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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

All content by Nicole Ranile
A professional swimmer doing a freestyle stroke in a swimming pool.

Fish Out of Water: Former NYU swimmer is moving out of the pool and onto the sidelines as assistant coach

Derek Maas, a former swimmer for the Violets, is taking on a new role within the team as assistant coach.
Nicole Ranile, Staff Writer September 24, 2024

Derek Maas won three national titles during his final season swimming for the Violets. He helped the team to a best-ever fourth place finish in the NCAA Division III championship,...

A woman with braids smiles while wearing a purple zip-up uniform with the words “N.Y.U. CROSS COUNTRY TRACK AND FIELD” in white font. Her black undershirt says “violets” in purple font.

In the Huddle: Thrower Michelle Uvieghara sets an example on the track and beyond

Junior track & field athlete Michelle Uvieghara spoke to WSN about her experience on the team and being awarded the NYU athletic department’s MLK Award for the 2023-24 academic year.
Nicole Ranile, Staff Writer March 12, 2024

Junior Michelle Uvieghara is an NYU program record holder and has been a top scorer in discus and shot put for the women’s track and field team. Not only is the Florida native...

A graphic with two pictures of two women wearing N.Y.U. Swimming zip-ups placed on a purple background.

Mental health awareness for student-athletes at NYU

NYU opened its very own branch of The Hidden Opponent, a mental health nonprofit organization for student-athletes.
Nicole Ranile, Staff Writer February 8, 2024

This academic year, NYU has finally opened up its chapter of The Hidden Opponent, a nonprofit dedicated to raising mental health awareness, in collaboration with Campus Captains...

A group of men and women in white fencing suits and gray jackets are standing around a man in a purple sweatshirt with the Nike logo. They are all standing in the middle of a gym with a red line across the walls.

NYU fencing sees early-season success

The Violets’ men’s and women’s fencing teams hit their strides as the season starts.
Nicole Ranile, Staff Writer December 12, 2023

About a month into their season, both the NYU men's and women's fencing teams are establishing early success. Following the Sacred Heart Invitational on Dec. 3, both teams currently...

A person poses with their arms crossed on the deck of the swimming pool.

From Crimson Tide to city life, swimmer Derek Maas has done it all

Former Division I swimmer Derek Maas strikes a balance between attending the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and being a Division III swimmer for the university.
Nicole Ranile, Staff Writer October 2, 2023

Derek Maas, a student at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, is a new face to the university’s men's swimming and diving team. Originally from Holland, Michigan, Maas attended...

A yellow N.Y.U. Athletics jersey hangs on a pole.

NYU Athletics: A look back on the 2022-23 season

With eight teams earning bids for the postseason, NYU saw tremendous success among its athletics programs.
Nicole Ranile, Staff Writer May 2, 2023

When you think of NYU, the first thing that likely comes to mind is business or the arts — certainly not sports. Despite this false stereotype, NYU does have athletic programs,...

N.Y.U. swimmer Caitlin Marshall swims in a pool with other athletes in adjacent lanes.

A swimming star’s reflection on her NYU season

NYU athlete Caitlin Marshall looks back on her breakout season as a sophomore on the university’s swim team.
Nicole Ranile, Staff Writer April 19, 2023

If you ever decide to step foot into NYU Palladium’s natatorium to watch a swim meet, you’ll likely find your attention grabbed by a standout performer. Standing at about 5...

A photo of a swimmer wearing a swim cap and goggles swimming in a pool.

First-years on NYU swim team earn prestigious honors

The Violets took home both the women and men’s UAA Rookie of the Year awards.
Nicole Ranile, Staff Writer February 15, 2023

Despite swimming against competitors who were older and had more experience, NYU first-years Kaley McIntyre and Leo Han maintained their composure, managed their expectations,...

Player number 9, Arkan Tahsildaroglu, is about to kick a soccer ball on the field. Tahsildaroglu has a mullet and wears a white jersey with the number 9 in purple in the center. He wears a pair of purple shorts, white socks and neon green soccer shoes.

NYU men’s soccer triumphs over Brandeis University in season finale

The Violets won their second consecutive match and finished 4-1-2 in conference play.
Nicole Ranile, Staff Writer  November 7, 2022

NYU’s men’s soccer team concluded the regular season strong after shutting out the Brandeis Judges 3-0 on Saturday, Nov. 5.  The win marked back-to-back victories for the...

The N.Y.U women’s soccer team wears white and purple jerseys and purple shorts, huddling on the Fauver Stadium in Rochester.

Women’s soccer takes a hit against Emory and Rochester

NYU women’s soccer lost both of its University Athletic Association matchups over the weekend.
Nicole Ranile, Staff Writer October 18, 2022

Now on a three-game losing streak, NYU women’s soccer dropped its matches against Emory University and the University of Rochester on Friday, Oct. 14, and Sunday, Oct. 16, respectively. The...

NYU's women’s soccer team wearing white jerseys, purple shorts and white socks huddles on the field.

NYU women’s soccer suffers its first loss of the season

In their second UAA matchup of the season, the Violets fell to Case Western Reserve at home 3-0.
Nicole Ranile, Staff Writer October 12, 2022

NYU women’s soccer suffered its first defeat of the season against the Case Western Reserve Spartans on Saturday, Oct. 8, dropping the contest 3-0. It was only the third time...

(Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

Love-love: Saying goodbye to Serena Williams and Roger Federer

After Roger Federer’s final professional tennis match on Friday, Sept. 23, the tennis world has now lost two of its greatest competitors.
Nicole Ranile, Staff Writer September 26, 2022

From Billie Jean King to John McEnroe, Serena Williams and Roger Federer have officially joined the list of greatest tennis players of all time. The world of tennis is quickly...