New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Sports Girl

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

How Can Athletes Trust USA Gymnastics?

Following multiple abuse scandals and a lack of transparency, the sport’s national authority has failed to prove that it will protect its gymnasts.
Bela Kirpalani, Editor-at-Large May 4, 2020

Last week, elite gymnastics coach Maggie Haney was served with an eight-year suspension by U.S.A Gymnastics following accusations that she had verbally and emotionally abused athletes....

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

These Sports Stories Should Have Their Own Documentaries

After all the buzz for “The Last Dance,” it’s time for new documentaries starring women athletes.
Bela Kirpalani, Editor-at-Large Apr 27, 2020

If you haven’t been paying attention, “The Last Dance”  is a 10-part documentary on Michael Jordan and the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls’ last championship run and has been premiering...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

The Best Soccer Celebrations, Ranked

Bela Kirpalani, Editor-at-Large Apr 6, 2020

Soccer is full of amazing moments — the skillful dribbling, the insane goals and the celebrations that become iconic in the sport’s history.  Sometimes, the goal celebration...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

A Reflection on Lost Endings

Following cancellations and postponements in sports and everything else, the perfect ending has been taken away from so many athletes, coaches and fans alike. All that we’re left with are questions of ‘What if?’
Bela Kirpalani, Editor-at-Large Mar 30, 2020

I realized that I spent my last spring break of college in the exact way I had spent every spring break before that: playing a lot of FIFA 20, watching reruns of classic games...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

Let Me Tell You About Your Favorite Pro Athletes

While some people have spent their time at home bettering themselves, Sports Girl has been watching every single one of GQ’s “10 Essentials” videos. Spoiler: JJ Redick eats a lot of beets. Like a LOT of beets.
Bela Kirpalani, Editor-at-Large Mar 23, 2020

Like many others, I have been spending the past week at home socially distancing myself from the outside world. With no sports (and no anything) for the foreseeable future, many...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

The National Women’s Soccer League Still Has Work to Do

During a busy off-season period, the National Women’s Soccer League has taken big steps to increase its brand and better market its game. However, issues like player salary and maternity leave still loom large ahead of the league’s eighth season.
Bela Kirpalani, Editor-at-Large Mar 9, 2020

Following three years since ex-commissioner Jeff Plush stepped down in 2017, the National Women’s Soccer League announced the appointment of Lisa Baird as the new league commissioner...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

Is This the End of Smart Sports Commentary?

The cancellation of ESPN’s smartest television show, “High Noon,” is just the most recent example of a shift away from nuanced discussions about the intersection of sports, politics, race and culture.
Bela Kirpalani, Editor-at-Large Mar 2, 2020

Last week, ESPN announced that it was canceling “High Noon,” a studio talk show featuring two of ESPN’s smartest commentators, after less than two years.  The company...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

Manchester City’s Greed Made Them Invincible — Until It Didn’t

After Manchester City won four Premier League titles from 2012 to 2019, the team was dealt a two-year ban from Europe’s top competition. Now, one of Europe’s richest clubs is facing a crisis.
Bela Kirpalani, Editor-at-Large Feb 24, 2020

For years, Manchester United was on top of the soccer world.  Manchester United won more trophies than any other team in England, pumped out talent like nobody else and did...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

NBA All-Star Weekend Is Fun

Some thoughts on the All-Star Weekend.
Bela Kirpalani, Editor-at-Large Feb 18, 2020

Celebrity Game The NBA made ESPN sports personality and meme-famous Stephen A. Smith a head coach for this year’s Celebrity All-Star Game and boy, he did not disappoint. Receiving...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

The Return of the XFL Highlights the Lack of Support for Women’s Sports

The XFL is back after it failed nearly 20 years ago and lost $70 million — this time it has the financial backing of WWE CEO and chairman Vince McMahon. Meanwhile, the WNBA, NWSL and NWHL have received little support from investors and the media since their individual inceptions.
Bela Kirpalani, Editor-at-Large Feb 10, 2020

In case you missed it, the XFL kicked off its inaugural season this past weekend. If you don’t know what I’m blabbering about, the XFL is a new professional football league...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

The USWNT Is Simply Too Good

The U.S. cruised through Olympic qualifying despite playing far from its best. As we look ahead to the SheBelieves Cup and beyond, how will the team stack up under its new manager?
Bela Kirpalani, Editor-at-Large Feb 3, 2020

A 4-0 win over Haiti. An 8-0 absolute goal fest against Panama. Large scorelines have become the norm for the U.S. women’s national soccer team and this past week’s action...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

The Olympics’ Ban of Protests Is Hypocritical and Unfair

The International Olympics Committee is asking to remain a politically neutral stage. Aside from infringing upon the free speech rights of its competing athletes, the move also ignores the political history of the competition.
Bela Kirpalani, Editor-at-Large Jan 27, 2020

Earlier this month, the International Olympics Committee (IOC) announced it would institute a ban on protesting ahead of this summer’s competition in Tokyo. The IOC said it would...