From perfect GPAs to Ivy League
acceptance letters and abundant
extracurriculars, characters on
screen seem to glide through the
college application process, all
while balancing several romantic
relationships and some serious
personal drama. The media’s
glossy depiction of the college
application process disregards the
late-night cramming, weekend
shifts, and lunch meetings
with teachers that make
up real students’ lives.
Protagonists in “Gilmore
Girls” and “Never Have I
Ever” are all living an idealistic
illusion of a stressless senior
year and college application
season. As viewers, we can’t
help but feel drawn to these
characters who seem effortlessly
intelligent, accomplished, and
goal-oriented.

Many high schoolers dream
of attending a top university, yet
the reality of getting accepted is far
more challenging than popular TV shows
portray. In “Gilmore Girls,” the journey to
a prestigious college appears deceptively
easy, creating an illusion of guaranteed
success for any hardworking or
successful student. The protagonist
Rory Gilmore is an overachiever
who excels in academics and is
involved in many extracurricular
activities. Throughout her high
school journey, she doesn’t
encounter many struggles and
ends up only applying to and
getting accepted into her
dream colleges: Harvard,
Princeton, and Yale.
However, “Gilmore Girls”
fails to acknowledge the
difficulties and complex
feelings high schoolers
often face during the
admissions process. Real-
life college admissions are
often full of uncertainty and
rejection. The reality is that
even high achieving students
may not be accepted to their
top choices.

The media’s narrative of the college
application process glorifies prestige.
Time and again, TV shows and movies
only mention the names of Ivy League
or top 20 universities, as if attending
one of these institutions is the
only acceptable route to success.
In “Never Have I Ever,” Devi, a
smart and driven student, only
applies to Ivy League schools.
When college acceptances come
out, she is left with only one
waitlist and considers waiting
another year to reapply to the
Ivy Leagues if she is denied
from that school. Devi’s
story is a prime example of
the media’s romanticization
of prestigious schools.
This unhealthy portrayal
creates misguided beliefs
among students, where one’s
hard work in school becomes
automatically pointless if denied
admission to top universities.

However, the media is
overlooking the thousands of
other colleges all around the
world that also provide quality
education for students to pursue what they
love. College admissions should be about
finding a place where one can thrive, not
simply aiming for the name that looks
best on a bumper sticker.

Not only are there a wide range
of excellent colleges, but some
students may not realize that
college is not the only suitable
path after high school. While
attending college can provide
opportunities and a degree,
high school graduates can
also find joy and achievement
through working, training, or
pursuing other experiences.
Additionally, some students
choose to take a gap year and
travel, volunteer, or work to
help shape their goals and find
their interests. It’s important
to remember to embrace your
own journey as there is more
than one path to success.

For PHS students, the college
admissions process can be much
tougher and more stressful than
what we see on screen. However,
success isn’t defined by one
decision, and the college journey should
be a time for us to explore who we are and
find where we belong.

Debunking college admissions in TV

The PHS Numina Gallery celebrated Hispanic Heritage
Month between October 9 and 17 with an exhibition
that showcased a diverse display of Hispanic cultures.
The exhibition featured many artifacts from different
Spanish-speaking regions, including Central America,
South America, and the Caribbean.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a national celebration
observed from September 15 to October 15 to celebrate
the diverse contributions of Hispanic-American citizens
to the United States.

“[The Numina Gallery exhibit] provides a vital platform
for Latino students to express their voices and pride in their
culture,” said Martha Hayden, a Spanish teacher at PHS.

In addition to displaying student’s culture, the event
also brings together people from across the community.

“[In the other months] we usually do art showcases …
this exhibition, [however], is a more [broad] and cultural
exhibition, which makes it special because we are not
showcasing specific artworks of art students … [instead]
we are bringing in projects and cultures from Spanish
students and from different clubs,” said Cindy Zhou ’25,
co-president of the Numina Gallery.

The centerpiece of the exhibition, the Día de los Muertos
(Day of the Dead) ofrenda, displayed traditional offerings
given during a reunion with the dead, such as candles,
flowers, and photos of deceased loved ones. The exhibition
also presented poems related to immigration, traditional
clothing from several regions, and güiro frog instruments.
Camila Del Castillo, a Spanish teacher at PHS and the
main organizer of the Numina exhibit, was pleased to see
the reactions of parents and students on the opening night
of the exhibition.

“The Hispanic kids that came and saw things from
their country loved it. They saw the altar or the Día de los
Muertos ofrenda, and they connected with things they
have learned,” said Del Castillo. “People visiting and being
happy to be there [is] when I feel the proudest.”

The preparation process lasted two weeks and involved
the collaboration of many different people, including
students, teachers, and even supervisors.
Spanish teachers and students did most of the work,
while Numina Gallery members mostly assisted in putting
up pieces, podiums, and lighting.

“The Spanish classes would come and help, and during
our free time we would listen to their ideas and help
incorporate our knowledge about the gallery to help with
the setup,” said Zhou.

The Latinos Unidos club was a significant part of the
exhibition, sharing Hispanic traditions through music and
visuals. Brian Donis ’25, the club’s vice president, helped
plan and set up the event, along with other students.

“The students helped us carry out the projects and events,
but all in all, there is no difference from being a student
leader and being a student in the club [because] we all
came together as one community,” said Donis.

Students and teachers each had different roles in the
preparations for the exhibit. The Spanish teachers, created
themes such as geographical and cultural regions for each
of their respective classes to focus on. The students then
researched these regions and designed posters to display
on the walls of the gallery.

While preparing the exhibition, students and teachers
faced many challenges, such as planning and coordination.
“Finding the time is the most challenging. It’s hard
because you’re still teaching, [and the Numina exhibit] is
not your only job,” said Del Castillo. “Kids are in school,
so I can’t pull them out of class to [help], and after school
everybody has things to do.”

The preparation process is different every year, as
although the Hispanic Heritage exhibition is designed
to display Hispanic culture, its theme changes from year
to year.

Last year’s focus was more on celebrations, while this
year the exhibition focused on spotlighting specific people
and countries. However, while the focus of the exhibition
changes annually, the goal remains the same: to celebrate
Hispanic Heritage Month and showcase the diverse cultures
spread across Latin America.

“We even [had] the Chinese teacher bringing in her
kids and the Italian teacher bringing her kids and making
comparisons between things that we have, like the fans and
different artifacts,” said Del Castillo. “We compare, but to
highlight our similarities."

The Numina Gallery exhibition showcases Hispanic traditions

***Happy Together***

*Written by Maya Wood*

“Let’s start over.”

Named after the popular song from The Turtles, Wong Kar-Wai’s “Happy Together” (1997) follows the relationship between Lai Yiu-Fai (played by Tony Leung) and Ho Po- Wing (played by Leslie Cheung). Having had an on-and- off relationship for a long time, the two find themselves lost in Argentina while searching for the other-worldly beautiful Iguazu Falls. Frustrated and sick of each other, they go their separate ways. Eventually, they both end up in Buenos Aires and find each other again, leading to an emotional and complicated reunion.

Wong Kar-Wai, the creator of “In The Mood For Love” (2000) and “Fallen Angels” (1995), brings back his incredible artistic vision using light and color to shape the emotional evolution of this story. The shifting color palettes reflect the fluctuating dynamics of the relationship between Fai and Po-Wing: warm and vibrant reds and oranges when the characters are experiencing overwhelming love or grief; bright and sunny yellow when they feel contentedness; cold blues and greens when they feel depression
and loneliness; and black and white when they completely hate each other, capturing the realistic and raw emotions of difficult situations.

This movie was made only six years after the legal recognition of homosexual couples in Hong Kong (though same-sex marriage was not legalized), and was very influential in attaining more visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. Even today, same-sex couples in Hong Kong have no legal protections from discrimination or for marriage. This story mostly took place in Argentina, which in the 1990s was more accepting of the gay community, and now has many legal protections in place for LGBTQ+ individuals.

This is one of my favorite movies from Wong Kar-Wai and I think that he does a great job of going below the surface in terms of emotion, which can add a layer of relatability and representation to some members of the audience. The themes in this film are raw and moving, but not for everyone. It deals with topics surrounding a toxic relationship, so viewers’ discretion is advised.

***Far From Heaven***

*Written by Chloe Lam*

I’ve tried, I’ve tried to be like other people.”

Many recent movies have displayed honor and respect towards individuals who have had an impact on Pride Month. “Far From Heaven,” released in 2002, is a drama which takes place in the 1950s. It is a stunning and emotional movie which delivers a powerful message regarding race, gender, sexuality, and escapism during that time period.

The protagonist, Cathy Whitaker, highlights many of the oppressions and expectations women faced during the 1950s, such prioritizing family needs over her own desires. She marries Frank, who is similarly struggling with living a double life, since he’s secretly gay. He is forced to hide his identity, which leads to psychological distress.

Frank decided to marry Cathy because it would adhere to societal expectations. Through his marriage, Frank has conversations with his psychiatrist regarding homosexuality, and he realizes that there is a widespread belief that homosexuality is a mental illness that could be cured.

This untrue belief led to the harm of many LGBTQ+ individuals in real life, in addition to Frank in this movie. The film highlights the homophobia and prejudice in the 1950s, where gender roles took precedence over understanding and acceptance, allowing the audience to be aware of the problem, therefore leading the audience to strive for a greater change in the future.

Soon after, Frank has the courage to move out and decides to find his own happiness. He was able to embrace his own identity despite societal expectations and was able to live authentically in a repressive society. The positive ending to the film highlights the importance of finding the right but painful steps to self acceptance and happiness, despite facing difficult situations.

***Brokeback Mountain***

*Written by Rebecca Zhang*

“I wish I knew how to quit you sometimes.”

On the goldens of the lush plains, thousands of meters above the smokes of life — with rain, with snow, with him — “Brokeback Mountain” tells of the tragic love story when Ennis Del Mar (played by Heath Ledger) meets a rodeo cowboy Jack Twist (played by Jake Gyllenhaal) in a small town of Wyoming in 1963. Introverted Ennis and extroverted Jack soon become good friends as sheep herders on Brokeback Mountain. While both try to avoid it, they notice that they have slowly gone beyond the point of friendship, when one freezing night spent together seals their fate. However, after the job ends, they go their separate ways, longing after their memory of Brokeback Mountain, and only having infrequent, secretive reunions
which makes them miserable.

“Brokeback Mountain” shows how the inequalities that LGBTQ+ people face in this world can frighten them because of the risk that they might be physically attacked or publicly shamed by people with homophobic views, especially at that time. Ennis and Jack’s decisions to marry women while having an illicit affair outside of their marriages demonstrates the fragile balance of striving to appeal to the public’s expectations while attempting to understand
their own differences.

However, their hesitancy to be together throughout the film makes for a tragic end. They wanted to express themselves, but the need to protect themselves from danger ended up reigning over their decisions. Although the world is now changing, gay love is still widely restricted in many places and many beliefs. Jack and Ennis’ relationship in “Brokeback Mountain” depicts a love which is raw but heartfelt, violent but fragile, emotional but persevering, and desirous but forbidden. The film has not only strong convincing elements for people to accept all differences, but it also puts in so much humanity and vulnerability that reveals the truth behind common yet undercoveraged encounters with prejudice.

Finding pride in film: three LGBTQ+ movies to watch

"Peter Rabbit"
As spring is right around the corner, many people are adding movies that capture the spirit of the season to their watchlist. “Peter Rabbit,” released in 2018, is a comedy movie  for people of all ages. The movie is set in a neighborhood full of vibrant flowers and charming fields, which conveys the film’s main topics of joy and renewal. The film also has a heartwarming message with its portrayal of an unconventional family and the importance of respecting and understanding each other’s situation.
The main character, Peter, is adventurous, mischievous, and curious. His siblings Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail are similarly playful, and can sometimes  cause trouble. Throughout the film, an animal lover named Bea forms a special relationship with all the rabbits, her  affection towards them making her a fan-favorite character. Despite their love for Bea, Peter and his siblings are always stepping into her neighbor Thomas’ garden to annoy him, creating a rivalry with Thomas, which becomes a big issue in Bea’s relationship with him and one of the primary conflicts in the story. Without any regard for how their actions are annoying for the humans, Peter Rabbit and his siblings relish in the humorous response they get from Thomas, and their energetic behavior brings a sense of life and excitement to the audience. 
Not only is the movie full of humorous and clever characters, but the story also provides the audience with an important message of respecting those who are different from us. The rabbits’ and neighbor’s mindsets change throughout the story, as they realize the importance of respect, kindness, forgiveness, and the consequences of their actions. This sweet conclusion teaches people to treat others with empathy and compassion, while celebrating friendships and the significance of home. 

"The Sound of Music"
Some may go on vacation over spring break, but for those like me, who find themselves bored over the week-long break from school, I recommend watching “The Sound of Music,” directed by Robert Wise, as it is a movie that will leave one mesmerized without a doubt. Released in 1965, “The Sound of Music” is a heartwarming movie based on the story of the Von Trapp family, a singing group originating in Salzburg, Austria during World War II. Maria, played by Julie Andrews, is sent away from her abbey to act as a governess to a family of seven children, so that she is disciplined prior to becoming a nun. The family she stays with are the children of a retired captain, George Von Trapp. The children are extremely well-mannered but sheltered, and Maria teaches them to enjoy their lives more. Though the captain initially disapproves, when he sees how close Maria has gotten to his children, he begins to appreciate her more, and the two fall for each other soon enough.
 In addition to the touching storyline, the movie contains several catchy songs that intertwine  beautifully with the story’s plot. These songs, such as “Do-Re-Mi,” “The Lonely Goatherd,” and “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” narrate the characters’ lives as the plot thickens. One of my favorite songs is “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” featuring the oldest daughter, named Liesl, who sings about entering womanhood. The musical dynamics disclosed in the song capture the nature of Liesl’s relationship with Rolf, a delivery boy who is in love with Liesl. The song starts off soft and mellow, but then the orchestra in the background undergoes a subtle crescendo. After the vocalists stop singing, the orchestra continues, slowly crescendoing and accelerating until the song comes to an awkward halt. This unique song ending perfectly describes  one’s first love: it’s awkward, but also exhilerating and wonderful. Unlike many movies, in which songs are used only as background music, “The Sound of Music” incorporates music into the plot. The scenes are constantly entertaining as the singers are always dancing with the flow of the song. The director does a fantastic job showing the developing relationships between the characters by revealing all their true feelings through song, adding depth to the story. In addition to developing sentimental relationships, the film also includes songs that are humorous, such as “The Lonely Goatherd.” A common aspect shared between all of the songs in the movie is the emphasis on the songs’ buildup. This buildup allows the songs to have a stronger ending and feel more complete. 
Further strengthening the story, the clothing aesthetics of the characters add insight into their personalities. The children in the movie wear matching clothes, demonstrating the strong bond that the family members have with one another. While Maria initially seems to be the odd one out with her dull, gray aprons and flashy dresses, her wedding gown when she marries the children’s father at the end of the movie depicts her fully becoming an official part of the family.
One of the best things about this movie is how relatable it is. Although it was released more than half a century ago, the songs manage to cover endearing interactions between family members, describe cheesy romance, and express happiness and freedom, all while carrying out a touching storyline. No doubt, “The Sound of Music” will leave you craving for more  romance during the remainder of your spring break. 


Spring into the new season with these two movie reviews

The clock is ticking down, and with the game tied, Nick Matese ’24 eyes the ball flying towards him. Seeing a chance, he turns to kick a ball, scoring a goal. 
Matese has been an important player for PHS Varsity Soccer ever since he joined the team in his freshman year. Playing at center back, Matese not only is a great asset to defense, but can score as well. 
Growing up, Matese was inspired by his mother playing sports and found an interest in various sports at an early age.
“I tried a few other sports [other than soccer] growing up, like basketball, but never really continued to play them as I got older,” said Matese. “My mom played a bunch of sports... but I picked the only sport she didn’t play.”
At PHS and club level, Nick’s talent for the sport was quickly picked up by his coaches, who took him under their wing, and helped him grow as a player and as a person. For Nick, he couldn’t be more grateful for their help.
“I’ve been really lucky to have great coaches throughout all my time playing soccer. The coaches I’ve been with... have all noticed parts of our team's game that need work, and [they’ve helped] us improve,” said Matese. “Beyond that, our coaches create a team environment that inspires hard work and allows teammates to support each other.”
Matese has had many accomplishments in his time playing high school soccer. Last season, he was able to score 3 goals even as a center back, an accomplishment that he takes pride in. Along with a successful season for the High school, Matese and his club team became under-16 national champions, winning the presidents cup.
As Matese prepares to leave high school, he also leaves a lot of positive impressions from the people that he's trained and played with. 
“I'll always enjoy spending time with Nick because he is the most dedicated guy I know and a great guy to joke around with,” said Chao. “Therefore it’s a pleasure being able to practice alongside a talented player like him.” 
Matese’s leadership has allowed him to bring the whole team together. He is able to show leadership skills on and off the field and is someone who leads by example.    
“His leadership is often a calming presence for many, especially during intense games,” said Chao. “Overall, he’s just a great guy and a great leader whom we can rely on. ''
As team captain, Nick was the eyes and ears for his coaches on the field. Ryan Walsh, the head coach of the PHS Boys Varsity Soccer, also reflects appreciation for Matese’s leadership.
Although Matese’s high school soccer career is coming to an end, he has made many memories with his teammates that he can cherish. One of his most memorable things he remembers is scoring a goal against Notre Dame.
During his junior year, he had to sit out for half of the season due to an injury on his medial collateral ligament, a section of his inner knee..
“It was rough for the team because I felt like I was a strong part of our success early in the season,” Matese said. “I tried to be as supportive of the team as possible while I was unable to play.”
Recently, Matese announced that he committed to the Swarthmore College men’s soccer team. While the commitment process was difficult for him at first, he’s glad about the end result     “Honestly [playing for Swarthmore College is] a dream come true, to be able to play soccer at a great school,” said Matese. “I’m looking forward to the challenge of playing at the next level.”
For anyone thinking of playing soccer in the future, Nick has some inspiring words about continuing to improve yourself.
“Find friends to train with, and play as much as possible with people better than you. Find your weaknesses and make them your strengths,” said Matese.

Nick Matese ’23: Soccer

   Clare Johnson ’23 waits in anticipation as she watches the ball flying towards her, ready to jump into action. Within a split second, Johnson crouches into position and catches the ball, prompting a roar of applause from the crowd.
   Beginning at the age of five, Johnson has dedicated an exceptional amount of time honing her skills as a catcher. Although she has run into some setbacks along the way, Johnson’s passion towards the sport has driven her forward.
   “I just really enjoy the team aspect of the game,” said Johnson. “Sometimes it gets hard, especially when you make a bad play, but you just have to let yourself learn from the mistake and improve the next time.”
   Johnson’s first year at highschool got off to a rocky start after the season was canceled due to COVID-19. Even during this time of isolation, though, she was able to showcase her skills and impress the coach. 
   “We only had two weeks of practice in person before we had to quarantine,” said Head Coach Marissa Soprano, who also teaches Johnson in her social studies class. “From the beginning, it was apparent that she was talented and hard working. When the team went to remote workouts, she was always there and worked hard.”
   This year, Johnson has stepped up and embraced the role of co-captain, working hard to create a supportive environment for the team. 
   “We really focused a lot on team bonding this year,” said Johnson. “Breakfast after Saturday morning practices and pasta dinners were a great way to hang out and bond as a team.”
   Growing into the role of a leader, Johnson has learned to take the initiative and to step out of her shell in order to guide the team efficiently, with much confidence and dedication. 
   “Clare is an exceptional catcher and she only improved as she moved through high school,” said Soprano. “She grew more confident in her abilities behind the plate and more vocal about calling plays for her teammates. She served as an excellent leader for the underclassmen both last season and this season.”
    Beyond organizing team building exercises, Johnson has made it a priority to boost team morale and encourage open communication among players. She has forged an incredible connection with her teammates while developing a cohesive dynamic among the team. 
   “Clare was an absolutely amazing leader and her knowledge of the game was also awesome,” said Simryn Patel ’26, one of Johnson’s teammates. “She was a powerful voice on and off the field, and she always knew where to go, even if the play didn’t have anything to do with her.”
   Although this has been Johnson’s final year on the team, it has been a season full of remarkable achievements. Through their collective determination and hard work, the team has accomplished qualifying for the state tournament—one achievement that has not been reached in years prior. 
   “Clare made multiple tag plates at the plate to get runners out which was phenomenal,” said Soprano. “Clare also performed well in the state game, keeping us in it with her pitch calling. It was a great performance to end her high school career.”
    As her high-school softball career comes to a close, Johnson is looking forward to leveling up her game in college, where she will continue to play club softball. For anyone looking to step up to the plate, Johnson has some words of encouragement.
    “Practice makes perfect and one mistake doesn’t dictate how the rest of your game will go, so shake it off and learn from it for next time,” Johnson said.


Clare Johnson '23: softball

On March 7 and 8, the PHS Studio Band and Jazz Ensemble participated in the preliminary rounds of the New Jersey Association for Jazz Education State Festival. Across the state, 43 bands competed in different divisions, and the top nine in each division qualified for finals. Studio Band, which competed at Southern Regional High School, placed first in their division, receiving a gold rating. Jazz Ensemble, which competed at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, received a silver rating, ranking fifth place going into finals.

With all the time and dedication put into practice, Studio Band won three soloist awards, “Best Trombone Section,” and the sight-reading competition at State Prelims. Since both Studio Band and Jazz Ensemble placed in the top nine out of the 14 schools in their division, both of the bands will be competing on April 29th at Princeton High School, where all the Division II finalists are competing.

From fundraisers like Band Dances to weekly three-hour practices on Wednesday nights and weekly one-hour sectional practice, all of the players in both bands put in a great deal of effort to perfect their performances. Throughout these long practices, many of the musicians became closer with each other.

“We meet every day for three hours and have spent time working with our sections, so I’ve definitely improved. Because we spend a lot of time with our sections, I’ve definitely made friends that I otherwise would not have,” said Katherine Schorr ’26, a flute player in Jazz Ensemble.

One of the challenges that comes with performing music, especially jazz, is formulating solos on the spot. Some featured soloists in Studio Band were Kevin Huang ’23, Otto Trueman ’23, Connor Stewart ’23, Ishaan Banerjee ’24, and Alex Greenberg ’23. To ensure the solos are up to competition par, soloists practice improvising for a long time to get used to improvising mixes of rhythms and notes that will match the songs cohesively. They get acquainted with this process early on, so they are ready to perform in front of huge audiences.

“I learned how to handle myself in creative situations. At times, I was struggling to be authentic, and it was very difficult for me to find ideas. However, I was able to slowly develop a creative process that helped me get to the point I wanted to reach,” Trueman said. The musicians themselves worked hard to master each of the songs they practiced. While many songs were enjoyable to play throughout the performance, some were more difficult to master than others.

“The hardest song was definitely ‘Billie’s Bounce.’ We were all nervous getting on stage as it was many of our first times at a judged performance. It got off to a bit of a rocky start, but after a minute, we got comfortable, and things evened out. We definitely did well on ‘Have You Heard,’ our ballad. It’s an intricate and interesting Pat Metheny tune, which featured some excellent solos,” said Nate Myers ’24, the lead trumpet in Jazz Ensemble.

“For Studio Band, the hardest song was ‘Caravan,’ their closer. Jazz Ensemble’s closer was ‘La Fiesta,’ and those are really impressive competition-type songs,” said Jazz Ensemble director David Pollack. Despite all of these accomplishments, some of the players were nervous to perform on stage. Still, they were able to calm their nerves and ultimately persevere in their music, leading to great success.

“Having night rehearsals every week and weekly sectionals have given us more time to get to know each other and develop inside jokes and a fun environment while getting better. We put in a lot of individual practice, listening, and rehearsals, and we’re glad we were able to showcase our years of work. I was a bit nervous but mostly confident in the practice we put in, but it still went better than I expected,” said Studio Band member Natalie Austermann ’25.

“When you’re playing lead — especially on trumpet, in a jazz band — it’s your voice which sticks out. I had a lot of nerves getting up there, and it definitely affected my performance. I settled in after the first piece though, and I think now that I know what to expect I will be much more comfortable at future performances,” Myers said. The best way to improve at performing is by watching and learning from others. Fortunately, PHS has connections with bands across the state, and they had the opportunity to watch other bands perform throughout the night.

“We know a lot of the schools around the state because of these festivals, so it’s great to get to perform with them; schools like Scotch Plains, Fanwood, J.P. Stevens, and others. There were nine bands per night, so we got to watch the other bands when we weren’t preparing or performing,” Pollack said.

Overall, the PHS band program is held in high esteem, which is clearly shown through the band program’s output, as they are constantly pushed to improve their skills and techniques, no matter the circumstance. “All the hard work of rehearsing leads to that moment on stage,” said Pollack. “We’re really proud of both bands, and we’re only going to get better from here.”

Princeton jazz bands earn gold and silver in preliminaries

Breaking color barriers, paving pathways, and making history is just a glimpse into the impact of Black athletes in the sports world. From NBA player Kobe Bryant changing the game of basketball with his “Mamba Mentality,” to tennis player Venus Williams encouraging young Black girls to play tennis, to the USA volleyball team player Jordan Thomspon raising racial awareness through her social media platform, Black athletes have challenged the inequality they face to strive for a better world. Whether they’re on or off-court, the determination, resilience, and enthusiasm of these athletes inspire students to follow their legacy.

Venus Williams: Tennis
 In one swift motion, Williams pushes forward with an electrifying spirit and swings with all her might. The entire point looks effortless, but through the withering heat, sweat trickles down her skin, and she pants as she retreats to the baseline of the Wimbledon grass court, ready for Lindsay Davenport’s serve.
Gritty and bold are expressions to describe her dominating playing style, and her “never quit” mentality is what has contributed to an astonishing four Olympic gold medals and seven Grand Slam titles, as well as being the first African-American woman to receive Wimbledon’s Venus Rosewater Dish — a fitting name. 
   “I was first struck by her precise speed at hitting the racket. Along with that, her overall commitment towards the sport was a huge inspiration for me,” said Ruhee Hedge ’25, an avid tennis fan. 
At the young age of four, Williams’ father, Richard Williams, introduced her to tennis on public courts, where her younger sister, Serena Williams, watched, and became inspired to do the same. Soon after, Richard Williams trained the two with some help from his 78-page plan, guiding them to hone their skills on the court for hours on end. As a result, one of Williams’ most notable weapons is her serve, which has flawless timing, speed, and grace. 
“I enjoy watching Venus’ technique, the way she uses her body weight to push the ball onto the other side of the court with a lot of momentum. I also enjoy her energy and attitude, which I believe has gotten her very far in her career,” said tennis player Dia Beri ’25. 
Despite her calm demeanor, Williams’ fierceness on court withstands even the toughest of opponents and is evident through her outstanding athleticism and mentality. Redefining the sport to a whole other level, she constantly raises the bar both physically and mentally for other players. In fact, many rising stars, like Coco Gauff and Sloane Stephens, have modeled their technique after Williams, and look up to her not only as a player, but as a person. Her remarkable sportsmanship and respect for other players has carried her to greater heights, most notably to the 2015 U.S. Open Sportsmanship Award. Supporting her sister, Serena Williams, is also something that comes naturally to Williams, who humbly accepted her loss at the 2017 Australian Open and praised her little sister for her 23rd Grand Slam.
“When I was younger, I met Venus Williams twice and watched her play a match. Ever since then, I have kind of seen her as someone to model my game after. She has power, physical strength, and great placement of the ball. It’s always cool watching her play,” said varsity girl’s tennis player Lada Labas ’25.
Off the court, Williams is vocal about supporting equal compensation for players and advocating for gender equality in sports. She led a campaign with UNESCO and the Women’s Tennis Association in 2006, which eventually led to Wimbledon implementing a policy for equal prize money for all genders. 
Along with bolstering these foundations, Williams has learned to work her way to the top despite being diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease that can cause muscle pain and chronic fatigue. She has stayed resilient throughout her diagnosis and shown the world the dominant force she is on court, rousing a new generation of players to stay focused, courageous, and resilient. 
“I believe that Venus’ will to keep winning is above many upcoming tennis stars, which is why she is so successful… She’s proof that even if you don’t come from a well-off family and rich private lessons, you can make something of yourself and become successful if you put in the effort,” Beri said.

Kobe Bryant: Basketball
 Dribbling the basketball from one hand to another with sweat running down his face, Kobe Bryant runs through the obstacle of people and jumps with all his strength, shooting right before the buzzer sounds. The crowd cheers and yells in excitement as the ball swooshes through the net, marking one of his greatest games against the Toronto Raptors. 
His fans and teammates described him as being tough and determined, an attitude that allowed him to spend 20 years in his NBA career, achieving awards such as Sportsman of the Year, Most Valuable Player, and the Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly award. 
“I really admire Kobe Bryant — he [was] one of my favorite NBA players. I enjoy[ed] watching his attitude during his games,” said Flora Xu ’26. 
At the age of three, Bryant started playing basketball because of his admiration for the Lakers. His father, Joe Bryant, also played basketball in the NBA. He played for the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers. However, when Bryant turned six, his father retired from the NBA and taught him basketball.
“He always [encouraged] his teammates and always [tried] his hardest. When he [missed] a shot, he never [gave] up but kept on trying until he makes it. This taught me to never give up on anything I do,” Xu said.
Bryant’s dedication and passion for the game was incomparable to anyone else, which was evident in his approach to every game. While on court, Bryant showed strong leadership by taking control of the game with the support and faith of his teammates. His “Mamba Mentality” became synonymous with hard work and relentlessness, giving people around the world the hope to chase their dreams. His success, accomplishments, and inspiration towards others wasn’t just on the court. Off the court, Bryant was known for his philanthropy, most notably through his support for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the After-School All-Stars program. 
Continuing to inspire others after he retired from the NBA, Bryant started sharing his skills and knowledge for basketball with children. He instilled the values of hard work, perseverance, and determination that are part of the Mamba Mentality, even opening the Mamba Sports Academy, which gives players of all ages opportunities to train diligently.   
“I admire that Kobe Braynt [was] a hard worker... he [played] basketball [at] his best,” Kelton Gibbs ’26 said. 
At the age of 41, Bryant was in a helicopter with his 13 year old daughter Gianna, flying to her basketball game. However, the helicopter crashed, and the two passed away along with other passengers. This loss left many heartbroken.  Bryant’s life was cut short, but his impact on the basketball world transcends his passing, leaving behind a lesson on how determination, work ethic, and a drive to succeed will always take one to great heights. The world didn’t just witness the loss of a great athlete, but also a devoted father and loving husband whose memory continues to touch people’s lives.
“Something I learned from Kobe is that if you work extremely hard, you can achieve almost anything,” Gibbs said.

Jordan Thomspon: Volleyball
With precision and power, Jordan Thompson soars above the net, delivering a hit that sends the ball crashing to the ground. The court is full of lively energy and uplifting cheers from the crowd as they egg her on. With her explosive jumps, unrelenting spirit, and fierce determination, Jordan Thompson is becoming a household name in the volleyball world.
Thompson’s path to becoming an outside hitter for the USA volleyball team wasn’t always so clear. Everyone expected her to follow in her father’s footsteps, who played professional for the Harlem Globetrotters.    
However, she turned to volleyball when the intense physical contact that came with basketball grew too much for her. As she continued to play, Thompson’s demeanor changed. At the start,  she was more timid and reluctant to play rough, according to her mother in an interview with NBC Sports, but through her journey, she has learned to assert her dominance on court. 
“I think part of watching Jordan Thompson play is that she is a complete powerhouse on the court. You can really see it. She’s a natural leader, especially as the outside hitter; not only is she  clutch player, she’s also the main attacker on the court,” said Zoe Nuland ’25, a member of the varsity volleyball team.   An alumna of the University of Cincinnati, Thompson finished her four years there as an all-time leader in kills, an attack   that is recorded                                    when the opponent doesn’t return the ball, setting both a school and National Collegiate Athletic Association record. By the end of the season, the USA volleyball team’s coach, Karch Kiraly, discovered Thompson, who would come up to be starter of the team, a position reserved for a player who sets the tone for the entire match.
However, with great responsibility also comes great challenges. One of the toughest adversities Thompson had to conquer was learning to deal with her injuries. While training at University of Cincinnati, Thompson tore her right arm’s AC, a ligament responsible for supporting the limb. She underwent surgery and kept her arm protected in a brace for two months before fully coming back to her routine. Yet again at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, Thompson hurt her ankle and was confined to supporting her teammates from the sidelines. According to an interview with Just Women’s Sports in 2022, through this obstacle, Thompson  learned to persevere and come back stronger as an Olympic Gold Medalist.
“She is a passionate player, hard worker, super talented, and she’s completely on top of her mental game, which is such a key aspect to being a great volleyball player. On her Instagram, you can tell that she is constantly putting in work inside and outside the gym,” Nuland said. 
Off the court, Thompson works in a partnership with Under Armour for “The Athlete No One Saw Coming” campaign, whose mission is to empower young athletes and provide them opportunities to succeed without being compared to others. One of the few selected athletes for the campaign, Thompson was chosen for her impressive strength and ambition in her sport. As a part of her partnership, she held summer camps for promising athletes, where Thompson gave back to the community by teaching valuable volleyball skills to players and using the sport as a metaphor for persistence in real life. 
“She is also a major social and racial justice activist for the Black community, which makes her such an inspiration to not only me but to so many people who follow her story. She is constantly pushing for change in our communities and growth as a nation,” Nuland said.
Like her motto, “There is greatness inside of me and I’m capable of this,” Thompson inspires players to strive for excellence and push beyond the limits of the court, as she sets an example of never giving up.

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