According to multiple studies compiled into “The
Influence of Music Preference on Exercise Responses
and Performance: A Review,” published in 2021 by
Christopher Ballmann, who has a Ph.D. in exercise
physiology, music has been proven to benefit athletes
during endurance, sprint, and resistance-based activities.
Music distracts the athlete, making them have a distorted
perception of their level of fatigue and even motivating
them to enjoy the exercise more, ultimately improving
the quality of the workout. But is music always helpful
during workouts? How do people react to it on a caseby-case basis?

At PHS, many students participate in athletic activities,
from school sports to personal exercise. PHS track athlete
Bhavya Yaddanapudi ’25 often does cardio
and lifting, and testifies to the effectiveness
of music during her workouts.

“I listen to music because it distracts me
from the pain of working out, and it boosts
my mood,” said Yaddanapudi. “If you’re not
listening to anything, you really focus on
how you feel while working out and what
muscles are being activated.”

Research conducted by Matthew S. Biagini
of California State University suggests that
increased activity in the brain while listening to music is
associated with better performance while exercising. On
top of that, a 2022 study led by Chenyang Li of Liaoning
Normal University’s Physical Education Institute shows
that syncing movements with songs may save energy and
even make them more efficient. Yaddanapudi notes that
listening to slow-tempo songs seems to have a negative
effect on her workouts, making exercise feel even more
tiring for her.

“In the weight room, sometimes, there’s slower songs or
ballads, and those are somewhat miserable to work out
to,” said Yaddanapudi.

According to Healthline, instrumental music is
particularly good for studying, as it offers a minimallydistracting background sound. For working out, though,
instrumentals can be too faded to provide the ideal
balance of focus and distraction. Debdeep Sen ’26 recalls
his experience of listening to slow instrumental music
while working out.

 “I tried listening to lofi, and it did not work out. It made
me more tired,” said Sen.

 These differences in perceived exhaustion may arise
from personal preferences in music, but also from the
effect music has on mood. Psychology Today proposes
that music can validate emotions someone is feeling and
also inspire new ones. Music’s ability to change a person’s
mood can be beneficial during workouts,
allowing people to harness more energy and
inspire themselves to work harder, but it can
also disrupt someone’s rhythm. Sen admits
having experienced a similar disruption in his
workout pace.

“I listened to metal sometimes ... it made me
angry, which was distracting from the workout,
but it didn’t make me work harder,” said Sen.

When listening to the right music, though, an
athlete can truly surpass their limits. Sen sees a
change in how his body reacts when working out while
playing music.

“After a set, I’ll feel even more tired than if I didn’t listen
to music,” said Sen.

According to the National Center for Health Research,
music has the ability to set the tempo of a workout session.
Faster-paced songs can set a strong rhythm, especially
when doing repetitive exercises. When an athlete is able
to access this focus, they are able to surpass themselves,
working harder than they would normally and building
muscle effectively.

Whether it’s to maximize gains or enjoy exercise more,
music has a potent effect on a person’s experience while
training. Music’s effect on workouts depends on its
tempo, the mood it inspires, and an athlete’s personal
preference. Ultimately, the right playlist can make or
break a workout.

Investigating the link between music and exercise

Which song are you listening to on repeat while working out?

The opposing team passes the soccer ball forward, putting pressure on the defense, but Ava Tabeart ’25 is undeterred. As the striker moves in, Tabeart finds a gap between the player and the ball and rushes to redirect it. In one sliding motion, Tabeart kicks the ball away from her opponent and towards her teammate.

Despite her current skills and dedication as a player, Tabeart actually didn’t aspire to become a soccer player, at least not at first.

“I tried in first grade, and I really hated it,” said Tabeart. “I thought: ‘I’m bad at this. I don’t want to do it every Saturday morning.’”

But she was soon drawn into the pervasiveness of soccer, delighted by the idea that almost anyone could play the sport. By fourth grade, Tabeart was already on a local team, and by ninth grade was playing a key defensive role in the girls varsity soccer team’s deep run in the state tournament.

“We went to the state final. That’s the furthest that this team has ever gone. And so for a freshman to have such a key role ... that is really huge, and really speaks to her maturity and her soccer skills,” said PHS girls soccer Head Coach Meghan Brennan.

However, Tabeart has had her fair share of challenges. Even though soccer is a universal sport, becoming a part of the PHS soccer community was very intimidating at first.

“Freshman year, I had a hard time opening up to people because I was a freshman on the team,” said Tabeart. “I didn’t really know anyone, so it was hard for me to make friends at first. And when you’re not talking to many people, it’s hard to know how you’re doing.”

With that experience in mind, Tabeart has tried to help other players, who, like her, might have had a tough time integrating into the community.

“I try to bring everybody together because I know what it feels like to not feel as included, so I really want to make sure that that’s not the case for anyone,” Tabeart said.

Tabeart’s leadership goes beyond the sport itself, though. She often does tasks that may be tedious to others, like cleaning up after practice or getting water for the team — an integral part of her character that makes her stand out on and off the field.

“She has always brought to the team a positive environment and a warm presence. In addition ... she has always helped keep our back line intact and consistently helped control the gameplay,” teammate Robyn Watchel ’25 said.

She takes inspiration from the professionals, such as the U.S. women’s national soccer team, who have shaped the sport to be more fair and inclusive.

“They’re pretty incredible. They made a big difference politically: equal pay and equal rights,” Tabeart said.

Now, in her fourth and final year at PHS, Tabeart is a cocaptain and continues to be a starting player on the team. She reflects on the skills she gained throughout the years: from beginning as a freshman playing with unfamiliar players, to making split-second decisions to defend the goal during states.

“Patience and confidence are your two biggest allies,” said Tabeart. “Everybody has bad days — you have to be okay with that. For soccer especially, if you make a decision about something, you need to commit to it."

Athlete of the Month: Ava Tabeart '25

Injuries are one of the most common and universal things an athlete can experience, whether a minor scrape or a life-altering incident. At PHS, injuries are prone to happen given the sheer amount of sports teams and clubs, which calls for more than just the expertise of school nurses. PHS does not have a medical team at every game to watch out for all students all the time, but this is covered by trainers and coaches. They are a vital part of an athlete’s recovery process, if not their overall success in the sport, as they are in the best position to support a player at a moment’s notice. 
Students Adrian Li ’26 and Erin Pilicer ’26 are two of the many student athletes at PHS who have been injured before. Li, a tennis player and skier, fractured his right wrist while skiing last spring. 
“It was a day when there was a lot of powder. I never really skied powder before. So I started skiing, [and] I lost control and fell, and [my right wrist] broke,” Li said. 
Thankfully, Li is left-handed, but his broken wrist still significantly hindered his ability to play tennis by forcing him to play solely forehands, a shot he can play with just his left arm. However, with a doctor’s note and support from the coaches of the boys tennis team, Li was able to make the team. 
“During  tennis  tryouts, it was really  difficult, but ... the coaches ... were very  nice  because  they’d  let me try with the broken wrist ... They’re very supportive of me,” Li said. 
To stay fit for tennis, Li attended physical therapy and rehabilitation for around four to five weeks, but most of this was done outside of school.
“A team could have an injury counselor where they address the issue and see how we can make it better,  so [athletes can] better play the sport without getting injured ... I didn’t know there was a trainer,” Li said. 
Another student, Pilicer, also persevered and played her sport, softball, despite her injury. She broke her pinky finger while attempting to catch a ball during a drill. Although a seemingly small wound, it changed her perception of the game. 
“[The injury] made me more conscious of being safer ... even though I played through it. It scared me whenever I was catching or tagging,” Pilicer said. 
Although she knew there were medical professionals at PHS, Pilicer attended physical therapy sessions outside of school and had to wear a brace for a few weeks before she could resume playing.
“When [the injury] happened, I didn’t tell anyone. I went to my doctor ... I didn’t really ask for [help],” Pilicer said.  
There are a few reasons as to why an injured athlete might not reach out to a school trainer. One such reason stems from the fact that there are only two trainers for the entire student body, and their time and supplies can only be stretched so thinly. For Pilicer, she immediately sought out her doctor because practice was after and outside of school, and it was easier than trying to find trainers stationed elsewhere. 
By having a larger team and supply sets at every sport’s playing ground, PHS would be able to respond to accidents much more rapidly and more students would be able to receive immediate care. For athletes whose available time is already limited, access to proper health service immediately after getting injured could help them quickly gain back their strength without falling too far behind. 
However, there seems to be a disconnect between athletes and the medical professionals at PHS. April Daly is one of only two athletic trainers, along with Shannon Koch, at PHS. Although not a doctor, she has many qualifications: a Bachelor in Exercise Science, a Master in Athletic Training, a first aid certification, and  experience in pharmacy and psychology. Daly also works for a company called JAG Physical Therapy, which specializes in physical rehabilitation, and she brings her knowledge and experience to help PHS athletes. However, many student athletes aren’t aware of the resources and aid that she provides. 
“I would say it’s probably fifty-fifty [that injured athletes will come to me], to be honest, because I’ve only been here for a year now, so kids are starting to know me and know my process,” Daly said. 
A student’s schedule often does not make room for meetings with a trainer. Throughout the school day, students attend their classes, and Daly only clocks in after break, leaving few windows of opportunity open for students to meet with her. Moreover, once practices or games start after school, both trainers must leave the office to observe and care for players on the field. This is where crosstalk with coaches comes into play. 
“We ... have an EMR, an electrical medical system recorder, that sends emails to the coaches everyday of injury reports, and it will have their game statuses, ... so [coaches] know that [the athletes] are actually coming in here and progressing” Daly said. 
With fast communication between trainer and coach, an athlete’s status can be closely monitored so they don’t overexert themselves during practice, which allows for a faster recovery. Daly hopes that she can eventually help launch “Project Athlete” at PHS. This program — which was created by JAG Physical Therapy —would help PHS better support athletes who face recurring injuries, and prevent these injuries from happening in the first place. Among other benefits, this program would provide in-person demonstrations of dynamic warmups to decrease the risk of injury and screenings for potential ACL tears. Daly is also creating a website in which students could have access to a general rehab program as well as helpful videos for at-home physical rehabilitation exercises. This website will be accessible to students via QR codes on flyers that she will post around the school. 
“I ... think [students are] not really aware of [trainers] and what we [have to] offer, so [we’re] trying to roll [the programs] out slowly and see how that goes,” Daly said. 

PHS's support in athletes' injuries and recovery

“I’m really excited to watch the gymnastics one because the tricks they do are pretty cool ... I am very lazy, so seeing people who are not lazy do cool stuff ... [makes me] feel [motivated].” - Ashaz Rizvi '25

“I’m looking forward to the triathlon because I find it really impressive that they are able to do three sports in one competition. Also, I know people who do traithlons so it’s fun to talk about it with them.” - Shaya Bhatia ’27

“For the Olympics this year, I’m looking forward to sprinting ... and high jumping because both of these competitions were last won by Italians, and I’m trying to see if we can pull off [another win].” - Enea Meloni ’24

PHS TAKES: Which Olympic sport are you looking forward to watch the most this year and why?

 It’s unbearably hot, and, from where Alex Winters ’24 is standing, the batter looks like a blur. The sound of the bat hitting the ball echoes through the stadium. Ignoring the sun’s glare, Winters’ eyes search for the ball. He sprints to catch it. In the next few seconds, as his teammates look on with bated breath, the baseball lands comfortably in Winters’ mitt. The opposing team has been struck out. 
   Winters has been playing baseball since he was only six years old. As a child, his boundless energy was directed into a passion and love for sports. 
   Baseball has been a huge influence on him ever since, and he’s joined recreational leagues and summer camps throughout his career. During his sophomore year, Winters fell in love with the feeling of standing under stadium lights as he and the rest of the PHS team were called on at the Trenton Thunder Ballpark. He was also voted in to play in the 2022 Carpenter Cup, representing Mercer County. There, he competed against teams from Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. 
   Winters’ success in past years has continued into the new baseball season. In the PHS baseball team’s first game this year, Winters scored a run and a triple, which is when the batter runs to third base after hitting the ball, an impressive feat even for high-level players.  His teammate, Jai Justice ’25, commends him for contributing to the team with his expertise and guidance. 
   “He’s a great hitter, is very fast, and has leadership skills,” said Jai. “He’s constantly hustling around the bases and anywhere on the field.” 
   Winters also shows his leadership skills as he starts this season as the team’s newly elected captain. His strong connections with his teammates helps them build on each other’s strengths and weaknesses, making Winters a valuable member of the varsity team.
   “[My role is] really important this year, especially as a leader on the team. Whether that be on or off the field ...  that’s something I really aspire to be,” Winters said. 
   Winters doesn’t just impress his teammates, however. He also caught the attention of the baseball coach, Dominic Capuano, showing both skill and dedication to the sport. Capuano also notes that Winters has grown significantly throughout his time with the PHS team as he refines his fundamental skills and embodies a competitive mindset, becoming more and more adaptable with every season. 
   “[He is better at] understanding stealing bases, understanding pitch counts, understanding what pitchers are going to do, [and] understanding where [he needs to hit] the ball. [His] desire to improve has really shown,” Capuano said. 
   But an athlete’s career is never an easy path, and Winters was no exception. Suffering an injury to his batting arm, he was unable to play for part of his first year on the team. Still, he remained optimistic, and never gave up on baseball despite the challenge.  
   “I broke my arm during baseball [in my sophomore year],” said Winters.“I don’t know if I thought about quitting, but it was really a low point. But in the end, it’s just the game I love.” 
   He worked hard on his recovery and was quickly able to return to baseball and progress even further. This year, he has chosen to focus on improving his batting.  
   “Last year, I had some trouble pulling the ball,” said Winters. “I’m a lefty, so [pulling is] hitting the right field ... at the end of last year, I picked it up a lot.” 
   Being left-handed in sports where most players are right-handed requires extra effort as it comes with a slightly different skill set. With newly improved control over his swing, Winters is able to redirect the ball, making it easier for his teammates to score more points when he’s at bat. 
   Winters has received offers to play Division III college baseball, but wants to prioritize his education and his interest in statistics. He hopes to apply the skills he learned in baseball to this field.
   “[It’s] really interesting to implement [statistics] into sports,” said Winters. “I did a research project with the [Princeton] University football team, [where] we analyzed the data [to find] strengths and weaknesses of their opponents.” 
   But right now, Winters is focused on the baseball season. Since it’s his last year at PHS, Winters is looking forward to making an even bigger impact on the season and the team as a whole. 
   “This is the first year where I’m able to be a real leader, and I’m really happy that this is the group I get to lead ... We have a great combination of skill, talent, and heart as well, and I think we can do some real damage this year,” Winters said.  

Alex Winters '24: Baseball

In New Jersey, sports betting has been legal at casinos and racetracks since 2018. With MLB player Shohei Ohtani’s and NHL player Shane Pinto’s recent involvements in betting scandals, the question for many is whether sports betting should continue to be promoted so strongly. At PHS, many students are interested in these betting scandals, and it’s common to hear conversations about these issues in the halls. 

PHS Takes: Should New Jersey ban sports betting? 

What was your favorite part of the season?

Boys Swim (13-1)
Alex Aprikian ’24- “I think my favorite parts of the season were the fun, intense meets where everyone was supporting each other and giving [their all]. I will cherish [my teammates] forever. I proudly call them family after everything we’ve been through together.”

Zachary Guan ’24- “My favorite part of the season was winning [Mercer County Tournament].”

Girls Swim (14-1)
Vivian Lee ’26- “I really enjoyed the energy that the team had.” 

Viviana Cristofanilli ’25- “The most memorable part was the last meet since everyone showed up to support the girls team, and, even though we didn’t win, it was really nice to see the school spirit.”

Boys Basketball (11-13)
Henry Doran ’24- “[My favorite memory of the season was] going out to dinner with the team. We got super [close], spending time outside of practice [to] hang out [because]... Coach Noone had us going really hard for 90 minutes [every practice].” 

Matthew Ghaim ’26- “My favorite [part] of the season was connecting with the team ... which helped us play together better.”

Girls Basketball (15-9)
Ash Nieman ’26- “The Colonial Valley Conference [named] us the surprise team of the year. It definitely carried us through some tough victories, which was great for team chemistry.” 

Anna Winters ’26- “We had ten wins in a row, and it was just the best feeling ever to be able to achieve such a great thing with my teammates!”

Girls Fencing (0-10)
Hatsune Ishii ’26- “[I liked] the state championship … it was great. [There are] many stronger fencers out there, and it was tough, but it was very interesting and a good opportunity.” 

Helen Yu ’27- “My favorite part of the season would be the meets. Not only was I able to cheer on my teammates, I was also able to coach them, and see them improve in live time.”

Boys Fencing (7-5)
Kyle Grzymala ’25- “The most impactful event for me was senior night. It was an opportunity for the team to celebrate the seniors and to honor those who are moving on with their lives. It’s a celebratory moment … it’s an opportunity to have fun.”

Nicholas Kopaliani ’26- “My favorite part of the fencing season was the Centrulo/Santelli Championships. It was an excellent display of skill, and ... Boys Épée got 4th in the state.”

Girls Hockey (3-11)
Maya Hagt ’25- “I think my favorite part of the season was all the team bonding we got to do, like the team dinners and team lunches ... it really brought us closer as a team.”

Tatiana Hadzic ’25- “[I loved how] when we have our last practice, we dress up in costumes and ... we spend the practice doing different types of games and drills ... it’s super fun.”

Boys Hockey (5-13) 
Graham Baird ’24- “My favorite part was Emil Vecchi’s [’26] first goal during an end-season game against West Windsor. It got the whole team rowdy and he proved Tyler Goldberg [’24] wrong.”

Noah Vitulli ’25- “My best moment of the season was probably either the second game against Notre Dame or the first game against Hopewell. It was just a real competitive game against rival schools, and you could tell everyone out there [had their] heart on the line.” 

Track (N/A)
Steven Cenci ’26- “For me, the best part of the season were my races. They are challenging in the moment, but when they go well it is really rewarding. The competitive aspect of them is also fun because it adds a level of importance to the race.”
 
Kacey Howes ’26- “My favorite part [of the season] was going to the Armory in New York City. My teammates and I wore matching bows in our hair to run the 400 [meter race]. Talking to people in the heat lines is always so fun, and they’re all nice. After our race we just got to hang out, and on the bus ride home we stopped for snacks.”

Winter Sports Recap

Badminton is often thought of as a game that is played at the family cookout or on a warm day at the park,
not a sport. Few know of its professional side or its 
reputation as one of the most intense and fast-paced
sports in the world. These professional players train for years to hone their speed and accuracy, but are still 
underestimated because of the casual viewer’s lack of knowledge about the sport. 
  Badminton has centuries-old roots, originating from a
game called “battledore and 
shuttlecock,” different variants of which were played in ancient civilizations such as Greece, 
China, and India. The 
modern version of the sport became popular in the 
middle of the 19th century in 
British India and eventually spread worldwide, becoming an Olympic sport in 1992.
  However, the sport has never gotten much 
recognition in the United States. This is due to the fact that there is already an abundance of 
professional sports leagues in the United States. 
However, times are changing: the UBX Pro League, the  first 
professional badminton league in North America, will launch in 2025. The UBX Pro League’s goal is to make badminton more prominent. Here at PHS, the 
Badminton Club has begun implementing this same 
initiative, which has introduced many more students to the sport.   
    Founded by William Yao ’24, the Badminton Club strives to create camaraderie among the student body through badminton. Although badminton is played in most gym classes during the winter, Yao noticed that many students view the sport as simple recreation or even as a chore due to its association with the class.             
 Through his dedicated 
leadership, the club has 
created an inclusive 
environment in which 
students of all backgrounds can come together to enjoy the sport. 
 As an immigrant, Yao realized that 
badminton isn’t as popular in America as it is China, so founding the club was his way to not only expand the variety of options students had for sports, but also to teach others about an important part of his culture by trying new things.
   “We have [this] club to [introduce other] people to our  culture,” said Yao. “It’s brought more of the  people who weren’t involved in sports together … [people can] come in and have fun with their friends.” 
   There are a few basic techniques needed to play a game, such as different serve types, which are easy to learn and put into practice, making accessible badminton accessible. 
  Aside from the sport’s convenience and accessibility, club co-leader Nags Muthiah ’25 also places great value on badminton’s recreational and unifying potential. 
  Although few U.S. schools have an official badminton team, many, including PHS, have clubs that occasionally play friendly matches with each other. This makes the club members hopeful about the creation of an official team. 
   “We’re gathering up to make a team and we play against other schools,” said Yao. “Our first match was against 
Basking Ridge in November last year.” 
 These matches were entirely 
organized by students, from funding to 
transportation and any other resources the players required. 
Badminton is yet to have a large impact,  but Muthiah remains optimistic on its potential influence. 
   “I don’t think it’s changed the culture at PHS ... yet, since the Badminton Club still feels [very] small. I’d say it 
changes more like the break culture,” said Muthiah. “It opens up a new activity to do at lunch time, Tiger Time, or if you have a free and if you want to join someone’s gym class.” 
   Although badminton may not become an official sport at PHS for a long time, as the sport is steadily gaining 
popularity through the Badminton Club, with true 
potential to positively impact the whole PHS community through its emphasis on inclusion, fun, and connection. 
   “We had few people [when I started]... we have way more people now,” Yao said.   


Badminton birdie catches wind at PHS

As the clock counts down and anticipation rises, thousands of soccer fans from all over the world cheer for their favorite team, eyes glued to the ball on the field. Whether they’re watching in person or online, it doesn’t matter who scores; each goal is met with roars of excitement. At the end of the game, every fan feels even more connected with the team they were rooting for, whether they are celebrating with them after a well deserved win or supporting them through a tough loss.

Soccer, also known as football, is one of the most popular sports in the world. There is a reason for this—soccer is more than just a sport; it is a force that promotes solidarity through competition and inclusion. As a versatile sport that requires little costly special equipment, soccer can be played by people from all walks of life. So it is no surprise that soccer, and its close variant futsal, have a huge presence in the PHS community.

Ryan Walsh, math teacher and head coach of the PHS soccer team, spoke passionately about soccer’s role in encouraging inclusivity and community spirit. 

“[Soccer] is a sport that brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences,” he said.

At PHS, apart from the girls and boys soccer team, there are clubs like the Futsal Club that students can join to play the sport outside of the soccer season. While soccer is normally played outdoors, futsal can be played inside and uses a smaller court, making it even more accessible for students. These communities within PHS bring students from all different backgrounds together through intense and fast-paced but fun competition.

Nicholas Matese ’24, the current captain of the boys soccer team and leader of Futsal Club has made several important changes. He made the club even more welcoming by expanding futsal throughout the PHS community.

“We expanded the team limit to allow for more people to have a chance to play,” said Matese. “Not only does it get more players involved, it also creates a larger fan environment.”

Matese is also proud of the positive influences that the Futsal Club has had, particularly the convergence of diverse people who would not have met under normal circumstances. He pays particular attention to the needs of different players in order to make futsal enjoyable for everyone and promotes understanding and communication.

“We also make efforts to ensure those with special needs have an opportunity to play, and it is great how inclusive the rest of the players are to everyone,” Matese said.

By actively seeking out new members interested in the sport, the Futsal Club has become a place that transcends traditional barriers that may otherwise usually prevent people from communicating with each other. By providing students with the opportunity to bond and improve, clubs like the Futsal Club truly reflect the PHS’s core ideals: pride in diversity and striving for excellence, and how these ideas fuse together into a unique and inclusive environment.

The community that is built from the PHS Futsal Club and other areas of PHS has translated over to the high school’s soccer team, which showed their prowess by winning the Group IV State Championship in 2023. Success stories like these only continue to enhance Princeton High School’s community in essentially a positive reinforcement pattern.

Reflecting on the recent triumphs of the PHS soccer team, including the Group IV state championship victory in 2023, Walsh stressed the great impact of soccer on the broader community.

“Seeing alumni, who played at PHS five to 15 years ago, and community members passionately enjoying this once in a lifetime moment with the current team was special to see,” said Walsh. “This celebration represents the power of soccer to transcend generations and create lasting connections in the community.”

Indeed, soccer at PHS extends beyond the playing field; it is a promoter of personal growth and development. Through prioritizing the importance of sportsmanship, respect, and positive engagement, Walsh and his coaching staff try to teach valuable life lessons that extend far beyond athletics.

“Winning [soccer] games is just one aspect of being a head coach. More importantly, I want to turn teenagers into good standing young adults.” Walsh said.

Soccer and its impact on the PHS community

Chess players like Magnus Carlsen, Garry Kasparov, and Bobby Fischer are legends to anyone who knows anything about chess. If someone were to think of a few more players, they would probably think of Hikaru Nakamura or Anish Girid — but what about players who are not men? Women are just as capable of excelling in chess as men, but they receive much less publicity and play much less in general. Transgender players are also frequently excluded or forced into strict, binary norms.

“The Queen’s Gambit” is a Netflix show about a young woman, Beth Harmon, who is a chess genius and completely dominates her opponents. Many people might attribute the cause of the recent spike in popularity of chess to this series because of its inspiring success story about overcoming all the odds. However, the series also highlights the obvious gender imbalance in chess in the 1950s–1960s; at every tournament, Beth is usually the only woman present who is actually playing and is often underestimated by both the audience and her competitors. 

This gender inequality still exists to this day. An article on chess.com shows that chess is still largely a male-dominated game, with only 15 percent of United States Chess Federation (USCF) rated players and 11 percent of International Chess Federation (FIDE) rated players being female. And in 2020, out of the 1,722 grandmasters, or players who have a rating of 2,500 or higher and achieve favorable results in at least three tournaments against other grandmasters, 37 were women. So why does this happen?

Some may still argue that there are less female players simply because they’re not as clever as male chess players, but these are groundless statements, as there is no concrete proof that men are innately more intelligent than women. The disparity comes from societal and cultural issues, as chess has always been a sport that only male elites were invited to. According to a study co-authored by Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Jennifer Shahade (2023), gender bias plays a huge role in why there are so few female chess players compared to male chess players. The study revealed that many coaches and parents of chess players, people who are closest to them, believe that girls are less likely to succeed. Of course, playing a game where nobody truly believes in one’s potential to succeed can definitely bring down one’s self esteem and motivation. This constant, often overwhelming, discouragement is a big reason why there are fewer professional female chess players in general. It also does not help that, because there are so few prominent female chess players, many girls who aspire to play chess as a career lack role models. This gender bias has recently become extreme. In August of 2023, more than 100 women signed an open letter denouncing sexist and sexual violence in the chess community. The fear of such actions is understandably another factor that discourages many women from participating in chess.

Additionally, male and female chess players are often separated into separate leagues and tournaments due to the commonly held belief that women are not be able to win when playing chess against men. The separation between men’s and women’s chess emphasizes that the chess world is an environment in which women’s skills are not fairly assessed and in which women as a whole are undervalued from the moment they enter a tournament.

This separation, which is strictly enforced by FIDE, also prevents players who do not fit the gender binary from playing. Transgender women, for instance, cannot participate in women’s chess tournaments without undergoing a legal gender change. Even after providing proof of a legal gender change, transgender women must still be subjected to “further analysis” by FIDE. Essentially, the vast majority of transgender women are unable to play in the correct gender category or stuck in a long legal process. However, when they successfully switch from male to female leagues, transgender women are allowed to keep all of their previous men’s titles, while transgender men are not allowed to keep their women’s titles and have to start from zero. Meanwhile, nonbinary people have no place in chess tournaments at all. Transgender people are excluded in all situations, forced into a gender binary that oppresses people of all genders and prevents the emergence of high-level players by placing restrictions on their play.

Yosha Iglesias, one of the only professional transgender chess players, expresses concern for her future as a chess player. Unsure of whether she can continue to play in women’s tournaments or if she will be able to continue her career, Iglesias, along with many transgender chess players, wonders if these coming years will be her last in the game.

Although there have been efforts to balance the game, there are still many challenges women have to face in the chess world, stemming from stereotypes that are rooted deeply in historical prejudices. In a game dominated by elite cisgender men from the start, women and transgender people struggle to find a place where they can learn, grow, and play at an appropriate level. If chess becomes more accepting, it would create a much healthier environment where all players are able to challenge themselves, no matter their gender. 

Breaking barriers, making moves: changing gender dynamics in chess

Stroke after stroke, breath after breath, Zach Guan ’24 glides through the pool. His legs kick up and down consistently, propelling the rest of his body further into the water. For Guan, this is just another day.

Guan started to swim at the early age of seven. Although his parents supported his swimming, they wanted him to focus more on classical music. Guan liked swimming more, however, and chose to stick with the sport.

“I grew up in a very musical family ... my dad always played classical music on the radio. So [my family] wanted me to go into music ... but I really fell in love with swimming,” Guan said.

Guan frequently placed in the top three swim times in his individual meets in elementary and middle school, but gained a deeper appreciation for swimming after joining the high school team and becoming a part of its dynamic.

“When we won our first county meet ... It’s the first team experience [I had] where we won. I felt [awesome],” Guan said.

Guan’s talent, built up from years of individual practice, isn’t just limited to one kind of swim style. According to head boys swimming coach Carly Misiewicz, this makes him an invaluable asset to the team.

“[Zach is] very versatile, whether it’s freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, any distance,” said Misiewicz. “He can swim a variety of events, and he can be successful in any event that he does.”

Guan may be an excellent swimmer and leader in the pool, but he also plays a key role in leading his teammates and building team chemistry, something that his teammate of three years, David Brophy ’25, has noticed.

“I love being on the team with him. He’s a really good team player and he always tries his best,” Brophy said.

Guan loves his team’s dynamic and enthusiastically participates in team rituals, like the team chant and going to hang out at each others’ houses. He particularly admires how every member of his team supports the others, and how everyone does their best because they don’t want to let the team down.

“I’ve known these people for years,” said Guan. “When you’re swimming with people every day, around six days a week in a pool for two hours each time, it’s hard not to have an unbreakable bond.”

The boys swim team has had a remarkable winning season, with every player improving their individual skills and the team growing as a whole. Guan himself has consistently placed in the top three during meets and is proud of how far his team has come, seeing their victories as proof of their dedication and hard work.

“[We’re] representing [our] whole school,” said Guan. “[We have] the banner at the pool, and recently we’ve gotten a record. So our names [being] immortalized on the walls of the pool is pretty amazing.”

These victories are even more impressive considering the difficulty of swimming itself, a demanding sport based on precision, coordination, and technique. Although the PHS boys swim team has been undefeated for years, Guan makes sure to remind his teammates that they can push themselves further and should never rest on their laurels.

“You’ve got to always be on your toes. Always be ready, because there [will be] somebody who’s gonna drop five seconds somehow. You can’t just go in [thinking], ‘Oh, this is gonna be easy.’ You’ve got to be ready to swim your hide out every race no matter what,” Guan said.

Another aspect of Guan’s character that stands out is his attitude. He never seems to run out of steam or stop practicing, no matter how well his team is doing, making him a great role model for his teammates.

“He’s always trying his hardest on the relays. And, especially when we have meets early in the morning, he still has a lot of energy and he always brings a good energy [with him],” Brophy said.

Although Guan has certainly had a positive influence on his team, he has learned just as many lessons from his teammates, whom he will certainly keep in touch with after he graduates from PHS. For Misiewicz, Guan is someone who puts his trust in the team, and has gained the same trust from them.

“He’s very involved and outspoken in a very positive way,” said Misiewicz. “He’s someone who I can go to in a moment where I need to relay a message. And I know that he’ll relay that message in a positive way.”

In his time on the swim team, he has learned the value of improvement as an individual and as a team, and he hopes the next generation of PHS swimmers will have as much of a positive experience as he has. Guan will treasure everything he has learned from his team and take it with him into his adult life.

“When you’re feeling down or feeling blue, [your] teammates will help you,” said Guan. “Every time you’re swimming ... you’re racing yourself as well as the other people. You [race] to help [yourself grow].”

Zach Guan ’24: swimming

   Layer a sweatshirt on top of a bright-colored tank top paired with some leggings, and boom: an effortless yet elegant look that can keep up with anyone throughout the day, whether they’re at home, school, work, or the gym. A style in which comfort intertwines with style, athleisure has emerged as a fashion statement, becoming more than a mix between athletic and leisure clothing.  Some examples of popular brands who have redefined this look are Lululemon, Nike, Athleta, and Champion. Their staple items include sweatpants, yoga pants, sweaters, hoodies, and sneakers, among other clothing.
     As athleisure continues to dominate the fashion industry, more and more people opt for comfy, convenient, and casual clothing without sacrificing style. It seems pretty obvious why it’s such a hit, but when did it really start picking up steam? 
  	 Origins of athleisure dates back as early as the 1930s when the brand Champion invented the hoodie –– a staple in almost everyone’s closet now –– for their laborers during the chilly winters of New York, as reported by Inc. Magazine in 2019. Another milestone in technology and fashion was reached when a chemical company called DuPont invented spandex in 1958. It is a fabric used commonly in sportswear and athleisure for its comfort, fitted style, and resistance to a variety of stains, including those caused by sweat. With new inventions in the fabric industry and more people inspired to exercise, fitness regimes became more prominent in the 1970s and the lines between athletics and normal attire began to blur. In fact, the word “athleisure” was first used in 1979 to describe clothing for people who wanted to look athletic, according to Tasc Performance. From here, brands dedicated to athleisure, such as Lululemon in 1997, started to form and continue to influence the fashion industry and current trends. 
Since its exponential growth, aided in part by celebrity endorsement, and transition into normalcy, athleisure has been changed to accommodate everyone. As stated by Medium in 2018, many popular aesthetics contain components of athleisure. Take ballet core, for example. Leggings, tank tops, skorts blend seamlessly with lace, leg warmers, and bows to mimic (or romanticize) ballet. Another popular trend is oversized clothing. Hoodies, sweatpants, and sweaters are commonly worn to maximize comfort and perfect… ambiguousness. Either way, athleisure is everywhere, and it isn’t a surprise that it’s also breaking social and gender norms: in this case, the use of men’s leggings. Hugging close to the skin, leggings are traditionally seen as a garment for women. However, they aren’t just flattering, they’re also comfortable and convenient, qualities that have piqued many other peoples’ interests. People have even dubbed this trend as “meggings,” or mens’ leggings, supporting the idea that people should be able to wear what they'd like without being confined to traditional ways. 
With such inclusivity, athleisure isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a sign for change in the fashion world. As more individuals begin to explore their style, unrestricted by the typical gender norms, athleisure has become a way to show empowerment and self-expression. The power of athleisure is on its way in shaping the future of fashion, transforming into a statement piece that celebrates individuality and empowerment. 

Sweating in style: how athleisure has transformed fashion trends

Hispanic Heritage Month at PHS continues another year of successful celebration as the Latinos Unidos Club will soon kick off with their student and staff run soccer tournament. Earlier this month, the Latinos Unidos Club performed in assemblies to exhibit Hispanic culture through literature, music, and dance. To add on to this month’s celebration, the club is planning to show off another very important cultural aspect: soccer, otherwise known as fútbol in Spanish. 
An enjoyable pastime for many, soccer has found popularity all over the world, especially in the Latino community. So, after bouncing around ideas for a fundraising event for the club, the club’s board ultimately decided on a soccer tournament. Both a cultural symbol and an entertaining sport, soccer was the perfect candidate for the Latino Unidos club to use as a way to spread their culture and unite sport enthusiasts. 
The Latinos Unidos Club busily began organizing, starting all the way back in September. Setting up such an event is no small task, and the club members invested hours into the tournament. Along with the school’s staff, they are aiming to provide an exciting experience for the rest of the student body. The Latinos Unidos club has already finished setting up the prizes, with a trophy for first, medal for second, and a surprise gift (oooh) for third place. 
“I’m learning so much by leading and organizing these events,” said Ozzy Morales ’25, a Latinos Unidos club leader. “I’m proud and honored that I was given this opportunity to lead and organize these events.”
But why soccer, anyway? Soccer was first introduced to Latin America at the end of the 19th century. Due to its easy-to-access nature, soccer also became a widespread hit across the whole continent, uniting Latin America by their love for this sport. 
Indeed, sharing Latino culture is the most vital goal of the club, but there are other themes as well. 
“[We want to] let people know that we can be together as a community, [as] it doesn’t matter if we have [a] different culture,” Dany Melchor Garza ’24, one of the club’s leaders, said. 
Aside from athletics, the Latinos Unidos Club has coordinated other events such as the Festival Latino, where families were able to have fun and get to know each other. Besides the fundraising event, the club is preparing the Numina Gallery for the Day of the Dead, a day where people commemorate passed loved ones. In addition, the club has plans for their next third annual Festival Latino in the spring. 
Students involved with setting up the tournament talk about their personal growth as well, valuing the cultural opportunities that come with their role as a member.            
“I’m learning to be a better leader, student, friend, and overall a voice in my community,” said Morales. “[Using] my platform to inspire and encourage others in the community to celebrate one another is something that I am willing to do over and over again.” 
People are often afraid to invest time and energy into big projects, and organizing a tournament is no small feat. However, Morales and Garza are capable of bringing together crowds and organizing massive events. The club has simultaneously brought the Latino community closer together, as well as spread the diverse aspects of Latino cultures to students throughout PHS. 
“If we can put [in] a little effort, we can make things come true,” Garza said.

The Latinos Unidos Club

   Due to the ravaging effects of climate change, coral reefs globally are on the decline. United against the same problem, both scientific and local communities in the Coral Triangle are working to protect their reefs. At Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok A team led by Dr. Suchana Chavanich is focusing on coral spore cryopreservation, a technique by which scientists preserve coral sperm for future generations. Additionally, native divers of Tidung Island, Indonesia, concerned about damage caused by pollution and overfishing, are transplanting coral all around the island to encourage growth. Thankfully, these efforts have been working. On the island, coral growth rates are 10-15 centimeters annually, and projected to increase even more. This island’s success story really goes to show that every community can make a difference, and that the ocean can be saved. 
The destruction of coral has been one of the worst repercussions of climate change and overfishing in the ocean. As one of the places most affected by these issues, Southeast Asia is working towards reversing these damages. United against the same problem, both scientific and local communities are working together to protect their reefs. A team led by Dr. Suchana Chavanich is focusing on coral spore cryopreservation, a technique used by preserving coral sperm for future propagation. Native divers of Tidung Island, Indonesia, concerned about pollution and destruction created by ports and fishing, are transporting coral all around the island to encourage growth. The growth rate on the island is currently 10-15 cm a year. By setting up concrete cube frames for both coral to grow on and fish to live in, sea life has a better  chance of survival. 

How South-East Asia is Fighting Back to Save Corals – Photo Essay

  In the past few months, PHS boys varsity soccer team Head Coach Wayne Sutcliffe made the decision to step down after more than 25 years. Leading the PHS boys varsity team in past years to 19 division titles, seven Mercer County Tournament titles, and two state titles, Sutcliffe’s career as the head coach is considered by many as legendary. 
   Sutcliffe has led the team to numerous victories and titles, and as such, his decision to step down has initiated reflection and recognition from the team. The decision ultimately came down to timing and setting the groundwork for future coaches and athletes to succeed. 
    “There was never a day in the 26 years that I've coached that I didn't enjoy ... [but] to do something for 26 years is a long time and I felt as though I gave everything I could,” said Sutcliffe. “The team and the program overall, are in really good shape right now in terms of health and we have a lot of good players. ... It's important to me to leave the team in a better place than it was, even when I became a coach, for the rest of the staff.”
   With Sutcliffe stepping down, there will be a new head coach the following season, but despite the change in staff, there should be little to no change in the way the team is run.
   “I get the same question from a few people that I've talked to, … asking what I'm going to change about the program,” said former Assistant Coach Ryan Walsh, who will be succeeding Sutcliffe’s role as head coach the upcoming fall. “Coach Sutcliffe has won 19 division titles, seven MCTs, [and] two state tournament titles. So what am I supposed to change? My goal is to keep doing and keep practicing his beliefs.”
   As the team bid farewell to their esteemed coach, players on the team, including co-captain of the boys varsity team Nick Matese ’24, , reflected on the transformative impact that Sutcliffe has had on their soccer journey. 
   “Throughout three years of being on his teams, Coach Sutcliffe has helped me improve a lot as a player through his encouragement and constructive criticism, which he was always able to deliver in an effective and positive way,” said Matese. “He created a team culture that really focused on support and togetherness." 
   Beyond the tactical elements of the game, Sutcliffe's team has succeeded because of his capacity to inspire and motivate them at crucial times. 
   “Looking back, I can remember some of his team talks before overtime periods in games such as Hightstown this season or Notre Dame and Steinert the year before,” said Matese. “He had a great ability to fire up the team when we needed it the most.”
   The team mentality that Sutcliffe has cultivated is one in which each player feels empowered to accept criticism and use it as a springboard for improvement. In addition, Sutcliffe's emphasis on efficient communication, which he views as one of the most important components of the game, has helped the players feel more united and cohesive.
   “He's always been there. He's always been pretty vocal, just taking control,” said Matthew Chao ’25, one of the players on Sutcliffe’s varsity team. “[We’ve] had some problems this past season, but he still did his best to show up to be there for us every step of the way.”
   Although Sutcliffe’s coaching journey has been filled with numerous victories, he recognizes that the most rewarding aspect of leading a team lies in the strong connections he’s formed with his players and watching them grow in the face of new challenges. 
   “[I will] never forget what it was like to win a state title. But next to those are the most important things,” said Sutcliffe. “In games, these moments [in my memory] about how young players develop, grow, and mature into different [people] than they might have been when they got here... those are the really important things [to me].”
   These connections that are made, starting as early as freshman or later as seniors, have remained strong even after the players graduate from high school. 
   “I think it's pretty clear to see the connections he's established with all these players throughout the years, because if you just look at the captain's practice[s], you have these alumni who were on the team five, six, seven, eight years ago, and still coming back,” said Chao. “The fact that he was able to establish these connections with other players really helped build a pretty tight team and … established a good team culture.”
   Sutcliffe’s impact and influence on the players are undeniable, inspiring many young athletes to push themselves into becoming better, not just as soccer players, but as people as well. Sutcliffe has not only had an impact on the athletes, but he has also guided and mentored his co-workers into becoming better versions of themselves, setting an example for them to build off of when it is eventually their turn to take over. 
   “[Sutcliffe] has taught me so much about being a coach, and a player's coach, really,” said Walsh. “When I came out of college, I loved soccer, I was good at soccer, but I wasn't a good coach …[Sutcliffe] really taught me how to properly manage a team. He was really good at making connections with all of the players … and he really helps players improve every day.”
   Returning players are excitedly anticipating the next chapter under Walsh's guidance as the team looks to the future. With a strong foundation built by Sutcliffe, the team is ready to embrace the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead. 
   “I'm looking forward to next season as we have a lot of returning guys with experience, and Coach Walsh is a really great coach to lead us,” Matese said.
   Together, Sutcliffe and Walsh have been able to work together as a cohesive team to foster success over the course of multiple seasons. Their combined efforts have created a positive and nurturing environment for the players that Walsh will carry on, allowing them to flourish on and off the field. 
  “I hope that the next 26 years, [Coach Walsh will have] the same opportunities that he can do that for the next coach,” said Sutcliffe. “That will be my hope for a legacy.”



Legendary PHS boys soccer Head Coach Sutcliffe leaves a lasting legacy

As the spring season begins, the PHS girls
golf team sets off in full swing for the first time.
The team had made an impressive start to their
first year as a PHS sports team, carrying a 3–0
record so far as they aim to maintain their peak
form heading further into the season. The team
dominated the Lady Bombers Tee Off Classic
Tournament on April 19, achieving first place.
 “We’re gonna have three home matches this
season, which is a lot fewer than we’ve had in the
past. But that’s super exciting, especially because
we get to go on . . . a much nicer course to play with
in the past,” said Madeleine Zang’s ’23, PHS girls
golf team captain.
 This year, the team has seven new additions,
ranging from new players to experienced golfers,
who weren’t on the co-ed team the previous
season.
 “We have a bunch of seniors and a lot of
freshmen I think that signed up. So I think [that
is a] really interesting district team dynamic,”
Zang said.
 Despite the changes in the team roster, they have
developed a strong, dynamic, and supportive
atmosphere, contributing to a tight knit team
culture both on and off the course.
 “I think that [the team has] a really positive vibe,”
said Shreya Gaekwad ’25, one of the new members
of the girls team. “Everyone’s supportive [of] each
other and [we] play as a team.”
 The team practices allow the players to improve
their golf game in an encouraging, yet competitive
atmosphere that motivates the golfers to record
lower scores on the course.
 “I believe I have become more consistent on the
course and I can definitely see that coming from
the fact that I am basically playing on the course
everyday,” said Raima Srivastava ’25, one of the
golfers on the girls golf team. “I can see my score
improving everyday.
Prior to this year, the PHS Golf Team had been coed. Efforts from Zang, as well as the current boys
golf team Coach Patrick Noone, were the backbone
for the start of a separate team.
 “[After the 2021 county tournaments], more girls
showed interest, and the boys golf coach, Patrick
Noone, met with the superintendent over multiple
years to institute a Princeton High School girls golf
team, which was finally approved for this school
year,” said Zang. “I know that I, along with all of
the other members of the golf team, were ecstatic
about having our very own team.”
 Girls golf Coach Jess Monzo is eagerly anticipating
stepping into this new role due to his background
in coaching wrestling, as well as guiding the players
with an encouraging mood.
 “It is extremely polar opposite from the other sport
I coach at PHS. Golf is very laid back and relaxing,
but the mental aspect is very much similar,” said
Monzo. “The truth is in golf you have to continue
to stay positive.”
 While the journey to getting the program into
play has been challenging, the players are making
the most out of this opportunity. As they strive to
level up their game, at the same time, they also look
forward to making valuable memories through
their commitment to golf.
 “A memorable time with the team was playing
‘best ball’ on the course, where you play golf and
play from the best shot,” said Srivastava. “It’s always
such a fun game and we don’t have to worry about
our scores, [since] it’s mostly for practice and fun.”
 What originally started out as a dream has become
a reality for Zang’s senior year season.
 “So far this season, our team has been playing
amazing, and everyone has shown immense team
spirit,” said Zang. “For the future, I hope the
Princeton High School girls golf team continues to
thrive; I know that we are all excited to see how far
our team can go in the game of golf!”

PHS girls golf team kicks off their first season

At full speed, Reece Gallagher ’23 charges down the field, weaving through a crowd
of defenders. She grips onto her stick, zoning in onto the goal ahead. With one swift
motion, she unleashes the ball at the net, slamming it into the goal. The crowd erupts
into a roar as Gallagher makes her way towards her teammates, victorious. For
Gallagher, this feeling of exhilaration and adrenaline is part of the thrill that comes
with playing the sport she loves.
 There are four positions in lacrosse: offense, defense, midfield, and goalie. Each
position has their own crucial role, so Gallagher makes sure she executes her own
position of offense well. In the 2022-2023 season, Gallagher has already made a total
of six goals and two assists, contributing to the team’s 3–0 record. Besides helping her
teammates with her technical abilities, she also helps coordinate the team dynamic as
one of the co-captains.
 “I’m a very big team player; I like to get everyone involved … we want all of our
voices to be heard, so we just work together. We don’t ever go against each other,”
Gallagher said.
 Gallagher has developed these skills since she began playing lacrosse at six years old.
Injuries such as her sprained Achilles tendon set her
back, but did not stop Gallagher from loving the
sport just the same.
 “It just gets better...[even though] shin splints
have been a bit of an injury
throughout my four years,” Gallagher said.
 A long term-injury would discourage any
athlete, but not Gallagher. In
junior year, she moved from
junior varsity to varsity and
now is one of the captains in
her senior year. She uses her
experience as both a teammate and
captain to play her best during games.
 “I am near the goal usually, and when plays are
going on, or if someone’s making a cut through,
I will pass it to them and they can have an easy
shot,” Gallagher said.
 Part of Gallagher’s responsibilities is to make
everyone feel included. She ensures that every
individual is given the opportunity to
showcase their unique talents, especially
for the freshmen players. She takes it upon
herself to improve the team, both on and off
the field with a system she created.
 “So green [means] you can shoot, red
[means] you can’t. So we’ll go, ‘Green,
Leah!’ or ‘Green, Quinn!’ if they want to,”
Gallagher said.
 With these efficient signals, the team
is able to make split-second decisions
together, score goals, and win games.
Communication is, of course, key, and
Gallagher has honed these skills to lead
the team
effectively. “Reece really stepped up
in the off-season to help organize the
team for winter league and organized
lifting sessions in the weight room... She leads in
a calm and positive manner,” said girls lacrosse Coach Katherine Federico.
With her unparalleled level of experience and devotion to the team, Gallagher has
become a pillar of strength for her teammates when they need it most.
 “Reece is always super supportive and always there to give me advice. She’s always
really organized, both on and off the field,” said Theona Hsu ’24, one of Gallagher’s
teammates on the varsity team.
 As Gallagher continues to grow in her role as captain, she hopes that she is able to use
her leadership skills as she transitions from high school to college.
 “She leads in a calm and positive manner,” said Federico. “I expect her to continue
to play a large role in helping lead the attack and set a positive example to the
underclassmen.”

Reece Gallagher ’23: lacrosse

After winning the first set by a tiebreaker of two points, Jonathan Gu ’23 holds
the advantage and continues to fight for the state title. Although he loses the second
set, Gu shows remarkable resilience and determination, ultimately coming back on
top afer more than three grueling hours to win the third and final set. Ending his
junior year season on a triumphant note, Gu not only remained unbeaten, but also
emerged as the state singles champion, the first time a Princeton High School tennis
player has done so in four decades.
 Inspired by his brother, Gu first picked up the racket at the age of five and has
been dedicated to the sport ever since. Over the years, Gu has been honing his skills,
especially his forehand, which has become one of his greatest strengths.
 “He has a huge forehand and a huge serve,” said Melvin Huang ’24, a singles player
on the PHS varsity tennis team. “He also hits a bunch of dropshots.”
 Paired with Gu’s aggresive playstyle is his determination to win every point, no
matter the circumstance.
 “He’s just very focused. When he’s on court, his
level of play is just impressive,” said PHS Tennis
Coach Sarah Hibbert. “Even people who don’t
know tennis will walk up and be like, ‘whoa’ —
they can sense the level of play.”
 Like many players, he looks up to the Big #ree
of tennis: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak
Djokovic.
 “I try to look at what they do well, and how I can
do my best representation of what they do,” said Gu.
“They are the best tennis players of all time of course,
[so] no one is better to learn from.”
 His style of playing is modeled after different
aspects of these professional players, such as Nadal’s
physical strength, Federer’s control, and Djokovic’s
persistence, all of which he incorporates into his game.
 “I like to hit winners or keep control of the point on
my racket and don’t let my opponents [get control],” Gu said.
 His strategy evidently works, as he had a 14-0 win-loss record in
2022. Despite already having an amazing season full of achievements
as first singles on the varsity team, Gu is always striving for perfection.
 “I get frustrated when I play, when [I could] do something
better… I’m trying to improve on my serve. It’s the most important
shot in tennis,” Gu said.
 Gu’s journey has only gotten tougher as he progresses in the sport,
as his drive to improve has taken up a large portion of his time. Some
nights, he finds himself getting home at 1:00 a.m. following a tennis
tournament. But despite the major time commitment, Gu has never
considered quitting; tennis has been how he’s grown.
 “Some challenges [I’ve experienced] are fighting through a
tight match, and also just getting over tough losses,” Gu said. “Just
training hard, practicing, [and] playing lots of tournaments have
taught me how to be resilient.”
 Gu, being one of the top players on the team, inspires his
teammates, especially with his exceptional skill. He is essentially
their backbone, as his flawless record in 2022 contributed
significantly to the team’s success.
 “He’s carrying the team and sweeping first singles everyday. It’s
really nice knowing we have at least one point,” Huang said.
 Gu not only impresses others with his skills, but he also
rallies others on the team to do the best they can. Tennis is often
regarded as an individual sport, but encouragement off-court is what
keeps the team spirit alive.
 “I think he tries to encourage team spirit. We usually do captains once we start the
team, but as a senior, he will likely be one of our captains if he wants that distinction,”
Hibbert said.
 That will be up for Gu to decide as he looks forward to another successful season. As
he navigates the transition towards Division III tennis at Carnegie Mellon University,
Gu’s passion for the sport extends beyond his high school career as he anticipates
this new challenge.
 “I’m excited to play college tennis; it’s always been a dream,” Gu said. “Carnegie
Mellon is a great place to get a great education and also [to] join a really good tennis
team with some amazing people.

Jonathan Gu ’23: tennis

Every morning, students hear a short announcement of an important person in Black history. These announcements represent a small portion of a larger movement towards greater equity and activism in the PHS community and beyond.                                                                                                                                         
The tradition of honoring African-American history within a specific time period of the calendar year began with Carter G. Woodson when he started the celebration of Negro History Week in February of 1926. Woodson, a noted Black activist and historian, felt that African-American history should be particularly honored given that it was insufficiently prioritized in many American school districts. The week was eventually extended to encompass the entire month.                                                                                                                                          
PHS has been celebrating Black History Month since 2006, and traditions such as making announcements are being kept, while new activities have been formed over the years. Being a thoughtfully planned  and  diverse  celebration  of  history, it is no surprise that the PHS Regional Educational Support Staff Association officer Olive Giles, who helped organize Black History Month, hosted conferences in order to get opinions from the community on how commemorations should manifest themselves.                                                                                                                                     
“It’s like,  how do we tell all these stories…the team put together comprehensive announcements for the entire month that show examples of Black excellence in the sciences, government, politics, military, history, [and] the arts, and it’s laid out [in a way that] makes it easy for me to be able to include that in my announcements in the morning,” said PHS Principal Frank Chmiel.                                                                                                                                         
The Black Student Union (BSU), which had been inactive since 2016, has also recently made a comeback at the February club fair. Many students, not just Black students, are excited to contribute, celebrate, and commemorate Black history every day.                                                                                                                                            
“Something that’s very exciting to me is the revitalization of the Black Student Union… They’ve had 90 students sign up at the club fair, all [with] different cultures and backgrounds, including Black American  students, and so they’re going to be having meetings and getting really active. And to me, as a principal, that’s exciting,” Chmiel said.                                                                                                                                               King-David Ndubisi ’23, who is the president of the Black Student Union, believes that the comeback of the BSU will be an overall benefit to achieving racial equality at PHS.                                                                                                                                               “I believe the purpose is to reform, revive, and expose the hidden Black excellence in our school. By reviving the club, I ‘m giving an opportunity to the upcoming class of Black students,” Ndubisi said.                                                                                                                                               Other new events include Black film screenings that will continue into March, a celebration of activist Paul Robeson, and a Black history program that will run later in the  spring.                                                                                                                                             “We have a series of Black films that we’re going to be showing over the course of the next six to eight weeks, one of which is called ‘1776’… The last big thing we’re doing is celebrating Paul Robeson, who was born in Princeton, and this year is his 125th birthday, making 2023’s Black History Month particularly special and close to home. Then we actually hope to do an actual Black History Month program once the pressure of testing for APs and other graduation requirements are out of the way,” said PHS science supervisor Joy Barnes-Johnson.
“I get to see lots of different things which helped me understand why we still need to have Black history, and it’s kind of just like any other cultural celebration to humanize children; humanize people who identify as Black whether they are African, Caribbean, African-American, or just identify as Black. [We’re] so diverse,” Barnes-Johnson said.
Today, Princeton spearheads N.J.’s efforts toward affordable housing and equity and is home to the Not in Our Town initiative, which offers classes and lesson plans to schools and hosts meetings for people in the community to voice their grievances. The organization has heavily awarded PHS students and staff, notably PHS Racial Literacy supervisor and history teacher Patricia Manhart, and Barnes-Johnson. This push, which was started by a few trailblazing students and teachers, has snowballed into a greater attempt to expand to a wider audience at not only PHS, but also the entirety of Princeton.       
While Princeton currently strives to be a state leader in equity, diversity, and inclusion, its history casts a jarring shadow. Throughout the 19th and the first half of the 20th century, the practice of segregation was exhibited in its schools, institutions such as the YMCA, and businesses along Nassau Street. 
While segregationist outlooks continued to maintain traction in Princeton during the post-Civil War era, integration was finally able to be realized in the 1947 Princeton Plan. This vision aimed to eliminate racial segregation in education through the clearing of biased border lines; for example, it created the first integrated elementary school in Princeton. Although the transition was bumpy, the anti-racist trend continued into the 21st century. 
“The Princeton Plan of 1947 was basically the beginning of school integration here in New Jersey. We realize that here on the East Coast, most people think about Brown v. the Board of Education. But [the Princeton Plan] is a big deal … this is the 75th anniversary of the Princeton Plan here in Princeton … It’s like how do we tell all these stories about who we are; this is what we want to do. And so Black History Month is about telling a bigger story,” Barnes-Johnson said.
In America, Black History Month honors the hardships and successes of African Americans who have contributed to the success of the nation. At PHS, Black History Month also represents a spotlight on cultural diversity and social acceptance. Black History Month may only be during February, but it emphasizes that Black culture and accomplishments should be acknowledged and celebrated all 365 days a year. Everybody has achievements and stories, whether that is expressed through words, art, literature, or ideas; BHM is just one of many ways of passing down Black history. 
“But really, Black history is American history. And that’s a quote from Morgan Freeman, the famous American actor and civil rights activist. [Black history] should permeate all aspects of education,” Chmiel said.


PHS continues its efforts for greater recognition of Black History Month

  What’s more classic than red hearts, chocolates, and big teddy bears on Valentine’s Day? The answer is the traditional norms that people often feel the need to conform to during this holiday. As Valentine’s Day just passed, it’s a good time to discuss how these norms can be harmful to many people who want to celebrate the holiday, but may not fit into the mold of the traditions held by society. Additionally, the desire to be in a romantic relationship often seems to overshadow the appreciation people have for themselves and their friends. Our community at PHS is very diverse, and we should find ways to create inclusivity in the way we celebrate and discuss Valentine’s Day. It is imperative that we start prioritizing creating new holiday traditions over the old-fashioned norms that are often more harmful than helpful.
  The traditional themes of Valentine’s Day do not apply to the diverse spectrum of relationships that exist in contemporary America, and the outdated traditions of Valentine’s Day should be replaced with more inclusive ones to celebrate our love for each other. LGBTQ+ people are often underrepresented during this holiday, and it’s important that companies keep these types of relationships in mind when creating Valentine’s Day products. Instead of exclusively “His” and “Hers” themed products, there should be gender-neutral pronouns available as an option. Although several companies are already starting to do this, if the production of LGBTQ-oriented holiday items was more widespread, more couples and gender-nonconforming individuals would feel much more included in the holiday celebrations. Not only do the traditional norms of Valentine’s Day exclude people who may not fit the stereotypical image of a Valentine’s Day couple, but they make many people feel the need to have a partner, even if they may not actually want to. “Cuffing season” can pressure people to be in public relationships because they think that it can get them more attention on social media. However, those quickly planned Valentine’s relationships are not what the holiday is about. Valentine’s Day is intended to be a way to celebrate all love, including those who don’t have a romantic partner in their lives. Small gestures like sending notes to your friends on Valentine’s Day can reaffirm the already strong relationships that you have in your life, without adding the pressure to conform to the relationship standard surrounding Valentine’s Day. Society has told us that Valentine’s Day is all about these types of relationships, but if we start to break those traditions and celebrate the holiday of love in whatever way fits us, we can prevent the uncomfortable feelings that people may have around this time of year.
  The love we have towards other people is very important, but it can also be beneficial to look within and understand the importance of self-love on a day that celebrates relationships. Your relationship with yourself is so important, and Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to cultivate it. This can be through treating yourself to your favorite meal, buying something that you’ve been eyeing for a long time, or even simply setting time aside to relax and let your mind be at ease. Prioritizing self-love can be a great way for people to appreciate Valentine’s Day, and it should be normalized by society.
   The day of love recently concluded, and we should take the opportunity to reevaluate the way we discuss love and relationships at PHS. Even if we can’t convince major companies to change their gendered products that are clearly marketed towards straight, cisgender people, we can change the way we speak about Valentine’s Day and the types of relationships that exist in and out of our school. We should work to eliminate the pressure to conform to the standard Valentine’s Day traditions, and should instead use Valentine’s Day as a time to express love to our friends, family, and ourselves. At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day is supposed to celebrate love, but that can’t be fully realized until we reinvent the holiday to celebrate all of its expressions.


Battling Toxic Norms on Valentine’s Day

America has become notorious in the past few  years  for  the  almost  weekly  occurrence  of  school  shootings.  Even  in  our  town  of  Princeton,  where  violent  crimes  are  rare,  school  safety  has  begun  to  become  more  of  a  worry.  As  such,  it’s  completely  understandable  that PHS administrators have decided to double down on its security policies. For example, the school has begun to actually enforce its policy of prohibiting non-seniors from leaving campus and  is  implementing  a  measure  which  will  require  students  to  wear  lanyards  for identification. After all, PHS cannot legally  allow  students  under  18  to  leave  campus.  Ultimately,  though  these  policies  are  well-intentioned,  they overlook one essential question: Why do students want to leave in the first place?      Although being on the campus comes with its positives, among them friends and  extracurriculars,  most  of  us  no  doubt associate PHS with stress, schoolwork, and the pressure from our families or ourselves to be successful. Unfortunately, being in school for eight hours a day can take a toll  on  students’  mental  health.  As  burnout progresses over months of the same monotonous routines, it becomes more and more difficult for  us  to  enjoy  going  to  school.  So, it’s no surprise that many PHS students want an escape from the building, allowing them to change up their schedule. The truth is that even with stricter security policies in place, students still find ways to leave during school hours. Unless the  school  wishes  to  station  vigilant security guards at every entrance  and  exit  and  institute  harsh penalties for students who choose to leave campus, students will continue to leave. However,  there  is  a  better  way  to  prevent  students  from  leaving  than  instituting  a  kind  of  border  patrol.  Such excessively strict measures would do more to arouse animosity  against  the  administration  than  to  protect  students.  Instead,  we  should  find  a  middle  ground.  The  school should institute moderately strict security measures, such as the addition of just a few more guards, in combination with a genuine and systematic effort to  make school a place that students actually want to be. On  the  whole,  PHS  should  make  the  school  more  amenable to students who wish to escape from the often-stressful high school academic environment. That means that the school must try to come up with better ways for us non-seniors to be less  stressed,  especially  while  on  campus.    For  example,  the  administration  can  use  the sprawling new wing or one of our three courtyards  to  create  a  sort  of  “common  room”, with activities like a Ping-Pong table or Spikeball sets. This way, the school could be  made  to  feel  more  relaxing  and  inviting.  Furthermore,  private  study  spaces  could  be  created  to  encourage productivity during free periods, and the Tiger Cafe’s  hours  could  be  expanded  to  provide  hungry  or  decaffeinated students with a mid-day boost. These policies, along with others not listed here, would allow us to have a better relationship with PHS’s campus, and hopefully help us non-seniors feel a little bit less anxious. Of course, it’s understandable that PHS wants to keep its students safe, which includes keeping its younger students on campus during times they don’t have class and making sure that nobody can get into the building unless they’re a  member  of  PHS’s  community.  Unfortunately,  however,  in the absence of further measures to improve the school environment, the addition of more easily evaded security measures are a waste of the school’s resources. If the school truly  wants  to  prevent  students  from  leaving  campus,  it  should  pair  reinforced  security  measures  with  new  in-school amenities that would help students manage time or give them a break from the often stifling environment of PHS. As such, the administration would be knocking out two birds with one stone—one being school stress, and the other being school security. 

The Tower

Katie Qin's Work

The Tower