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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

Jonathan Mak

Jonathan Mak, Sports Editor

Jonathan Mak is a junior studying journalism and psychology at College Arts & Science. His mood depends on the Manchester United results, and he can be found obsessing over his fantasy Premier League team, trying to find authentic Southeast Asian food or watching “How I Met Your Mother.” Send fantasy PL tips or invites to pick-up football games to @_jonmak on Instagram and @_jonathanmak_ on X.

All content by Jonathan Mak
A white bracket with school names on against a black background. There are small, yellow volleyballs behind the bracket.

Staff predictions: Women’s volleyball return to NCAA tournament

The volleyball team returns to the NCAA tournament to play William Smith College in the first round.

The NYU women’s volleyball team received an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament on Monday, after finishing sixth in the UAA Championship. They lost...

An illustration of the words “STAFF RECS” written in white on a blue background with white stars. In the bottom right corner, a white cloud says “MEN’S EDITION.” Surrounding the text are illustrations of a razor, a cotton swab, cologne and lotion.

Staff recs: Men’s beauty products

From Q-tips to home remedies, WSN has you covered with men’s beauty essentials.

Some think beauty products are reserved for women, but that is far from the truth. For the good of humanity, we must acknowledge that taking care of yourself is not inherently...

A hand is folded to show off a gold and black ring with purple gems. The ring says “DEVENS” and “N.Y.U.” and has the silhouette of half of a basketball.

Women’s basketball rings in the new season with a 105-36 victory

The Ring and Banner Ceremony, which celebrated the Violets’ 2024 NCAA Division III National Championship, was a fitting prelude to the team’s near-70-point win.
Levi Langley and Jonathan Mak November 18, 2024

On Friday night, the reigning Division III NCAA national title holders received their championship rings and banner, commemorating an undefeated season from last year — in which...

An illustration of a bracket with school names on it against a dark polka-dot background.

Staff predictions: Women’s soccer returns to NCAA D-III Tournament

The soccer team faces the Husson University Eagles in their first round matchup.

For the first time in program history, the NYU women’s soccer team will make back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Division III Tournament on Nov. 16. They will face Husson University,...

An illustration of a bracket with school names on it, and “STAFF”and “PREDICTIONS” written on either side of the bracket . Behind the bracket are small yellow volleyballs and dots.

Staff predictions: Women’s volleyball look to defend UAA Championship title

The volleyball team is set to play Washington University in St. Louis in their quarterfinal matchup on Friday.

The NYU women’s volleyball team finished their regular season on a three-game winning streak with a 20-10 record, placing sixth in the UAA conference. They won the tournament...

Three volleyball players stand on one side of the net looking at a ball in the air, while a fourth player jumps in the air to set the ball.

Staff Predictions: Women’s volleyball play final round of UAA matches

The Violets round out UAA matches with a double-header against the University of Rochester and Emory University before postseason.

The NYU women’s volleyball team will start a run of five away games this weekend in Pittsburgh, PA. On Sunday at 10 a.m., they will first play the University of Rochester, currently...

An artist sings into a microphone on a stage made to look like a minka-style house with sliding doors open to reveal a mountain lake scene. A few musicians play in the corner.

Review: Rex Orange County’s ‘FINALLY: A Theatre Tour’ grapples with his emotional turmoil on stage

Returning to the stage after a two-year hiatus, Alexander O'Connor captivated fans with introspective tunes and classics alike through an intimate performance.
Jonathan Mak, Sports Editor October 16, 2024

The iconic Beacon Theatre's ornate cornices and vast red curtains set the stage for Rex Orange County's six-show stint In New York City, beginning on Friday, Oct. 11. With the...

A woman in a wheelchair posing for a photo.

Picking up where she left off: NYU para swimmer Katie Kubiak qualifies for US national para swimming team

A look into how the junior bounced back from a career-ending disease.
Jonathan Mak, Sports Editor October 10, 2024

Growing up swimming in her grandparents’ lake in northern Wisconsin, NYU junior Katie Kubiak has always loved the water. Her dream was to represent the United States at the Olympics,...

A girl running with a yellow ball in her hand and a softball glove on her other hand. There is a lot of dust at her feet.

NYU Athletics announces new softball interim head coach

Nicole Bellini, the recently appointed interim head, has been assistant coach to the Violets since October 2022.
Jonathan Mak and Sidney Snider October 4, 2024

The NYU softball team has a new interim head coach, Nicole Bellini, who takes over from Now-Allah James — the only head coach the team has known since its inception during the...

An illustration of a purple-colored person on the right shouting “OUT OF BOUNDS" while holding a big whistle. Behind the person are the silhouettes of Big Ben, the Berlin T.V. Tower and the Canalejas Center.

Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of Berlin, London and Madrid

Out of Bounds is a weekly column by WSN covering major athletic developments at and around NYU’s campuses and study away sites.
Jonathan Mak, Sports Editor October 4, 2024

Berlin The 50th Berlin Marathon broke the world record for most finishers last Sunday, Sept. 29, with 54,280 runners completing the race. It surpassed the previous record held...

Two images placed side by side depicting NYU soccer players about to kick a soccer ball.

Staff Predictions: Men’s and women’s soccer start conference play

Both teams will travel to Cleveland to face their first UAA opponents.

It’s a big weekend for Violets soccer. Both the men’s and women’s teams play Case Western Reserve University on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Cleveland, Ohio. The women’s game kicks...

A girl jumps up, swings and hits a volleyball.

Staff predictions: Women’s volleyball play first conference games

The volleyball team is set to play three matches this weekend in the Paulson Center, the first round of matches in the UAA.

An illustration of bold white text that says “Weekly Sports Update” on a purple background with light purple flowers.

Women’s golf places third, women’s soccer remains undefeated and other news

Here’s what you need to know from the past week in NYU athletics. This week: Sept. 16 - Sept 22.
Jonathan Mak, Krish Dev and Sidney Snider September 23, 2024

Cross Country Both the men’s and the women’s cross country teams competed in the John McNichols Invitational in Terre Haute, IN on Saturday, Sept. 21. The No. 18 ranked...

An illustration of bold white text that says “Weekly Sports Update” on a purple background with light purple flowers.

Golf and tennis kick off seasons, men’s soccer suffers first loss and other news

Here’s what you need to know from the past week in NYU athletics. This week: Sept. 9 - Sept 15.
Jonathan Mak and Krish Dev September 16, 2024

Cross Country The No. 18 ranked men’s and No. 1 ranked women’s cross-country teams placed second in their respective events at the Ron Stonitsch Invitational hosted by Vassar...

(Krish Dev for WSN)

In the Huddle: Junior Terra Nagai on leadership and his hopes for the season

The NYU soccer player spoke to WSN about his collegiate career as an attacking midfielder.
Jonathan Mak, Sports Editor September 11, 2024

Tandon junior Terra Nagai hails from Herndon, Virginia and has played a key role on the men’s soccer team since joining in 2022. The midfielder has played in every game but one...

An illustration of bold white text that says “Weekly Sports Update” on a purple background.

Men’s soccer remains undefeated, women’s volleyball break winning streak and other news

Here’s what you need to know from the past weekend in NYU athletics. This week: Sept. 4 - Sept 8.
Jonathan Mak, Krish Dev and Sidney Snider September 9, 2024

Soccer The men’s soccer team drew 3-3 against the University of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, NY on Wednesday, Sept. 4.  UMSV scored the only goal of the first half...

An illustration of purple players participating in volleyball, basketball, soccer and track on a yellow background.

Men’s soccer and women’s volleyball sweep all and other news

Here’s what you need to know from the past weekend in NYU athletics. This week: Aug. 30 - Sept 3.
Jonathan Mak and Sidney Snider September 3, 2024

The 2024-25 NYU athletics season began this past weekend with five teams in action — men and women’s cross country, men and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball. Four...

El Zason. (Jonathan Mak for WSN)

Photo: 5 Restaurant Week deals to kick off the school year

Lauren Ng, Dining Editor September 3, 2024

El Zason. (Jonathan Mak for WSN)

Purple illustration that says “SPRING SPORTS” in purple with various sport items, including a basketball and volleyball, surrounding it.

The Violets’ top 5 moments of the 2023-24 season

NYU Athletics just wrapped up its best season yet, having now established itself as a revered spot for student-athletes in the nation.

After a successful and record-setting 2023-24 season for the Violets, WSN has compiled the most memorable moments for NYU Athletics over the last two semesters. The Violets' hard...

An illustration of purple players participating in volleyball, basketball, soccer and track on a yellow background.

Men’s volleyball knocked out in NCAA semifinals, women’s golf qualifies for NCAA D-III Tournament and other news

Here’s what you need to know from the past week in NYU athletics. This week: April 22 - 28.
Jonathan Mak and Sydney Barragan April 29, 2024

Baseball NYU baseball played a four-game series against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY this weekend, winning all but one matchup. The Violets took game one 11-8...

A man in a purple uniform smashes a volleyball over a net. On the other side, two defenders in white uniforms jump up to block him.

Men’s volleyball makes Final Four for the first time in program history

The Violets face fellow United Volleyball Conference finalist Vassar College next weekend.
Sydney Barragan and Jonathan Mak April 24, 2024

The men’s volleyball team qualified for the NCAA Division III Tournament Final Four for the first time in program history on Saturday, April 20. This season’s United Volleyball...

Three chefs prepare dishes in a kitchen.

Restaurant Yuu brings French flair to omakase in Brooklyn’s Little Tokyo

Chef Yuu Shimano’s stellar take on seasonal French and Japanese dishes wows all the taste buds.
Jonathan Mak, Deputy Sports Editor April 24, 2024

An illustration of purple players participating in volleyball, basketball, soccer and track on a yellow background.

Men’s volleyball advances to Final Four for the first time, tennis sweeps on Senior Day and other news

Here’s what you need to know from the past week in NYU athletics. This week: April 15 - 21.
Jonathan Mak and Sidney Snider April 22, 2024

Baseball The baseball team played a four-game series against Case Western Reserve University at its home field in Staten Island this weekend. The Violets started out strong with...

NYU woman's basketball team celebrated their historic win at the University Senate meeting on March 28. (Manasa Gudavalli for WSN)

‘Symbolic and celebratory’: NYU places No. 1 in D-III winter standings

Following a rather successful winter season, the university is now at the top of the 269 Division III programs across the country.
Jonathan Mak and Yezen Saadah April 18, 2024

NYU Athletics is looking down upon the best NCAA Division III programs in the country, now sitting atop the Learfield Directors’ Cup winter standings. The university, after “a...

An illustration of purple players participating in volleyball, basketball, soccer and track on a yellow background.

Men’s volleyball wins conference, women’s tennis scores a victory and other news

Here’s what you need to know from the past week in NYU athletics. This week: April 8 - 14.
Jonathan Mak and Sidney Snider April 15, 2024

Baseball The baseball team swept their four-game UAA series at Brandeis University this weekend, April 13-14. In game one, the Violets were tied by the ninth inning, bringing...

An illustration of purple players participating in volleyball, basketball, soccer and track on a yellow background.

Men’s volleyball heading to conference playoffs, baseball splits UAA matchup and other news

Here’s what you need to know from the past week in NYU athletics. This week: April 1 - 7.
Honor Culpepper and Jonathan Mak April 8, 2024

Baseball NYU’s baseball team won two and lost two games in its second UAA four-game matchup against Emory University this weekend, April 5-7, in Staten Island, New York.  On...

An illustration of purple players participating in volleyball, basketball, soccer and track on a yellow background.

Men’s volleyball honors seniors, track and field win multiple meets and other news

Here’s what you need to know from the past week in NYU athletics. This week: March 25 - 31.
Jonathan Mak, Deputy Sports Editor April 1, 2024

Baseball NYU’s baseball team lost its first UAA matchup this past weekend in St. Louis, Missouri.  The Violets lost the quadruple-header 1-3 against Washington University...

An illustration of purple players participating in volleyball, basketball, soccer and track on a yellow background.

Women’s basketball wins national championship, men’s swimming completes season with highest-ever finish and other news

Here’s what you need to know from the past two weeks in NYU athletics. This week: March 18 - 24.
Jonathan Mak, Deputy Sports Editor March 25, 2024

Basketball The women’s basketball team is returning home as the NCAA Division III champions, marking the second time it has earned the title in its history.  The Violets...

A man in a maroon shirt with white graphics leans on the plastic rope-like border of a boxing ring. He wears a wrapped, black, velcro glove on his right hand, with his hands laced together in front of him.

From Bobst to boxing: NYU’s up-and-coming student-athlete

A look into the life of NYC’s No. 1 Light Heavyweight Champion, NYU student Sean O’Bradaigh.
Jonathan Mak, Deputy Sports Editor March 1, 2024

NYU real estate student Sean O’Bradaigh is one of the country’s top light heavyweight amateur boxers. His record, currently at 19-7, earned him a membership with the New York...

A man in a suit cutting purple ribbon while N.Y.U. baseball players stand behind him and watch.

NYU Athletics unveils new indoor baseball training facility

The new facility “helps level out the playing field” for NYU’s baseball team, removing the need for multi-hour commutes.
Jonathan Mak, Deputy Sports Editor March 1, 2024

NYU opened the new Branca Family Baseball Facility in the Palladium Hall Athletic Facility on Thursday, Feb. 29. The indoor training facility includes two batting cages fitted...

A girl in a white jersey that says “Violets” and the number 13 is jumping and hitting a volleyball over the net. Two women from the opposing team with red jerseys are jumping and trying to block the ball on the other side of the net.

Violets volleyball win second UAA title in three years

The NYU women’s volleyball team beat first seed Emory University in a tense UAA championship game.
Jonathan Mak, Staff Writer November 21, 2023

The NYU women’s volleyball team clinched their second UAA title in the last three years on Nov. 11 in Atlanta, Georgia. They faced off against previous winners and host Emory...

A girl jumping in a white jersey and shorts, shooting the basketball into the hoop. Other players surround her.

NYU women’s basketball looking for NCAA redemption

After making the Elite Eight two years in a row, the Violets set their sights on a national championship.
Jonathan Mak, Staff Writer November 9, 2023

The NYU women’s basketball team won their second consecutive UAA title last season and made the Elite Eight — the final eight teams in the NCAA — for the second year. They...

Four athletes are standing and looking at each other with their arms around one another. They are wearing black shirts with ‘Violets’ written in purple on the back. There is a volleyball net to their right.

NYU women’s volleyball dominates in start of the season

The Violets have impressed in early plays, but conference games might prove to be a different challenge.
Jonathan Mak, Staff Writer October 5, 2023

The NYU women’s volleyball team has made an impressive start to the season with a 15-2 record overall, an even better start than its roughly 10-3 record at the same stage last...

A group of volleyball players wearing purple N.Y.U. uniforms huddled while standing in an indoor volleyball court.

NYU men’s volleyball falls at first hurdle in UVC quarterfinals

The Violets were unable to break their three-game losing streak, going 2-3 in the opening round of the tournament.
Jonathan Mak, Staff Writer April 21, 2023

The NYU men’s volleyball team finished its season with a loss against St. John Fisher University in the quarterfinals of the United Volleyball Conference Championship on Friday,...

Five players wearing white jerseys and a libero wearing a light blue jersey huddle around next to the net.

NYU men’s volleyball hopes to end regular season on a positive note

After a string of tough losses throughout the season, the Violets look to bounce back in the regular season finale.
Jonathan Mak, Staff Writer April 4, 2023

The NYU men’s volleyball team is looking to redeem itself at Springfield College following a loss to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in which the Engineers overcame their...

Two rows of different pastries and desserts placed on green, blue and white display plates inside a display window.

Six places that take the d(airy) out of desserts

Forget the Lactaid. With these delicious desserts, you will never suffer again.
Jonathan Mak, Contributing Writer March 2, 2023

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People wearing white-and-purple jerseys, purple-and-black jackets, or black shirts with white shorts stand cheering with their arms up.

NYU women’s basketball ready for a deep NCAA tournament run

Having gained a share of the UAA title, the Violets are looking to go the distance and bring home a championship.
Jonathan Mak, Staff Writer February 20, 2023

Down to just one game left in the regular season, NYU’s women’s basketball has already secured its place in the NCAA Division III tournament. After a close 64-60 win over Emory...

Five doughnuts from Dunkin’ rest in an orange box on a light brown wooden table. Out of the four doughnuts, two are glazed with white icing and sprinkles, one is glazed with pink frosting and sprinkles, one is glazed with brown frosting and sprinkles, and the last one is plain glazed. A book can be seen in the distant background towards the right corner of the image.

Do-nut say no to these doughnuts

Tired of running on Dunkin’? Here are some new places to fill the doughnut-shaped hole in your stomach.
Jonathan Mak, Contributing Writer December 15, 2022

New York City is famous for the bagels, while its brother, the doughnut, has been cast aside. Whether they’re jelly-filled or classic glazed, doughnuts are a go-to for any occasion....