Senior Tyler Toledo reinstated SU’s College Democrats. Now, he’s the president for all New York chapters.
C • ‘Point of reflection’ A group of seven SU architecture students shed light on what was once the 15th Ward with an installation in I-81’s underpass.
S • Following Fran
16
SU Scouting Director Aaron Mannicci has helped Fran Brown produce a program turnaround as his right-hand man.
Editor@dailyorange.com
News@dailyorange.com
Opinion@dailyorange.com
Culture@dailyorange.com
Sports@dailyorange.com
Digital@dailyorange.com
Design@dailyorange.com
Photo@dailyorange.com
BUSINESS 315-443-2315
The Daily Orange is an independent, nonprofit newspaper published in Syracuse, New York. The editorial content of the paper — which started in 1903 and went independent in 1971 — is entirely run by Syracuse University students.
The D.O., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is editorially and financially independent from SU, and the paper receives no funding from the university. Instead, The D.O. relies on advertising revenue and donations to sustain operations.
This fall, the paper will be published Thursday when SU classes are in session.
The D.O.’s online coverage is 24/7, including while SU is on break.
To show your support to The D.O.’s independent journalism, please visit dailyorange.com/donate. Donations are tax deductible.
If you are a Syracuse University or SUNY-ESF student interested in contributing to The D.O. on either its advertising or editorial teams, please email editor@dailyorange.com.
corrections policy
The D.O. strives to be as accurate in our reporting as possible. Please email editor@dailyorange.com to report a correction.
letter to the editor policy
The D.O. prides itself as an outlet for community discussion. To learn more about our submission guidelines, please email opinion@dailyorange. com with your full name and affiliation within the Syracuse community. Please note letters should not include any personal information pertaining to other people unless it is relevant to the topic at hand. All letters will be edited for style and grammar.
WEATHER
COMING UP
Noteworthy events this week.
WHAT: Public tour of the ‘Making of the Medieval
WHEN: Friday, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Bird Library, 6th floor
WHAT: Tom Townsley's Blues Review
WHEN: Friday, 7 - 9 p.m.
WHERE: ONCO Fermentations
WHAT: Commencement ceremony
WHEN: Sunday, 9:30 a.m. – noon
WHERE: JMA Wireless Dome
Protect Student
Oct. 2nd - Nov 5th, 2024
New York State Sen. John Mannion and Rep. Brandon Williams met for four debates in the race for the NY-22 seat. Democrat John Mannion won the New York 22nd congressional district race.
Nov. 30, 2024
Syracuse Football upsets then-No. 8 Miami to knock the Hurricanes out of the College Football Playoff. Students and fans rushed Ernie Davis Legends Field to celebrate the Orange’s first AP top-10 win since 2017.
May 3, 2025
CHARLOTTE, NC – No
4. Seed Syracuse men’s lacrosse captured the ACC Championship, taking down No. 1 Seed Notre Dame and No. 3 Seed Duke. Players celebrated the victory by storming the field, hoisting the trophy and cutting the net.
aaron hammer staff photographer
laura lemgruber contributing photographer
joe zhao senior staff photographer
Tyler Toledo named NY College Dems president
By Kate Jackson and Shivika Gupta
the daily orange
When Tyler Toledo was interning at the House of Representatives last summer, one of his colleagues asked if Syracuse University had a College Democrats chapter. Toledo said it didn’t, but admitted he had been thinking about getting the organization started again.
Encouragement from his colleagues was the final push Toledo said he needed to start the organization.
With the help of three friends, Toledo, a dual major in policy studies and television, radio and film, reinstated the club, taking on the role of its president early last fall before becoming an official registered student organization. On April 26, he was elected as president of the College Democrats of New York.
“It's incredibly important for people in our demographic to make sure their voices are heard,” Toledo said. “And that people understand that we care and we can change what's happening by voting and getting involved.”
The group recognized a need for an oncampus organization helping students engage in political activism, especially during election seasons. Toledo said he intends to help create chapters at other New York schools through his newly elected statewide position.
Cassidy Snyder, a senior and secretary of SU’s College Democrats, said when the initial members first came together to elect an executive board, she knew she didn’t want to be president because of the position’s demanding responsibilities.
“I could just tell that this was really going to be something he took seriously,” Snyder said. “And, not only politics in general, but Syracuse politics and local politics, were something that really mattered to him.”
Toledo first became interested in politics through his oldest sister, who worked in the Office of Management and Budget at the White House. He said she always encouraged him to be aware of the country’s political climate. Both of his sisters encouraged him to take on leadership positions in college and continue to support him in his journey, Toledo said.
Reinstating SU College Democrats and becoming an official registered student organization was especially difficult in the midst of election season, Toledo said. The group aimed to support Rep. John Manion’s campaign in flipping New York’s 22nd congressional district, but was limited by its membership and resources.
Without access to reserved rooms, digital signage or other resources RSOs receive, the organization was forced to mobilize and build a following through word of mouth and social media, Toledo said.
Toledo hosted congressional debate watch parties in his living room, and with no access to SU’s catering services, Snyder brought pizza for everyone. During canvassing efforts, Toledo said they organized members to go phone-banking and door-knocking for Manion’s and Rachel May’s campaigns.
“We got people to engage in this organization, and by the time it was recognized at the end of the semester, we had already had people doing work and committed to this mission,” Toledo said.
Snyder said Toledo’s ability to work around not being an RSO shows his dedication to the mission of College Democrats.
“You can pretend to be dedicated, you can come up with good ideas,” Snyder said. “But it takes someone who actually has the drive and energy to really throw themselves into something. And Tyler always has.”
Toledo also serves as president of Delta Kappa Alpha, a professional cinematic arts fraternity, which he said gives him an outlet for his TRF major. Toledo said he finds himself wanting to
be as involved as possible in organizations he’s passionate about.
Alexandra Nikou, an SU sophomore dual majoring in English and Textual Studies and TRF, served on the DKA executive board while Toledo was president. His leadership made a noticeable impact on the organization, she said.
She first met Toledo during her DKA rush process and was immediately struck by his kind, friendly, yet professional demeanor. Toledo has an “innate ability” to be professional while still making everyone around him feel welcomed, Nikou said.
Eventually, Toledo became her “big” in the professional fraternity, cementing their bond as friends outside of DKA. She cited Toledo’s leadership and guidance as the reason she wanted to join the executive board.
“Part of the reason I wanted to work on the e-board was because I knew I would get to work with Tyler,” Nikou said. “I absolutely could not have done it without him.”
Nikou said Toledo’s work ethic, drive, humor and kindness would take him far in his potential political career.
“He’s definitely kind and funny, but also super compassionate. He cares about everything so much whether it’s people or a movement or an organization," Nikou said. “It is very rare to find someone who just cares about, you know, everything around him as much as he does.”
Toledo said his two diverging majors help him understand how to communicate political agendas effectively and ensure people understand the importance of what an organization is advocating for.
“I think messaging is the best way you can do that. It's how you build a base, that's how you get people to understand things,” Toledo said. “And I like to think that my two majors have uniquely put me in a situation where I understand that very, very well.”
Jennifer Stromer-Galley, a professor at SU’s School of Information Studies, has worked with Toledo on several research projects and grants. She said his public speaking skills help Toledo’s leadership. Stromer-Galley attended the Hands-Off! Rally on April 5 and said Toledo’s speech demonstrated both charisma and passion.
“He's able to clearly articulate the ills that he sees in a way that I think other people appreciate, can get behind, can understand, and that's a powerful skill that not everybody has,” Stromer-Galley
said. “It was clear on that stage, the moment moved him to really rise in pretty powerful ways.”
Toledo said his speech given to the 4,000 people in attendance was a moment that reaffirmed his interest in political activism. In his speech, he recounted his first protest, the Women's March in New York City, held the day after President Donald Trump’s 2017 inauguration.
When he was in eighth grade, Toledo said he realized that if so many people were coming together to take a stand, something must be wrong. When he closed his speech at the rally and gave his call-to-action, he remembered seeing two younger kids holding signs, reminding him of his younger self at the 2017 march.
“There are so many people out there that will grow up in this world, and we have a responsibility to make it the best we possibly can for them,” Toledo said. “So that when they're my age, they don't have to be protesting against the same thing that I was back when I was in eighth grade.”
Stromer-Galley said Toledo’s ability to motivate people extends beyond public speaking. She noted that she intentionally selects students with diverse ideologies and perspectives for her research projects to ensure unbiased data and create a collaborative environment — something Toledo always respected by being mindful of others’ opinions.
“He was really good about hearing others' perspectives and incorporating those and making suggestions for them on how to move forward in a positive way,” Stromer-Galley said.
She said she believes his traits of teamwork and respect will help Toledo succeed in his new role as College Democrats of New York president.
Toledo will attend SU’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs for his master's degree in public administration next year. He said one of his first goals is to increase chapter membership in all parts of the state and hopes SU College Democrats will grow as he continues to plan meetings for the statewide chapter.
He also hopes its new executive board will continue to push the SU administration and Chancellor Kent Syverud to sign the American Association of Colleges and Universities’ letter condemning President Donald Trump’s administration's advances on higher education.
“Knowing that people now are part of this organization and get to talk at these meetings and interact with the community or local politics in ways that they weren't before, means a lot,” Toledo said. “And while it's incredible to see, the only other thing I'd want to see is it continue.”
news@dailyorange.com
Syracuse alumnus Mosab Abu Toha wins Pulitzer
By Brenne Sheehan asst. news editor
Mosab Abu Toha, a Palestinian poet and Syracuse University alumnus, won a Pulitzer Prize Monday for his “essays on the physical and emotional carnage in Gaza.”
The Pulitzer Board honored Abu Toha for a series of four essays published from 2023 to 2024 in The New Yorker, where he documented his experiences living in the Gaza Strip during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
The board described Abu Toha’s works as “deep reporting with the intimacy of memoir to convey the Palestinian experience of more than a year and a half of war with Israel.”
In November 2023, Israeli forces detained and later released Toha after he and his family attempted to flee southern Gaza.
His award-winning essay, “The Pain of Traveling While Palestinian,” highlights the challenges of his imprisonment and shares other stories of navigating international travel as a Palestinian citizen, even before the war.
Abu Toha graduated from SU’s College of Arts and Sciences in May 2023 with a master of fine arts in creative writing. He currently holds a visiting scholar position on the university’s faculty. In this role, he participates in a national program — Scholars at Risk — that provides academic appointments to “threatened” scholars.
Abu Toha has published two collections of Arabic and English poetry, titled “Forest of Noise” in
SU to award 3 honorary degrees
By Madeline Goodheart asst. digital editor
Syracuse University will award three honorary degrees at its 2025 commencement ceremony, according to a Tuesday news release. Two of the recipients are SU alumni.
Cartoonist Bob Mankoff, environmental activist and educator Ali MedersKnight and philanthropist and businessperson Judith Greenberg Seinfeld will be honored for “their outstanding achievements in their professional careers and the contributions they have made to society,” the release states.
Mankoff, a 1966 SU graduate, was born in Queens, New York. He is best known for his career as a cartoonist and editor at The New Yorker, where he contributed nearly 1,000 cartoons and served as cartoon editor for 20 years. His published work has also appeared in The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal and Esquire.
He is now the cartoon editor at the online newsletter Air Mail and co-runs Botnik Studios, a collective of writers, artists and programmers who develop software technology to create digital comedy. Mankoff will receive the Doctor of Letters degree, which honors contributors for their work in the humanities or fields like literature, arts or sciences. He will also deliver the alumni keynote address at the College of Arts and Sciences & Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs convocation on Saturday.
Meders-Knight, a Mechoopda tribal member and executive director of California Open Lands, has spent over 20 years applying traditional Indigenous knowledge to ecosystem restoration and community education.
She serves on the United States Forest Service’s Tribal Relations committee for Region 5, working with American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal governments to promote healthy, resilient landscapes. In March 2022, Meders-Knight testified before the U.S. House of Representatives about the role of traditional Indigenous knowledge and tribal leadership in restoring California forests and preventing wildfires.
She was also named Environmentalist of the Year by the Butte Environmental Council in 2019. Four years later, she participated in the Ray Smith Symposium and collaborated with Haudenosaunee leaders and environmentalists, discussing the relevance of her work to the ancestral lands of the Haudenosaunee, where SU is located.
Meders-Knight will receive the Doctor of Humane Letters degree, which recognizes contributions to society through humanitarian efforts, philanthropy and public service.
Seinfeld, a 1956 SU graduate and life trustee, is the president of Heritage Management Co., a real estate investment firm based in Ridgewood, New Jersey. She has funded housing projects, scholarships and faculty awards across several of SU’s schools and programs.
2024 and “Things You May Find Hidden in my Ear” in 2022. Both explore his upbringing in Gaza and raising children as a young father.
Now living in Syracuse, he writes about his experiences, reflecting on his time in prison, family separation, growing up in a refugee camp and facing food insecurity. Abu Toha spoke at a Syracuse event in January hosted at ArtRage gallery, talking about “Forest of Noise” and answered questions about United States involvement in the Israel-Hamas war.
“I dedicate this success to my family, friends, teachers, and students in Gaza,” Toha said in a post on X Monday night. “Blessings to the 31 members of my family who were killed in one air strike in 2023.” bsheeh03@syr.edu
She previously ran a successful jewelry design business and has produced several Tony Award-winning plays. Seinfeld also co-founded the Nantucket Comedy Festival and has served on boards supporting the arts, health care and human rights. She was elected to SU’s Board of Trustees in 2002, and now serves as a life trustee on the Academic Affairs and Facilities committees. Seinfeld previously served on the boards for the School of Education and the School of Architecture. She will also receive the Doctor of Humane Letters degree in recognition of her philanthropic work.
Mankoff, Meders-Knight and Seinfeld will receive their honorary degrees Sunday during SU’s commencement ceremony in the JMA Wireless Dome.
mmgoodhe@syr.edu
Tyler Toledo revived the SU College Dems from an inactive chapter. Now, he hopes to grow the organization statewide. leonardo eriman photo editor
nightmare that I don’t care to be a part of.” Although Burke knows moving to D.C. and working for the government is still possible, she said the possibility doesn’t look as attractive as it used to.
The career doesn’t feel stable, and Burke doesn’t want to be laid off and looking for another job within a year, she said. But, more than that, Burke said if she went to work for the Trump Administration, she’d be working for a leader and government that doesn’t celebrate her diversity.
“The Trump Administration not only plays by their own rules, but makes their own rules,” Burke said. “I hate admitting this individual who doesn't care about me is allowed to instill a sense of fear in me, but at the end of the day, I am Latina, Jewish and a woman, and so of course, I'm going to be scared.”
Echoing similar concerns, Lucynski explained how the Trump Administration is cutting funding for the Forest Service.
The Trump Administration cut 10% of Forest Service employees, with more firings
RAs
transition to college life, along with wanting the free housing that comes with the position.
But, she didn’t anticipate how deeply personal the role would become.
She described the job as “unorthodox” because students live where they work. She said the role can be inconsistent as she has varying responsibilities, but is always tasked with offering constant support to residents.
RAs track “intentional interactions,” documenting time spent with residents to show they’re actively connecting with their floor, and do so every few months to track residents’ well-being.
The internal structure of Student Living creates challenges, as RAs report to Resident Directors, who report to Assistant Directors and then up to the Student Living office, Clark said.
During the semester, RD meetings occurred every other week, but didn’t feel relevant, Clark said. Meetings didn’t discuss what was happening on the floors or the job itself, she said.
Clark recalled being told directly by Student Living leadership that RAs were “replaceable,” and claimed their stipends could be reduced or revoked for underperformance and non-compliance.
“It feels like we're kind of trapped in that ‘we're replaceable’ and they'll keep our money if we don't act right,” Clark said. “It was not a great experience to have the leadership do and say things like that.”
In a statement to The Daily Orange, a university spokesperson said the university views its staff and student leaders as “valued members of its community.”
“Our goal is to foster a departmental culture that respects and supports each individual and that is both sustainable and responsive to the needs of every team member,” the spokesperson said.
A current RA in Day Hall, who asked to remain anonymous as they’ll be an RA for another year, shared similar frustrations. They described the university’s support as largely “performative,” limited to surface-level gestures. When serious issues arise, they said, RAs are often left to manage on their own with little to no support.
While trying to get assistance from Student Living during a student crisis, the Day RA said they received vague instructions and delayed responses. They added that in some situations, bringing in university staff escalated tension instead of resolving it.
“There’s not enough clarity around when we’re supposed to act and when we should escalate,” they said. “So we end up doing everything ourselves, which isn’t sustainable for the long run.”
Clark said she was uncomfortable being asked to engage with residents accused of serious misconduct, including bias-related incidents and sexual assault. Student Living directs RAs to confront accused perpetrators, Clark said.
“You shouldn’t be asking RAs, especially women, to have direct conversations with people accused of sexual assault,” Clark said. “I don’t want to be put in that position, where I feel unsafe.”
A RA in Sadler Hall, who also asked to be kept anonymous, said their experience has been positive overall, but acknowledged that the job’s emotional load can catch people off guard, calling for more structured support from the university.
The Sadler RA said mental health support for RAs after difficult incidents is “virtually nonexistent.”
expected, Politico reported. The cuts come as the summer wildfire season looms, and after the administration issued an executive order calling for increased logging production.
Every time I open up the news and I see a new cut has been made, it feels terrible and terrifying.
Zoe Colman rising su senior
Lucynski said she’s confused by the cuts because foresters are essential in responsible logging, and cutting the department removes the people who could help achieve the President’s goals.
She fears these cuts will also worsen existing gender disparities in forestry.
“There’s only 25% women as field foresters in the federal Forest Service, is what
my supervisor had told me,” Lucynski said. “That was a big thing for me, that support and inclusion being cut. It’s tough to enter a field where you’re not represented.”
Along with navigating changed postgraduation plans, Burke has dealt with other stressors since Trump took office. She had to discuss plans with her roommates in case the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement came to their home. Even as a U.S. citizen, Burke fears the day she is forced to prove it.
Burke said she often feels frustrated that her peers at SU only need to focus on coursework and finding jobs, while she has to be concerned about her personal safety. But, she said she refuses to allow her fear or frustration to dictate how she lives her life, on and off campus.
“My mom urged me to keep my passport on me, but I truly refuse to do that because I will not let myself visibly be scared in front of this administration,” Burke said. “I’ve never been scared to be a mixture of all these minorities, and so I’m not going to let him make me start being scared.”
Colman and Burke are both angry that, though they can still make a difference in their
respective fields, their impact will exist on a smaller scale at the local level.
Burke plans to work for a city or state government, and Colman is still figuring out her plans, but is still committed to public service.
“It’s my friends, it’s my family and my city that are affected by all of these policies,” Colman said. “If I get to be the one to make those policies and make sure that all of the voices of those important to me get heard, and all the voices who haven't been heard in the past get heard, then I'll be that person.”
Burke said she felt similarly, and that more than any professional aspiration, she feels a duty to remain positive to ensure young people watching — like she did in 2008 — feel emboldened to pursue public service and revive the American dream.
“I do love this country, not in its current state, but I believe in its freedoms and its liberties, and I want everyone to be privy to that,” Burke said. “I just really hope that this administration doesn't kill the hope of its future leaders.” — 30 —
scszydli@syr.edu
“There should be built-in counseling or at least a space to talk about what we’re going through,” the Sadler RA said. “Instead, we’re just expected to move on.”
The university spokesperson wrote that Student Living collaborates with the Barnes Center and Student Outreach and Support in responding to mental health emergencies.
The statement also said staff review daily incidents, and DPS identifies and supports any impacted RAs.
It feels like we're kind of trapped in that ‘we're replaceable’ and they'll keep our money if we don't act right.
Ellen Clark resident advisor
The SU spokesperson said a new initiative is launching in the 2025-2026 academic year to create a “formal space for raising concerns and collaboratively developing solutions” through monthly meetings between RAs and senior leadership. They also outlined several formal reporting options for RAs seeking support, including reporting to RDs, ADs and senior leadership.
The Sadler RA said that while being an RA has helped them develop skills in conflict management, communication and leadership, it hasn’t come without
challenges. There are moments when the university seems to forget RAs are students too, they said.
Several RAs said the job has helped them grow personally and professionally, but said the structure often feels slow and disconnected. Bashar described a gap between the day-to-day expectations and the pace at which institutional decisions are made.
“It really feels like a bureaucracy, in a way,” Bashar said. “You're waiting around for things to get approved or rejected, and in the meantime, it's just you on the front."
Bashar said the pressure of the position also bleeds into her social life. She said it’s difficult to maintain friendships, both with residents, where boundaries are tricky, and with friends outside the dorm.
Clark said her social circle shrank significantly after taking on the role.
“It leaves a lot to be desired, especially because you're living with freshmen,” Clark said. “You're not with your friends anymore.”
Their experiences echo broader concerns among RAs at SU. A 2022 survey conducted by The D.O. found that RAs expressed feelings of being overwhelmed and overworked, citing inadequate support from Student Living during crises.
In 2020, RAs demanded hazard pay and more personal protective equipment, highlighting the additional responsibilities placed on them during the pandemic, which they said the university failed to acknowledge.
RAs receive a week-long “comprehensive” training session each August along with ongoing support throughout the academic year, focusing on “preparedness for student crises” and mental health emergencies, the spokesperson wrote in the statement.
If inappropriate comments are reported, the spokesperson said the issue would be addressed with a “confidential, educational conversation” focusing on accountability and growth.
The SU spokesperson added that the university is exploring strategies to incorporate recovery into the job, acknowledging the emotional toll the position can take on students who are “constantly exposed to others’ trauma.”
Despite her qualms with the Student Living office and the difficulties of being an RA, Clark called the role “rewarding” for the experience of creating connections with the residents on her floor.
“You really get to know a lot of kids that are really bright and fun and are excited to be here,” Clark said. “That part is wonderful.”
The Sadler RA hopes residents remember her floor as “a place where they felt heard,” but also said they want to see institutional change. They emphasized that RAs shouldn't be treated as unpaid laborers or informal counselors, and that the university needs to build in more resources.
They said the job has made them “more patient and more self-aware,” and taught them how to listen deeply and respond thoughtfully. The Day RA, however, said while good things can come from the role, proper growth can only come from more university support and resources.
“The role has a lot of potential for personal and professional growth,” the Day RA said. “But that only happens if we’re given the right resources, like consistent support from supervisors, and proper protocols for tough situations.”
When serious issues arise, RAs are often left to manage on their own with little help from SU. RAs are calling for more supportive university resources. emily steinberger daily orange file photo, leonardo eriman photo editor, joe zhao senior staff photographer
La Casita becomes a 2nd home in Syracuse
By Tara Binte Sharil asst. digital editor
Stepping inside La Casita Cultural Center is like walking into a blank canvas that has been filled to its potential. Colorful, lively artwork fills the white walls, and homemade piñatas are draped on the ceiling beams.
“(La Casita) is like my second home,” Evelina Torres, Syracuse University senior and La Casita intern, said. “It's a place where the Latin community in Syracuse and central New York can come together and we really have a lot of fun.”
On Friday, La Casita hosted the “Young Art/Arte Joven” exhibit, showcasing artwork, dance performances and musical numbers created and performed by the children of La Casita. Led by SU students and local artists, the exhibit allowed the children to display their hard work from the after-school programs they participated in throughout the semester.
La Casita was founded in the Bronx to repurpose abandoned warehouses into places for Puerto Rican immigrants to come together. Molded from this rich history, La Casita Syracuse has done the same for the central New York Latino community for almost 15 years.
The Syracuse chapter was established in 2011 as a part of former Chancellor Nancy Cantor’s goal to expand community engagement. The program was founded to connect SU students with the central New York Latino community and expose local children to their heritage through creativity, Bennie Guzman, La Casita’s programming coordinator, said.
La Casita serves students as young as four years old to teenagers. For many children, the cultural and educational workshops are a rare outlet for creative expression.
“ It's their way of showing off their imagination and their creative means through any type of art,” SU senior and La Casita intern Wilson Paula said. “These kids come back from school and sometimes they can come in not too happy or a little sad, and La Casita allows them to express that through the art.”
Many of La Casita’s volunteers have since transitioned to take on more active roles through internships and staff positions. Daniela Dorado, the program’s communications coordinator, began volunteering with La Casita during her sophomore year at SU for her major’s service requirement. Three years later, La Casita has become her second home, giving her a way to reconnect with her Latina
culture following her move from Colombia to Syracuse, Dorado said.
For Torres, Dorado and Paula, Friday’s exhibit marks the last time they will work with La Casita before heading for graduation. Though Torres and Paula first joined La Casita for class credit, their time at the center transformed into more than just a volunteer opportunity — it turned into invaluable memories.
When Torres noticed a student wasn’t participating in a workshop one day, she pulled him aside. The two made paper airplanes together and threw them back and forth. The student had never made paper airplanes before.
“I could see him brighten up again,” Torres said.
“ In the past few years, La Casita has taught me patience, but also taught me to embrace joy.”
Before the SU volunteers leave for winter break, La Casita celebrates Christmas with the children with an early visit from Santa and sharing traditional meals. As her time with La Casita wraps up, it's a memory Dorado said she’ll cherish.
Though La Casita primarily focuses on youth programs, it has since expanded to other ventures.
From helping launch the first Spanish-speaking radio station in central New York to hosting art
programs for adults, La Casita has brought together members of the Latino community together, just as the original Bronx location did.
SU students demonstrate their respective expertise through La Casita internships. The program gave Dorado the opportunity to hone her communication skills in her position, something she said helped prepare her for a future career in public relations. Majoring in nutrition, Paula has applied his food studies experience to diversify the food served at La Casita.
“ I was in charge of making sure healthier snacks were being brought for the students instead of the usual chips,” Paula said. “ It's proven that children who build healthier eating habits when they're younger tend to keep that later on.”
Since its inception, La Casita has not only been an outlet for both the children and SU students to explore their Latino culture, it’s become a second home for those who need it — a place to eat familiar foods and speak their native language.
“ It has helped (make) my transition into America easier,” Dorado said. “La Casita has given me connections and skills that I hadn’t polished. They gave me a home away from home. They gave me a family.”
tabintes@syr.edu
Char mixes ambient sound with crowd interaction
By Ria Vij contributing writer
Brunon Kaminski and Vijay Tandon, the founding members of the post-hardcore band Char, met in their freshman year at Syracuse University while living in Day Hall. Despite majoring in computer science and biochemistry, both had extensive musical backgrounds.
“Music has been our favorite passion throughout our life,” Kaminski said. “It’s hard not to take it seriously when you care about it that much.”
What began as casual jam sessions between two roommates grew into a full-fledged band, including members Kaminski, Tandon, Gavin Casey, Trevor Fraticelli and Vito Vetere. About two years old, Char has become active in the Syracuse post-hardcore and noise rock scene. The band plays a mix of heavy, aggressive tracks and ambient sounds, often blending distorted guitars with unusual noises.
Kaminski has played classical piano since he was four, and regularly played guitar with his dad. Tandon started playing piano and drums when he was nine, and, although he’s had a guitar since he was 12, it wasn’t until college that he took playing the instrument seriously.
The duo’s passion to be in a band quickly turned into action. They began writing songs together and brainstorming name ideas until they settled on “Char,” which comes from a coding term and a Crystal Castles song of the same name.
Char’s musical style didn’t happen overnight. Their first songs leaned more toward classic hardcore, which got boring for them pretty quickly, Kaminski said. The band then shifted to combining the hardcore style with electronic and ambient elements.
“As the band has been going, the music has only been getting harder, louder and a little bit more obnoxious,” Kaminski said. “It’s infinitely more fun that way.”
In April, Char released their debut EP, “Char,” recorded and mixed by Casey in the Belfer Audio Laboratory and Archive on campus. The songs had been finished for a while, but the hardest part was deciding which ones to include.
The band wanted to pick a variety of songs that had different ideas and aesthetics. Kaminski said
they focused on finding which songs were the best and then created a cohesive EP.
Tandon explained that the band’s writing process usually starts with one person bringing in a riff or a rough version of a song. Then, during rehearsals, they play it repeatedly and let it evolve naturally.
Casey’s engineering work really brought the album to life, Tandon said. He called Casey a “wizard” when it came to the entire recording process.
Live shows are where Char’s sound fully comes alive. The band often opens with an instrumental song that slowly builds into something loud and explosive. Their sets are high-energy, with lots of crowd interaction.
“I’ve always loved performing music,” Tandon said. “There’s this unexplainable joy I feel when I’m doing it.”
Kaminski added that it’s fun to see people experience songs that haven’t been released yet.
They’ve played at campus venues like The Dollhouse, as well as downtown spaces like The Song & Dance. Their shows have a reputation for drawing intense, engaged crowds. Tandon said that moshing is “very much encouraged.”
Olivia Friess, a longtime friend of the band, met the members during her first week at SU. She’s watched them grow from late-night jam sessions to the band they are today.
CONCERTS THIS SUMMER
Dave Matthews Band
The ‘90s jam band will perform their rock tunes in Syracuse this summer. Lead singer Dave Matthews and supporting musicians formed the band in Charlottesville, Virginia in 1991. They offer authentic blends of rock, blues and jazz sounds.
WHEN : May 27, doors at 6 p.m. and show at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview PRICE: $69 – $615
Avril Lavigne
Early-2000s pop-punk icon Avril Lavigne is bringing an alternative atmosphere to Syracuse with her “Greatest Hits Tour.” The tour began last summer in Canada, featuring tracks from all seven of her studio albums, and is set to end this June. Lean into the 2000s nostalgia and experience her record-breaking hits, like “Complicated,” “Girlfriend,” “Sk8er Boi” and many more.
WHEN : May 28, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview PRICE: $37 – $499
Luke Bryan
Soak in classic country feels at Luke Bryan’s “Country Song Came On Tour” this summer. The tour is named after a song on his 2024 album, “Mind Of A Country Boy,” and features songs from the record along with his most popular hits, like “Country Girl (Shake It For Me).” Joining Bryan are special guests George Birge, Ashland Craft and Adrien Nunez.
WHEN : June 5, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview PRICE: $55 – $1,094
Syracuse International Jazz Fest
Syracuse International Jazz Fest features numerous jazz artists from around the community and across the country. This is their 39th year of showcasing musicians in venues and restaurants across Syracuse. The five-day-long festival will feature artists like The Spinners, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and Orange Juice, Syracuse University’s Student Jazz Combo.
WHEN : June 5, 7 p.m.
WHERE: JMA Wireless Dome, Clinton Square, Hendricks Chapel PRICE: Free
“They were some of the first to bring back that kind of sound to Syracuse,” Friess said.
She pointed out how rare it is for bands to appeal to both student audiences and the city’s hardcore crowd, but Char has just managed to do that through their mix of post-hardcore and noise rock.
Friess also noticed how Char’s confidence and stage presence has grown. They’re doing what they love, and what they’re most passionate about in terms of music, Friess said.
The band has taken their talents outside of just Syracuse, and now play and collaborate with bands from Ithaca and Cornell, Friess said.
Char’s future is a bit uncertain, as members approach graduation in a year and start to plan their next steps. Still, they remain focused on writing more music and recording a full-length album before their time at SU ends.
As they look ahead, one thing is clear: they’re in it for the love of it. Whether they’re playing in packed basements or dreaming about throwing a show in Bird Library, Char’s creative momentum and spirit continue to push Syracuse’s music scene in new directions.
“We’re just trying to make music that we actually like,” Kaminski said. riavij2006@gmail.com
The Beach Boys are bringing their surf-rock sound to Syracuse. The band, formed in Hawthorne, California in 1961, has been captivating fans with their poprock style and vocal harmonies for decades. Mike Love, lead vocalist, is the last original member of the band still touring.
WHEN : June 29, 3 p.m.
WHERE: Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview PRICE: $31 – $348
The two founding members of Char met in their freshman dorm. They bonded over their love for music and their extensive musical backgrounds. courtesy of char
Families, volunteers and students gathered in La Casita Cultural Center on Friday to celebrate the children’s hard work from the semester. leonardo eriman photo editor
The Beach Boys
from the stage
This summer, dive into waterfalls, local cuisine
By Lily Zuckerman asst. digital editor
On Sunday, Syracuse University seniors will toss their caps into the air, marking their graduation. If you’re looking to celebrate this milestone, or if you’re an underclassman celebrating what’s soon-to-be summer, Syracuse has a plethora of festivals, concerts, restaurants and more to kill some time.
Heading into graduation weekend and summer in Syracuse, The Daily Orange has answers to all your questions about what to do in the area to kick off the festivities.
Want to cool down?
Believe it or not, snow isn’t the only type of weather Syracuse experiences. Summers do get warm, but don’t worry if you’re not used to the increasing temperatures. There are plenty of ways to beat the summer heat and enjoy the Syracuse sun.
Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville offers scenic views, clear blue waters and the perfect oasis on a summer day.
The park has spots to swim, boat, fish and relax around the lake. Besides a $10 car fee, there are no additional entry fees to take a walk or swim at Green Lakes.
When the students were asked to create an installation for a public space in Syracuse, they knew they wanted it to be related to I-81. The two groups in the course had the same idea, so they combined to create the installation.
“In the overall city history, it’s been something that’s been pushed aside, so to speak,” Ambani said.
Using Google Maps, the students overlaid the old city maps over Syracuse’s current cityscape to trace the outlines of the buildings. They then used this as a reference for painting underneath the I-81 highway.
To avoid cars, the students went to the underpass around midnight on Tuesday, April 22. They wore high-visibility clothing, like neon vests and headlamps, so they could safely see what they were doing as they painted.
The students had to paint the building outlines very quickly due to oncoming traffic, creating the entire installation in about two hours. They measured out the dimensions of the buildings with the map overlay and then traced them with chalk. While one person poured red paint onto the road in a straight line, another person followed them with a paint roller.
Best described the process as quick and messy — the point wasn’t to be clean and neat. When cars drove through the wet paint and left tire tracks on the installation, she said it seemed to symbolize the mark I-81 left on the Black community in Syracuse when the construction ruined their neighborhood.
“When we walked through the buildings that we painted, it was kind of crazy how much I-81
If lakes aren’t your thing and you’re willing to drive a few extra miles, there are several waterfalls in the Syracuse area.
About a 25-minute drive from SU, Pratt’s Falls Park is a 137-foot waterfall. The site includes grills, hiking trails and picnic tables, so visitors can take in the landscape and foliage while cooking up some burgers or hotdogs.
Want to change it up?
If you’re seeking a new activity to try this summer, there are multiple sporting events and festivals in the Syracuse area.
Enjoy gourmet food from over 50 different food trucks at the Syracuse Food Truck Battle. The event will take place at the New York State Fairgrounds Chevy Court on Friday, May 16, from 4 to 10 p.m., and on Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
With a $10 general admission fee, there is a food truck for everyone’s taste buds to enjoy. The entry fee allows visitors to listen to live bands performing at the festival. On Friday, there’ll be music from a Taylor Swift tribute band. On Saturday, lovelytheband, the group behind the hit song “broken,” is performing.
If you’re a sports fan, watch the Syracuse Mets play ball this summer at the NBT Bank Stadium, they play at home on May 13
was a big presence in the area,” Best said. “It was a little disturbing.”
Best said she and her classmates have been talking about I-81’s damage since their first classes at SU, and it’s been at the forefront of their minds since then.
“It’s pretty stuck in our minds that this is one of the most detrimental things that’s happened in Syracuse city planning,” Best said.
Through their seminar, students discussed the evolution of public spaces, such as highways, in relation to social justice issues and politics. Space is something that’s contested, Brown said, with people always having to fight for speech and representation.
Both groups choosing the same topic had never happened before; it reinforced how important this is to the students. The installation brings to life an invisible part of the city’s history with real-life representation.
Their project was meant to attract the attention of Syracuse area residents. Ambani said they hoped that people passing by on foot or in their cars would notice the red building outlines and become curious about what was once there.
Best recalls how oftentimes when freshmen arrive on SU’s campus, they’re told not to go near I-81 because “that’s where it’s dangerous,” but students don’t know why people think that in the first place. There’s a lot of history students can learn via a project like this, which highlights how the construction of I-81 divided the city and SU, she said.
When walking through the installation, Williams said it felt strange knowing what was once there because he could get a full sense of
against Lehigh Valley and on May 20 against Rochester. The Mets play through September, so even returning students can enjoy when summer ends. Syracuse stores like Scholars & Champs or The Yard sell Syracuse Mets memorabilia to wear at games. You can also buy some merch at the stadium and take advantage of deals like $2 hot dogs and $1 Coca-Cola on Thursdays.
Want to taste more of central New York?
If you’re looking to savor some delicious food while celebrating graduation, then Francesca’s Cucina is the place to go. Try the Utica Greens, Uncle Paula’s Bolognese or classic cannoli. This Italian eatery even includes a secret garden in the back. For larger parties, Francesca’s takes reservations.
Another dining option to take in the warm weather is Syracuse’s Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Though it doesn't take reservations, this restaurant is worth the long wait, featuring foods like prime brisket or smoked wings on its menu. Seating is available both inside and outside.
Temperatures are rarely high in Syracuse, so whether you’re preparing to take off after graduation or stay for a while, take advantage of summer in Syracuse.
lvzucker@syr.edu
the scale. To Best, it was almost like walking through a graveyard of buildings.
“They finally had a marker, and we were walking through it,” Best said. “It was a very strange, surreal feeling to be walking over what used to be someone’s home.”
Brown likes to give her students the chance to put theory into practice so they can immerse themselves in issues that are of interest to them. She hopes students realize their work can and does make a difference in the world, especially since architecture is inherently a political discipline as well as physical.
Architects directly participate in both of these disciplines, she said.
“Our built world matters, and because architects contribute directly to this, I want them to have experiences where they engage to raise the public’s awareness about something they care about,” Brown said.
Ambani and Williams are graduating from SU’s architecture program this spring. They felt that this installation was the perfect sendoff for them as they graduate, because it encouraged them to think more about how they can impact their next destination beyond traditional architectural work.
Looking forward to the removal of I-81 and the redevelopment of the 15th Ward, Williams hopes that by creating projects like these, the gap between the community and Syracuse’s history can start to close.
“It’s a really good point of reflection for those involved in the planning of the Community Grid and the citizens who are going to vote on this if they haven’t already,” Williams said. mjones58@syr.edu
said the same emotional connection is felt backstage. Throughout four years in the program, members have formed strong bonds, some as early as their first days on campus.
Hoover said he met senior lighting designer Brooklyn Green during the first day of freshman orientation. After living across from each other in Flint Hall, the two formed a connection that stretched their entire college career and through stage productions.
The cast and crew learned they would be putting on “Little Women” in January 2024, Hoover said. Since then, they’ve worked together to shape each element of the show’s design. Hoover frequently met with director David Lowenstein, who brought new props for the team to work with every day. He credited the crew’s openness and encouragement as key to pushing each person’s creative ideas forward.
Hoover said the chemistry and camaraderie of the group made “Little Women” the smoothest production he's ever worked on. It wasn’t just the collective effort of the group, he said, but the way they worked together.
“They are some of my best friends,” Hoover said. “They’re such amazing designers, amazing people. And working on the show with them has been really special.”
Unlike Hoover and Saril, SU senior and costume designer Lillian Benge had never done anything theater-related until she was a freshman because her high school didn’t have a theater program. Once she arrived at SU, she jumped at the opportunity.
During her junior year, she was given her first design assignment. She second-guessed her choices before and after every show, she said, crediting her crew with validating her creativity. Now, after doing so many shows, confidence in her work comes more easily. With “Little Women,” she knew she had done a good job.
For Benge, it’s more than just a program she wanted to be part of; it’s a family. Syracuse Stage has practically raised her, she said, and she’s finally starting to feel the emotion of her last show.
The current seniors bonded early in their freshman year, Benge said, calling every member of the group different from one another. During their first productions at SU, he said the crew would fight over different aspects of each show. After some tough love, the crew bonded for productions like “Little Women.” They not only came together as collaborators, but also as friends.
Whether acting on stage or designing from behind the curtain, the Department of Drama’s Class of 2025 is putting all four years of learning and experience into the show. Saril is grateful for the community the organization has given her.
“Honestly, I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to embark on this final journey with,” Saril said.
crmcgraw@syr.edu
julia english cartoonist
andrew berkman cartoonist
Tournament. His value is clear for the Orange. He averages 4.59 expected goals added (xGA) per game — a metric that measures a player's actions on goal-scoring chances — placing him in the 98th percentile nationwide, according to Lacrosse Reference.
When Mullen dominates, Syracuse wins. In SU’s five losses this season (excluding the thenNo. 15 Harvard upset victory over SU, where he won 90.3% of his draws), Mullen’s faceoff percentage finished below 51.5%. An off-day for Mullen could be the difference between title dreams and a premature exit.
Run the offense through Joey Spallina Joey Spallina’s shoulders have been piled with expectations and responsibility like Atlas hoisting the heavens — only his weight comes with a shot clock and a scoreboard.
As a freshman, Spallina boldly declared his goal: four championships in four years at Syracuse. Two seasons in, he’s still chasing his first. If the Orange hope to right their ship, Spallina must grip the wheel. It’s time to let him drive Syracuse to the promised land.
That doesn’t mean Spallina needs to score. It might mean he needs to shoot less. SU won the ACC Tournament with Spallina netting just one goal, but his six assists over the two games willed SU to success. He is prone to force low-percentage shots occasionally, ending promising possessions.
When he’s on his game, he’s like a wasp after a sip of Cuban coffee, buzzing around the defenses. His most impressive showing this season was when he scored four goals against Notre Dame’s Tewaaraton shortlisted defender Shawn Lyght. But bigger defenders can overpower him when the 5-foot-11 Spallina is stationary or stuck at X. That happened against No. 1 Cornell and No. 2 Maryland, where he managed just one and two goals, respectively, on a 30% shot percentage across the games.
His real magic, though, lies in his mobility — he’s like a hummingbird darting through the chaos, finding pockets of space where defenders can’t reach him, while finishing with the precision of a surgeon's scalpel.
Spallina must ignite the offense, not just score. As the NCAA Tournament nears, the Orange’s success hinges on his ability to balance
20 home runs
With Syracuse’s anemic at-bats, power could’ve been a difference-maker. But it never materialized. The Orange didn’t blast their first home run until their sixth game of the season against Long Island, the longest they’ve taken since 2018.
After Taylor Posner’s team-leading 11 home runs in 2024, the senior was expected to repeat her performance. However, she cracked just two longballs this campaign, her fewest since 2022. Her drop-off was a significant factor in Syracuse’s 20 home runs — the fewest in the ACC and 203rd in the nation.
Initially, SU didn’t need home runs to compete. However, like their batting average, facing tougher ACC competition meant the Orange needed their A-game in all facets. They simply didn’t bring it. Power-wise, their .381 slugging percentage also ranked last in the conference, as extra-base hits became rare.
“That’s Syracuse softball. We’re not a very big power-hitting team,” SU pitcher Madison Knight said following its 8-1 loss to Clemson on March 21. “Just getting on base, moving runners. It's just quality at-bats that we need. If we can get more quality at-bats, we'll be able to pile on more runs.”
When Syracuse did show pop, positives followed. The Orange won 11 out of their 13 games in which they homered. Still, SU’s 20 homers marked its fewest since 2018. And for a team that gave up 33, it became challenging to win games when it couldn’t counter.
6.16 ACC ERA
Pitching and defense drove Syracuse’s unprecedented success early on. Despite having just two frequent starters in Knight and Julianna Verni, they’d often take turns starting games.
Of Syracuse’s 49 matchups, Knight or Verni opened 39. And even when they didn’t start, they’d relieve the Orange’s other pitchers: Jackie Pengel, Rose Cano and Sydney Jackson.
But that was it. Those five pitchers made up SU’s entire staff. To form a strong unit in a conference featuring star hitters like UNC’s Kat Rodriguez, Stanford’s Emily Jones and Duke’s Aminah Vega, five pitchers isn’t enough.
With just Knight and Verni opening games, competition faced them multiple times in a three-game series. The minimal depth led to Syracuse’s 6.16 ERA in ACC play, starkly contrasting its 3.64 total ERA.
flair with smart decision-making. If he leads with poise and creativity, Spallina can inch closer to achieving part of his stated goal.
Give Payton Anderson more run
With Spallina more mobile on offense, freshman Payton Anderson can fill his spot at X. Anderson can use his 6-foot-3 frame to create goals for himself with his footwork, athleticism and physicality.
The No. 18 recruit in the class of 2024, according to Inside Lacrosse, proved that in two-goal performances at Virginia and in the ACC title game versus Duke. With Finn Thomson returning from injury, SU has its full complement of attacks. However, Anderson’s skillset and size offer something the starting attack line of Spallina, Owen Hiltz and Finn Thomson — who are all 6-foot1 and under — don’t.
Anderson has a 44% shooting percentage in the 93rd percentile, second on Syracuse — just behind Thomson’s 44.2 — according to Lacrosse Reference. But Anderson’s 10th-highest shot share for the Orange at just 3.3% underscores a simple truth: Syracuse has an underused weapon. Anderson has proven he can punish elite defenses, and his unique blend of size, strength and skill adds a unique dimension to SU’s offense.
To fully unleash their firepower, the Orange need to give Anderson more opportunities — not just as a backup, but as a game-changer.
Trust Riley Figueiras to lock down opponents’ No. 1 option
Call him Bill Withers — because Syracuse leans on Riley Figueiras to lock down the opposition’s top threat. On Sunday against Duke, he did just that, holding Blue Devils attackman Eric Malever scoreless. It was a stark contrast from their first meeting, when Malever mutilated the Orange with five goals. The key difference? Figueiras took the assignment in round 2. In the first clash, it was Michael Grace.
Figueiras is among the elite defenders in college lacrosse. He ranks in the 96th percentile for defensive expected goals added, per Lacrosse Reference. His lockdown ability showed again in the ACC Semifinals, when he limited Tewaaraton Award finalist Chris Kavanagh to just two goals.
But it’s not just shutdown defense — Figueiras wreaks havoc, too. His 19 caused turnovers this season are in the 99th
percentile, showing his physicality can flip possessions instantly.
Still, defense isn’t a one-man job. Even if Figueiras erases the opponent’s top weapon, others can do damage — and the best teams often attack in waves. For Syracuse to make a deep postseason push, its entire defense has to elevate.
That starts with discipline. SU averages more than three-and-a-half man-down minutes per game, a vulnerability an elite team can’t afford. The formula is clear: put Figueiras on the opponent’s alpha, stay out of the penalty box and let the entire defense carry it closer to a championship.
Push Luke Rhoa, Michael Leo to dodge closer to the cage and take smarter shots
SU’s primary downhill dodgers, Luke Rhoa and Michael Leo, never need a second
invitation to shoot. That can be a good thing: Rhoa exploded for four howitzers against then-No. 16 Towson, and Leo scored three goals in a tight win at UVA.
But their aggressiveness can hurt the Orange when it leads to rushed, lowpercentage shots that kill promising possessions. Rhoa is shooting just 23%, placing him in the 31st percentile nationally, while Leo’s 28% ranks 54th. Both are capable shooters, but they must recognize when to let it fly and when to swing the rock.
As dodgers, their aggression should shift toward getting deeper into the defense. Rather than settling for hopeful rips from range, they need to drive closer to the cage, where their power and precision can do real damage. Turnovers may rise, but so will the Orange’s scoring efficiency.
njalumka@syr.edu
@nalumkal
Despite hitting above .300 in nine of its first 11 games to start a program-best 11-0, Syracuse softball’s team batting average finished at just .232 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, leading to its collapse. zabdyl koffa contributing photographer
After posting seven shutouts in nonconference play, SU blanked an ACC opponent just once — in its 3-0 win over Georgia Tech on April 5. It allowed 10-plus runs seven times, even surrendering 33 across three games versus Clemson.
Exacerbating Syracuse’s struggles keeping teams off the board, the Orange walked 98 batters while their conference opponents hit .311 against them. As the season waned, SU’s overworked arms couldn’t keep pace with the ACC’s lineups, leading to its early exit.
Madison Knight’s 150 total innings pitched
Every team has a backbone. For Syracuse, that was Knight. Maryland’s former No. 1 overall Class of 2022 recruit came to Syracuse to showcase her two-way prowess. Two
strong seasons prepared her for more responsibility in 2025.
With the graduation of All-ACC pitcher Lindsey Hendrix, Knight’s pitching appearances rose from 22 games to 27, and her starts increased by seven. Her two-way performances were key, as she willed SU to a 2-1 win over Delaware on Feb. 27 with a complete game in the circle and a home run at the dish.
Knight also single-handedly lifted the Orange to their first ACC win — a 3-2 victory over Duke — pitching another complete game. She also belted a game-winning home run in the seventh.
Although Knight’s dominance didn’t carry over to conference play as smoothly,
SU head coach Shannon Doepking still pitched her in 99.0 conference innings — the most in the ACC. She also tossed 150.0 total innings, which was the second-most in the conference.
Knight finished her season with a 3.45 ERA, 12 wins and 17 complete games. When Syracuse needed someone to step up, she did so, remaining SU’s most dependable presence.
“Madison Knight’s gonna give it her all. She can do it all for us,” infielder Vanessa Flores said after Syracuse’s season-ending doubleheader against Cal on May 3. “That’s one person everybody wants on their team. That’s a girl that carried this team on her back.” jordankimball28@gmail.com @JordanKimball_
john mullen won 79% of his faceoffs at the ACC Tournament and will need to continue that success in the NCAA Tournament. ike wood asst. photo editor
from page 16 data dive
SU women’s lacrosse’s path to 4th NCAA Tournament title game
By Matthew Gray senior staff writer
Syracuse’s 2025 season couldn’t have ended worse. Following a stunning loss to unranked Virginia Tech the week before, SU looked to close out the regular season on a high against No. 2 Boston College. But BC dominated the Orange for the eighth game in a row with a 17-2 drubbing. Despite the humbling defeat, there was still hope for Syracuse in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament. Veteran defender Sam DeVito set the tone for her squad before its opening matchup with No. 3 seed Stanford, insisting, “one bad game doesn’t define us.”
But once again, Syracuse faltered when it mattered most. A 7-0 run powered SU to an 8-5 lead at the half, but its attack turned stale out of the break, and its defense shriveled. The Cardinal outscored the Orange 10-2 across the final 30 minutes, sealing their first ACC postseason win.
Now, Syracuse’s final chance to salvage its worst season under head coach Kayla Treanor lies in the NCAA Tournament. Finishing just above .500, SU settled for an at-large bid to the dance for the first time since 2018. Last season, the Orange advanced to the Final Four for the third time since 2021, but couldn’t finish the job. If Syracuse wants to embark on a similar run this season, it will need to defy the odds against some of the nation’s best programs.
Here’s Syracuse’s (9-8, 5-4 ACC) roadmap through the NCAA Tournament beginning on Friday:
First Round: Brown
Out of Syracuse’s likely opponents along its postseason path, No. 21 Brown is the only unknown. The Orange haven’t seen the Bears since their first bout in 2005, a 19-6 SU thrashing. But this time, things may not be so easy for Syracuse.
The Bears have enjoyed a historic 2025 season, punching their first-ever ticket to the NCAA Tournament. Their 10 wins tied a single-season record, earning them a spot in the Ivy League Tournament for the first time ever. If Syracuse wants to slam the door on Brown’s record-break-
from page 16
mannicci
the guidance of Brown. Working mostly on defensive backs, Brown taught Mannicci the detailed analysis required to distinguish the best from the rest. When looking at measurables, Mannicci locked in on specific speeds, heights and wingspans. On film, he examined players’ first steps and hand usage. McNeal said each week, the interns were tasked with “scout school” where they’d need to bring a player for the group to watch. Mannicci’s reports were always detailed, and his players were gems.
However, the ordinary constraints of a workday can only go so far. Mannicci’s off-the-clock sacrifices helped him earn Brown’s unwavering trust. As Mannicci and his roommates, Pat Kolb and Matt McCarthy, indulged in the typical college-kid life of spending late nights playing video games or preparing to go out to a bar, the night was interrupted by a phone call.
Around 10-11 p.m., Brown would call Mannicci to watch recruits and analyze them together. Kolb said Mannicci would then go upstairs to his bedroom and disappear for hours to call with Brown.
“Once he got that opportunity, he made sure he was as prepared as possible at all times,” Kolb said. “If he got a call at five in the morning or 11 at night, he was gonna answer it.”
Mannicci and Brown’s chemistry strengthened with the Owls, but Brown received an opportunity to move elsewhere he couldn’t pass up. After the 2019 season, Greg Schiano was hired for his second stint at Rutgers, where he added Brown to his staff as the defensive backs coach. It was bittersweet for Mannicci. He admittedly was happy for Brown, but disappointed they wouldn’t be working together anymore.
Yet Brown had a vision beyond the Scarlet Knights. And Mannicci was at the center of it.
“I remember him looking me right in my eyes in his office. He's like, ‘We can keep working together. We're gonna outwork everybody. We're gonna get one of these big Northeast jobs,’” Mannicci said Brown told him. “I said to him, ‘I'd love to be there when you do.’ He's like, ‘Bro, what are you talking about? You're gonna meet me at the front door.’”
Despite working for two different programs, Brown and Mannicci continued to work together, whether late at night or between the hours of 5-7 a.m. Mannicci began doing so many tasks for Brown that he realized it was best to step away from his position at Temple. Instead of telling McNeal the true reason, he said he needed to focus on his grades.
With a year left as a student at Temple, Mannicci considered transferring to Rutgers to join Brown. Deb and Mike spoke with Brown, who
ing campaign, it’ll need to find a way to shut down its offensive depth.
Much like Syracuse, Brown thrives on spreading the ball around. Eight different Bears have tallied double-digit goals in 2025, four of whom have also racked up 10-plus assists. Midfielder Annie Burton orchestrated Brown’s offense with a team-high 53 assists, which ranks seventh in the nation. With a career-high 51 goals, veteran attacker Greta Criqui has propelled Brown.
While Brown’s defense has forced just 7.38 turnovers per game, its goalkeeping has backstopped it. Starter Claire Mahoney’s been a consistent presence between the pipes, holding a strong .465 save percentage and 8.95 goals against per game.
Second Round: Likely No. 7 Seed Yale
A win over Brown will likely set Syracuse up for a rematch with No. 7 Seed Yale in New Haven, assuming the Bulldogs take care of business against UAlbany.
On April 2, the Orange saw their four-game win streak halted in a tight road contest with the Bulldogs. Although they never trailed by more than four, the Orange’s 7-for-26 mark on the draw hindered their comeback as they fell 13-10. Since the matchup, both sides have gone in completely different directions.
Dropping three of its next four games, SU tumbled to No. 19 in the Week 13 Inside Lacrosse Poll. The position marked its lowest ranking under Treanor and worst since 2018. On the other hand, Yale’s campaign was spotless after defeating Syracuse. The Bulldogs won out to end the season, riding that momentum to a second straight Ivy League Tournament title.
Yale boasts a top-heavy attack, but it's been an efficient strategy. Its offense runs through the big three of Jenna Collignon, Sky Carrasquillo and Fallon Vaughn, who have each tallied 40-plus goals. With occasional help from Lane Taylor, the trio has guided Yale’s draw control unit to the eighth-best percentage in the nation at .596.
The Bulldogs’ backline relies on a different trio. Yale’s defensive core of Sophie Straka, Katie Clare and Emmy Pascal have helped maintain goalie Niamh Pfaff’s stellar .470 save
reassured them Mannicci should finish his degree at Temple. A spot at Rutgers would be open once he did. Two months after he graduated from Temple in 2021, Mannicci joined the staff as a player development assistant.
Ijalana described the task at Rutgers as a “jack of all trades,” with undefined roles that required flexibility at all times. Phil Guard, who lived with Mannicci while working together at Rutgers and served on Brown’s first staff at SU, said they’d often deliver food to players due to COVID-19 restrictions and perform other tasks like monitoring study halls.
Mannicci said Brown helped him find comfort in his role. By the time he arrived in New Brunswick, many coworkers already knew him because of Brown. And the grind never stopped.
On Jan. 23, 2022, Mannicci and Guard raced home from a TopGolf development staff event to watch their teams, the Chiefs and Bills, square off in the AFC Divisional Round. In an instant classic where Kansas City and Buffalo traded four scores across the final two minutes, Brown called Mannicci to evaluate a player in the middle of the third quarter. Just as he did at Temple, Mannicci sacrificed anything to contribute.
“He pulled the kid up, he started evaluating them and the game took second priority,” Guard said. “This is the worst time to call, but (Brown) knew Aaron was gonna drop it and get to work.”
With Mannicci by his side, Brown evolved into one of the top defensive backs coaches in the country. Coming off a national championship, Georgia lost defensive backs coach Jahmile Addae to Miami and tapped Brown as his replacement. Entering 2022, Mannicci was at a crossroads.
While Brown helped start his career at Rutgers, Mannicci now had options on the table. McNeal became the director of player personnel at Illinois in 2022 and wanted to hire Mannicci to his staff. The Fighting Illini flew Mannicci out for a few days to interview and offered him a job.
Though Corey said he had an offer to join Brown at Georgia for less money and in a less significant role. Mike said the family debated for several days, but the decision eventually became apparent.
“He really wanted to stick it out with Fran,” Corey said. “He believed in Fran. Fran believed in him.”
With the Bulldogs, Mannicci became a part of what fellow staffer and current Michigan Assistant Director of Recruiting John Collins described as “The Dawg Pound.” The group was the first of its kind in college football, where a staff full of post-grad assistants built up the personnel department. Collins said the goal was to not let a single player within a six-hour driving distance of Athens go unnoticed. Every player in the transfer portal also had a grade.
percentage, scooping up a combined 75 ground balls and 39 caused turnovers.
Quarterfinals: Likely No. 2 Seed Boston College If SU can avenge its midseason loss against Yale in round two, it will likely get another crack at the reigning national champions in the quarterfinals. After the Eagles’ blowout win over the Orange, they fought their way back to the ACC Championship game before falling to No. 1 Seed North Carolina.
As it has for years, Boston College alternated between the No. 1 and No. 2 spots in the nation all season. The Eagles’ game plan runs through their attack, something Syracuse learned the hard way in the squads’ meeting on April 17. BC managed to put 12 past the Orange before they notched their first tally.
With weapons like Rachel Clark, Emma LoPinto and Mckenna Davis already eclipsing the 90-point plateau, the Eagles possess the nation’s top scoring offense with 17.68 goals per game. At their backline, defender Shea Baker captained BC to a top-five mark in defensive efficiency (22.7%) per Lacrosse Reference. Her team-high 35 caused turnovers rank third in the ACC.
In the crease, it’s been business as usual for goalie Shea Dolce. In year three as an Eagle, her .557 save percentage sits atop Division I and her 7.49 goals against average is the second-best mark in the country. She stonewalled the Orange in April with a season-high .867 save percentage.
Semifinals: Likely No. 3 Seed Northwestern
If Syracuse can somehow take down Boston College for the first time since 2021, a similar challenge may await it in the Final Four. Barring a major upset, Syracuse will have to go through No. 3 Seed Northwestern if it wants to secure an NCAA title game.
The Wildcats’ attack took a tough blow when two-time Tewaaraton Award winner Izzy Scane graduated. But after playing alongside Scane for the past couple years, junior Madison Taylor has taken up her mantle. With 89 goals, she slots in behind only Clark’s 91 for the most in Division I. Not only can Taylor find twine, but she’s also
Mannicci worked directly for Brown, saying any task for the rest of the program was secondary. Per fellow staffer and current Georgia State Director of Player Personnel Stone O’Neal, Mannicci and Brown had a specific grading system different from Georgia’s overall framework when assessing defensive backs. O’Neal said he believes the system and Mannicci’s overall expertise were key in helping the Bulldogs land elite prospects like Ellis Robinson IV, Justin Williams and eventually KJ Bolden.
Brown and Mannicci helped Georgia repeat as National Champions in 2022 with a 15-0 record. Even through their first-year success, Collins said he saw Brown push Mannicci further, motivated by the promise he made to Mannicci at Temple.
“Fran held Aaron to a high standard, and that was why, because they both saw the vision of what's after Georgia,” Collins said.
As the two drove each other forward, Mannicci became intertwined with Brown’s family. Each day for the past three years, Mannicci has picked up Brown’s middle son, Brayden, from school and brought him to the facility at both Georgia and now Syracuse.
Just a few years out of college when taking the job at Georgia, Mannicci was hundreds of miles away from home. Mike said he leaned on Brown to keep an eye on him. Corey felt there was an added security because of the Brown family.
Teara invited Mannicci over for picnics, cookouts, Thanksgiving, Easter and other holidays dating back to their time at Rutgers. The traditions continued in Athens. Teara also helped Mannicci buy groceries at times, always willing to lend a helping hand. When Mike eventually met Teara, she told him Mannicci was part of their family. Corey said she referred to him as one of the brothers because she sees Mannicci as an additional son.
“He's been Fran’s right-hand man for a long time now,” Mike said. “It's kind of like that big brother, little brother relationship.”
As success continued at Georgia, the vision of a Northeast job became closer to a reality. Brown was regarded as the top recruiter in the country, and on Nov. 19, 2023, the Syracuse job opened with the firing of Dino Babers. Mannicci said SU was one of a few jobs the duo had its eyes on when considering possible options. But, he questioned if teams were willing to hire Brown due to his inexperience and youth.
Brown needed to ace his interviews with SU’s administration to capture the dream job. While working at Georgia with Mannicci, the two built a potential recruiting board by watching film on players they’d want to recruit if Brown was hired. Mike said Mannicci analyzed the current roster and helped Brown break down certain
proven herself as a consistent distributor for the Wildcats, posting a team-high 36 assists.
Just as Taylor commands Northwestern’s attack, its duo of Sammy White and Jane Hansen do the same for its defense. Notching new career bests in caused turnovers with 34 and 40 apiece, White and Hanson helped force the Wildcats’ opponents into 305 turnovers this season.
Northwestern also features the country’s thirdbest scoring defense, as the unit accounts for 8.22 goals per game. Former SU goalie Delaney Sweitzer has been steady in net, posting a .490 save percentage in her debut season at Northwestern.
Championship: Likely No. 1 Seed North Carolina
An improbable victory over Northwestern would send SU to the finals for the first time since 2021. There, it would likely face its toughest test in No. 1 Seed North Carolina.
The last time the Orange and Tar Heels met, Syracuse put up one of its worst performances of the season. With SU still reeling from the loss of Olivia Adamson, it took just one frame for UNC to push the contest completely out of reach. By the end of the opening quarter, the Tar Heels already grew their lead to six leading to a 16-8 rout.
North Carolina enters the NCAA Tournament as the only undefeated team in the nation, claiming the program’s eighth ACC Tournament title. Sisters Chloe and Ashley Humphrey have been the engines behind UNC’s attack in 2025. The two have each put together strong Tewaaraton Award resumes, accumulating 98 and 97 points, respectively. The next-closest Tar Heel, Olivia Vergano, has just 47.
In the circle, North Carolina has received contributions across the board, as six different players have amassed at least double-digit draw controls. Supported by a deep defensive group, UNC sports a .950 clearing percentage, the best mark in the nation. Its defensive efficiency of 20.1% also ranks second-to-none, per Lacrosse Reference. And redshirt freshman Betty Nelson has been exceptional in goal, flaunting a .505 save percentage in her first year as a starter. mgray06@syr.edu @ma77hew_gray
playbooks and possible interview questions throughout the process.
On Thanksgiving night, Brown had his first call with Syracuse Director of Athletics John Wildhack. As talks ramped up through the weekend, he met with Chancellor Kent Syverud in Atlanta that Sunday.
The next morning, Mannicci said he was frantically checking social media to find any clues he could. He came across a since-deleted post on X from then-SU safety Alijah Clark, where the Camden native wrote, “When was the last time the San FRANcisco 49ers played the Cleveland BROWNs?”
A few minutes later inside the Georgia facility, Mannicci said Brown exited a staff meeting and looked straight through him in shock. “Bro, I got the job,” Brown said to Mannicci. The two embraced.
The timing of Brown’s hiring caused the pair to prepare for the Southeastern Conference Championship game against Alabama while planning Syracuse’s future. Collins said as Brown prioritized preparing his group to slow the Crimson Tide’s offense, he remembers Mannicci doing lots of “leg work” to organize their transition to the Orange. When the Bulldogs fell to Alabama on Dec. 2, the Browns and Mannicci arrived in Syracuse the next day.
“When I found out Fran was coming to Syracuse, I could almost guarantee that Aaron's gonna be on that airplane because I knew that was the opportunity he needed,” Guard said.
At SU, Mannicci has helped Brown conquer the ambition of running a Northeast Power Four program. Despite stamping a new era for the Orange through instant success, their ultimate goal of bringing SU to an ACC Championship and its first national title since 1959 remains.
While Brown leans on Mannicci, the scouting director has learned what it means to do right by people. Mannicci often sees Brown in a familiar sequence. The head coach will have 300 recruits on campus. He’ll run off the practice field, shower, cut film, get to an important dinner, call a donor and more. But there will be 20 recruits waiting to talk to him. Looking to capture their dreams through Brown, he can’t ignore them. Mannicci sees it in his face. He must go that extra mile.
“A lot of my work ethic I credit to Fran,” Mannicci said. “He's taught me a ton about how to work and live an honest life.”
Brown opened a door for Mannicci and he ran through it. In becoming his top associate, he’s forged a permanent tie.
“That's my guy,” Brown said of Mannicci. “That connection is there for life.” amstepan@syr.edu
