Hoya or not, college students across the nation are scrambling to finalize their multi-weekend fashion show, stopping at no end to develop their historical renditions and unique takes on the latest trends with the most perfect pieces, courtesy of Amazon.
To be honest, my catalog of Halloween attire is pathetic. My past costumes were infrequently original—except the time I dressed up as Ketchup, that was awesome—and more often than not hand-me-downs from older friends or pulled directly from my closet. But one fateful day in a pop-up Spirit Halloween, which was naturally in an abandoned building, I found my true Halloween alter ego: the ever-classic witch. From second grade and well into my teenage years, the hat and accompanying all black ensemble solved my aversion to Halloween costume plotting hunting.
While perhaps lame, there is something to learn from my faithful childhood costume, especially amidst the surge of frankly concerning Halloween practices. Since this summer, my TikTok feed has been a constant stream of costume inspiration. I am critically behind on figuring out the perfect rendition of, who knows honestly, I still need to secure a group of at least half-dozen friends, as well as a boyfriend. Doom-scrolling through ‘it girl’ costume recommendations frankly drains the joy out of the otherwise festive holiday. But there’s a more alarming issue at hand.
As we debate whether “Halloweekend” should be the weekend before or after October 31st (after, obviously), we should rather engage in a more pertinent discussion around the environmental implications of how we celebrate Halloween.
Let’s be honest: the only thing scarier than your recreation of Wednesday Addams is that it could take over 200 years for that very costume to decompose.
Read more of our content, Halloween or otherwise, online at georgetownvoice.com
New Georgetown president draws student praise for progressive, Jesuit values
BY JUSTIN HIGGINS
DESIGN BY MICHELLE WANG
Georgetown University announced on Oct. 15 that Eduardo M. Peñalver would be named the institution’s 49th president, after a unanimous vote by the board of directors. In interviews with the Voice, students said they are excited by Peñalver’s Latino identity, progressive views, and commitment to Jesuit values as they look ahead to his tenure.
Peñalver will begin his role on July 1, 2026 after four years as president of Seattle University. The son of a Cuban immigrant, he will become the first non-interim Latino president of Georgetown.
The news of Peñalver’s appointment excited some students with Latine heritage and connections, including Mariah Roque (CAS ’28), who is involved in Ritmo y Sabor, Georgetown’s Latin dance group, and the Georgetown Caribbean Culture Circle.
“As soon as I saw the last name, I was like ‘Oh, thank God. This is representation,’” Roque said. “I think when we look at private universities, this isn’t something that you see normally.”
Roque took particular interest in Peñalver’s honorary member status in Lambda Upsilon Lambda (LUL), a historically Latino fraternity. While Georgetown doesn’t have an LUL chapter on campus, it does have the Latinx affinity house La Casa Latina, which serves a similar purpose of providing community for Latinx students.
La Casa Latina said in a statement to the Voice that they are “excited about the new president sharing an identity” with them and that they “look forward to future collaboration.”
Roque is the house’s Director of Communications and Outreach. She said she is excited to connect with Peñalver and share with him the needs of Georgetown’s Latino community.
“He is the voice that we kind of need during this time, especially in Washington, D.C.,” Roque said, referencing Peñalver’s progressive history.
Peñalver acknowledged how the politics and policies of immigration “hit close to home” for him, at a 2017 Cornell Law event, going on to express his “sympathy and solidarity” to individuals who may be impacted by the potential elimination of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals at the time. In 2023, Peñalver co-wrote an article arguing that affirmative action is a core part of a Jesuit education. Earlier this year, he wrote a letter against bans on transgender service in the military and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.
In an interview with The Washington Post, Georgetown’s Presidential Search Committee Chair Kevin Warren (MSB ’84) said that amid a challenging environment for higher education institutions, it was important that the next president was strongly committed to the university’s Jesuit values, including welcoming international students.
Like Roque, Olivia Mason (CAS ’26) is looking forward to Peñalver’s apparent “pro-protecting immigrant students” stance. She sees this outlook as especially important given the current political climate in D.C., including crackdowns by immigration enforcement officials and President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard.
Mason also emphasized that she hopes Peñalver’s appointment means an opportunity to further strengthen the relationship between GUSA and administration. Mason previously served as a GUSA senator before moving to an executive role in the Henshaw-Wagner administration.
GUSA is most productive when it has a strong relationship with the university’s administration, Mason said.
“The decisions GUSA makes aren’t binding. We rely on the school’s administration to be able to enact the things that we want as the
student body,” Mason said. “When we have a president that is in alignment with what the senators and student body are looking for, it makes our jobs as student representatives much easier.”
As GUSA’s director of Capitol Campus a"airs, Mason also hopes that Peñalver will engage with students at the Capitol Campus and work to integrate that community with their counterparts on the main campus. Peñalver told The Washington Post that he wants to expand Georgetown’s investment in its Capitol Campus.
He also plans to bring to Georgetown his experiences leading the Jesuit Seattle University—where he described his vision as “progressive, Jesuit and Catholic,” according to The Spectator, its student newspaper.
For some Catholic students, that continued commitment to Jesuit and Catholic values was particularly important in a new university leader, especially another lay president. Lukas Pitman (SFS ’27) is involved in Campus Ministry and Catholic Ministry, working as a student sacristan and a retreat leader.
“When it comes to the decision, I think they came to the right one,” Pitman said. "Regardless of whether or not he’s a Jesuit, I still think that he, from what I’ve seen, is looking to uphold Georgetown’s Catholic identity, and specifically some of the di"erent tenants of Jesuit core values.”
Pitman was surprised that a decision was reached before next year.
“They had so many more months to make this decision, and yet the candidate maybe just spoke out as just perfect for that role,” Pitman said.
Reflecting on his expectations for Peñalver, Pitman praised President Emeritus John J. DeGioia (CAS ’79, GRAD ’95), who was Georgetown’s first lay president, for his commitment to interfaith dialogue.
“What Jack DeGioia did here at Georgetown was he was very much a figurehead of bringing all the di"erent faiths together,’” Pitman said, adding that DeGioia did this while keeping the school true to its Jesuit Catholic identity.
Pitman hopes Georgetown’s new president will draw on the work of his predecessor, whom Pitman said dedicated his career to the school and acted as a unifying force on campus.
“I hope that Peñalver recognizes the work that Jack DeGioia did and continues that legacy here at Georgetown,” Pitman said.
Turning a new page: Meet Georgetown’s new library dean, Alexia Hudson-Ward
BY BASIA PANKO AND MINHAL NAZEER
DESIGN BY SHABAD SINGH
Anew and welcoming presence has appeared among the familiar shelves and study spots of Georgetown’s library system. On Aug. 30, Alexia HudsonWard stepped into the role of University Librarian and Dean of the Georgetown University Library.
Hudson-Ward now leads the dedicated team of librarians who keep Georgetown’s libraries running, succeeding Harriette Hemmasi after her seven years of service. During her tenure, Hudson-Ward hopes to encourage more students to increasingly visit Georgetown libraries by making them more welcoming and accessible, while also ensuring they continue to reflect the university’s values of service and community.
As the former Associate Director for Research, Learning, and Strategic Partnerships at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) libraries, Hudson-Ward comes to the job with extensive experience. For five years, she coordinated work across more than 40 academic departments, labs, and centers, led the library’s public service division and music library, and directed its artificial intelligence strategy.
Her career path, however, was far from linear.
Before becoming a librarian, HudsonWard worked in communications, journalism, and corporate marketing, including a customer marketing manager position with Coca-Cola. After several years in those industries, she realized she wanted a job that would align more closely with her values and the legacy she hoped to leave behind, she told the Voice.
“I wanted to leave positive imprints,” Hudson-Ward said. “So I spent a lot of time, literally, in prayer and contemplation, thinking about what I wanted to do with my career.”
This reflection brought her back to her second-grade dream of being a librarian.
Though Hudson-Ward already held bachelor’s degrees in English Literature and African American Studies from Temple University, she decided to earn a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh. She completed the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program and
worked in the Pennsylvania State University library system as a tenured associate librarian before stepping into leadership positions at Oberlin College and MIT.
Hudson-Ward said she was compelled to join Georgetown because of its loyalty to its core values. She said that she sees Georgetown as an institution that isn’t afraid to confront questions about access to information, equity, inclusion, and social justice.
“What drew me to this particular opportunity, especially at this critical moment in history, is the way in which Georgetown remains very clear-eyed and very articulate around its values,” Hudson-Ward said.
Head of library outreach, Beth Campolieto Marhanka, said that Hudson-Ward’s passion for making Georgetown’s library system more accessible is already apparent.
“In addition to meeting with leadership across the University during her first month at Georgetown, she’s also met with hundreds of faculty, students, and staff in committees and departments across campus to understand what people want from a 21st-century library,” Markhanka wrote to the Voice
Alongside meeting with members of the Georgetown community, Hudson-Ward is jumping right in to improving campus’s physical library spaces. This includes working closely with the team renovating Lauinger Library on upcoming projects, including the reopening of the restored Pierce Reading Room in January, the expansion of special collections, and other accessibility improvements. These improvements, which will run through December 2025, will include updated seating, modernized elevators, and renovated restrooms on the second and fourth floors of Lau; a more accessible lowerlevel entrance is also being considered to allow for easier access, Hudson-Ward said.
The library administration hopes that Lau can increasingly become a third space—gathering places outside the dorm or classroom—for students. The ongoing renovation efforts aim to further this goal, but Hudson-Ward said that students are already taking advantage of these spaces.
“Our libraries are bustling with activity,” Hudson-Ward said.
As Lau approaches its 230th anniversary, Hudson-Ward hopes to balance new ideas with a commitment to building on Georgetown’s Jesuit values. Among these
values, Hudson-Ward said that care of the whole person and the pursuit of knowledge can be explored through the library’s archives and other learning resources.
“What a great time to celebrate this remarkable university being committed to having an outstanding library that provides so many pathways to access and excellence for students and faculty and researchers and staff,” Hudson-Ward said.
While Hudson-Ward said that there are many exciting things on the horizon for Georgetown’s libraries, she also said that things like misinformation, disinformation, and AI pose challenges to library system managers. She said that she sees libraries as conveners of these new, complicated issues, and that they can serve as places to guide further discussion on these topics.
Concerns about the future, including the environmental detriments of AI and increasing misinformation, also shape Hudson-Ward’s love for literature. Her favorite book is Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower, which describes a society affected by corporate greed and economic inequality as government institutions have disintegrated.
She read the novel when she was an undergraduate, but finds it just as relevant today.
“We’re absolutely living that. We’re seeing how prophetic and how futuristic her lens was, and in an almost kind of chilling way,” Hudson-Ward said.
Yet, beyond her concern, Butler said that humans have the capacity to be adaptable and resilient in times of societal challenges, which she believes is exemplified through libraries.
“I continue to be inspired by the international love of the symbolism of what a library represents,” she said. “There seems to be this idea, or this universal appreciation for a repository of knowledge.”
Spanish has always been a part of who I am. Ever since I can remember, my mom has said, “respond to me in Spanish so you don’t forget your culture.” So I did. I speak to my family in Spanish, and as a result, my language skills have become a point of pride. From talking to my abuela to listening to Spanish music, language has enabled me to stay true to my heritage.
When I enrolled in Georgetown’s SFS, I was required to achieve proficiency in a foreign language to graduate, proven through an oral and reading assessment. Spanish was the natural choice. I took a language placement exam, thinking I would quickly be cleared to take the proficiency test. But the results indicated that I needed to enroll in Spanish classes. Although I spoke fluently, I was told by the Spanish department that I was not up to the institutional standard and capable of discussing advanced topics such as international relations.
I am a heritage speaker: someone who grew up in a home where their heritage language was the primary language, but did not attend school in or receive formal training in that language. After struggling to prove my language ability to the SFS, I realized that in academic settings, the validity of heritage speakers’ language skills is frequently questioned. Students are caught between their lived experience speaking a language at home and the pressure to prove they meet the language’s academic standards.
It is difficult to estimate the number of heritage speakers in the United States, but 57% of U.S.-born Hispanics can at least carry a conversation in Spanish “pretty well,” according to the Pew Research Center. Heritage speakers are especially prominent in Hispanic-American communities where children are spoken to in Spanish, but attend English-language schools.
However, Spanish heritage speakers don’t fit neatly into any one category. Some speak “Spanglish,” mixing English and Spanish, whereas others speak both equally well. The topics heritage speakers discuss at home also vary widely across
families, meaning vocabulary can be different.
Furthermore, heritage speakers occupy a distinct space within the sphere of Spanish language learning. Native speakers attended school in Spanish and sat through basic grammar lessons, while second language learners also learned the grammar rules in order to master the language. Heritage speakers have neither experience. This doesn’t make them any less valid in their language use, but assessments used to quantify language ability fail to adjust to these unique situations.
While heritage speakers’ oral fluency often reflects deep cultural and familial ties, their literacy skills—reading and writing ability—can vary widely. I personally text in Spanish, read TikTok comments in Spanish, and even read Mexican news articles my family sends me.
The SFS proficiency exams require students to read a news article and discuss it in a foreign language. It's fair for the SFS to question heritage speakers’ abilities to read and write, but not to assume that all heritage speakers can only speak.
Furthermore, since Spanish uses the Latin alphabet and follows a highly phonetic system, it is much easier for Spanish heritage speakers to learn to read and write compared to other languages. Those who already speak the language can often transfer their oral fluency into writing fairly easily.
It is understandable that heritage speakers should demonstrate literacy, but in general, Georgetown’s SFS needs a new outlook when teaching Spanish heritage speakers. Although the Spanish department offers two advanced Spanish classes for heritage speakers, there is often limited availability, and sometimes the classes are canceled due to low enrollment. The courses also
don’t focus on Latin American politics, instead centering on Hispanic communities in the United States. A faculty member told me not to register for the class, as it would not prepare me for the proficiency test.
If the SFS wants heritage speakers to take language classes, they have to meet students where they’re at.
This means teaching Spanish differently to these students. Heritage speakers may know how to use grammatical structures in practice, but are unaccustomed to the specific grammar rules and academic jargon. Professors should be aware of this when teaching heritage students. They should make grammar explanations example-based instead of definition-based, since it’s easier for heritage speakers to understand how to use language rather than how linguistic terms are defined.
Professors also need a more informed perspective when they teach heritage speakers. I had a professor get defensive when I attended office hours trying to clarify a conjugation question, telling me, “There’s nothing left for me to teach you.”
Particularly, non-native Spanish professors must realize that heritage speakers don’t threaten their teaching abilities and can provide valuable insights into the lived realities of Spanish learning.
For instance, heritage speakers often use unique vocabulary and idioms from wherever their parents are from, speaking a more colloquial form of Spanish. This would expose other students to different forms of Spanish and enable them to communicate better throughout Latin America.
As the SFS seeks to preserve the formality and standardization of language, it is harmful to look down upon heritage speakers because of their background. Instead of seeking to change them, the SFS must recognize how heritage speakers at Georgetown serve as a bridge between American and Hispanic cultures and expand students’ approach to language learning. By supporting the diverse experiences heritage speakers bring, institutions can create a more inclusive approach to language education.
A gorl's guide to dining at Georgetown
BY ALEX LALLI AND PHEOBE NASH | DESIGN BY PAUL KANG
Looking to impress an out-of-town vistor? Desperate to dine with your latest situationship? Wanting to take a class friendship to a new level?
Welcome to our guide to dining in Georgetown!
As the designated reservation makers, we’re excited to share our favorite spots (mostly) within walking distance of campus. Instead of scouring Yelp or listening to the inherently faulty advice of Sprinkles fans, we curated restaurant recommendations for all the hyperspecific situations you may find yourself in. Bon appétit!
For family weekend, or other occasions with adult money — Kyojin Sushi
Following the culinary journey that was family weekend, swiping what my brothers and I lovingly call “the company card,” I rediscovered my appreciation for actual food. Instead of pretending that Georgetown has a strong Italian restaurant, be di!erent. Kyojin Sushi checks all of my (and my mother’s) requirements: a strong menu, shareable plates, high-quality fish, and a quiet enough atmosphere to deeply explain every class you’re taking.
For your situationship — Falafel Inc
This is not a date. But like, it could be. Vibing out a friendship for anything more is never fun. Don’t we all wish we could communicate without fearing rejection or, worse, an “I’m so flattered”? Chills. Unfortunately, risk is always a factor, so now you’re stuck trying to plan a not-date date. Lucky for you, Falafel Inc— selling a super chill $4 sandwich— allows for the perfect amount of suggestion without being upfront romantic. They have no in-house seating, so you just have to go somewhere else to eat. Maybe lay out a picnic blanket on the waterfront while you’re at it.
For when everyone seems to be paying with their trust fund but you — Barcelona Wine Bar Oh, Barcelona, my old so-and-so. We’ve
been through it all together, from celebratory outings and pretending my friend got into law school for a free flan, to impressing my hometown friends by being that girl with a go-to wine bar. Don’t be deceived by the dim lighting and pounding music that adds at least a dozen “what?’s” to every conversation: underneath her glitzy exterior, Barcelona understands a budget and a dream. Two words: sangria pitcher. Perhaps the greatest deal around ($38 for eight drinks is a win in my book), Barcelona is that little black dress you wear that makes everyone ask, “Where did you get that?!” as you proudly say… “Amazon.”
For feeling like you’re on a chic Parisian road — La Bonne Vache
Much of my culinary coming-of-age was directly shaped by two friends I met studying abroad in high school. I’ve carried their advice in restaurant selection (nothing under four stars) and plate sharing (always) ever since. As fate brought us all to D.C. for college, we’ve returned to the same tables and rituals where we initially became friends. All this to say, La Bonne Vache receives the “Barcelona besties” seal of approval as the perfect venue to share a plate of frites, try escargot for the first time, and celebrate years of friendship. Their French burgers are truly worth a wait in the miles-long line or an awkwardly early dinner.
For
the
vegans — Chaia Tacos
entire half of a Margherita pizza for only $6 each. As its red lights shine across the intersection, 90 Second Pizza is a beacon of the most important promise of a late-night spot, which is, of course, consistency. Open until 2 a.m. most nights and even until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s worth rerouting your Uber to pick up a pie, even if it takes a few seconds longer than 90.
If you’re a genuine veganite, plant-based on Wednesdays, or just in the market for a new lunch spot, Chaia is a Georgetown gem. The taco flavors are unique and the ingredients are Los Angeles-farmersmarket-fresh. My personal favorites are the mushroom and sweet potato tacos, but do not sleep on their nachos. I don’t normally gravitate to this dish—deeply associated with men and football—but at Chaia, it’s gourmet. Chaia doubles as the most top-secret study spot o! campus with an immaculately sunlit and not-too-crowded upstairs loft. Thank me in December.
For satisfying late-night cravings — 90 Second Pizza
As my friends and I stumble down Wisconsin Ave. after a night well spent, we are guided by a core objective: the promise of an
For when you need to lock in through all three meals — Tatte Bakery & Cafe
On a never-ending quest for third places, I have had a tumultuous relationship with Tatte at times. In earnest, my love-hate comes from Tatte’s double threat of both good food and study spots, which puts the tables in high demand. While you may have to balance an array of plates and laptops on the too small tables, there’s no such thing as a bad order. The seasonal drinks fueled many a Sunday morning trek from Darnall last year, but only after I had aggressively secured a seat.
For when you want to break the friendship fourth wall — Dig Inn
It all started with one fateful Leo’s dinner before climbing club when we started saying “gorl” every other word, deeming it a national holiday: “Gorlday.” While the rest of the crowd was not necessarily delighted, “gorl” started a wonderful friendship that only needed to be sealed with a meal. In comes DIG. The brussels sprouts and roasted carrots have our hearts, and we adore a build-your-own bowl situation, but we require quality (looking at you, Chipotle—your guacamole has gotten watery). But it is even more meaningful to us, the authors, as it is the setting of our friendship origin—we broke the fourth wall, people! All that to say, DIG is Gorldom. Skip, don’t walk.
Find the rest of our recommendations online at georgetownvoice.com
Why is Washington, D.C., so gay?
BY ALEXANDRA RISI
DESIGN BY ELLE MARINELLO
Georgetown students go to school in the “gayest city in the country.”
With 14.5% of its population identifying as LGBTQ+, D.C. has a larger percentage than any of the 50 states. This percentage is nearly twice as high as in Oregon, the state with the next highest percentage of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Experts and historians have a range of theories, from its historic and current political activism to its robust social scene, on what makes D.C. such a stronghold for the LGBTQ+ community.
A change-making city
Above all, the most mentioned reason for D.C.’s extensive LGBTQ+ community is the District’s proximity to the center of change. Being miles away from the White House is not just a coincidence; it’s a choice that many LGBTQ+-identifying people make to be closer to political action, advocates told the Voice.
“Because of its centrality in national life, the city has also drawn women and men with political skills and interests and an ability to organize to resist being erased,” wrote Mark Meinke, founder of the Rainbow History Project, an organization that collects and promotes the history of LGBTQ+ life in D.C.
“The community’s political skills have meant that LGBTQ citizens are watchful and responsive to threats and other challenges,” Meinke continued.
Dave Perruzza, the owner and manager of gay bar Pitchers and lesbian bar A League of Her Own, agrees.
“Somebody told me once that D.C. is filled with ex-Yearbook Committee members, high school vice presidents, and high school presidents,” Perruzza said. “Everybody who wants to make change comes to D.C., and that’s a lot of queer people from smaller towns that don’t see themselves in their own cities.”
Historic activism
LGBTQ+ activism in D.C. has been flourishing since the early 1960s, Meinke told the Voice, when Frank Kameny and Jack Nichols established the Mattachine Society of Washington, a gay rights organization.
Kameny established the society after being fired from the U.S. Army Map Service for his sexuality and would later go on to become the first openly gay man to run for Congress. Nichols was a writer who worked on fostering relationships between the LGBTQ+ community and religious groups from various denominations. The Mattachine Society paved the way for
public queer advocacy in D.C. by advising LGBTQ+ federal employees on their rights, organizing public demonstrations, and liaising with civil and religious groups, according to Meinke and other advocates.
“The original Mattachine invented the modern LGBTQ template for activism,” Charles Francis, the president of the new Mattachine Society, formed in 2011, wrote to the Voice.
The current society is dedicated to archiving LGBTQ+ history in D.C., similar to the Rainbow History Project. However, its predecessor took a more active role in calling attention to gay rights. The society provided support to gay people who had been arrested and fired, and it established further visibility for gay rights through protests and policy campaigns.
“The group carried out the first public protests by homosexuals, beginning in the spring of 1965 (in front of the White House),” Meinke wrote.
In part because of the work done by the Mattachine Society and similar organizations, a culture of acceptance was formed, encouraging people of all sexual and gender identities to live in D.C., advocates told the Voice. It also paved the way for the District’s LGBTQ+ community today.
Political awareness
D.C. is unique because its residents are both educated on the current political climate and have the proximity to work directly to change it, according to Brianna Battle, founder of QueerTalkDC. QueerTalkDC is a social media platform that highlights queer events in D.C. and a consulting company for creators seeking to reach the queer community.
She herself is no stranger to the political landscape, having worked in Congress as a staffer for almost 10 years.
Now, Battle is a full-time content creator, posting guides and events for queer people in the greater Washington region. She has dedicated her time to building community, including through coordinating large-scale queer events, such as markets and a camping retreat bringing together queer-identifying individuals.
“I want to let queer people know what’s happening every single week, even if it’s a lot of work,” Battle said.
Queer-friendly scene
LGBTQ+-friendly culture is only growing in D.C., and advocates like Battle said that this robust community is another reason why the District remains the “gayest city in the country.”
“D.C. is so unique, it’s very artsy,” Battle said. “We have a nice little edge to us.”
In her work building queer community, Battle said that she most enjoys getting to help queer people experience new things. She recalls being moved to tears as people came up to her at the camp, saying that they had gone camping for the first time because of the event.
“I want queers to take away the fact that they can and should do anything that heterosexual people do,” Battle said. “Anything you see can be transformed into a space for the queer community.”
Battle pointed to the area’s many LGBTQ+-friendly businesses as one important reason that the queer community thrives in the District.
“There’s something very probusiness, very pro-queer business here in Washington D.C.,” Battle said. “We like to support each other monetarily, which is dope. That’s why I feel like markets do very well, performances do very well, festivals do very well here because we have fun listening to music, having a libation, and supporting each other.”
Perruzza runs two of these businesses, which serve as safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people, he said.
“Sometimes I’ll just sit at the bar and look at all of these people having fun and feeling comfortable and knowing that they’re safe and knowing that I did that,” Perruzza told the Voice. “I’ve never met somebody who didn’t feel comfortable here.”
Allie Gaudion (CAS ’26), Advocacy Director for GUPride, said that these spaces have become a hallmark of Washingtonian culture for young people.
“I always hear people saying, ‘Oh, we’re going to go to Pitchers. Oh, we’re going to go to A League of Her Own,’” Gaudion said. “These queer bars being so central, I think, is so cool.”
Youth in the city
Gaudion said that this LGBTQ+ social scene thrives in D.C. in part because of the city’s youthfulness.
As of 2022, millennials made up 53% of D.C.’s population, making it one of the most popular cities for young single people to live in. The population is especially youthful when students from D.C.’s approximately a dozen colleges are in the city.
“People say it all the time, but the younger generations tend to identify more or be more publicly out as queer,” Gaudion said.
Research agrees. Studies from Gallup show that each younger generation is about twice as likely to be LGBTQ+ identifying as the previous one.
Some young people, including Georgetown students, said they find themselves drawn to D.C. because of its diversity.
For Mara Stephens (SFS ’27), a transfer student, D.C.’s LGBTQ+ community is more diverse than her hometown in Vermont.
“People in D.C. and on Georgetown’s campus are from all over the country,” Stephens said. “Back at home, there was an LGBT community, but it was very small, and it was all people who were local to the area.”
For Devin Weil (CAS ’28), a Georgetown student from southern Florida and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, the difference was even more pronounced.
“Obviously, it’s really difficult being an LGBTQ+ person in Florida, so being in D.C. is definitely much more accepting,” Weil said. “It’s almost like it is the norm here, which is kind of funny.”
LGBTQ+ community on campus
Gaudion, Stephens, and Weil have found LGBTQ+ community both on and off campus. However, while student advocates said they feel supported by these communities, some believe that the work at Georgetown is not done.
The LGBTQ Resource Center in the Office of Student Equity and Inclusion frequently aims to foster connection on the Hilltop through experiences such as “OUTober,” a celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month including various social events. Stephens has attended a few of them.
“They were great, they were really welcoming and friendly,” Stephens said.
“I can’t say that I’ve had any negative interactions or any issues where there’s been a lack of resources that I needed.”
GUPride, the student-run organization that Gaudion works for, also focuses on this same goal of community building. Gaudion’s focus is on improving the quality of life for LGBTQ+ students on campus.
“I have a series of issue areas that I’m focused on,” Gaudion said. “Primarily, this semester has consisted of getting a Queer Living Learning Community up and running, as well as working on the issues that have been posed for transgender students within gender inclusive housing.”
Crossroads, the former Queer Living Learning Community (LLC) at Georgetown, was created in 2018 but was shut down during the pandemic. Even when pandemic restrictions were lifted, the LLC never returned. Now, students like Gaudion are fighting to bring this space back to campus.
Gaudion’s work is not only motivated by specific action items but a general goal of protection for queer students.
“I want every queer student on campus to feel comfortable and safe,” Gaudion said. “Whether that be in their housing, whether that be in class, whether that be in the community with other queer people. It’s really important to me that everyone feels like there’s a space for them.”
Weil also hopes that the university continues to work to ensure that students feel safe. He said that sometimes, it feels like the university’s Catholicism juxtaposes LGBTQ+ identities.
“Obviously, it’s a little bit difficult being at a Jesuit university. Some of the values do come into conflict with the LGBTQ community,” he said. “I think for the most part it’s very accepting, but I definitely think there’s still work that can be done in terms of creating a Queer LLC, making resources more accessible to queer students, and helping trans people and more vulnerable individuals in the community.”
Despite further work LGBTQ+ students want to see from the university, advocates said that being in a LGBTQ+friendly city like D.C. provides a supportive backdrop for change.
“A lot of these queer institutions in D.C. have been here for so long,” Gaudion said. “I keep seeing this statistic about D.C. being the gayest city in the country, and I feel like, in my experience, that has always been the case.”
YoU sTilL Don't haVE a coStuME?
BY KARCIN HAGI | DESIGN BY PIA CRUZ
’Twas th e night before Halloween, and you had nothing to wear. You begged your friends for their hand-medowns, yet not a single pair of animal ears survived last year’s blackout.
This conundrum may seem insoluble, but having nothing to wear actually guides you in the right direction (especially if you’re heading to Flash). Regardless of what your plans are, there are myriad directions you can still take to have people talking about your costume for weeks after.
Before you get started, remember that the first step of any outfit is a thorough shower followed by deodorant. You might be dressed like a professional wrestler, but you shouldn’t smell like one, too.
The most important consideration is where you’re going for the night. If you’re headed to a quaint consulting club party, you might want to save your chaps for a later date. They’ll come in handy more often than you think, but not if you’re trying to make board next semester. Conversely, if you’re leaving at midnight to go to a club, don’t wear heavy clothes. In fact, in this scenario, you’re probably better off minimizing the amount of fabric you wear. It gets hot on the dance floor, and your class crush usually only gets to see you in a sweater and baggy jeans, so seize this moment!
Once you have a rough idea of the kind of outfit you would like to wear, it's now time to decide on a direction for your costume. Anything is on the table: funny, niche, classic, or downright slutty. If you’re tight on time, it’s best to pick out pieces from your wardrobe that you could work with and decide your costume from there. Childhood cartoon characters are an easy option that lets you forgo meddling details. For example, if you have a yellow sweater and jeans, you’re basically Arthur. I also suggest trying to use an article of clothing you bought but never ended up wearing. This will both help the outfit seem curated and justify your purchase!
If you’re trying not to spend hundreds of dollars on five costumes this Halloweekend, there are plenty of ways to make affordable, yet impressive costumes. If you’re feeling stuck, expand your definition of a costume: find a pair
of baggy jeans, a tight top, and some sort of head accessory, and make it work. With this method, you could be anything: a Twilight -esque vampire, a Subway Surfer, or a mouse, duh. For the details, use the color printer on Lau 2 and cut out what you need, or head to the Maker Hub and get crafting! As a nuclear option, you can always ask your favorite Sig Ep groupie for a wig—she’ll have you covered.
A classic Halloween costume is hard to mess up. In my opinion, the simpler the noun, the better. Although you can almost guarantee that everyone has seen a ghost or a princess trick-or-treating, a simpler costume gives you freedom to showcase your sense of style and personality. You can simply be a ghost, or you can make your ghost a zeitgeist by throwing on an absurd amount of watches. The best Halloween costumes are immediately recognizable, and with classics, you can’t go wrong.
Now, if you’re looking to get creative with your costume, a play on words or a popular-enough meme can be a great option. Obviously, with this approach, you risk coming across as a bit “unc,” but your best judgment can do you wonders. An example of such a costume would be tapping a partner to be the Thing 6 to your Thing 7 ( I’m proud of that one. Someone please do this ). Being funny absolves you from the expectation of looking hot, and being comfortable is always a plus.
While leaning into your interests can lead to some of the best Halloween costumes, it’s important to remain realistic and socially responsible when it comes to your expectations. With the past couple of Halloweens feeling like they were the niche Olympics, it’s easy to fall into a trap of trying to have the most obscure and esoteric costume of the night. It’s embarrassing. Or selfserving. Or both.
If you do decide to wear a hyper-niche costume, I have two recommendations. First, don’t spend your night on Google Images showing people the reference photo
and explaining your costume. I promise you no one cares, and when you finally finish explaining it, they’re going to nod and hope the interaction ends soon. If you want to wear something no one will understand, accept that they won’t. Secondly, if it’s going to be niche, it's got to be good. With a super-specific character in mind, even those most in tune with your corner of the internet will rely on the fine details to recognize you. No one’s gonna recognize an AMC-ad Nicole Kidman if you don’t wear a pinstripe jumpsuit.
Regardless of which direction you choose, what’s most important is that you wear something you are comfortable in. Of course, if feeling hot in five-inch stilettos is more appealing than throwing on your tennis shoes, go for it. But the beauty of Halloween is in the fun and freedom to choose to wear whatever you would like. Don’t let the time pressure or Amazon charges to your card make you lose sight of that. Get creative, get excited, and have a safe and batshit Halloweekend! !
The Voice’s Halloweekend ho
BY HALFTIME LEISURE
DESIGN BY KATIE REDDY
Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)
By Joaquin Martinez
This October, Mercury is in Scorpio, meaning your thoughts will run deep and weigh on your conscience. Trust your gut. Those chills down your spine or those sudden goosebumps are not to be ignored! Many evil witches will try to cast malevolent spells on you, but if you follow your intuition, you will be able to spot the tricks from the treats.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)
By Ninabella Arlis
Mercury moved into Sagittarius on Oct. 29, meaning you should watch your words. Communicating with others may be tricky, but it’s your self-talk that you should worry about. Don’t let anyone hold you back, especially yourself. You can do anything you put your mind to this Halloweekend, whether that means creating the sexiest, most niche but also clearly recognizable costume ever, or resisting the urge to run away from your friends when you’re drunk.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 21)
By Lucy Montalti
Pisces (Feb. 20 - March 20)
By Elizabeth Adler
Let loose this Halloween, just not too loose. Remember, you aren’t experiencing God on the Village A rooftop—that’s just the five White Claws you drank on an empty stomach (no, the Whisk latte you had this morning doesn’t count). Go grab some 90 Second Pizza and wind down before you start asking everyone if they hate you (they don’t).
keep it uniquely you.
There are only so many times that one can supervise a drunken friend, and you, Capricorn, discovered that limit during last year’s cursed double Halloweekend. Nevertheless, we persist. This year, we’re doing affirmations. Hold my hands, and repeat after me: “My costume will be hot, and God-fucking-damn-it somebody will flirt with me.” This is your year to be the problem…
Aquarius, you might be dressing up as a sexy mouse or Elphaba this Halloween, but with Pluto’s transit through Aquarius this October, you’ll be spiritually embodying Carrie Bradshaw in some of her lowest moments (hopefully without the cheating era). If only you had a $400 pair of Manolo Blahniks to soothe the pain of your Mr. Big.
I want you to do us all a favor: calm down and focus on yourself. Take some time on your costume (because rarely is your first choice the best one), and have some genuine fun. Get off your high horse, strut the streets of Georgetown, and party until you can’t anymore!
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
By Amber Bai
Your creativity and leadership will shine, making you the head of the Halloween masquerade, the Mike Wheeler, the Fred Jones. We all know what you’re capable of, but don’t overexert yourself with trick-or-treating and midnight parties. Stay safe, enjoy the night, and let your light outshine the shadows lurking.
Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
By Joaquin Martinez
Expect major changes to your priorities, valuables, and earthly possessions. Your mind will soon turn into a haunted house, and many ghouls will appear at your front door. Unfortunately, you will encounter more tricks than treats this Halloween, but ultimately, you hold the key to your own spellbook. Don't let any trolls ruin your night!
Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22)
By Phoebe Nash
Given this isn’t your peak astrological season, consider your fellow lioness: Barack Obama. Lean into your cunning charisma when choosing your costume. Think Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spotted at Compass Coffee, Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pen.) flipping burgers with Georgetown University Grilling Society, or that one GUSA poster that looked like an advertisement for jeans. I hope your look makes as little sense as your choice of underdressed pledge to go home with.
Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)
By Aubrey Butterfield
Your biggest fright this Halloweekend won’t be your economics midterm results, or your ex texting “u up?” at 2:46 a.m. on a Tuesday, but something truly scary: yourself. Halloweekend might not be the best time to bring up your crush on your Resident Assistant or how you purposefully avoid cleaning the toilet to watch your evil suitemate suffer. Best of luck, and consider skipping the neon green mystery punch.
Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22)
By Alexandra Risi
The sun may have just moved out of your sign, but that means it’s time to soak up some time out of the spotlight. Being off the main stage means you can have the messiest Halloween you’d like. If you want to down a couple of shots of witch’s brew and text all the people who have ghosted you, we won’t complain. Visit georgetownvoice.com for our full horrorscopes.
The big
BY JACOB GARDNER
DESIGN BY LUCY MONTALTI
There are universal milestones that mark our passage through adolescence and into a more self-aware, exhausted adulthood. These “canon events” include a first heartbreak that feels like th world, a first job that reveals capitalism’s dark comedy, and a first betrayal that rewires your understanding of trust. They become shorthand for growth and proof that we’ve suffered, lived, and learned.
But one canon event rarely gets the respect it deserves: bangs.
I don’t mean the coy, à-la-Sabrina Carpenter kind that you can tuck behind your ear. I mean forehead-consuming, commitment-requiring, era-establishing bangs . The kind that announces to the world: “Something has happened to me, and I have scissors.”
People tend to treat bangs as the trivial domain of impulsive women, dramatic teens, and post-breakup chaos. But bangs are not merely hair; they are a cultural artifact. It’s easy to dismiss them as vanity and harder to see what they represent. They are a performance of transformation and tangible proof that change can be self-authored. In a world that demands composure, bangs dare to declare that something inside you has shifted.
Maybe you watched a French film and thought you could channel its nonchalance. Maybe you just ended a multiyear relationship. Maybe it’s 1 a.m. and your reflection is starting to look like a problem at which you can snip away. Whatever the catalyst, the moment the blades meet your forehead, fate clicks shut.
agency, not destruction.
Because here’s the thing: you can’t come back from bangs. Once they’re cut, they rule your mornings. They require discipline. They punish laziness. They cling to your forehead with sweat, defy gravity, and multiply like weeds. Every morning becomes a negotiation: the blow dryer in one hand, the round brush in the other, coaxing them into agreement. You dampen, you dry, you separate, you sigh. They split down the middle on humid days
Admittedly, there’s something inherently comical in how seriously we take them. Bangs invite a level of public hand-wringing usually reserved for moral decisions. Every few months, TikTok fills with people circling the very question of whether to get them, pacing before mirrors, polling their friends and family, and warning others like survivors of a minor apocalypse. It’s silly, yes, but beneath the melodrama is a real fear of change, a panic over what it means to alter the face we show the world. We laugh because it seems trivial, but it’s precisely that triviality that gives bangs their power: they let us practice transformation on a manageable scale. What they’re really asking is: am I
changing. They remind you that identity, like hair, is never static. It grows, resists, and occasionally looks terrible under fluorescent lighting.
So yes, canon events include heartbreak and minimum-wage despair, but bangs also deserve their rightful place on the list. They distill the essence of growing up into something absurdly visible—the courage to risk looking ridiculous in pursuit of something new. They mark that moment when reinvention stops being an idea and becomes something you can actually witness.
Maybe that’s why the impulse never disappears. Somewhere beneath the crooked cuts and bad decisions, bangs whisper a strangely hopeful promise: you can’t go back. But you can become. (
Surviving the sophomore slump on and off the field
BY VINCE GUDE | DESIGN BY PAIGE BENISH
Everyone loves a breakout rookie. The NFL is full of them, players who come out of nowhere, light up highlight reels, and make you believe in miracles (or at least in your fantasy team). Think C.J. Stroud: carving up defenses in his first year, passing for over 4,000 yards, and making the Houston Texans look like a playoff team. But then, year two hits. The adrenaline fades, defenses have studied their film, and reporters start asking if they’ve regressed. They start overthinking plays that came naturally before. Football analysts refer to this trend as the infamous “sophomore slump.”
However, college students know all too well that the sophomore slump doesn’t just happen to professional athletes. It’s a phenomenon that affects us just as much. The first year feels surreal, meeting new people every day, exploring campus, and staying up until 2 a.m. for no reason. You feel unstoppable, like Joe Burrow in his rookie season before the ACL tear. Then, sophomore year comes, and suddenly you’re running a tougher schedule, your classmates are talking about their summer internships, and the magic of Leo’s just isn’t the same anymore. Sophomore year, much like the second season in the NFL, humbles you.
In the NFL, a slump can be spotted from miles away. Take Baker Mayfield’s 2019 season. After looking like the Cleveland Browns’ savior as a rookie quarterback, he came crashing down to Earth the next year with interceptions, overthrown passes, and an alarming number of commercials for somebody who couldn’t win any games. The
pressure of high expectations crushed the fun out of his game. Sound familiar?
Last year, Jayden Daniels was living the NFL version of our first-year high. He put on a show in Washington with his dualthreat ability, turning Commanders games into must-watch TV. The city, as many Georgetown students know, was buzzing, and fans grew hopeful. Every highlight looked effortless.
This year, though, defenses are adapting to his style of play. He’s facing tougher reads, tighter coverage, and the weight of Offensive Rookie of the Year rests on his shoulders. So far, he’s battled injuries and the age-old question: “Can he adjust?” Already, the Commanders are off to a slower start than last year, and some fans are worried that he was just a one-hit wonder.
Students wonder the same thing about themselves. As a sophomore myself, I see my friends on daily calls and coffee chats, and the term “networking” has become a norm in my life. I’m not new anymore. While I no longer get lost on campus, the charm of “finding myself” has been replaced by pressure to figure out my future. The window to select a major is closing in, and I am starting to compare myself to others like I check stats on ESPN, each new LinkedIn connection like an added fantasy point.
You start wondering if you’re behind, even though you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
But here’s the thing: slumps aren’t permanent. Lots of players persevere and come back better.
Josh Allen had a second season where critics questioned if he could throw accurately at
all. He spent the offseason refining his fundamentals and turned into one of the league's most elite quarterbacks.
Trevor Lawrence looked lost under head coach Urban Meyer (which, honestly, who wouldn’t?). Once he got a better coach, he became a playoff-caliber quarterback. What separates these players from those who stay slumped isn’t luck, but reflection. They didn’t try to recreate their rookie success; they learned from what went wrong.
The sophomore slump doesn’t mean you peaked as a freshman. It does mean the honeymoon phase is over, allowing the real growth to begin. You can’t rely on the same basic tricks anymore. Start watching your game film. What worked last year? What didn’t? Maybe you need to take advantage of office hours, change how you study, or just admit you can’t do everything you did in your first year.
You don’t escape the sophomore slump by pretending it’s not happening; you overcome it by adjusting your playbook and not being afraid to scramble if it comes to it. When you inevitably fumble, because you will, just remember that it’s part of the process. The players who grow aren’t the ones who avoid mistakes; they’re the ones who learn from them. Most importantly, don’t underestimate the value of your support system. Every quarterback has a coach and an offensive line.
There’s also something freeing about realizing that the slump is normal. Every great player experienced a career slump. Patrick Mahomes had a midseason meltdown in 2021. Joe Burrow’s second year was full of growing pains before his breakout Super Bowl run. Even Tom Brady had a season people called underwhelming. Nobody dominates every down. Sophomore year is the start of the long game. You begin to realize that life, like football, is less about the 60-yard deep shot and more about the quiet adjustments you make in between each play.
Maybe this year you feel that you’ve lost your rookie flair. You’re not washed, you’re just human. You’re in your development phase and that’s where the real work happens. Growth doesn’t always look pretty—sometimes it looks like late nights, self-doubt, and trying again anyway. The sophomore slump isn’t the end of the story; it’s the middle.
If the NFL has taught us anything, it’s that comebacks make the best stories. Keep showing up and learning from the tape. When the spotlight dims, that’s when real players learn how to shine. Even if it all goes sideways, at least you’re not on the Jets.
Hoya Athletics' autumn, assessed
BY EILEEN WEISNER, ANDREW SWANK, AND CASSIE DELINSKY
DESIGN BY ELYSE VAN HOUTEN
2025 season, coming o! a 2-0 setback at University of Connecticut last weekend. ensively, the Hoyas are led by senior forward Sydney Yodh, who tops the squad with four goals and two assists for 10 points. Junior midfielder Izzy Lee follows closely with three goals and an assist for seven points, while sophomore forward Katherine Malloy has added three goals of her own as well. Junior goalie Ella Fahey has been a standout presence, posting a strong 1.44 goals-against average along with 52 saves and a .788 save percentage.
doubling his yards achieved last year. Aside from his Hail Mary, Kibble is dominant in receiving yards with 720 and Wise is holding down the defense with 45 tackles. Finally, junior cornerback Quincy Briggs has racked up four interceptions on the season so far.
Last year, Georgetown finished 5-6 overall and 2-4 in the Patriot League. It’s too soon to know whether the Hoyas will keep up this hot streak, but if Thomas and Kibble keep up their electric chemistry, the future looks bright. This could be Coach Rob Sgarlata’s first winning season for the Hoyas.
let’s take a look at where each team is as October comes to a close.
Cross country
The Hoyas started strong at September’s races, including the Trials of Miles and the Cantello Invitational. These events o!ered freshmen a warm-up to the college racing environment prior to October’s larger competitions. Georgetown started October at Lehigh’s Paul Short Run, where the Hoyas immediately got o! on the right foot: the men took first of 40 competing programs in the Gold 8K and the women also finished on the podium, third of 40 in the Gold 6K. Graduate student Melissa Riggins, a middledistance runner, won the women’s 6K individual title. Junior Birhanu Harriman finished second overall in the 8K.
On Oct. 17, the team traveled to Madison, Wisconsin for the Nuttycombe Invitational. The large field, including 17 top-30 teams, mimicked the makeup of NCAA tournament-level competition. The women’s team finished sixth, following big names like North Carolina State and Notre Dame. The men took 17th.
Before the cross country teams reach the NCAA Regionals in November, they have the BIG EAST Championships in Omaha on Oct. 31. The question of the season remains unanswered until then: will the women’s team win their sixth consecutive BIG EAST title?
Field hockey
The Georgetown women’s field hockey team is currently 5-11 overall and 1-5 in BIG EAST play. They continue to battle through a challenging
The Hoyas will look to finish the year on a high note as they close out their season against Old Dominion on Oct. 31.
Football
The Hoya football team has shown consistent improvement throughout the 2025 season, entering late October with a rare 5-3 overall record and 2-1 in Patriot League play. After opening the season with a 51-47 win over Davidson College, the Hoyas captured one of their most memorable victories in recent years at the homecoming game against Morgan State University. Junior wide receiver Jimmy Kibble hauled in a game-winning Hail Mary touchdown as time expired, a highlight that later earned him a spot on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The Hoyas continued to ride the wave of the Hail Mary into their game against Colgate University, where they defeated the Raiders 21-17 and three Hoyas earned Patriot League honors. Freshman defensive back Brian Lloyd was named Patriot League Rookie of the Week, with senior quarterback Dez Thomas II and junior cornerback Braylon Wise awarded Patriot League Honorable Mentions.
Thomas has led the o!ense with consistency, throwing a season high of 211 yards against Morgan State and a total
Menʼs golf
The Hoyas, who finished second to last at both the September Rod Myer and October Hamptons Intercollegiate, looked for a good end to the season. Prospects started looking up for the team at the 41st Annual Georgetown Intercollegiate, where the BIG EAST named junior Barnes Blake Male Golfer of the Week for the second week in a row after earning his first career title. Georgetown finished first at the tourney, and all five players finished in the top 20.
The golf season rounded out this past weekend at the ODU/OBX Intercollegiate tournament. Georgetown was the defending champion coming in and finished second this year in spite of a strong breeze on the course. Freshman Carson Erick podiumed, taking second overall at three-under par.
Womenʼs golf
The Hoyas, whose season ended Oct. 19, exhibited an upward trend this fall. After a weak showing at the College of Charleston’s Cougar Classic, where they placed last for the second season in a row, Georgetown showed improvement, finishing eighth of 13 teams at the Princeton Invitational. Graduate student Georgia olo, who was named the 2025 BIG EAST Women’s Golf Player of the Year following the spring season, moved up 24 spots in the final 18 holes of the Princeton tournament.
At the final showing of the season, the University of Delaware’s Lady Blue Hen Invitational, the Hoyas were the runner-ups. Freshman Sunny Wang tied for fifth at the Delaware tournament, shooting three-over 219 across three rounds. Her performance of two 71s on the par-72 course also ties two other golfers for the best score in Hoya history.
Menʼs rowing
The Georgetown men’s rowing team has only competed in one regatta this season following the cancellation of their season opener, the Navy Day Regatta, due to inclement weather. Both the lightweight and heavyweight teams kicked their seasons o! on Oct. 18 at the Head of the Charles in Boston. The Men’s Club Eights A boat, the Hoyas’ top eight-person boat, notched ninth place out of 36 competitors. The lightweight team will complete their season on Nov. 8 at University of Virginia Wahoo Henley, following both sections’ weekend at The Princeton Chase, marking the end of the heavyweights' season on Nov. 3.
Womenʼs rowing
The Hoya women’s rowing team started strong at the Occoquan Chase Regatta on Oct. 12, boasting first-place finishes by their first lightweight Open 8+ boat (eight rowers with a coxswain steering), their first heavyweight Open 4+ boat (four rowers with a coxswain), and their Collegiate Novice 8+ boat. Two other Georgetown boats had second-place finishes.
senior Enzo Menditto and senior Margot Gordon sitting one point away from first place in the A division. The coed team claimed two conference titles early on, through a sweep of Navy at the Middle Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association (MAISA) Match Race Championship and a victory at the MAISA Men’s Singlehanded Championships in September.
The Hoyas continued a dominant season in October, taking home gold at both the Open Atlantic Coast Championship Finals in Annapolis and the MAISA Women’s championship last weekend. The ICSA Match Racing Nationals in St. Petersburg, Florida start Nov. 8.
Menʼs soccer
No. 13 Georgetown men’s soccer (9-3-
conference record and the most BIG EAST wins they have ever had in a single season. During this stretch, the Hoyas have scored 28 goals and conceded just two, dominating the competition in their conference.
Graduate forward Maja Lardner is leading the way for the Hoyas with 11 goals and three assists, but a range of players have chipped in this season. Senior forwards Natalie Means and Henley Tippins have each scored eight goals on the season, forcing opposing teams to pick their poison when defending Georgetown’s front line. Overreliance on Lardner alone was a concern for the Hoyas, but the team has proven that they have multiple goalscoring threats.
At the Head of the Charles Regatta, the Women’s Club 4+ took eighth of 53 boats, and the Women’s Club 8+ achieved seventh place field of 43. On Nov. 1, they race at the Head of the Occoquan before closing out the season at UVA’s
Georgetown sailing will soon be celebrating the end of a successful fall season, with victories across teams. At the Navy Women’s Regatta in early September, senior Kelly Bates and junior Anna Brzezinski secured a championship berth by winning their division. The women’s team enjoyed continued success at the Atlantic Coast Championship Semifinals, pulling a second-place finish from competitors like Dartmouth University,
The coed team also claimed impressive victories. They placed third at the Chesapeake Invitational on Sept. 14, with
Despite their impressive run and Zengue’s dominance, Georgetown has yet to cement itself as a team capable of making a deep run in this year’s NCAA Tournament. The Hoyas have been unable to beat any teams that are currently ranked, letting leads slip away against No. 3 University of Vermont (10-0-5, 4-0-1 America East) and Duke University (7-26, 3-2-2 ACC). The NCAA Tournament in November will be Georgetown’s best chance to prove themselves, but with the one loss knockout format, the Hoyas will need to be at their best.
Womenʼs
soccer
No. 12 Georgetown women’s soccer (13-2-2, 9-0-0 BIG EAST) is peaking at the right time. The Hoyas have won nine games in a row, sitting with a perfect
The Hoyas have just one regular-season match left, traveling to face No. 18 Xavier University (132-2, 8-0-1 BIG EAST) on Nov. 1 in a match that will likely decide the BIG EAST regular-season champion. From there, the Hoyas will hope to keep their momentum going into the postseason, where they have a real chance of making a deep run.
Volleyball
Georgetown volleyball (1310, 6-4 BIG EAST) has just six matches left, all against conference rivals. They gave a good showing on Oct. 24, defeating Marquette University—their first win over the Golden Eagles since 2010—in five sets. On Oct. 25, the Hoyas played their Alumni Night and Pink Out match against DePaul University at home, winning in three straight sets. Freshmen outside hitters Samantha Soderlund and Katherine McGregor asserted their o!ensive dominance, recording a joint 46 kills in those two games alone.
While the Hoyas bested Seton Hall University and St. John’s University on the road to open their BIG EAST play, they have not managed to beat conference powerhouses Villanova University and Creighton University (10-0 BIG EAST). Georgetown must face those two teams once more before the season ends. The BIG EAST tournament will commence at the end of November.
