‘WE ARE IN A FIRESTORM...’
-Randy Boyd,
UT System
President
Read on page 2
Cumberland Avenue welcomes long-awaited Taco Bell, page 4
12 holiday tracks to listen to this season, page 10
Tamar Shirinian’s students speak out: “I still believe that she’s an amazing person,” page 3
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Public records reveal behind-the-scenes details of Shirinian termination
CADEN DYER, Editor-in-Chief OLIVIA LEE, Staff Writer
UT System President Randy Boyd referred to the days after Tamar Shirinian’s controversial termination as “a firestorm” in records recently acquired by The Daily Beacon.
A mix of text messages and emails shed light on the moments before and after termination.
The Beacon obtained 3,027 pages of documents Nov. 18 in response to a public records request. Many of them involved irrelevant information and correspondence.
Public swarms to voice opinions
Emails from the general public flooded UT administrative inboxes starting Sept. 14 after Shirinian’s social media comment about Charlie Kirk began to garner the attention of conservative influencers like Robby Starbuck.
Emails called the UT anthropology professor an “evil woman” and labeled her comment as “vile,” “absolutely disgusting” and “hateful, diabolical, bloodthirsty, gruesome rhetoric.”
Requests for further investigation mixed with demands for Shrinian’s termination made for a barrage of emails.
“I’m up to about 95 emails to my mtindell email address,” UT System Assistant Vice President of Communications Melissa Tindell emailed Chancellor Donde Plowman at 9:35 p.m, just hours after Shirinian’s comment
began circulating online.
An applicant to UT’s Aerospace Engineering master’s program told the Board of Trustees he redacted his application due to Shirinian’s comment, saying that he values professionalism, civility and ethical conduct.
The applicant sent the email Sept. 14 at 5:59 p.m., before the university made any comment on the situation.
“As someone who deeply respects the academic profession and aspires to become a professor one day, I believe that those entrusted with educating the next generation should uphold themselves to the highest standards — both in and out of the classroom,” the applicant said.
Texts between Zomchick and Plowman reflect initial concern Shirinian’s comment made its way to administration quickly.
The Daily Beacon acquired text messages from Plowman and Provost John Zomchick in which Plowman said, “I’m holding out hope that it is fake and she didn’t actually do that.”
Zomchick played a key role in communicating with UT faculty once Plowman initiated termination proceedings. Read more about his discourse regarding Shirinian and academic freedom on The Daily Beacon’s website.
Plowman’s texts continue at 10:48 a.m. Sept. 15, when she wrote to Zomchick: “I’m
sorry we are at this point but appreciate your Leadership more than I can express. We will get through this.”
Zomchick replied, “I have full faith in you and will do all that can be done to help our university.”
Concern escalates to termination proceedings
“We are in a firestorm ever since,” Boyd said in an email to the Board of Trustees on Sept. 15 at 9:14 a.m. “We are discussing faculty hand book, board policy, and legal ramifications. I’d welcome a call if you would like to discuss more.”
Boyd followed up at 9:16 a.m., attaching Shirinian’s post and again asking trustees to communicate over the phone.
“If you would like to comment, please call rather than email,” Boyd said.
Plowman placed Shirinian on administrative leave Sept. 15 at 12:59 p.m.
At 2:04 p.m., Zomchick provided Robert Hinde, interim executive dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, with the letter notifying Shirinian she would be placed on administrative leave pending termination.
“I am sharing with you the letter notifying Dr. Tamar Shirinian that she has been placed on administrative leave pending termination,” Zomchick said. “You may share the letter with the divisional dean and department head, but please instruct them not to share with anyone else.”
Continue reading on page 7
‘I
still believe that she’s an amazing person’
Former students describe their time in Shirinian’s classroom
BIMO SAPKOTA Contributor
When UT placed assistant professor Tamar Shirinian on administrative leave in September, a void appeared in her classroom.
The university is actively pursuing the termination of Shirinian as a result of comments she made online regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Anthropology majors Emrys Peterson, junior, and Kaelin Jones, senior, both took ANTH 426: Decolonization with Shirinian in the fall 2025 semester.
“I thought that she was a very knowledgeable professor,” Jones said. “She knew a lot about what she was talking about. The class that I was taking with her was a special topics class, so it was a topic that she had chosen to teach, and it followed a lot with her own personal research in her field.”
Peterson had similar thoughts as Jones.
“From the brief time that we got with her, I thought that she was very articulate, and when it came to how she taught, she always made sure to make sure that us as students understood what was going on,” Peterson said. “After the first few classes, we were all very comfortable.”
Less than a month after classes began, Chancellor Donde Plowman placed Shirinian on administrative leave, abruptly cutting their time with her short.
“After the investigation started, we had the department head come in,” Jones said. “She had explained the situation to us. She told us that we likely wouldn’t have class that following Thursday, and that she was looking for a new professor for us.”
The sudden change left students unsure how the semester would proceed or what it meant for their schedules.
“I had meticulously planned out my next few semesters, and I wasn’t sure if this class was going to fall through,” Peterson said.
They worried for more than just themselves. Peterson said that she broke down hearing the news and its implications.
“I had seen the outrage when it blew up the internet over that weekend, so when Monday came along, I was already stressing about it because I didn’t want anything to happen to her. I was worried
regardless of what the university did. I was worried that someone was going to make efforts to harm her or her family,” Peterson said.
“We have a great responsibility as educators of America’s future leaders to make sure students have a healthy educational environment in which to learn, wrestle with difficult issues and express themselves civilly. We take that responsibility seriously,” UT said in a campus update Sept. 15.
Despite the controversy, both Peterson and Jones described their classroom experience with Shirnian as being comfortable and open in terms of discussion.
“It was all very casual. It was less like talking with a professor and more talking with a colleague or friend in a way. There were times where she was more professional about things, more serious topics, but it was all pretty casual. There was never like any high tensions with anyone in the class,” Jones said.
Students shared their opinions freely within the classroom, according to Jones and Peterson. Peterson said Shirinian’s teaching focused on providing information designed to prompt critical thinking.
“She never outwardly stated what her own political beliefs were, and she never let that guide the way that she taught, which I very much respected. It was very clear that she took the approach of, ‘I’m not trying to sway people to my viewpoint. I’m trying to inform my students so that they can make their own,’” Peterson said.
Both students said they understood the potential consequences of her social media comment once they saw it.
“I will also admit that having seen what she said and at the time, there could’ve been better execution. I still do believe that the event was blown out of proportion, very much so, but I can see from both sides why actions were taken,” Peterson said.
Jones echoed that sentiment.
“I was not too surprised by the decision that had been made. I did see the comment that Dr. Shirinian had left on social media and knowing how politics are in a southern state, I knew how it would reflect on her and, ultimately, how the termination would go,” Jones said.
Both students expressed respect and gratitude for their time together.
“I just want to say that Dr. Shirinian was extremely nice. She was open in the class and always encouraged us to be open in our discussions and to always voice our sides on what we were speaking on in class. … I would just like to thank her for her time that she put into being able to teach part of this class to us, at least,” Jones said.
Peterson shared that level of appreciation.
“She is an amazing professor, and I still believe that she’s an amazing person. More than that, she’s a very valuable member of the cultural anthropology community,” Peterson said.
Junior anthropology student Emrys Peterson inside Tamar Shirinian’s former ANTH 426 classroom in Strong Hall. Monday, Nov. 17, 2025. Jayden Randolph/The Daily Beacon
‘The season is telling us what to cook’ An inside look at Michelin guide restaurant J.C. Holdway
WILSON Staff Writer
Just a few months ago, Knoxville restaurant J.C. Holdway earned a spot on the New York Times list of the top 50 restaurants across the U.S. Now, they are being recommended by the Michelin Guide.
J.C. Holdway is in the downtown area, on the corner where Union Avenue and Walnut Street meet. Owner and chef Joseph Lenn is native to the Knoxville area and uses that inspiration in his work.
“To be a native Knox civilian and being able to tell a story from this region and be honored for it is very prideful for me,” Lenn said.
Lenn created J.C. Holdway when he moved back to the area after college. The restaurant serves southern cuisine, and they get their ingredients from local
farmers in the region. Part of being locally sourced means that the items on the menu align with the time of year and what the area has to offer.
“We kind of think a little bit backwards from a lot of restaurants, a lot of restaurants will write a dish and then go source products, where the season is telling us what to cook,” Lenn said.
Items on the menu are also chosen for their personal connections to Lenn and his family, whether that’s childhood memories in the Knoxville area or hobbies. One current dish on the menu is a grilled trout entree, which Lenn said is inspired by his love of fly fishing.
“All the components that are on the dish would be found pretty close around a trout stream,” Lenn said. “Watercress, pickled chanterelle mushrooms, dusted with sumac, so it’s simply being inspired by your surroundings.”
J.C. Holdway is also a scratch kitchen
restaurant, meaning a lot of what they make is from scratch. For example, their blue cheese cheesecake’s graham cracker crust is made in the kitchen with raw ingredients, as opposed to being outsourced. The work that Lenn’s team puts in takes time and labor, but that hard work shows in their dishes.
Lenn strives for a combination of happy employees and warm hospitality. The service J.C. Holdway provides caters to that of the customers and their needs.
The general manager tries to stop by every table throughout their meal, and after a dine-in experience, guests receive a survey via email.
Lenn believes that this customer service and dedication from his team are what made his restaurant stand out and become a Michelin honoree. Earning a Michelin honor is one of the most celebrated feats in the restaurant industry. J.C. Holdway joined the
“Recommended” list on the Michelin Guide along with fellow Knoxville restaurants Potchke Deli and The Restaurant at RT Lodge.
“It was something that I just didn’t even imagine would be possible in Knoxville, they’re usually reserved for major metropolitan areas, such as New York, Chicago and San Francisco,” Lenn said. “It’s also probably one of my proudest moments of the team that we’ve assembled here at the restaurant and all of their hard work, so that award is to everybody that works here.”
To continue reading about J.C. Holdway, Potchke Deli and The Restaurant at RT Lodge, visit utdailybeacon.com.
SHELBY
Owner and chef Joseph Lenn inside J.C. Holdway (center), Spinach Creste di Gallo, a J.C. Holdway dish (left), and a place setting inside the restaurant (right). Nov. 16, 2025 Jackson Clavier / The Daily Beacon
Goods4Greatness: How one UT faculty member provides children with sports equipment nationwide
Goods4Greatness is a nonprofit founded in May 2018 by University of Tennessee faculty member Rhiannon Potkey. Since it began, Potkey has created connections with colleges and individual donors to raise money and collect equipment to help children who cannot afford the necessary gear to participate in their chosen sport. It has helped over 7,000 children so far.
Potkey’s inspiration for children to have equal opportunity to play sports is rooted in her experience as a child athlete living in California and playing soccer with kids from different walks of life.
“My dad was the dad who would drive some of the kids whose parents couldn’t. … They would have the same equipment for years,” Potkey said. “I was getting cleats like every six months. … I just thought it was so wrong, it’s not fair, they don’t have quality equipment.”
In 2018, Potkey committed to solving this issue that she saw as an athlete and a sports reporter, recognizing that the need to provide equipment to individuals and teams outweighed her career schedule — that there would never be a “right” time. Despite the nonprofit continually growing, Potkey maintains the importance of the organization’s grassroots past, present and future.
“I want to make sure that I seek out a personal touch with the people I’m helping, so that requires more time,” Potkey said. “We make sure we can tell the people who donate, who they’re directly affecting. I never want to get to where it is just transactional.”
Chief Youth Engagement Officer Kathy Mack at the YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley uses G4G to provide sports equipment to the youth programs at the Phyllis Wheatley Center. Mack reaches out to G4G to provide for the families at the center over other options because of its reliability and strong connection with the organization over time.
“I think the biggest difference has been access and the timeliness of the turnaround,” Mack said. “We can reach out and literally have stuff within the week for students to have, and I think for consistency, we’ve seen it has made all the difference.”
G4G has received equipment from athletic programs at numerous colleges, including UT. This network of high ranking athletic programs yields high
quality donations, which ensure that children receive gear that is not only functional but often premium quality, fostering pride and confidence in their performances.
“If you don’t ask, nobody’s ever going to know what you’re going through, know what you need, know how to help or know that you even need help. If you don’t ask, you’re never going to get anywhere.”
BRIANNA OWENS
G4G package recpipent
One California recipient, Brianna Owens, received softball gear from Florida State University for her daughter and niece as a part of their G4G package. Owens struggled to afford equipment for the children in her family who are passionate softball players,
largely due to the financial strain of caring for her sick brother-in-law.
Owens first sought help from a local organization but received unusable gear, including a glove that “had mold on it,” she said.
She heard about G4G and contacted Potkey through the information on the website, receiving a response within 24 hours. The relationship, which started in March 2023, became her only source of support because of its reliability, quality and care.
G4G is a unique organization in how it provides and to whom. Donations vary from donated materials by colleges to big checks to small Venmo payments by individuals. Beyond reaching children nationwide, it also varies from donating to centers to schools to teams to individuals like Owens. Owens advises anyone with a child in need to take initiative.
“If you don’t ask, nobody’s ever going
to know what you’re going through, know what you need, know how to help or know that you even need help,” Owens said. “If you don’t ask, you’re never going to get anywhere.”
Similarly, Potkey recognizes the great work that G4G has already accomplished and prioritizes the ongoing availability of sports equipment for all children, no matter their socioeconomic background. This requires more support, not necessarily in the form of donated equipment, but in the small donations that make big differences.
“Raising money is the biggest challenge. … It’s people that donate $100 or $20 (that make a difference), and I love that because that’s my kind of thing,” Potkey said.
“I’m very grassroots, and I want this to be something that everyone contributes to. …
A good bonding activity for a team could be raising money to sponsor a child who can’t afford to play their sport — we can help them play their sport.”
The Golden Gate Highschool tennis team in Naples, Florida recieved equipment from Goods4Greatness in 2020. Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. Courtesy of Rhiannon Potkey
PAIGE GEANOPULOS
Contributor
Academic community rallies to support Shirinian
The administration also received emails from professors across the nation, expressing their concern over Shirinian’s termination and asking that she be reinstated.
On Sept. 23, a professor of religious studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison wrote, “(The disciplinary action) not only undermines the foundational principles of academic freedom but also constitutes a troubling violation of her First Amendment rights. … It is deeply troubling that UTK appears to be capitulating to pressure from far-right actors who have lionized Mr. Kirk despite his documented record of racist, Islamophobic, homophobic, and transphobic rhetoric — including statements made during his appearance at UTK earlier this year.”
One email sent by a student asked Plowman to reconsider her decision to terminate Shirinian.
“The implications of her termination are very unsettling to the students she leads and mentors,” the student said.
A UT professor also voiced his opinion to the chancellor, urging her to reconsider her decision to terminate Shirinian.
“I write to express my deep concern for the chilling of free expression and freedom of speech on campus given this recent decision to initiate termination proceedings against a professor for comments on social media,” the professor said.
Shirinian receives harrassing emails “Good riddance.”
That’s the title of an email sent to Tamar Shirinian by a UT student Sept. 15 at 3:36 p.m. In it, the student writes, “This university is already a much better place without you. Thank you for exposing yourself as a parasite to not only UTK, the city of Knoxville, but the United States of America. … Adios, you vacuous excuse for an educator.”
Shrinian forwarded the email to Department of Anthropology Head Barbara Heath, calling it a hate message and saying, “This is harassment.”
Heath forwarded the email to Interim Divisional Dean for Social Sciences Gina Owens, asking if it could be referred to student conduct. Owens responded that she thought so.
At 6:05 p.m., Heath emailed Shirinian and anthropology professor Graciela Cabana.
“Thanks,” the email reads. “I
reported (redacted) to Student Conduct, but obviously that was the wrong place to reach out to. I’ll make a report about employee harassment.”
At 6:09 p.m., Heath emailed Shirinian again.
“Hi Tamar, I believe that you as the complainant need to file the complaint against (redacted) with Title IX. Their email is titleix@utk.edu,” Heath said. “I believe you can just forward (redacted) email to them and ask them to investigate it as a case of bullying.”
Shirinian later wrote in a letter of appeal to the chancellor that she received “a significant amount of hate mail.”
On Sept. 16, at 9:56 a.m., Plowman updated Boyd via text on threats the department of anthropology had received.
Later that day, at 4:06 p.m., Plowman sent the official letter of termination proceedings to Shirinian.
The faculty senate committee of faculty affairs brought up harassment in a memorandum written for a meeting of the faculty senate Sept. 19, saying it is “deeply concerned that the University’s response to a faculty member being targeted with violent, bigoted harassment through its own official channels has created a perception that the University is failing in its duty of care and is instead penalizing the target of the harassment.”
Read more about the Faculty Senate meeting below.
Plowman and Zomchick prepare for senate discourse
Faculty Senate President Charles Noble warned Plowman and Zomchick in an email titled “Faculty comments for Monday’s Senate Meeting” on Sept. 19, three days before the faculty senate meeting.
“In the interests of giving you some opportunity for reflection (and to add some order to questions) before Monday’s senate meeting, I asked the faculty affairs committee to gather and organize faculty concerns related to the recent commencement of a faculty termination procedure,” Noble said in the email.
Noble attached the Cowell and Butler’s Faculty Affairs Committee memorandum.
“You may want to address some of these things proactively in your formal comments, or you could wait until they are asked during the Q&A periods after your two talks,” Noble said. “The plan now is to have you each have a normal campus update slot then an opportunity for questions.”
Noble also warned Plowman and Zomchick to be prepared to face heightened emotions.
“I’m sure you realize that faculty emotions are high (at least among some) on this issue, and there may be more tough questions than I have included here. We will do all we can to maintain professional decorum throughout what may be a challenging meeting,” Noble said. “Please remember that senate meetings are “open”, meaning that any faculty, staff, students, the general public, and even the press are allowed to attend. We greatly appreciate you two attending to offer your perspectives on this situation and to engage with faculty and others.”
Backlash from the UT community hit Plowman and Zomchick at the meeting.
Later in the day, Plowman messaged Boyd with an update. See screenshots on page 2.
Misinformation trips up UT fans
Misinformation ran rampant through social media in the weeks following Kirk’s death.
Randy Boyd received an email Sept. 24 that read, “Randy, We are very disappointed that a seat has been honored for Charlie Kirk in the stadium. I am so sorry that this happened to him. … BUT please keep politics out of sports! … We are considering giving up our season tickets that we have had over 20 years.”
Boyd emailed Plowman, “We did not do this did we?”
Plowman responded, “Not that I know of. … Let me check with Danny.”
Plowman confirmed roughly 10 minutes later that the confusion could stem from a fake post on Facebook, and that “there was one last week saying Danny was so sad about it that he had volunteered to pay for the college education of Kirk’s Kids.”
Emails highlight potential security concerns
Kirk’s assassination outside at a public university poses safety and security concerns for campuses that might wish to host political activists in the future.
In an email exchange with UT Board of Trustees Secretary and Special Counsel Cynthia Moore, Tindell communicated that UT held a neutral position and would stay silent on social media for 24 hours. Tindell said Kirk’s death might be an “opportunity for our campuses to come together to review security protocols internally and determine what potential gaps are when outside speakers come to one of our campuses. So tragic.”
Executive Vice President for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression Nico Perrino told the Associated Press in September that
universities will likely choose to move large outdoor events into campus buildings, which are already the typical venue for controversial speakers.
Contents of the Beacon’s records request
The Daily Beacon’s public records request, submitted Sept. 26, included requests for Chancellor Donde Plowman’s letter outlining the termination and appeal process, Shirinian’s teaching and performance reviews, her curriculum vitae and any disciplinary records.
Certain documents underwent redaction in adherence to federal and state law and to omit certain information protected from disclosure. The university confirmed Shirinian had no previous records of discipline regarding her teaching career at UT.
The Beacon additionally requested all correspondence including the words “Charlie Kirk,” “Tamar Shirinian,” “Anthropology,” “social post” or “free speech” sent or received by the UT Board of Trustees, Plowman, Boyd, Zomchick or Heath.
All text messages can be viewed at utdailybeacon.com.
A screenshot of text messages from Chancellor Donde Plowman to UT Provost John Zomchick, acquired by public records request.
Homecoming’s Tower of Cans donates over 43,000 pounds of food to local pantry
JERRY SAGUIN Contributor
After their tin towers come crashing down, students donate tens of thousands of cans they collect for Homecoming’s Tower of Cans competition to FISH Hospitality Pantries each year.
David Lovett, food supply director at FISH, estimated that donors dropped off 43,599 pounds of food at UT’s Public Recycling Drop-Off on Wednesday.
The annual Tower of Cans competition consists of a tower building competition and food donation collection event, according to Ashleigh Moyer, director of the Center for Student Engagement. She said the competition dates back nearly 20 years and historically brings in over 40,000 pounds of food, enough to prepare over 25,000 meals for Knoxville families. She added that this event is the “single biggest” collection event for FISH annually.
“I’m just very impressed with the generosity of these students, and obviously grateful for them,” Lovett said.
The donations collected at the recycling center will be stored at one of FISH’s
central warehouses to be sorted and distributed to its four pantry locations and other community partners, according to Lovett.
FISH serves 7,000 families in the Knoxville area each month through four food pantries, according to their website. This includes Smokey’s Pantry on the outskirts of campus. FISH, which started in East Knoxville in 1986, says its pantries are strategically located in low-income neighborhoods. The organization says that about a third of its volunteers first visited a FISH pantry as guests.
Several organizations collaborate to make the Tower of Cans competition possible. The event brings together FISH, UT Recycling Center, Center for Student Engagement, All Campus Events and student organizations – mostly the Greek community, according to Lovett.
During Homecoming week, the Winston School of Law and Alumni Association also held food drives, according to Lovett.
Samuel Strong, a junior political science major, participated in the Tower of Cans drive with Beta Upsilon Chi. His fraternity partnered with Delta Gamma for Homecoming.
He said that his team filled just over nine pallets with canned goods at the collection center — a “guesstimate” of over 2,400 cans collected by BYX and Delta Gamma.
“I think it’s a really awesome way for the university to incentivize people serving others, and it’s a really cool way to incentivize service and kind of motivate people towards that regard,” Strong said.
Strong recalled his fraternity brother chucking large cans at him in the back of a 15-foot-long U-Haul, as 20-25 of his teammates helped bring cans to the truck to be loaded.
“And I just kind of like, stopped for a second and took a photo, because I realized how full the U-Haul was getting, just like, how many cans we had actually brought,” Strong said. “… Whether we were just trying to do well in Homecoming or not, we actually are going to make a little bit of an impact that extends far beyond any sort of Homecoming event.”
Strong added that he would be interested in seeing how the Tower of Cans competition could include more students.
“Because Greek life is the significant contributor to Homecoming week, and it’s only 30% of our campus population,”
Strong said. “And so what would it look like to put Tower of Cans in a space where 100% of our campus population could be involved in? And what kind of difference would that make?”
Lovett compared the excitement and energy of the Tower of Cans competition to a really good concert.
“We look forward to it all year, because this is just like going to a really good concert or driving in the mountains and coming across the pass and seeing this amazing view, it’s that kind of feeling to me,” Lovett said. “I think this is a very joyful day.”
Students can volunteer with FISH Hospitality Pantries by reaching out through their contact form.
Lovett said that right now, the number of visitors interacting with food pantries is a lot higher than they were “even just a month ago.”
“There’s a lot of food insecurity, there’s a lot of fear and uncertainty. And this event directly responds to that, and so I want to say thank you.”
How Greek versus non-Greek Homecoming experience differs
ZOE MANDEL Contributor
Last week at UT, daily events were held in honor of Homecoming, a tradition that aims to bring students and alumni together. This year’s theme, Torchbearers and Trailblazers, pays homage to different Tennessee alumni who have made a difference.
“The Greek life floats are a big part of the parade. They kind of make it, cause we spend so much time making them,” Ella Repass, a Delta Gamma sorority member, said.
Sororities and fraternities pair together for the week to create floats for the Homecoming parade, alongside making lawn displays for the front of each house in Fraternity Park. Members help out by either building the structure of the floats or by folding up tissue paper into small balls to be used for decoration, a process called pomping.
“You fold it, make it like a button, smaller than a dime they say. So you fold it and you make thousands of those and they glue them onto the sides of the float, they do all sorts of designs with those,” Peycen Odom, a Beta Upsilon Chi fraternity member, said.
BYX members are required to log 20 hours of volunteer hours during
Homecoming week, and many get their hours done by pomping. Their partner sorority, Delta Gamma, also had members who were at the BYX house every day last week, putting in hours of work toward the final project.
“I’ve put in a lot of hours but it’s always worth the hard work that I put in. And I enjoy spending time with everyone, even if it’s really stressful,” Repass said. “I enjoy getting to know members in the fraternity we are partnered with and getting to know my sisters who I don’t already know.”
Those directly involved in Greek life had a more direct path to involvement in Homecoming events. The experience of a person may differ substantially if they aren’t in Greek life or not a part of other organizations that have a high level of participation
Numerous events for Homecoming included the kickoff on Monday, the parade Friday, and then finally the game on Saturday, allowing students in clubs, organizations or just the general student body to get involved in some form.
“(Homecoming) definitely brings community to the people who are participating in the parade, but I can definitely see how people who aren’t participating in the parade can feel community because they can go to events with their friends and meet people there,”
Repass said.
Some people, however, aren’t getting as involved.
“I enjoy just being on campus for classes and such like that. I’m just not a huge campus events person,” Gracie Mourglea, an animal science senior, said.
Mourglea doesn’t typically attend sporting events or large campus gatherings and isn’t heavily involved in campus activities.
“I didn’t even really realize it was a big thing at the university and it’s not something I really keep up with or of interest to me. Being a home schooled person, it wasn’t something done in high school so it being done at the university doesn’t matter to me,” Mourglea said.
For some students, Homecoming isn’t anything more than a term that they hear in passing.
“I don’t really know what the purpose of Homecoming is,” Eli Moldenhauer, a graphic design freshman, said.
Homecoming demonstrates that people get the opportunity to be as involved or uninvolved from campus culture as they desire.
“I mean I think the intention is to foster relationships for everyone but in practice it’s more to foster the relationships of those already involved,” Moldenhauer said. “Well I mean for me, I never even really
heard anything about any Homecoming events, so in practice, because I’m not really part of anything, it’s hard to get the word out.”
Read the full story at utdailybeacon.com.
Photo Gallery: Return to Rocky Top
1. Drum Major Christian Carroll leads the Pride of the Southland band, Nov.15, 2025.
Jackson Clavier / The Daily Beacon
2. UT cheerleader cheering on the Vols during the Homecoming game, Nov.15, 2025.
Jackson Clavier / The Daily Beacon
3. Smokey stands on the sidelines during the Homecoming game against New Mexico State at Neyland Stadium, Nov.15, 2025.
Jackson Clavier / The Daily Beacon
4. The Homecoming Banner Drop at Neyland Stadium to kick off Homecoming week festivities, Nov.10, 2025.
Ericksen Gomez-Villeda / The Daily Beacon
5. UT Cheerleader during the Homecoming game, Nov.15, 2025.
Jackson Clavier / The Daily Beacon
6. Fans cheer on the Vols during the Homecoming game against New Mexico State at Neyland Stadium, Nov.15, 2025.
Jackson Clavier / The Daily Beacon
Circuit Entertainment Agency creates opportunities for student music management
AUBREY HOLLAND Contributor
“Trial by fire.”
That’s senior Ian Camaione’s approach to running Circuit Entertainment Agency, a new UT student organization he created in May 2025. Circuit works with recruited artists to grow their visibility, orchestrate their concerts and assist them in their press releases.
Camaione studies public relations, blending passion for music and a drive to gain experience in management to run Circuit. And he’s not alone.
Carloine McDearman, Camione’s booking agent, is a member of the Music Industry Club at UT alongside him and has a shared goal to create opportunities for other students who are similarly enthusiastic about music management.
“Circuit has been such an awesome place to grow as a booking agent.” McDearman said.
“I’ve picked up skills I know will stick with me, and I’ve had a blast working with so many different artists along the way.”
Camaione said he doesn’t look for any particular qualities when recruiting artists.
“Honestly, as long as I believe in the music and connect with the artists based on their work ethic, their talent, you know, as long as we align
Rock and Skate performing at the CCI tailgate before this year’s blackout game. Monday, Nov. 17, 2025. Courtesy of Kayli Lovelace
with that and it’s equal, I’ll take them on for sure,” Camaione said.
Due to Camaione’s determination, Circuit artist Rock and Skate performed at the College of Communication and Information’s blackout game tailgate Nov. 1, hosted by CCI Dean Joseph Mazer. Camaione had previously emailed Mazer twice with no response. Undeterred, he cold pitched Rock and Skate’s performance at Mazer’s office in person. Mazer accepted the pitch — a
huge win for Circuit.
Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Camaione has loved music since elementary school. From playing guitar in eighth grade to attending live concerts in downtown Franklin, Camaione’s fire for music only accelerated when he began to spend time with music agents his senior year of high school.
“I was like, ‘Wow, this is amazing. I love this. This job seems amazing,’” Camaione said. “It’s
so cool that they get to do the whole business side of what makes an artist successful, besides the music and the background stuff that goes into it.”
After switching from sports business back to music business in the spring of his junior year, Camaione founded Circuit Entertainment Agency instead of applying for a summer internship. The agency has widened his outreach and knowledge in the field, preparing him to dive further into the music industry after graduation in the spring.
“I feel like I’m building way more experience than I even thought I would,” Camaione said. “Just all these things everyday, it’ll be something new, and I have to figure it out and trial by fire.”
The main musicians on board with Circuit are Rock and Skate, Trey Hedrick and the Marigolds, each with their own sense of style, including rock, Appalachian folk and grunge.
Camaione’s main goal with continuing Circuit at UT after he graduates is cultivating a space for like-minded, aspiring students.
“I just love meeting artists. I love just working hard and making cool stuff happen,” Camaione said. “Whether that’s with a show, connection, strategy for song releases, all that kind of stuff. I just love creating opportunities whether it’s for myself or people in MIC.”
Continue reading more about Circuit and the bands they work with at utdailybeacon.com.
12 holiday tracks to press play on when you’re ready to feel festive
ANDI JONES Staff Writer
As the cold weather settles in, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” begins to beckon from a frosty horizon. Holiday cheer is right around the corner. For some, the tree is already decorated and on display with Michael Bublé’s Christmas album on full blast.
While the classic carols and winter-themed records are warm and nostalgic, there are new and indie holiday songs that bring festivity to any playlist.
If you’re one of those who refuses to play Christmas music until the day after Thanksgiving, keep these songs in mind for when you’re ready to make the switch. For everyone else who is ready to embrace the winter festivities, here are top picks for a holiday playlist.
“Cheer” by Bishop Briggs Briggs’ original holiday single combines her usual alt-pop production with twinkling bells and chimes for a bright and celebratory feel. The song embraces the communal happiness of the holidays.
“She Loves Christmas” by Abe Parker
This song is for those of you who started decorating in October. Parker’s tender admiration for his holiday-obsessed partner is heart-warming and sentimental with its storydriven lyrics.
“Holiday-ish” by The Regrettes
Staying true to The Regrettes’ style, their holiday release is garage-pop with fuzzy guitars, tambourine hits and the addition of sleighbell accents. The song breaks from the winter wonderland standard, highlighting the festive irony of holidays in sunny California.
“Love to Keep Me Warm” by Laufey and dodie
Rising jazz-pop artist Laufey created a beautiful holiday EP in 2021, and this particular track feels like a classic with vintage vocals, soft horns and delicate piano. “Love to Keep Me Warm” is velvety, capturing a sense of closeness in the cold.
“Ugly Xmas Sweater Party” by girlhouse
This lo-fi pop find features jangly guitars and conversational vocals. It feels like walking into a cozy party filled with multi-colored lights and glistening tinsel.
“Hard Candy Christmas” cover by Ralph
This cover of Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas” borrows from R&B and electro-pop influences for a soulful and smooth reinvention. The melancholy tone is delivered with reflective warmth rather than sadness.
“Run Rudolph Run” cover by Mark Ambor Covers cannot compete with the classic, but Mark Ambor’s cover of Chuck Berry’s “Run Rudolph Run” creates a fun yet familiar remake. This recording strips down the song, leaning on acoustic strumming with a casual delivery that feels like Ambor is singing with friends at a holiday gathering. MisterWives’ cover of Bobby Helm’s “Jingle Bell Rock” is another lively interpretation of a 50s classic.
“December Love” by Piper Madison
This song is as mushy as day-old snowfall, but it perfectly evokes the feeling of the ending song of a holiday romantic comedy with its crystalline electric guitar and hand-clap percussion. For similar dream-pop production, Skylar Cocco’s new release, “Snowglobe,” creates a delicate soundspace with shimmers like falling snow.
“All I Want for Christmas Is a Cowboy” by Megan Moroney
Playing into the genre’s theme of asking Santa for love, Moroney makes her own special request to the North Pole. The song is playful and ripe with holiday humor. For another country-pop Christmas song, Dan and Shay’s “Take Me Home for Christmas” imitates a classic holiday ballad with a country twist.
“Kissin’ In The Cold” by JP Saxe & Julia Michaels
The intimate dual vocals and minimal acoustic sound produce a hushed, wintry atmosphere. The song gives hope for holiday cheer and connection despite growing up amid life’s chaos.
“Don’t Give Your Heart Away for Christmas” by Alexander Stewart
With jingle-bell percussion and sparkling shifts, Stewart feeds into the classic sound of a holiday hit. Although it has not been confirmed, the song can be interpreted as an answer to Wham’s “Last Christmas.” The longing tone and personal plea could be read as the long-awaited response from the person who left the original narrator in the cold, now asking for a second chance.
“Santa Doesn’t Know You Like I Do” by Sabrina Carpenter
Nearly everyone knows Carpenter, but her holiday EP, “Fruitcake,” deserves more attention. This wistful song has a slower pace reminiscent of a bittersweet winter night. If you’re looking for more upbeat holly-jolly energy and Carpenterstyle humor, check out “buy me presents.”
Graphic by Emma Fingeret
From my journal to yours — do it for the plot
Welcome to “from my journal to yours,” the column where I share ideas designed to spark reflection, inspire creativity and encourage you to dive into your thoughts. Each entry is an invitation to pause and reflect. Let’s explore together, one question at a time.
What is “for the plot?”
For generations, society has told us what we’re supposed to do — how to live, work and even dream. But once again, Gen Z is questioning those longstanding parameters. Who says life has to follow a certain path? Why do we accept societal norms without question? Enter Gen-Z’s on-brand answer: “Do it for the plot.”
The idea behind “for the plot” is simple — step outside your comfort zone and embrace experiences that add excitement and meaning to your life. It’s about doing things just because you can, because you want to and because you’re the main character of your own story.
Across social media platforms, #ForThePlot has become a viral hashtag showcasing people challenging themselves in ways big and small. Whether it’s dancing in the rain or traveling to a new city, these moments inspire us to create memories that we’ll cherish forever.
“for the plot” reminds us that life is meant to be lived boldly. It gives us agency over our decisions and encourages us to take risks — even when they scare us.. As Smash Mouth famously sang in their hit song All Star: “So much to do, so much to see / So what’s wrong with taking the backstreets? / You’ll never know if you don’t go / You’ll never shine if you don’t glow.”
What’s the last thing you did simply for the plot?
My most recent “for the plot” moment happened Nov. 4. I was hanging out with my friend Chris
— whom I call my twin — and he was helping me with a school project when my good friend Ashley messaged me around 3 p.m. She had an extra ticket for the Jonas Brothers concert at Thompson-Boling Arena that night for their Greetings from Your Hometown tour.
I’m someone who loves plans and rarely veers off my schedule. True to form, I initially messaged Ashley saying I wasn’t sure — I didn’t have an outfit ready, hadn’t planned dinner yet (yes, I do have to plan “going to the dining hall”) and felt unprepared overall.
But Chris encouraged me: “No, twin — you should go!”
After calling my mom (my eternal encourager), I messaged Ashley back and said, “I’m in!”
Letting go of my rigid schedule felt like magic. The concert was incredible — the Jonas Brothers were amazing, and Alex Warren made a surprise appearance as a guest performer! It was one of the best concerts I’ve ever attended (I’ve been to 4), and I’m so glad I embraced this “for the plot” moment — it’s become one of my favorite stories to tell.
Tips for your next “for the plot” era
Be open to trying something new. Start small — even attending a meeting for a club you’re interested in can lead to unexpected opportunities. For example, last spring I went to a meeting for Haslam Women of Color, and now I’m honored to serve as secretary for the organization!
Create a “for the plot” playlist: Music can be a powerful motivator when stepping outside your comfort zone. Choose songs that inspire confidence and excitement! Here are some suggestions:
* “SOS” by The Jonas Brothers (Of course!)
* “So Emotional” by Whitney Houston
* “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” by Katy Perry
* “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra
Go forth and conquer: Be bold in your decision to step outside your comfort zone, and remember that life doesn’t have to be as serious as we often make it. When I’m caught up worrying about small things — like perfecting a grade — my mom always shares a beautiful philosophy: Will this even matter in five years? More often than not, the answer is no. In fact, it probably won’t even matter in five months. Her words remind me to focus on what truly matters and to let go of unnecessary stress.
Give yourself grace: Remember that growth is a lifelong journey, and we are constantly learning at every age, phase and moment in life. Give yourself grace and treat yourself with kindness, even when things don’t go as planned. If your “for the plot” moment turns out to be a little chaotic, embrace it as part of the adventure — every experience, no matter how unexpected, is an opportunity to learn and grow.
As Natasha Bedingfield famously sang in her hit song, “the rest is still unwritten!”
“For the plot” moments remind us that life isn’t just about following rules — it’s about creating stories worth telling. So take that leap — dance in the rain, book that trip or say yes to an unexpected adventure. You’re the main character of your life — make it unforgettable.
Marissa Hunt is a junior at UT this year studying journalism. She can be reached at mhunt44@vols.utk.edu
Columns and letters of The Daily Beacon are the views of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Beacon or the Beacon’s editorial staff.
Graphic by Erin Donovan
MARISSA HUNT Columnist
WHAT THE F--- IS GOING ON WITH BOY MOMS?
CLAIRE THATCHER Contributor
Stillwater Police Department book 17-year-old Jesse Mack Butler into jail on March 4.
If you don’t recognize his name from the articles or viral bodycam footage, the courts charged Mr. Butler with two counts of attempted rape in the first degree, three counts of rape by instrumentation, one count of sexual battery, one count of forcible oral sodomy, and two counts of domestic assault and battery by strangulation.
Feel free to peruse his police reports, which are publicly available online.
While horrific enough alone to draw attention, the 10 felony counts Jesse racked up didn’t incite the internet’s rage. No — his “punishment” drew millions of eyes.
While initially charged with 78 years in prison, he only walked away with community service, counseling and a curfew — a slap on the wrist. And when he turns 19, he has the opportunity to expunge the charges from his record.
Obviously, the world protests. Under Oklahoma’s Youthful Offender Act, Butler weaseled his way out of any real consequence.
I would encourage you to research the gory details of his numerous charges — while assaulting one girl, she almost died — he strangled her so aggressively that she needed surgery on her neck. Butler then proceeded to record himself having sex with her unconscious body. As his mother says, “Awful experience for a child.”
Only, she didn’t say that about a victim — she said it as police escorted Jesse to a squad car.
You can hear Butler’s mother on bodycam footage assuring her son that she would “get him out.” He only had to “say his prayers” and that they would “win this.”
This leads me to my question: What is up with these boy moms?
If I had a son who so much as looked at a girl sideways, he would be getting seriously reprimanded. But strangling and raping a girl until she’s on the edge of death? I mean, if it’s up to me, the police can have him.
What could possibly compel someone to be so blindly allegiant? It just doesn’t seem sane.
Graphic by Claire Thatcher
Butler and his mother are just one dynamic of the many flamed across social media for the strange nature of their mother-son relationship.
Avery Woods, a social media influencer with almost three million followers across all platforms, posted a video in early 2024. In it, she expresses her blatant favoritism for her son.
She says, “My boy moms feel me on this, but my son has my heart and my soul.”
She describes that while she is “obsessed” with her daughter, all her life, all she ever wanted was to be a boy mom. I guess Woods expected applause — a pat on the back for her profound and heartfelt revelation. But unsurprisingly, the internet lit her on fire.
She deleted the video.
Anna Saccone, a family vlogger and influencer with over 2.5 million followers on all platforms, posted a video describing her feelings about her son.
Saccone smiles regretfully as she says, “I love my four kids equally but…”
Here we go.
“…that last little boy just hits different. … I swore I wouldn’t be that mom — that toxic boy mom. He hits his sisters, he punches them, I’m like — maybe he’s having a hard day?”
Forget the way that these poor girls will feel when they look at mommy’s TikTok and find her trashing them — but could this favoritism manifest into something more sinister? Does laughing off your son’s outbursts condition them to believe all their violent tendencies are valid?
The lack of discipline and endless slack they receive might be part of the reason why men have always dominated the violent crime charts. They commit more violent crimes bar none — rapes, assaults, homicides — they beat women in every category (no pun intended).
While sure, there are other factors at play, remember Butler. Think about how, despite the copious evidence stacked against him — graphic images, police reports, and victim testimonies — his mother never faltered. She stood by him, provided him legal defense and rejoiced in his victory.
Maybe you let your son hit your daughter one too many times. You chalk it up to his rosy cheeks, pearly whites and dashing good looks that he gets from his father. Maybe one day your son becomes someone who doesn’t take no for an answer and uses violence to take what he wants — maybe your son grows up to be Jesse Butler.
But why? Why do women have this strange attachment to their sons that compels them to be so blindly allegiant? It just doesn’t seem sane.
Now, to address the elephant in the room.
I can’t write an article about boy moms without mentioning the Oedipus theory. Coined and defined by Sigmund Freud in 1905, the theory asserts that from ages three to six, a young boy can develop an “unconscious sexual attraction” for his mother and a simultaneous jealousy for his father.
But here is where it gets interesting.
An opposing theory proposed by Carl Jung in 1963 describes a version of the Oedipus complex applicable to young girls. Named the Electra complex, Jung suggests that from ages three to six, girls develop the same unconscious sexual attraction, only for their father. And — you guessed it — they experience hostility and envy towards their mother.
While significantly more complicated (and gross) then I briefly summarized, the basic ideas are still communicated. Young boys develop incestual attachments to their mothers, and young girls experience the opposite.
I mean, in the same video, Sacconne literally says, “When I think about my daughters getting married, I get excited, right? I think about their dresses, planning their wedding. When I think about my son’s wedding — I want to cry.”
While both theories are widely disputed, they are freakishly on the mark.
Who knows — maybe there is some merit to what Freud and Jung were saying. Perhaps it just takes the right mother — one desperate and unstable enough to nurture certain sexual behaviors leading to the disturbing relationships discussed above.
Here’s the bottom line. While TikTok videos like Saconne’s and Woods’s may be dismissed after a couple thousand comments and a few apology videos, their actions shouldn’t. Treating this phenomenon as just another internet trend could lead to negative behavior going uncorrected.
No child comes out of the womb innately thinking that violence is permissible. They learn those behaviors from the people who raise them. And there seems to be a generational epidemic of women who don’t hold their do-no-wrong, golden boys accountable.
Claire
Hayden Kubik: Tennessee volleyball senior’s career defined by family
THEO COLLI Senior Staff Writer
Tennessee volleyball senior Hayden Kubik’s journey has always been one marked by family.
Since Kubik’s arrival on campus back in 2024 for her junior season, her path to this point hasn’t been linear. But the drive and passion for the game have always been the same, and her family has been there the whole way.
Kubik’s parents played an instrumental role in her athletic journey as collegiate athletes themselves. Renae Kubik, her mother, played volleyball at Missouri State, while Brad Kubik, her father, played football at Missouri State and later professionally for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Meanwhile, Madi, Hayden’s older sister, has enjoyed a volleyball career at the highest level, too. She played four seasons at Nebraska, leading the NCAA postseason field her junior season in kills with 77. Since graduating, she has played professional volleyball on the U.S. Junior National Team as an outside hitter.
The two have been paired together competitively their whole life, and Renae has been a driving force.
“Mom was very involved and is still very involved,” Madi Kubik said. “Whether that’s encouraging us, coaching us, wanting us to also be a student of the game and understand it.”
Collegiate athletics run through the rest of the family tree. Alongside her parents and older sibling, Hayden’s younger sister, Peyton, is committed to playing volleyball at Pittsburgh.
As Hayden and Madi went down their individual volleyball paths, high school became the first instance where the two played with each other.
“All of the years that we played in club, we didn’t play in the same groups because of age difference,” Madi said. “So then, to actually be alongside each other on the court, that was really powerful for us, for our relationship.”
The sisters’ journey continued in college when the elder Kubik sisters enrolled together at Nebraska. Hayden’s freshman season came during Madi’s senior year, yet it was obvious the dynamic this time around was different.
“As a senior and Hayden coming in as a freshman, there’s so much that you learn as a freshman in college,” Madi said. “And I think that you kind of have to go through that, you have to do that ‘suck,’ there’s just such a big learning curve having to play at that speed and all the xyz’s.
Hayden faced a very different mountain in Nebraska. In two seasons with Nebraska, she played just 13 total games.
The pressure to perform at a program like Nebraska can be a hefty ask, but to follow up
Hayden Kubik (33) and Tennessee volleyball celebrates a set victory over Texas A&M at Food City Center, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.
your own sibling adds to the dynamic, and it was a battle that Hayden had to work through entering her junior year.
“As a player at Nebraska, or as a player for another team coming to play, you just feel the engagement from the city around volleyball,” Hayden said. “People really care about it, and there’s an expectation to be at a certain level every season.”
Hayden transferred to Tennessee ahead of her junior season, with more questions than answers entering her new home.
“Up until college, I didn’t really know who I was. Even a couple of years into college, I still wasn’t exactly sure who I was,” Hayden said. “But all the experiences, and going through that ‘suck’ like Madi said, you have to figure out who you are and what motivates you.”
In her junior year, she started 25 matches, leading the Lady Vols in digs while finishing third on the team in kills, assists and aces. Her impressive arm strength with each hit assured the talent was always there — it was just about finding her groove.
Now, near the end of Kubik’s senior year, the rest of the league has been able to see her potential in full swing as she stepped into one of the main offensive roles for the Lady Vols after the departure of Nina Cajic last season. Kubik finished the 2025 regular season with 338 kills over 80 sets, a team-high.
“When I first transferred, I just wanted a different opportunity, a different experience,”
Hayden said. “I feel like last year was a good way to build a backbone. I had not played much in a couple of years.”
Since her arrival, there’s been a huge growth in court presence for Hayden, and it’s been noticeable for head coach Eve Rackham Watt as well.
The regular season journey came to an end for Hayden on Sunday as the Lady Vols clinched a top-four seed in the SEC tournament. Kubik posted a team-high 20 kills in the game during the Senior Day victory.
“When I saw her before the game and hugged her, I just said I’m so proud of you, because it hasn’t been easy, and her road hasn’t been easy,” Rackham Watt said. “As a coach, you just feel really good watching a player like that shine in their final season and to get to see her play with so much joy and belief.”
The belief factor was one of, if not the biggest, factors in unlocking Hayden’s game. She continues to draw on every experience as a building block for her continued growth and success as a senior.
“This year, I’m able to play with more freedom and confidence because I had last year to experience the ups and downs and how to manage them,” Hayden said. “You can fall back on those moments like ‘OK, I can do this, I trust my ability, I have to trust what I put in practice.’”
While Hayden may have had to branch outside the expected route that was Nebraska volleyball back in 2024, the move has proved to pay off.
While her story was different from her sister’s, there was no lack of pride from Madi’s part in seeing her sibling find her footing at a school other than her own alma mater.
“She’s growing up. You live your whole life as a sibling, like ‘Oh that’s my little sister,’” Madi said. “No, she’s her own thing, she’s her own person, she’s got her own routines and systems, and I feel like that’s been really cool to see.”
It’s one of those things that survives before and after sports. While the two’s relationship has faced competitive hardships, they’ve come out the other side appreciating each other more beyond the game.
It’s been a tale of two schools for Hayden, and now she’s ending on possibly her highest note yet in college. Alongside leading the team in kills, she has remained a vocal veteran presence.
Her ability to be effective both offensively and defensively made her one of the biggest x-factors on the team, showing that the potential was always there.
“Just staying humble and being grateful for every opportunity,” Hayden said. “Every point I get on the court, playing every point like it’s my last, is my mindset.”
Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon
3 unanswered goals doom Tennessee soccer in loss to North Carolina
One of the Lady Vols’ strong suits this season turned out to be one of their worst nightmares to end the campaign.
Tennessee soccer fell in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, losing 3-1 to North Carolina at Regal Soccer Stadium on Friday night. Though the Lady Vols’ (12-4-3, 6-2-2 SEC) back line held strong all season, disorganization conceded three unanswered goals to the Tar Heels (13-6, 6-4 ACC) in the loss.
Tennessee took the initial lead. Forward Kate Runyon netted her sixth goal of the season in the 26th minute for Tennessee’s first first-half goal in six matches. However, Tennessee wouldn’t be able to enjoy its lead for long.
The Tar Heels quickly struck back, netting a goal less than three minutes later. A cross into the box bounced off a North Carolina player and into the lap of forward Kate Faasse. The forward poked the ball past goalkeeper Cayden Norris before she could react for the equalizing score.
“It’s tough,” head coach Joe Kirt said. “We talked about it all year, trying to get ourselves back to a good place after scoring a goal. Disappointed that we let the serve off. We didn’t do a great job of getting cover. We didn’t deal
with the cross very well.”
On the other end of the sideline, North Carolina head coach Damon Nahas saw the goal as a moment of growth for his team.
“When we went down a goal against Tennessee at the beginning of the season, our response to the goal against was poor,” Nahas said. “There wasn’t really accountability on the field, and until you get in that situation, you don’t know how they’re going to react. Fast forward to be here tonight to go down a goal was really an interesting
one because we were in that same situation, and today was the opposite.”
The Tar Heels’ quick response put pressure on the Lady Vols’ offense to score. In matches where its opponent had scored a goal, Tennessee held a 2-3 record.
North Carolina would double down on its offensive effort just minutes later, putting the Lady Vols in a tough position.
Chaos in the box off a set piece would give the Tar Heels their next goal. After bouncing off two Tennessee defenders, defender Caitlyn Mara would slip the ball
past Norris to take the lead.
“Whenever a ball’s sitting around, it gets to be a little dicey,” Kirt said. “The second goal was a bigger issue. We’ve got to be able to deal with that second ball better on the second goal. It’s tough. You go up, you have the momentum, and then feeling pretty good, and they equalize, and then suddenly you walk into halftime and you’re down one.”
The Lady Vols faced a one-goal deficit heading into halftime. Tennessee would have to play from behind in the second half, a spot they had seen just once all season.
North Carolina, now in the driver’s seat, kept pressing Tennessee’s defense until it made another mistake.
It would be the Tar Heels striking again, this time off an offensive mistake by the Lady Vols in the 57th minute. An errant pass found forward Bella Devey, who dished to Faasse for her second goal of the night.
With a 3-1 lead, North Carolina could play passively for the rest of the match. The Tar Heels conceded six shots to the Lady Vols in the final 10 minutes but found a way to keep them off the board to secure the win.
With the loss, the Lady Vols have now lost in the first round in back-to-back years and three of the last four seasons.
Tennessee volleyball seniors take charge, defeating Oklahoma in regular-season finale
THEO COLLI Senior Staff Writer
Klaudia Pawlik was dealt a major blow at the beginning of her senior season at Tennessee after missing over half of the regular season with a leg injury.
Despite missing time, she’s found her groove at the perfect time. She joined other seniors Hayden Kubik and Starr Williams atop the score sheet as the Lady Vols defeated Oklahoma 3-1 during the regular season finale.
Pawlik led the defense through the entire game, bringing the energy at the net with a game-high six blocks.
“I couldn’t be happier for somebody,” Tennessee head coach Eve Rackham Watt said. “For what she’s meant to this program, for the role model that she is, she’s everything about this program that is right.”
The senior class, consisting of six players, was described as a major strength for the team entering the season. Including the three mentioned players, libero Gulce Guctekin, Brynn Williams and Kiki Granberry, round out the class.
Granberry and Brynn Williams didn’t play against the Sooners. Guctekin
Tennessee volleyball seniors take part in Senior Day against Oklahoma at Food City Center. Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. Luke Goins / Contributor
continued to serve as the glue on the floor with a team-high 12 digs and eight assists.
One of the biggest storylines to come from the senior class this season remains the rise of Kubik, becoming the number one offensive option early in the season and not giving it back.
Kubik led the team on Sunday afternoon with 20 kills over 33 attacks, good for a .606 kill percentage. Starr Williams finished her day with 19 kills over 32 attacks.
The two combined for 39 kills on the
day; the 19 kills for Starr Williams served as a season-high and her highest total amount of kills with the Lady Vols.
All four seniors played a large role in clinching a double bye for the Lady Vols in the SEC Tournament this week.
“We have such a talented senior class that has experience, who’s been out there, and they’ve really invested in this season and where they want to be,” Rackham Watt said. “I think each of them came into this season as really good players, but
what’s been great is they’ve come in every day trying to improve.”
The impact that this group of seniors makes, however, extends far beyond just the court.
Among the six players, there are around 26 seasons of experience, in especially Guctekin and Starr Williams. Guctekin spent her first three seasons with the Wisconsin Badgers, and she spent time in the postseason as the team’s starting libero all three seasons.
Starr Williams, on the other hand, spent two seasons at New Mexico State, where she started all but one of her games played.
The experience from those big moments, as well as Pawlik’s four prior seasons of experience within the program, adding that with Kubik and Granberry’s experiences, and that’s a lot of extra voices to help the younger players as they enter the toughest stretch of the season.
“I want to help all those girls get to where they want to be,” Pawlik said. “I always try to give them some advice, and I try to take care of them because that’s what people have done here for me.”
The Lady Vols officially return to action in the SEC Tournament on Sunday, Nov. 23, in the quarterfinals.
Reese Mattern (12) sits after a loss to UNC at Regal Soccer Stadium. Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. Cambree Gliessner / The Daily Beacon
Tennessee football, Boo Carter parting ways before conclusion of regular season
ALEX SARKIS Asst. Sports Editor
Tennessee football defensive back Boo Carter announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal on Sunday.
The Chattanooga, Tennessee, native did not play in the Vols’ contest against New Mexico State on Nov. 15 after appearing in each game so far this season. Carter’s departure from the team comes after he failed to meet expectations set by the coaching staff.
“At the end of the day, there’s a standard that you have to meet to be in that locker room,” Heupel said following the matchup with the Aggies. “He was not out on the field with us.”
Reports surfaced that the sophomore had a negative standing with his coaches entering fall camp after not participating in select team activities.
Carter received limited defensive reps in eight games during the 2025 campaign, slotting in at Tennessee’s STAR position in a reserve role. He racked up 25 tackles, forcing a trio of fumbles before not seeing any defensive action in the Vols’ loss to Oklahoma. His absence against the Sooners followed a poor performance
against Kentucky, which saw the 5-foot11 defensive back struggle in coverage, particularly on one of the Wildcats’ touchdown strikes.
He served as Tennessee’s primary punt returner in each contest, filling the role with his highly touted athleticism and shiftiness that showed promise in some moments. He tallied 13.2 yards per return without reaching paydirt in 11 attempts. He never found the endzone in his time on special teams over two seasons.
“It’s our job as coaches to try to help mold these guys,” head coach Josh Heupel said on Monday. “That’s part of the commitment we make in the recruiting process, and when we decide to come. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. At the end of the day, we’re moving forward.”
In a statement on X, Carter claimed that his season came to an end due to an injury, prompting his decision to enter the portal. He never appeared on the SEC’s studentathlete availability report during the weeks of six conference games. Heupel denied his staff ever designated Carter with an injury. He leaves the team with two games remaining in the regular season.
The transfer window will officially open on Jan. 2.
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Boo Carter (23) celebrates during a game against Mississippi State at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025. Cole Moore / The Daily Beacon