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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

Bela Kirpalani

Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor

Bela is a senior in CAS studying history. Born and raised on Long Island, her love for bagels knows no bounds (the same goes for blueberries, but that really doesn’t have anything to with Long Island). She also loves all things sports — how fitting — and finds way too many unfunny things funny. When not in the newsroom, she is probably off playing FIFA or wishing she were playing FIFA.

All content by Bela Kirpalani
Bela Kirpalani

Bela Kirpalani

Bela Kirpalani May 8, 2020

I walked into the WSN office one Sunday during my sophomore year after a year of living in the same building, too intimidated to enter the bustling newsroom. I spent the rest of...

(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 April 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 April 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 March 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...

Yaron Weitzman's recently published book, "Tanking to the Top," offers an in-depth account of the Philadelphia 76ers organization. (Photo courtesy of Yaron Weitzman)

‘Tanking to the Top’ Author Yaron Weitzman Talks the Philadelphia 76ers and the Process

NBA writer and author Yaron Weitzman talked with WSN about his new book, “Tanking to the Top,” a riveting insider’s look at the Philadelphia 76ers organization and the implementation of “the Process.”
Bela Kirpalani, Editor-at-Large March 26, 2020

The next book on your social distancing reading list might be “Tanking to the Top: The Philadelphia 76ers and the Most Audacious Process in the History of Professional Sports,”...

(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 March 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 March 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 March 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 February 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 February 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 February 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 February 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 January 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...

NYU's Director of Athletics Chris Bledsoe will step down from his role this coming August. (via NYU Athletics)

After 24 Years, NYU Athletic Director Will Step Down

Christopher Bledsoe will continue in his role until Aug. 31, 2020. During his tenure, NYU won three national championships and 37 conference championships.
Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor December 13, 2019

Director of Athletics and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Christopher Bledsoe will step down from his roles in August after 24 years of service, it was announced on...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

Monday Musings: On Colin Kaepernick, Harden’s Heroics and the Internet’s Favorite NBA Player

Our sports editor tackles what is happening — or rather, not happening — with Colin Kaepernick and the NFL, the conundrum that is James Harden and Alex Caruso, the Lakers’ cult hero.
Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor December 2, 2019

Don’t Forget About Colin Kaepernick In case you missed it, ex-NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick had a 40-minute workout with eight NFL teams last month. Despite being out of...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

Didn’t See That Coming! Three Shockers in the NBA

One month into the 2019-20 NBA season, our sports editor gives her opinions on the league’s biggest surprises so far.
Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor November 24, 2019

1. Ja Morant Is the Real Deal The Memphis Grizzlies No. 2 pick is currently leading all rookies in points per game and assists per game with 19 and six, respectively.  On...

On October 29, NYU Strength and Conditioning posted a video of a student doing high velocity contractions on Instagram that garnered 57k views and went viral on other platforms as well. (via Instagram @nyu_strength)

‘Man, I’m Going to Be a Meme’: The Story Behind the NYU Swimmer That Went Viral for His Workout

After NYU Strength and Conditioning posted a video of NYU swimmer Nathan Huot doing an odd-looking exercise, it was picked up and made viral by popular Instagram accounts like Complex and Barstool Sports.
Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor November 15, 2019

NYU swimmer Nathan Huot can now consider himself internet famous. The CAS sophomore was featured in an Instagram video, participating in an uncommon exercise in which he lays horizontal...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

Monday Musings: On the Ducks, NBA Kicks and the Knicks’ French Connection

This week, our sports editor writes about the legendary Sabrina Ionescu, her favorite basketball kicks and the Knicks’ best option at point guard.
Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor November 11, 2019

Sabrina Ionescu Is the G.O.A.T. On Saturday night, the University of Oregon women’s basketball team beat the U.S. women’s basketball team 93-86 in front of a crowd of 11,530....

Staff Rants and Raves: NYU Facilities

Staff Rants and Raves: NYU Facilities

NYU owns a lot of property, from residence halls with no heat to libraries that block out the sun to dining halls that can’t pass inspections. Read what our staff has to say about NYU’s campus.

Rants On Being a Thirsty Gal By Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor Hydration is key, folks. But the architects of Bobst Library don't seem to understand this ethos, as they...

Runners race through Queens as part of the 2019 New York City Marathon. (Photo by Tomer Keysar)

NYU Students Conquer New York City Marathon

Over 50,000 people run the New York City Marathon every year. These are the stories of four NYU students who took part on Sunday.
Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor November 4, 2019

Franklin Reitzas was supposed to run the New York City marathon in his first year at NYU, but he forgot to sign up for the race before the deadline. This time, the SPS junior...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

Monday Musings: On Fantasy Football, Baseball and the Knicks

In the latest edition of The Sports Girl, our sports editor riffs on assorted topics.
Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor October 28, 2019

Fantasy Football and Why It Stinks You are sitting at your laptop, eyes glazed over from countless hours — no, days — studying fantasy advice columns, watching highlight videos...

Staff Rants and Raves: Twitter

Staff Rants and Raves: Twitter

Twitter: Where memes come to life, where movements come to fruition, and where presidents come to rant. Hear what our staff has to say on what might be both the most multifaceted and divisive form of social media.

Rants On Dreams of Anonymity By Ethan Zack, Music Editor Having a Twitter account is a constant struggle between the absolute euphoria of being seen and the unrelenting...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

The Sports Curse: Fact or Fiction?

It’s spooky season, kiddos.
Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor October 15, 2019

As Halloween approaches, I thought it’d be fun to take a look at some of sports’ biggest alleged curses and see just how ridiculous some of them are. From a video game cover...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

This Is the WNBA’s Moment

As the 23rd WNBA season winds down, it’s the perfect time to examine how the league can build off its success and better itself for the future.
Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor October 7, 2019

As we approach Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, I want to take a look back at this historic and exciting season. The whole season, it felt like the league was on the precipice of something...

The NYU Men’s Hockey team played its first game at Chelsea Piers on Friday. (Staff Photo by Julia McNeill)

NYU Hockey Opens Quest for Redemption With Win

The Violets started off their season with a 5-2 win over William Paterson University on Friday night.
Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor October 7, 2019

The NYU hockey team started its season on a high note, defeating William Paterson University 5-2 on Friday night at the Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers. NYU scored two unanswered goals...

Sports Editor Bela Kirpalani was blessed by the Bobcat in the spring. (via @belakirps12 on Instagram)

The Best Sports Mascots, Ranked

Hi @Gritty
Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor September 30, 2019

To some, mascots may seem utterly useless or distracting from the actual game. To others like me, however, that is exactly what makes them so important to the American sporting...

A player looks to pass the frisbee to a teammate during practice. The Violet Femmes, NYU's club women's ultimate frisbee team, compete in regional tournaments throughout the semester. (Staff Photo by Julia McNeill)

Ultimate Goal of Frisbee: Find Family

The Violet Femmes, NYU’s club women’s frisbee team, have established a community of amateur and experienced players who love the sport and each other.
Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor September 30, 2019

On a sunny September morning on Randall’s Island, 30 young women in mesh pinnies and athletic shorts run around on a large grassy field, flicking and catching a white frisbee....

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

The Field as a Happy Place

For many, sports are just about having fun. And that can be really important.
Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor September 23, 2019

I overthink things. A lot. I worry about problems that don’t even exist yet. I replay old memories in my head and think about what I should’ve done differently. Often, I never...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

Concussions Are Not Just a Football Problem

Too often, the conversations around head injuries and CTE are rooted in football, but the reality is that athletes in sports like soccer and surfing are just as susceptible — and more often overlooked.
Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor September 16, 2019

When I say concussion, you say football. Concussion, football. Concussion, football. Cases like those of Aaron Hernandez and Junior Seau are still fresh in our minds. Hits like...

Members of the Kansas City Chiefs huddle with special team’s coordinator during the Kansas City Chiefs wild card game play-off. (via AFGSC)

NYU Predicts: NFL Edition

With the 2019 NFL season on the horizon, we asked NYU students to give us their predictions and hot takes.
Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor September 3, 2019

After a summer full of movement and drama, the 2019 NFL season kicks off on Thursday. While teams like the New England Patriots remain perennial contenders, up-and-coming teams...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

Male Athletes Are Still Stuck in the Closet

Male sports culture in the U.S. is problematic and doesn’t allow athletes to fully express themselves on and off the field.
Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor September 3, 2019

NFL veteran Ryan Russell recently wrote a beautiful piece for ESPN in which he came out as bisexual and discussed how he was unable to live an “open life” for much of his early...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

The Problem With Kobe Bryant’s Support of Women’s Sports

Why do female athletes and leagues like the WNBA continue to prop up men with questionable pasts?
Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor August 24, 2019

It has been an objectively good summer for women’s sports. The United States women’s national soccer team won its fourth FIFA World Cup and continues to make national news...

NYU men’s soccer coach Kim Wyant directs players on the field. (Staff Photo by Marva Shi)

Former USWNT Goalkeeper Prepares for Fifth Season Coaching at NYU

NYU men’s soccer head coach Kim Wyant, who was a member of the first United States women’s national soccer team, reflects on her journey as she prepares to lead NYU back to the NCAA tournament.
Bela Kirpalani, Sports Editor August 24, 2019

NYU men’s soccer head coach and one-time USWNT goalkeeper Kim Wyant grew up racing motorcycles and playing sports in the backyard with her older brother and his friends, before...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

Don’t Punish Female Athletes for Being Too Good

The case against Caster Semenya is discriminatory and highlights the need for a deeper understanding of gender in the rule-driven world of sports.
Bela Kirpalani, Deputy Managing Editor May 6, 2019

On Wednesday, the highest governing body in international sports, the Court of Arbitration for Sport, said that female track athletes with naturally high levels of testosterone...

CAS senior Landon Garfinkel throws a quaffle in a match against the University of Maryland. NYU won the game 190-170 to advance to the semifinals of the U.S. Quidditch Cup 12 for the first time. (Courtesy of NYU Quidditch)

Forget Hogwarts — NYU Quidditch Is Flying High

The NYU Quidditch team finished in fourth place, its best-ever performance, at the U.S. Quidditch Cup 12 last weekend.
Bela Kirpalani, Deputy Managing Editor April 22, 2019

At the start of his first year, Robert Mast tagged along to Club Fest with a friend. He jokingly signed up for NYU Quidditch on a whim, and when his friend asked him if he planned...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

The WNBA’s MVP Is Out for the Season. Now What?

Reigning WNBA MVP and Finals MVP Breanna Stewart’s injury before the start of the WNBA season highlights an underlying problem with the league’s business model.
Bela Kirpalani, Deputy Managing Editor April 22, 2019

Reigning WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon in last weekend’s EuroLeague title game, rendering her injured for the entire WNBA 2019 season, which...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

Avenatti’s Not the Story. Nike Is.

Nike and other sports apparel companies have long been engaged in some pretty sketchy behavior surrounding high school athletes and the college recruitment process.
Bela Kirpalani, Deputy Managing Editor April 15, 2019

Earlier this month, celebrity attorney Michael Avenatti — after being arrested on extortion charges — tried to single-handedly take down Nike for its alleged bribery of the...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

Despite Its POC Star Players, Sports Has a Race Problem

The racial abuse suffered by black Italian soccer player Moise Kean last week is just the latest example of the enduring history of racism in sports.
Bela Kirpalani, Deputy Managing Editor April 8, 2019

Last week, Moise Kean, a 19-year-old black Italian soccer player, was subjected to incessant racial abuse from opposing fans during Juventus’ match against Cagliari. After Kean...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

To Pay or Not to Pay College Athletes

Why the issue of paying college athletes is more complicated than it seems.
Bela Kirpalani, Deputy Managing Editor March 31, 2019

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past two weeks, you know that we are in the midst of March Madness, the biggest college basketball tournament in the nation. Over...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

The Finish Line Is Further for Women

In the first edition of The Sports Girl column, our Deputy Managing Editor reflects on the accomplishments and coverage of women in sports.
Bela Kirpalani, Deputy Managing Editor March 25, 2019

In honor of Women’s History Month, I thought I would take a moment (or several moments) to reflect on the many inspirational figures in women’s sports who have paved the way...

The MTA — and New Yorkers — Must Step Up

The MTA — and New Yorkers — Must Step Up

Deputy Managing Editor Bela Kirpalani discusses the problems with MTA in New York and why something needs to be done about them.
Bela Kirpalani, Deputy Managing Editor March 4, 2019

It's been roughly a month since 22-year-old Malaysia Goodson tragically passed away after falling down a flight of stairs at the Seventh Avenue subway station. Her death breaks...

The Violets faced off against the University of Delaware in two back-to-back home games this past weekend. ( Photo by Bela Kirpalani)

Hockey Closes out Season With Exciting Overtime Win

The NYU Ice Hockey team enjoyed an exciting end to the regular season, with President Andrew Hamilton and several members of the Board of Trustees in the stands on Friday night and a dramatic overtime win on Saturday night.
Bela Kirpalani, Deputy Managing Editor March 4, 2019

The NYU Hockey team ended its regular season with back-to-back home games against the University of Delaware on Friday and Saturday nights. On Friday, the team hosted special guest...

Staff Rants: Tech Edition

Staff Rants: Tech Edition

To quote Patrick from “Spongebob Squarepants”: we have technology! As the WSN staff will soon tell you, it’s an everyday part of our lives that ends up being more frustrating than not.

On Being Made Fun of for Owning AirPods By Sakshi Venkatraman, Editor-in-Chief I’ll just come out and say it. I own AirPods. I find it’s better to be forthright about it...

Gallatin sophomore Sam Slocum (left) and CAS sophomore Skyler Knapp (right) started their band, Been Stellar, while in high school. Now, they live together with fellow bandmate Tisch sophomore Nando Dale (center) in Gramercy Green Residence Hall. (Photo by Alana Beyer)

Getting Creative in the Bedroom

They say you shouldn’t mix work and home life, but for these students, that’s impossible. After all, their roommates are their collaborators.
Bela Kirpalani, Deputy Managing Editor February 21, 2019

Been Stellar Not everyone gets the chance to go to the same school as their best friend. Gallatin sophomore Sam Slocum got lucky. Born and raised just outside of Detroit,...

Members of the cheerleading team performing at an NYU basketball game versus Carnegie Mellon University at Hunter College Sportsplex on Feb. 10. (Staff Photo by Alina Patrick)

Yes, NYU Has Cheerleaders

NYU cheerleaders put in a lot of work, between basketball games, national competitions and performances across the city.
Bela Kirpalani, Deputy Managing Editor February 19, 2019

If you’ve never been to an NYU basketball game, you may be surprised to know that our school does indeed have a cheerleading team. Decked out in purple and white uniforms, the...

Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice who was suspended for six games after punching his-then fiancée Janay Palmer. (Keith Allison via flickr.com)

The NFL Fails to Punish Violence

Examining the NFL's action with Kareem Hunt after a video of him physically abusing a woman was released by TMZ.
Bela Kirpalani, Contributing Writer December 3, 2018

On Friday, news broke that Kansas City Chiefs star running back Kareem Hunt was cut from the team, following his paid suspension from the NFL. The league’s decision came in response...

An NYU swimmer at the 2018 S & D Senior Ceremony on Jan. 27.

The Hidden Injuries of Athletes

Bela Kirpalani, Deputy Sports Editor April 9, 2018
On top of the physical challenges of being a student-athlete come the lesser discussed mental health issues suffered by those who practice sports at the college level. WSN talked to a handful of college athletes to learn more about these hidden struggles.