategy and fan –Stephanie Cheung and Rika uated in 2016, and they want at right now,” Cohen said. on what we want the brand engagement. Kaneshige contributed reporting. to use the leadership opportu- For the upcoming season, for the team to look like and nity to boost audience engage- the coaches said they want the what the image we want to ment and game attendance. team to “feel comfortable out put out there is,” Jones said. “While we’ve only been on the court” and engage with “Not only for the cheerlead- around for a short time, we’re those who come to the basket- ing team, but for becoming an very impressed by their indi- ball games. Jones and Cohen asset to the athletics program vidual talent as well as their said they want to prioritize more generally and improv- cohesion and ability to play increasing the team’s presence ing game day experience.” off each other and build off on the court and exciting spec- Jones said despite step- each other,” Cohen said. tators by perfecting and per- ping into the position late in In the days leading up to forming diffi cult stunts. the semester, she is looking the fi rst games, Cohen and “One of our big priori- forward to seeing the team’s Jones said they’ve primar- ties is engagement,” Cohen skills improve. ily worked with the team on said. “Cheerleading is meant “I think they have so skills like two-base and co- to pump up the crowd and much potential,” Jones said. ed stunts to prepare them cheer on the players, yes, but “I think there’s a lot of raw for game days and the men’s also ensuring the crowd is talent there that just needs to opener Saturday. Two-base excited as part of the entire be organized a little bit bet- stunts consist of two people game day experience so that ter. They have such great and each holding one of the fl yer’s they can cheer on the team, interpersonal dynamics, and feet, while coed stunts in- get excited and actually come you can tell they already get clude one person holding up to games.” along really well and they’re the fl yer. Jones said she started a really good family which “Our drill is to have each cheerleading at just 7 years is really impressive to see, so SOPHIE MOTEN | PHOTOGRAPHER of our fl yers rotating through old. She started off as a dancer I think we’re off to a really George’s Army members can enjoy a 20 percent discount at GW Deli this season. a succession of groups to get in kindergarten but switched great year.”