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@TheColonnade
The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College & State University October 6, 2026
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Courtesy of Sorority Nation
Anchor Jam brings campus organizations together Sydney Williams
unfortunately here at GCSU, we just
“We want to reach out to every-
don’t have a pool big enough for that,”
body and educate them on Service
said Kaitlyn Miles, a sophomore mass
for Sight, because most likely, at least
communication major and director
one person in your life is struggling
of Anchor Jam. “So we do it on stage,
with visual impairments,” Miles said.
and we get to see everybody put their
Philanthropy events across cam-
best foot forward in their dancing.”
pus give student organizations a way
gether for a synchronized swimming
For Delta Gamma, the event is not
to raise money while creating op-
only a fundraiser but also a way to
portunities for students to interact
dance competition to raise money
bring attention to Service for Sight,
with the cause they are supporting.
and awareness for Service for Sight.
the organization’s philanthropy sup-
Events such as Anchor Jam give at-
“Normally, it’s done in pools, but
porting those with visual impairments.
tendees an experience that combines
Delta Gamma’s Eta Chi chapter will host its annual fall philanthropy event, Anchor Jam, at 7 p.m. on Oct. 7 in Russell Auditorium, bringing GCSU student organizations to-
Rise of pickup sports Annalie Parker News Editor Pickup sports are informal, low-pressure games that allow people to play without the structure of an organized team or league. At GCSU, students are increasingly turning to pickup games in sports like volleyball, pickleball, rugby and frisbee as a way to stay active and build community. These games give students an opportunity to try new sports, meet
people and enjoy competition
without
the
pressure that can come with traditional athletics. “I played soccer for 14 years, and I played club soccer for GCSU as well, but after that era of my life, I kind of wanted a way to get exercise and still feel athletic while not having such a structured system to it and not having a coach yelling at me,” said Kali Holierhoek, a biology graduate student. Holierhoek
plays
pickup volleyball, a sport
she had never played before. She spoke to the enjoyment she feels trying a new sport without the pressure of winning or losing for an organization. “I’ve been finding it a lot more fun to play a sport that I didn’t play before,” Holierhoek said. “Pickup sports let you be bad at sports that you haven’t played before, so once you get going and you have a good group, it just feels good.” See PICKUP SPORTS | Page 5
See ANCHOR JAM | Page 7
Hispanic Heritage Month James Cordero
nity to share culture,
a sophomore Spanish
Outreach Editor
history and traditions.
and economics major.
One purpose of HHM
Some people experi-
In recent memory,
A&L Editor
fundraising with entertainment. “Fun events like this make it easier to get a wider range of people involved instead of just asking for donations or sending a link around,” said Cassidy Wilson, a junior English creative writing major and vice president of Foundation for Delta Gamma. “If you have something that people can interact with, they are way more likely to come and support.”
is to celebrate and talk
ence Hispanic culture
Month (HHM) runs
about Hispanic culture, a culture rooted in com-
through their home life,
OPINION Hispanic
Heritage
from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and commemorates the independence of sever-
munity and warmth. For many, a big part of being Hispanic is the love
al Latin American and
they have for others.
South American coun-
“A big part of [Hispan-
tries that gained their
ic culture] is to be really
freedom around that
involved in your com-
time. What started as
munity and be nurturing
a single week became
and loving to people you
a month-long celebra-
come across,” said Hei-
tion and an opportu-
di
ed to the United States and connect with the culture through their lived experiences. For some, that meant leaving loved ones behind to come to an unfamiliar country where they initially felt out of place. See HHM | Page 4
Martinez-German,
PAUL BROTHERS’ PENTAGON VISIT PROMPTS DISCUSSION AT GCSU Hannah Ransom
while others immigrat-
being invited by the De-
Paul joining Trump in a
GCSU students who re-
Kiene said she be-
While the Paul broth-
partment
Defense.
Kentucky Rally earlier
acted to the Paul broth-
lieves this choice could
ers were at the Penta-
The Paul brothers be-
this year. The brothers do
ers’ recent appearance.
have been intentionally
gan their careers by post-
not have a background
“Honestly, my knee-
made to elicit a reaction.
ing viral videos on social
in government or the
jerk reaction was not
“To choose individ-
media, before eventually
military
this
the most positive,” Kiene
uals who have been so
expanding into combat
new interest in politics.
said. “I think in the
steeped in controversy
and the Treasury sec-
a
world of politics, who
seemed more like some-
retary,
Scott
Bessent.
have ventured into pol-
senior political science
you choose to cham-
thing done for shock val-
with Government offi-
They
also
delivered
itics, with Logan Paul
major who is currently
pion and put forward
ue and press, rather than
cials and spoke to U.S.
speeches to U.S. troops.
interviewing
Donald
interning in Washing-
says a lot about you and
something with positive
military members after
Trump in 2024, and Jake
ton, D.C., was among the
your
intentions,”
Staff Writer YouTube
personal-
ities Jake and Logan Paul sparked debate following their visit to the Pentagon on Thursday, Sept. 17, where they met
of
sports. Recently, they
despite
Elizabeth
Kiene,
administration.”
she
said.
gon, they met with the Department of Defense secretary, Pete Hegseth,
See PAUL BROTHERS | Page 2 Jayden Lewis | Art Director
NEWS | PG. 3
SPORTS | PG. 5
ARTS & LIFE | PG. 8
OPINION | PG. 9
A recap on what you need to know before heading into the 2026 Midterms.
New regulations allowed for the USWNT to recieve money without even touching the ball.
Entering October brings the spooky season. See how GCSU students commemorate the holidays.
Taylor Swift dropped a extension of “The Life of a Showgirl”; here are our thoughts on the new release.
2026 MIDTERM ELECTIONS
USWNT AND WORLD CUP MONEY
OCTOBER TRADITIONS
TAYLOR SWIFT: ENCORE EDITION
2
ANNALIE PARKER, NEWS EDITOR AVERY GEARY, ASST. NEWS EDITOR
10.06.2026
NEWS Paul brothers
mercial
on
television
with
potential
risks.
propped up as public
“I believe the Paul
the policy of why we’re
Continued from page 1
and reach a bunch of
“Of course, there’s al-
figures in relation to the
brothers were allowed
in a region or not in a
Jason Lindsey, depart-
people like you used to.”
ways a risk too, if that in-
government is a symp-
to have this speech be-
region
a
fluencer or that personal-
tom rather than an issue.
cause of their audience
like that, that’s different.”
sor of political science,
freshman history ma-
ity then starts becoming
It is indicative of today’s
being primarily younger,
During their speech-
discussed
broth-
jor,
also
considered
associated with things
day and age where atten-
right-wing men and that
es,
ers’ appearance in the
the
Paul
brothers’
that aren’t positive, then
tion is valued as currency,
the administration wants
ers mostly focused on
context of other public
lack of government or
it does hurt the image
whether it is good or bad.
to appeal to that sort of
thanking service mem-
figures who have met
military
experience.
of whoever is connect-
Lindsey spoke more
audience,” Maples said.
bers for their sacrifices.
with service members.
“I believe that peo-
ed with them,” he said.
about the possible moti-
“It’s happened before,”
ple without government
The Department of
Lindsey said. “I mean,
or military experience
Defense did not pub-
part of it might be trying
can be allowed to speak
licly announce the vis-
ably
to improve the morale
to
members
of service members. So,
ment chair and profes-
the
Aiden
Maples,
Paul
broth-
Logan Paul referred to
vation behind this visit.
built large audiences on
the service members as
“I think they’re prob-
social media before ex-
American heroes, while
with
panding their careers
Jake Paul spoke about
it until three days later,
trying to figure out how
into professional com-
supporting one another
but should not be al-
giving no explanation
they can connect with
bat sports and other
through difficult times.
if you have two super
lowed to give speeches
as to why they invited
younger
business ventures. Their
“The speech itself was
popular entertainers or
in the Pentagon Press
prominence gives them
alright, and more coher-
influencers, you might
Room or in any official
an audience outside of
ent than some by actual
bring them in to try to
capacity,” Maples said.
traditional government
government
communication channels.
However, it was a bit
Lindsey also consid-
nationalistic and used
connect with some of
military
During
their
vis-
audiences,
A lot of the government is treated as a circus and not given that same dignity and respect that it once had.
Paul
something
brothers
struggling
The
the
or
members.
the audience and kind
it, the brothers toured
of
morale
the Pentagon and vis-
ered the importance of
religion to justify it,
for service members.”
ited its 9/11 memorial.
a speaker’s government
which should not be in
Lindsey believes the
The Department of De-
the Paul brothers to the
more diverse audiences,
or military experience.
a governmental speech
use of influencers may
fense later released foot-
Pentagon. Kiene com-
people of different age
“It depends on the
reflect how government
age of them interacting
mented on the decision
groups and then people
context,” he said. “The
The brothers’ visit to
institutions are adapt-
with military members
to post the announce-
consuming all kinds of
USO (United Service Or-
the Pentagon brought
ing to changes in media
and civilian personnel.
ment on social media.
different media,” Lindsey
ganizations) often orga-
attention to the use of
and the ways they reach
The brothers’ inter-
“A lot of the govern-
said. “A lot of people don’t
nizes pure entertainment
social media figures in government
improve
different
audiences.
“I think a lot of gov-
- Elizabeth Kiene
at
all,”
Maples
said.
actions
with
service
ment is treated as a cir-
even watch television,
for
members
also
reflect
cus and not given that
but watch YouTube and
in the field for morale.
It also prompted debate
service
members
outreach.
ernments and other in-
the
relation-
same dignity and respect
things like that instead.”
So, if that’s what they’re
about the importance
stitutions are struggling
ship between govern-
that it once had,” Kiene
Maples also offered his
trying to do, then you
of military and govern-
to understand the new-
ment institutions and
said. “While I won’t get
perspective on why the
know. Versus, if they’re
ment experience when
er edia,” Lindsey said.
public
which
into that, I will say that
brothers may have been
trying to explain to an
choosing
“You can’t run a com-
Lindsey notes can come
the Paul brothers being
invited to the Pentagon.
audience something like
to
broader
figures,
VOLUME 108 | NO. 4
Editorial Board
Bryan Cade....................... Editor-in-Chief Jane Carr............................ Managing Editor Jayden Lewis....................Art Director Annalie Parker................. News Editor Avery Geary...................... Asst. News Editor Ava Flores..........................Sports Editor Nina Bartlett.....................Asst. Sports Editor Sydney Williams.............Arts & Life Editor Rosalyn Chapman.........Asst. Arts & Life Editor James Cordero................ Outreach Editor Reaghan Shehee............Digital Media Editor Emilie Theado..................Digital Media Editor Reagan Robinson.......... PR Manager Mikkel Christensen....... Faculty Adviser
*All Opinion articles are the opinion of the writer, not of The Colonnade.
@TheColonnade
who
service
speaks
members.
@TheColonnade
Contributing writers are always welcome at The Colonnade. Contact thegcsucolonnade@gmail. com for more information. If you have a tip or wish to contact The Colonnade, email thegcsucolonnade@gmail. com or message our Instagram @thecolonnade.
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3
ANNALIE PARKER, NEWS EDITOR AVERY GEARY, ASST. NEWS EDITOR
10.06.2026
NEWS
Students look ahead as 2026 midterm elections approach Camdyn Thigpen Staff Writer Georgia voters and GCSU students will head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 3 to cast their votes for governor, lieutenant governor, senate and other statewide positions. The majority of GCSU students can vote in this election, and some will be first-time voters. Political science professors and student government participants are encouraging students to vote for what they want to see in office. “I believe that voting is a vital part of our society, and part of making sure our voices are heard and contributing to what we want our country to look like,” said Cate DeMaria, a sophomore psychology major and an at-large senator of GCSU student government. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge Silver Seal is a nationally recognized award
given to colleges and universities for achieving high voter turnout on campus. To receive the award during midterm elections, schools have to achieve a student voter rate between 30% and 39%. Following the 2022 midterm elections, GCSU was given the Silver Seal award for reaching 36% of students voting. The national average was 31%. “I’m not surprised that GCSU has a high voting turnout because it is a liberal arts college,” said Ashley Rea, a sophomore political science major. “Having a smaller population generally makes things, including getting information about voting, more accessible.” GCSU is a campus affiliate of The American Democracy Project (ADP). The ADP is focused on public higher education’s role in preparing students to be
informed and engaged citizens of democracy. Students around campus said that some issues they focus on when
The governor’s race is between Democratic candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican candidate Rick Jack-
Jayden Lewis | Art Director
thinking about who to vote for are gas prices and inflation, women’s rights, wars and future education plans. “It’s important to vote in a democracy for political participation to hold leaders accountable and shape the way we live daily life,” said Colin Kelley, a sophomore history major.
son. Bottoms previously served as the Atlanta mayor and senior advisor to former president Joe Biden, and Jackson is a healthcare businessman at Jackson Healthcare. In the Senate race, current Democratic senator Jon Ossoff is looking to be reelected over Mike Collins. Ossoff was elected in 2020, and Col-
lins represents Georgia’s 10th congressional district in the U.S. House. Democratic state senator Josh McLaurin and Republican state representative Greg Dolezal are running to be the next lieutenant governor. The lieutenant governor supervises the Georgia Senate and plays a role in the leadership and structure. The secretary of state race is between Democratic nominee Penny Brown Reynolds and Republican nominee Tim Fleming. Reynolds was a former Fulton County state judge and helped lead the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights under Biden. Fleming is a Georgia state representative for House District 114. “I think an important aspect that gets students involved in voting is if they grew up in a political household or not,” De-
Maria said. “In my family, we had hard conversations at the dinner table about what we thought was right and wrong.” For attorney general, Democrat Tanya Miller is going against Republican Brian Strickland. Miller is a prosecutor and member of the Georgia House for district 62. Strickland has served on the State Senate for districts 42 and 17; he also served in the Georgia House for district 111. The other statewide positions consist of state school superintendent, labor commissioner, insurance and fire safety commissioner and agricultural commissioner. With election day quickly approaching, Georgia voters, including eligible students, will be able to decide who will represent them in the government. The results will determine who is next in office and what new policies will arise.
Study abroad programs impact campus
Students praise GCSU’s opportunities for boosting international connectivity Avery Geary Asst. News Editor GCSU’s Global Fair was held Wednesday, Sept. 23, as a way to share study abroad opportunities
and
explain
the benefits that partaking in a study abroad trip can have
for
GCSU
students.
Dr. Sunita Manian, the chair of GCSU’s philosophy department and an organizer of many study abroad trips, believes that GCSU’s encouragement of studying abroad through initiatives like the Global Fair can provide students with important learning prospects. “I think traveling abroad
we also walk through various
program the summer after my
this internship in Paris, and
some sort of travel abroad, and
neighborhoods, so students
freshman year, and I absolute-
now she’s going to be study-
so he told me about Ms. Wh-
get a very global perspective
ly fell in love with traveling
ing a program at the Ameri-
iteside and made an appoint-
when they go on this pro-
and meeting new people from
can business school in Paris.”
ment with her, and she’s been
gram far beyond the touristic.”
different cultures,” Jones said.
Manian expressed that these
preparing me,’’ Vansant said.
in-
results are indicative of the
While many study abroad
ions of students who have
spired her to work for the
possible career advantages stu-
gone on one of these trips
Study Abroad Office, which
dents can gain from choosing
programs are major-specific,
and how they expressed the
she has been a member of
to participate in a study abroad.
impact that study abroad
for the past three years.
“It opens a whole new
programs have had on them.
“The minute I got done with
world for students to decide
student
my study abroad, I emailed the
on their careers, and even for
who went on the program
study abroad office and was
students who are planning to
some years ago put it is that
like, ‘Hey guys, I am so interest-
work in the U.S., the fact that
if she had gone on her own
ed in having a career with y’all.
you have been to these coun-
to Paris, she’d probably only
I want to help out, I want to
tries tells the future employer
have seen about 30% of what
send people on programs that
that you are adaptable, you are
we not only saw, but really
they dream about,’” Jones said.
globally aware,” Manian said.
learned about,” Manian said.
Jones is not the only person
While traveling can be ex-
Avery Jones, a senior mass
who had a study abroad expe-
pensive, Manian believes that
She mentioned the opin-
“The
way
one
This
experience
GCSU endeavors to minimize the cost for students who wish to study abroad. “I think one of our greatest strengths at Georgia College is the wonderful study abroad scholarships, and scholarships in other kinds for personal help that we get for our students,” Manian said. “Many students find that a substantial amount of the costs, because study abroad can be expensive, is covered by our scholarships.” Jenna Vansant, a senior Students studying abroad in the village of Itete, Tanzania with their host families.
global studies major, agrees with Manian’s assessment of
there is also a large quantity of programs that are open to all GCSU students in order to provide more students with global perspectives and experiences. “We have programs for everybody, even if they just want to take an elective class and take it abroad,” Jones said. “I think that would be a really cool way for them to have that exchange of cultures and to get out of their comfort zone, because the world is so much bigger than just Milledgeville, Georgia.” Manian agrees with Jones, believing that it could be of value for students to consider going on a study abroad trip. Especially considering that GCSU requires a “global perspectives” class in the form of a GC2Y, students could compound the knowledge they gain through those courses with that from studying abroad. “They really will get a global perspective, not just by sitting in a chair in Milledgeville but
gives you such a differ-
communications major and
rience that affected her career
GCSU’s scholarship aid. She
ent
the
employee for the GCSU Study
and job opportunities. Ma-
is applying for the Fulbright
said.
Abroad Office, agrees with Ma-
nian discusses another student
Scholarship, for which Anna
on
nian on the advantages a study
who was impacted by study
Whiteside of the GCSU Na-
More information on specif-
these educational advantag-
abroad program can offer, es-
abroad similarly to Jones.
tional Scholarship Office has
ic study abroad programs can
es by discussing how stu-
pecially the aspect of cultural
“One student who went
been an important resource
be found by going to the Study
dents can experience cul-
exchange and global knowl-
on the study abroad pro-
through the process of try-
Abroad Office’s information
tures
level.
edge. She herself participated
gram in 2022 was dead set
ing to attain that scholarship.
sessions, which occur daily at
“We of course go to all the
in a study abroad program.
on going back to Paris,” Ma-
“I had a professor who
12:15 p.m. at the Bone House
museums,” Manian said. “But
“I went on my study abroad
nian said. “She’s been doing
knew I was interested in doing
located at 141 S. Clarke Street.
perspective
world,”
on
Manian
Manian
on
elaborated
a
deeper
actually being on the ground over
there,”
Manian
said.
4
ANNALIE PARKER, NEWS EDITOR AVERY GEARY, ASST. NEWS EDITOR
10.06.2026
NEWS
GCSU ranked #1 undergraduate psychology program in the South Luke Bergrab
GCSU’s psychology program was recently ranked #1 among public universities in the regional South by the US News & World Report. GCSU fits into the category of regional universities mainly because of its primary focus on undergraduate and master’s programs. One of the factors that make the psychology program stand out is its research approach. Most of the faculty have research labs, and students can start conducting and presenting research even in the early years of college. “There’s a lot of opportunity to get into undergraduate research here,” said Charlotte Freyman, a sophomore psychology major. “The staff are very approachable and very down to earth, so it’s a lot easier to make those connections with staff.” GCSU’s size helps make mentored research opportunities possible. Students are
guided and supported by faculty throughout the process, from refining the research topic to presenting. “People get involved directly with the person who has a PhD,” said Dr. Lee Gillis, the GCSU Chair of the Department of Psychological Science. “Here, you’re in the same room together, which is a big thing. We really get to know students pretty well.” Another large factor that makes the program excellent is the faculty. The professors are experienced, and the faculty environment is welcoming and healthy. “Our youngest faculty, in terms of longevity, has been here four years, so people come here and stay,” Gillis said. “It’s a big deal that people feel comfortable enough to stay.” Although the psychology program is academically rigorous, students report appreciating the approachability of their professors. “They are very much relational; they’re like, ‘come visit my office
hours, I’ll help you out, or just come say hi,’” said Hazel Hanlon, a junior psychology major. “Dr. Free, she’s my favorite. I saw her at work once, and I saw her two kids and she gave me a hug.” The US News & World Report is known for its rankings of educational institutions. The organization receives and analyzes survey data from accredited universities to inform its annual rankings. When evaluating individual programs in universities, the rankings are based on peer assessments completed by senior faculty. They evaluate other colleges’ programs that they are familiar with in the region based on metrics like student outcomes, faculty resources and expert opinion. One of the ways GCSU has earned their ranking is by attending events like the Southeastern Psychological Association conference, which is centered around the advancement of pyshcologyas a
science and a practice. “[Our ranking as #1] has a lot to do with our name recognition,” Gillis said. “We go to the Southeastern Psychological Association conference every year. We have a big presence at these conferences.” With the psychology program getting attention, students shared their plans for using the major to support causes that matter to them. Freyman is considering doing marriage and family therapy, and Hanlon reported feeling called to child advocacy. With psychology’s
widespread applications, GCSU psych graduates have found careers in a variety of fields. “When people see psychology from the outside, they mainly think about clinical and doing therapy; we’re that and much more,” Gillis said. “People are getting jobs in industry, in marketing, in management, in public health, in hospitals, doing all sorts of things that don’t often get noticed by folks from the outside.” Freyman shared her thoughts on why psychology is important and how that motivates her. “Every aspect of our
life is affected by
HHM
English and can share his
many, the month is a
“I haven’t been able to
we are here to take their
ity so much cause there
Continued from page 1
story as someone proud
time to share their voic-
see my dad in more than a
jobs, or that we are ‘il-
is always light at the end
“I was nervous at
to have immigrated here.
es and heritage while
year,” Martinez-German
legals’,”
Najar
of the tunnel,” Camacho
first,” said Gabriel Mu-
HHM can also bring
honoring
who
said. “He lives in Venezu-
Fernandez said. “We’re
Bustamante said. “Don’t
noz Najar Fernandez, a
the familiarity of a home
came before them by
ela and is thriving, but he
here to work hard and
sophomore
country into a more
sharing
stories.
got his citizenship taken
earn a living that may
through
“It’s very important to
away and wasn’t even
not
be
celebrations
let your voice be heard,
given a second chance.”
our
home
Staff Writer
economics
major. “It was hard to
public
leave my family, [and]
cultural
space
those
their
as soon as I got on that
and people being more
but always do it with
plane, I felt foreign,”
vocal about their expe-
respect,”
Fer-
riences and traditions.
Camacho
nandez came to the U.S.
HHM is also a cele-
when he was 8 years old
bration of history and an
and struggled to make
opportunity to remem-
connections when he
ber important figures
Munoz
Najar
said
Sherlyn
Bustaman-
-Dr. Lee Gillis
Discussions
sur-
rounding
immigration
can
shape
how
and
Latino
also
Munoz
attainable
in
countries.”
HHM celebrates cul-
the internal workings of people’s brains,” Freyman said. “It matters in everyday life. That’s the whole point: better understanding so we can improve people’s lives and their functioning in the world.” GCSU’s ranking recognizes the diligent work of both faculty and students in the psych program. The rating is sure to encourage the program as it continues to provide a platform for students to do research and prepare for meaningful careers in the field.
just see it as something negative, but try to find that bright spot in it.” Students looking for
We’re here to work hard and earn a living that may not be attainable in our home countries,
te, a senior triple major
Hispanic
in economics, market-
people
ing and Spanish. “Being
Some people may make
willing to understand
assumptions based on
where others are coming
someone’s appearance or
from, just how you want
background, while im-
them to know where
migration policies and
you’re
rhetoric can contribute
ture, history and over-
a Hispanic community
to
coming adversity, both in
on campus can visit the
the past and in the pres-
Latin Student Associa-
ent. It can be a time to ac-
tion. The club welcomes
coming
from.”
For some members
Jayden Lewis | Art Director
People are getting jobs in industry, in marketing, in management, in public health, in hospitals, doing all sorts. of things that don’t often get noticed by folks from the outside.”
are
those
perceived.
perceptions.
of the Hispanic and
For those who im-
Latino community, cur-
migrate to the Unit-
rent events and gov-
ed States, however, the
ernment policies have
reasons for coming can
made this a difficult
be much more person-
time. HHM can provide
al. Many come seek-
an opportunity to focus
ing
opportunities
or
on pride in their coun-
a better life for them-
first arrived. The only En-
with Hispanic and Lati-
tries, history and culture
selves or their families.
glish he knew was “thank
no heritage and share
while also acknowledg-
“One of the biggest
you.” Now, he is fluent in
their achievements. For
ing
those
challenges.
misconceptions is that
- Gabriel Munoz Najar Fernandez
knowledge struggles, be vocal about important issues and find hope within difficult circumstances. “Obviously [what is happening to Hispanic people] is awful, but I don’t think we should ponder on the negativ-
all students, celebrates different parts of Latin and Hispanic culture and provides a place to meet new people. The organization can be found on Instagram at @gc_lsa. *All Opinion articles are the opinion of the writer, not of The Colonnade.
5
AVA FLORES, SPORTS EDITOR NINA BARTLETT, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
10.06.2026
SPORTS Pickup Sports Continued from page 1
Students enjoy an environment where making mistakes is a fun way
of, and pickups negate that intensity in
made
through
toward pickup sports for reconnecting
a sense because you get to experiment
pickup sports and like to say that I
her to people she already knew and
more with your craft in a way,” said
have developed a small community
keeping her in touch with friends in
Ari Johns, a senior biology major who
ourselves, as we have had around 16-
the midst of the chaos of college life.
plays pickup soccer and pickleball.
20 people in total who are involved.”
“There’s a lot less pressure, and
Aside from her love of testing new
As friendships develop and the
I really enjoy that, but also it’s fun
moves, Johns expressed that playing
games become more consistent, pickup
because the friends that I play with
pickup sports has given her multiple
sports seem to be heavily facilitated
different communities, including a
by things like group chats and social
“Wednesday league” full of people
media platforms. These provide a way
she never would have met otherwise.
to stay connected and plan everything
“It’s basically tons of locals from
out among busy college students.
all different kinds of backgrounds
“I have group chats for every team/
to improve rather than a deciding factor in the outcome of an important match. Being able to try new moves and techniques in a game adds a level of excitement that organized sports do not necessarily allow for
that
come
pickup group,” Oeland said. “They help
we just love the sport,” she said.
immensely in getting people together
“It’s
and
good
all
friends
because
a
together,
numerous
group
of
people.”
Students are finding new leagues
working
around
schedules.”
Holierhoek
agreed
with
the
I don’t normally get to see often, and so seeing them and being with them outside of an academic setting is really refreshing,” Holierhoek said.Within the popularity of sports in general, students agree that pickup sports provide a safe, fun and low-pressure environment to spend time with old and new friends alike while staying active. Students who are interested in finding or creating a
and groups in several different ways.
important role of group chats in
From mutual friends and intramural
setting up games and leagues, and
teams to professors and classmates,
noted that they help these student-
the rise of pickup sports at GCSU is
led communities grow and expand.
creating new communities every day.
“Once you get a little bit of a group chat
Nobody sits down and has a
Courtesy of Ashland Rowland
“I usually find people through
started, other people start adding other
conversation with a random person
in the heat of real competition.
friends or just by talking about sports
people and then you all become friends
anymore, but with pickups you can do
“In organized sports, there’s the sense
during classes,” said Joseph Oeland,
and then it just happens,” Holierhoek
that,” Johns said. “There’s so much value
of competitiveness, but also intensity
a biology graduate student who
said.In addition to meeting new
in being a part of your community,
that I think people are a little bit afraid
also plays pickup volleyball. “I have
people, Holierhoek expressed gratitude
and I think pickup facilitates that.”
pickup community of their own should look no further than right here on campus for these new connections.
The USWNT and the World Cup Money
USWNT players received money from the 2026 Word Cup without ever touching a ball Nina Bartlett Assistant Sports The
U.S.
other countries to do
men’s
did more than earn the team a spot in the Round of 16. The team also earned $16 million in World Cup prize money, which will be shared with the U.S. women’s national
team
under
an agreement reached with U.S. Soccer in 2022. Under the collective bargaining agreements, 80%
of
World
Cup
prize money is pooled
Jayden Lewis | Art Director
a
gender
U.S. men’s national
discrimination
lawsuit
women’s
lawsuit was settled in
the agreement, saying he
They also give the players’
the
2022 for $24 million
was “extremely proud”
associations a framework
especially
meaningful
girls something to look
before the new collective
of
for future negotiations
because she grew up
up to,” Holland said.
bargaining
had reached the deal.
with
Soccer.
playing soccer herself.
Kelsey
The U.S. women’s team
“Growing up as a
“It shows that respect
junior
has continued to be one
soccer player makes this
communication
of the most successful
interesting and special
major and member of
teams in international
to me, as equality is so
GCSU’s
soccer
soccer. The team has won
important
agreement
four Women’s World Cup
teams should be getting
she
titles, including the 2015
the same amount of
did not know about.
and 2019 tournaments.
money,” Holland said.
agreements
were
finalized.
The fight for equal pay had been a major part of the women’s national team’s public identity for years. Players including Megan Rapinoe and Alex
bringing
each team’s players will
beyond soccer and into
receive
national
20%.
in
the
fight,
the
issue
conversations
about pay in sports. When
the
The same agreement
agreements
will apply to the 2027
announced
Women’s
World
Cup.
Money
earned
by
new were
in
May
2022,
players
from
both
teams
celebrated
the
publicly deal.
the
players
For Holland, mass
a
club
team,
the
was
something
who
“I knew there were conversations
about
and
U.S.
Holland
said
financial recognizes
men
importance
women,
but honestly, I didn’t
2027
tournament.
having equal pay between and
the
its
next
For
major
chance to see women’s
2027.
soccer differently than
Holland,
previous generations did.
in
agreement
and
is
both
the
The changes to the
agreement
players’ contracts came
the
after years of differences
both
in how the men’s and
of
national
teams.
women’s
teams
were
know that there was an
“I think it’s awesome
agreement or that the
because both teams are
agreements
addressed
money was being shared
important,”
those
differences
like that,” Holland said.
said. “I think financially
by
the
supporting
teams under the same
The 2022 agreements
Holland each
also came with changes
other is so important
beyond World Cup prize
because
money. The contracts
it
I
feel
like
compensated. The 2022
putting
economic Holland
two
structure. said
she
the
women’s
team
will
be
with
Rapinoe thanked the
the
men’s
players.
women who had worked
terms
The agreement came
toward the agreement
fees and performance
separately.
men’s
“Yes, I think it’s a
after years of negotiations
before her. In a post
payments and included
team entered the 2026
step forward, but it still
between U.S. Soccer and
on X, she said she was
a system for sharing
World Cup under a new
needs to be worked on to
the players’ associations.
“incredibly proud” of
commercial
generation of players,
get to a certain point of
In
shared
2019,
women’s
gave both teams equal for
appearance
revenue.
should
be
equal.”
sees the agreement as
The two teams have
progress, but not as the
also continued to develop
end of the conversation.
The
U.S.
the deal and those who
The agreements run
while
the
women’s
equality,” Holland said.
national
helped make it possible.
through 2028, covering
team
is
preparing
“Hopefully, it encourages
the
gives younger players a
Adams also posted about
the men’s $16 million,
remaining
USA.”
against U.S. Soccer. The
voices
the
the
tournament
women’s players. From
with U.S. Soccer keeping
just
Cup
of the most recognizable
million,
not
team midfielder Tyler
between the men’s and
$6.4
and
for
filed
Morgan became some
divided
thing
the 2026 men’s World
team
equally
and
same
The agreement also
national team’s run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
the
“It
gives
younger
for females is going up and they deserve equal pay. It is important for
It gives younger girls something to look up to - Kelsey Holland
younger girls to realize that women in sports are also being recognized.” With
the
men’s
2026 World Cup now complete, the agreement has
moved
negotiated
from
a
contract
to something directly affecting both
players
national
on
teams.
The next test will come in 2027, when the women’s national team takes the field at the Women’s
World
Cup.
6
AVA FLORES, SPORTS EDITOR NINA BARTLETT, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
10.06.2026
SPORTS
Is Women’s Volleyball becoming a MAINSTREAM sport? Ava Flores Sports Editor
Wrigley Field in Chicago. Kentucky defeated Penn State before the Nebraska-Missouri match was suspended because of weather conditions. Despite the shortened night, the announced crowd of 43,067 became the second-largest attendance for a Division I women’s volleyball event. Playing volleyball at one of the most recognizable baseball stadiums in the country would have been difficult to imagine several years ago. Now, it represents the types of opportunities becoming available to the sport. The Wrigley Field crowd still falls well short of the record Nebraska helped set in 2023. Nebraska played Omaha in front of 92,003 fans at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska, setting what was then recognized as a world attendance record for a women’s sporting event. Nebraska continues to show how large a college volleyball fan base can become. On Sept. 16, 2026, the Cornhuskers defeated Creighton in front of 15,405 fans at Pinnacle Bank Arena. It was the largest indoor home crowd in Nebraska volleyball history. However, volleyball’s growth is not only happening in Nebraska. During the 2025 season, schools across the country broke attendance records. Creighton drew 17,765 fans against Nebraska, while Michigan had 12,707 fans attend its match against the Cornhuskers. Michigan State, Texas, UCLA, USC, Georgia, Tennessee and several other programs also posted major attendance numbers during the season.
Women’s college volleyball was once a sport fans mostly had to seek out. Matches received limited national television coverage, and many of the biggest moments in the sport happened outside the attention of the average sports fan. That is quickly changing. Record-breaking crowds, growing television audiences and increased coverage from major networks have pushed women’s college volleyball into a much bigger spotlight. With thousands of fans filling major arenas and even football and baseball stadiums to watch matches, the question is no longer whether the sport is growing. The question is whether women’s college volleyball has officially become mainstream. Joseph Barrow, a sophomore finance major and secretary of the men’s club volleyball team, has his own thoughts on the topic. “I think that volleyball is becoming a mainstream sport. Its huge growth toward this can be attributed to success on the Olympic level as well as the media following some of the players who have dominated at the collegiate level.” Barrow said. “I think that more and more people are beginning to play and as a whole it is becoming a huge sport to watch.” Recent numbers suggest it may be getting close to mainstream status. One of the biggest signs came Sept. 6, when more than 43,000 fans attended a college volleyball doubleheader at
Television viewership may be an even stronger indication that the sport is reaching the mainstream. ESPN reported that its 2025 women’s college volleyball regular season was its mostwatched ever. Matches on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 averaged 190,000 viewers, a 36% increase from 2024. The Nebraska-Kentucky match on ABC attracted 1.2 million viewers, setting an ESPN record for a regular-season college volleyball match. The NCAA Tournament brought even more attention. The 2025 tournament averaged 666,000 viewers across 15 matches, a 13% increase from the previous season. Four tournament matches averaged at least 1 million viewers. The national championship between Texas A&M and Kentucky averaged 1.4 million viewers and peaked at approximately 1.7 million. Networks appear to believe those numbers will continue growing. FOX Sports expanded its volleyball coverage for the 2026 season to 35 matches across FOX, FS1 and FS2. Eight are scheduled for FOX itself, the most women’s college volleyball matches shown on a broadcast network in a single season. ESPN has expanded its coverage as well. The network announced more than 2,400 women’s college volleyball matches across its platforms for the 2026 season, including a record 106 regular-season matches on its linear networks. More television exposure creates a cycle that could continue pushing volleyball forward. Fans have easier
Frampus Stances: Politics James Cordero
Nebraksa Volleyball breaks female sport event attendance record
access to matches, more people become familiar with the athletes and teams, and networks have more reason to give the sport premium time slots. Social media has also helped turn individual players into recognizable personalities rather than athletes fans only see during the NCAA Tournament. Highlights of long rallies, powerful kills and diving saves can quickly spread online, giving volleyball another way to reach younger audiences. Still, calling women’s college volleyball completely mainstream may be premature. Football and men’s basketball remain dominant in college sports when it comes to revenue, media attention and national recognition. Even women’s basketball has experienced a larger mainstream breakthrough in recent years. Volleyball still has work to do before casual fans regularly recognize its biggest players and rivalry matches. There are also questions about whether the sport can maintain the same level of attention beyond powerhouse programs such as Nebraska, Wisconsin, Penn State, Texas and Pittsburgh. A truly mainstream sport needs
interest that extends beyond a handful of nationally successful programs. But women’s college volleyball does not appear to be a niche sport anymore. When more than 43,000 people go to Wrigley Field for volleyball, more than 1 million viewers will watch individual matches and major networks continue increasing their coverage; something has clearly changed. “I do think it is becoming a mainstream sport. Whether it’s with good publicity or bad publicity people are starting to watch the game,” Anslee Solodkii, a sophomore exercise science major, said. “Nebraska volleyball especially is changing the game and people are invested in how they are doing. They are making their schedule big by playing at different places and crowds follow them everywhere. I think people are showing more respect for the game and it’s deserved.” Women’s college volleyball may still be working toward the level of popularity enjoyed by the biggest college sports, but its rapid growth suggests it is no longer simply waiting for a mainstream audience. That audience is already beginning to arrive.
said Harrison Goldstein,
started to find flaws with
of the current admin-
ideas are held by students
involvement. There are
a
the
istration
very
when it comes to politics:
many clubs at GCSU, like
tration and are voicing
high hopes, but things
how it should be run,
Young Democrats, Turn-
their complaints. Liber-
have
who should be in charge,
ing Point and Mutual
als are frustrated with a
the last two years now
how
freedom
Aid, that speak about
all, is more conserva-
people should have and
politics and create events
tive in their beliefs, but
these thoughts can be
to share their beliefs
some students separate
exchanged on campus.
and create that space.
the institution from the
“I think it’s flawed; we
“Political issues im-
students themselves and
have people in there who
pact everyone’s lives, and
believe the school it-
do not have a general
as young adults on this
self is more left-leaning.
grasp on what we need to
college campus we have
“I think [the school] is
be doing for our people,”
the opportunity to help
liberal,” said Mason Nix-
Nixon said. “I think we
change what our future
on, a left-leaning junior
are losing focus on Amer-
is going to look like,”
school, but something
marketing major. “The
ican democratic values
Goldstein
both parties agree on is
freedom GCSU gives us
and are more focused on
the political leaning of
to express ourselves is
splitting our society into
Outreach Editor
OPINION In
recent
memory,
College is the place
to
spread
ideas
and
where people with different political beliefs interact. GCSU is no different from this, and Front
Campus
serves
as a representative survey
for
the
school.
Students from both sides of the political spectrum
attend
the
the campus as a whole.
conservative
senior
political science major. Students believe that the student body, over-
current
adminis-
I
had
happened
over
Bryan Cade | Editor-in-Chief
much more lenient togovernment they didn’t
where I am not the
much
two: rich and not rich.”
“I think GCSU prob-
wards liberals, but I be-
ably leans more conser-
lieve the population itself
vatively, but there is a
is more conservative.”
tives are displeased with
like many other Amer-
to conversation creates
good amount of people
Both sides of the po-
the results of their vote.
icans,” Goldstein said
an environment condu-
A variety of different
cive to education and
for each political party,”
litical
spectrum
have
want,
“At
and
the
conserva-
beginning
most
content
person,
Talking about politics and opening the floor
said.
“Stay
involved, be aware and talk to people because the more you hear about different
perspectives,
the more you can learn and evolve as a person.” *All Opinion articles are the opinion of the writer, not of The Colonnade.
7
SYDNEY WILLIAMS, A&L EDITOR ROSALYN CHAPMAN, ASST. A&L EDITOR
10.06.2026
ARTS & LIFE ANCHOR JAM
Continued from page 1
Anchor Jam is one of several philanthropy events students can participate in throughout the school year. Miles said she has attended Phi Mu’s Jamming for Julia, Alpha Delta Pi’s King and Queen of Diamonds and Alpha Omicron Pi’s Alpha Male. Each event allows organizations to explain the causes they support while encouraging students to participate. For students involved in Anchor Jam, the event also provides a chance to build relationships within their organizations. “I wanted to be part of Anchor Jam because it is for a great cause and it’s a fun way to get to know my new brothers,” said Jeffrey Peterson, a freshman marketing major and member of Phi Delta Theta. Each participating organization is paired with a
Courtesy of Sorority Nation
“The coaches are great and know what they’re talking
just
Students who are not members of Greek orga-
good at giving directions and making it fun.”
nizations can also attend and learn more about
With
about,”
practice
“They’re
the philanthropic work happening across campus.
al content leading up to the event, the teams
Katherine Markowitz, a sophomore English
become
of
said.
promotion-
can
weeks
Peterson
to take a photo with them, and a banner competition.
competitive
and
with
one
another.
major, said events like Anchor Jam can show
Delta Gamma coach who helps prepare the team’s cho-
The competition begins before they even take the
students another side of Greek life on campus.
reography and practices leading up to the event. The
stage, as organizations participate in activities such
“I’m not in Greek life, but I think it’s a great way
coaches teach the routines, help their teams prepare
as intramural cornhole, the game “Spot a DG,” where
for other students to get to see what sororities and
and create TikToks to promote their performances.
teams find Delta Gamma members around campus
fraternities do besides partying,” Markowitz said. “I think this is a fun way to show that they are actually passionate about helping the community.” As the organizations prepare to take the stage, Anchor Jam allows students to support their peers while learning more about the cause behind the event. “We sold more than 900 tickets last year,” Miles said. “We’re really hoping to increase that number and continue on in our journey to help raise awareness for visual impairments with Service for Sight.” Tickets are $5, with proceeds going toward Delta Gamma’s Service for Sight foundation.
Students
through Courtesy of Sorority Nation
can
purchase
tickets
https://www.memberplanet.com/s/
deltagammafoundation/anchorjam2025_2?gl=6.
Flannery O’Connor Institute interns uncover archival material Rosalyn Chapman Asst. A&L Editor The Flannery O’Connor Institute for the Humanities received more than 120 boxes of archival material, task-
“I feel like a lot of people know
els that were not of her own writing
scholarly journal published annually.
who she is, but not a lot of peo-
but for her own pleasure and inspira-
“Two other interns are sorting
ple know a lot about her,” Baty said.
tion. Baty said that O’Conner’s copy of
the materials and trying to digi-
Virginia Woolf ’s novel “To the Light-
talize the archives, which would
house” has been annotated by her.
be great for incoming scholars
“I think it’s very telling about who
who can’t necessarily come and
Flannery was as a writer because she’s
see them themselves,” Babb said.
“One of the gifts of coming here is
ing GCSU student interns with organizing and preserving their findings. Gifted by the Mary Flannery
dissecting some of these novels and
O’Connor Trust, the archives carry documentation of O’Connor’s life, from novels to miscellaneous items. Flannery O’Connor was an AmeriCourtesy of Kaitlyn Baty
can novelist who lived in Milledgeville,
finding out about Flannery O’Con-
Georgia, where she wrote the majority nor, whether you like it or not.” of her short stories. Today, she continues to impact GCSU with her writing. Kaitlyn Baty, a junior English
On campus, the Special Collections workroom in the Ina Dillard Russell
digitalization material
from
of
phys-
making notes about their craft and how
ical
they’re written,” Baty said. “It’s novels
life would make it accessible for
that you wouldn’t really see reflecting
scholars to delve into her life.
O’Connor’s
in her work, but somehow they did.” Baty
said
materials
at
tinue
carry
to
that
having
GCSU on
these
will
con-
her
legacy.
Elise Babb, a senior English liter-
Library serves as a space where these
ature major, is also interning with
interning with the institute, assist-
archives can be sorted and preserved.
the institute, but as a writer for GC-
ing with marketing and publicity.
Students were surprised to see nov-
SU’s Flannery O’Connor Review, a
creative writing major, is currently
The
Courtesy of Kaitlyn Baty
8
SYDNEY WILLIAMS, A&L EDITOR ROSALYN CHAPMAN, ASST. A&L EDITOR
10.06.2026
ARTS & LIFE O’CONNOR
Today, Andalusia is open to the pub-
“Louise Florencourt, who was Flan-
lic as a museum of O’Connor’s legacy,
nery O’Connor’s cousin, was the exec-
pro-
where students learn about the histo-
utor of the trust at the time,” Croft said.
fessor and editor of the Flannery
ry of her stories and life on the farm.
“She had moved some of the materials
“It’s always talked about how rare it
to a storage site and donated them sep-
is for even just one box of Flannery’s
arately from the donation of the house.”
life to be found,” Babb said. “We al-
The Cline-O’Connor-Flourencourt
ways hope that something will lead
House, located next to the Old Gov-
us to a better understanding of who
ernor’s Mansion, was also gifted to
she was and bring us closer to her.”
GCSU in 2023, following the death
legacy will continue as more in-
direc-
of Louise Florencourt. However, it
formation is revealed about her.
tor for Special Collections, archives
needs more than $5 million in repairs.
“Having these archives on campus
Continued from page 6
Bryant
Cheney,
assistant
Holly
Courtesy of Kaitlyn Baty
O’Connor Review, discovered pho-
Croft,
associate
gerogiahistory.
for students, researchers and profes-
and history from Middle Georgia.
com, the historic preservation of
sors allows us to further scholarship on Flannery O’Connor,” Babb said.
According
both required materials for the state
to
alongside
Babb.
Croft said that the archival do-
this house is important to GCSU
fortunate
enough
nations that they received were a
because it was home to O’Connor
to find family photos,” Babb said.
part of two different collections.
and some of her relatives during
to
memorabilia “We’ve
been
pho-
“The house is very unique,” Croft
tos of Regina, O’Connor’s mother.”
said. “It needs structural help and
According to exploregeorgia.org,
some foundation work. If you look
when O’Connor was diagnosed with
around the house, you can see that
Lupus, she moved to Andalusia, a farm
there’s work that needs to happen.”
in Milledgeville, to live with her moth-
GCSU students and faculty who
are
likely
childhood
Visit
https://www.gcsu.edu/ocon-
norinstitute for more information.
her high school and college years.
“We’ve been able to determine that there
Courtesy of Kaitlyn Baty
have
er. The farm served as a sanctuary of inspiration for her work of writing.
Courtesy of Kaitlyn Baty
studied
O’Connor’s
work
and family history believe that her
Courtesy of Kaitlyn Baty
Spooky season is here: October traditions Lawrence Flournoy Staff Writer As the fall season begins, GCSU students are getting excited to put up decorations and start planning costumes for Halloween celebrations. Recent weather forecasts predict cooler weather to arrive within the first couple of weeks of October. As students begin to enjoy the cool weather, most feel led to perform their annual October traditions. Some students choose to watch spooky movies, while others focus on decorating
Jayden Lewis | Art Director
Olivia Johnston, a junior mass communication
will still enjoy dressing up, especially at the
major, loves October and the pumpkins it brings.
Halloween party for the high school kids he
“My favorite October tradition is carving pump-
leads for the Young Life Christian ministry.
kins with my friends as well as making pumpkin muffins, specifically with chocolate chips,” Johnston said.
their houses in the themes of Halloween and fall. Jackson Beckham, a junior marketing major, started a new tradition this year, challenging himself to watch as many seasonal movies as possible in October. “This month, I am watching a movie every sin-
Johnston costume
already 30
days
has
plans
before
the
for
her
holiday.
Johnston also loves decorating and enjoys do-
“This year for Halloween, I plan on dressing up
ing it with her friends as a bonding experience.
with my friend Rebecca as ABBA,” Johnston said.
“I think me and my roommates will put some
Throughout the month of October, GCSU hosts
pumpkin decor up around the house,” Johnston said.
holiday themed events such as “Artober,” a Hallow-
ma-
een event that features student work in Ennis Hall.
jor, loves carving pumpkins but is more fo-
Students can find spooky events such as
cused on the costumes for Halloween this year.
ghosts of Milledgeville walking tours, a pump-
“The Milledgeville Young Life area does an
kin patch to explore at the Woodlands Acres
Beckham is not the biggest fan of horror mov-
all-area party where all the leaders dress up in cos-
at Robbins Farm, a History of Halloween par-
ies, but he enjoys movies that fit the fall aes-
tume and the kids they lead can too, so I’ll prob-
ty and a thriller 5 K, among many other events.
thetic. Some of the movies on his list include:
ably just reuse whatever costume I end up wear-
For
“Remember the Titans,” “Dead Poets Society,”
ing for that depending on what it is,” Brown said.
events
“Clue” and “Shutter Island,” among many others.
Brown does not quite have a plan yet but
gle day that is either a Halloween movie, a fall movie or a scary movie in general to kind of put myself in the right mindset for the season,” Beckham said.
Asa
Brown,
a
junior
art
history
it
students this
interested
month
in
in
fall-themed
Milledgeville,
vis-
https://www.visitmilledgeville.org/.
9
SYDNEY WILLIAMS, A&L EDITOR ROSALYN CHAPMAN, ASST. A&L EDITOR
10.06.2026
ARTS & LIFE
Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore” proves it’s okay not to love everything she does Sydney Williams
fan means you have to love everything she re-
A&L Editor
leases. I have seen fans defend the new songs
OPINION
simply because they are Taylor Swift songs. Honestly, I think I was doing the same thing.
In
recent
memory,
Taylor Swift’s new release, “The Life of a Showgirl: The
Usually, a new Taylor Swift song takes me a few
Encore,” released Sept. 25, adds four new songs to her
listens before I really get into it. I remember not
2025 album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” including “Patient
immediately loving some of her songs, only to
Zero,” “Cleveland!,” “Pink Clouding” and “Babylon.”
have them become some of my favorites later.
The release has given Swift fans more mu-
With “The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore,” I kept wait-
sic to dissect, but the additional songs have
ing for that moment to happen, and it never really did.
listeners.
The biggest problem for me is that some of the lyrics
As someone who has considered herself a “Swiftie”
do not sound like the Taylor Swift I have grown used
(or Taylor Swift fan) for years, I never thought I
to. Swift has built much of her career around clever
received
mixed
reactions
from
would listen to a new Taylor Swift release and think, “Maybe I just don’t like this,” but that was my first reaction to “The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore.”
lyrics, detailed storytelling and lines that make you stop and think. Some of these songs feel like they were written quickly without that same attention to detail. “Online, I’ve seen an overwhelming amount of peo-
Sydney Williams | A&L Editor
ple agree that a lot of the songs sound like Kohl’s music,”
award was created to recognize her directing work,
Uidel said. Kohl’s music is typically generic, repetitive
the combination of the honor and the new video
background music that lacks strong rhythm or creativ-
made the whole moment feel very calculated to me.
ity. “They are not very thought out and not on beat.”
That is where I find myself struggling the most. I do
Take “Cleveland!,” for example. The song is
not mind artists releasing deluxe albums. If there are
clearly about her relationship with her new hus-
songs that did not fit on the original album or a new
band, Travis Kelce, and his hometown of Cleve-
creative direction they want to explore, I am all for it.
land. I am genuinely happy for Swift. She is mar-
“The
Life
of
a
Showgirl:
The
En-
ried, seemingly happy and in a relationship she
core” just does not feel necessary to me.
clearly wants to celebrate. This does not mean that
There are moments I like. I do not hate ev-
every song about that happiness has to be good.
ery song, but I am not going to blindly love
At one point, Swift essentially celebrates finding
them just because Taylor Swift made them.
someone who does not find her completely insuffer-
I am just tired of the idea that not liking a
able. For me, the sentiment was more cringe than ro-
Taylor Swift song makes someone a fake fan.
mantic. It is hard to hear a line like that from one of
Being a fan does not mean agreeing with every-
the most successful songwriters in the world and not
thing an artist does. In fact, I think being able to
Sydney Williams | A&L Editor
wonder if she could have said it more interestingly.
criticize an artist you love is part of being a genu-
When I first heard Swift was releasing a new single,
And maybe that is the point. Maybe Swift
ine fan. I can appreciate Swift’s career, songwrit-
I was excited. The photos surrounding the announce-
is happy now and that is changing her music.
ing ability and impact on music while still admit-
ment had a dark, mysterious feel that immediately
For years, fans have connected with the
ting that these four songs are not my favorites.
caught my attention. Then I realized the song was part of
sadness,
anger
a deluxe edition, and I started wondering if “The Life of
found
a Showgirl” should have ended where it originally did.
more” and “The Tortured Poets Department.”
in
albums
and
complicated
such
as
emotions
“folklore,”
“ever-
ma-
Swift is just in a different stage of her life
jor, said she has seen similar reactions online.
now. She is married to Kelce and has open-
Brooke
Uidel,
a
junior
marketing
“I think her fans see it as a ‘cash cow,’” Uidel said. A cash cow is an idiom or slang term for a product, business or person that brings in a steady, large amount of money with very little effort or upkeep. “I saw online that she said she’d never do a deluxe version, but now there’s one, so it’s odd she’d go back on her word for something that doesn’t feel genuine.” Sometimes it feels like being a Taylor Swift
ly
embraced
a
happier
version
of
herself.
Happiness does not ruin music. It just creates a different kind of music. The problem is that I am not sure this new version of Swift’s music works for me yet. “Patient Zero” is another example. I actually really like the overall vibe of the music video. It premiered at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards and stars Swift alongside actors Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell and was also directed by Swift. Visually, it is dark, dramatic and interesting, but the video does not feel like it belongs with the song. The music video feels like a full sto-
Sydney Williams | A&L Editor
ry, while the song itself feels rushed. The tempo
Sydney Williams | A&L Editor
moves quickly, and some of the lyrics feel crammed
Maybe I am missing the Easter eggs. Maybe
into the beat rather than naturally fitting with it.
there is some deeper meaning I have not caught
The lyrics, “I know he charmed your fami-
yet. Swift’s fans are already dissecting the “Pa-
ly and friends, and you thought it’s ’cause he loves
tient Zero” video for hidden references and clues.
you, but it’s ’cause he loves how everybody else
For once, I do not think there is any-
loves him,” especially stood out to me. The idea it-
thing else to find. Maybe the song is just the
self is interesting, but the way the lyrics are writ-
song and maybe it is okay if I do not like it.
ten feels clunky and not as polished as I usually
I will still listen to Taylor Swift. I will still de-
expect from Swift. She is capable of much better.
fend the songs and albums that I love. I will still
I also cannot ignore the timing of the music vid-
be excited when she announces new music. I am
eo premiere. Swift received the VMAs’ inaugural
just finally accepting that I do not have to con-
Artist Director Honors, recognizing her work in
vince myself that everything she releases is brilliant.
music video direction and visual storytelling, on the
Taylor Swift is allowed to make music I do
same night that “Patient Zero” premiered. While the
not like. As a fan, I am allowed not to like it.
10 JANE CARR, MANAGING EDITOR
10.06.2026
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