Featured Articles

Explore a featured selection of my writing work below.

James Harden Just Did it Again

Well, it happened again.For the fourth time in five years, James Harden has demanded a trade from his team, and as of Feb 3, 2026 (per NBA Insider Shams Charania), ‘The Beard’ has been dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are trading the Clippers 2x All-Star Darius Garland, ending Harden’s 2 and half season tenure with the team.James Harden was one of the most influential players of the 2010s and will most likely be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he retires. Some of his accolades include a l...

The Evolution of the Mobile Quarterback Across Football

Jalen Hurts just led the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance. After a successful collegiate career at Alabama and Oklahoma, Hurts carried the Eagles to a 14-3 regular season record and a historic playoff run. Now with a Super Bowl appearance and a huge contract on his resume, Hurts solidifies himself as a truly elite quarterback in the NFL and one of the best players in the world.
This is the headline that Jalen Hurts would like to have seen on ESPN’s website after his successful 2022...

How to Tailgate as a Student at the University of Utah

Game day. The anticipation is tangible, a low hum that vibrates through the entire campus, building steadily as kickoff approaches. You’ve got your jersey on, your friends are with you, and the scent of grilled burgers and the distant sound of the drumline is calling your name. Let’s be real, a lot of what makes game day a game day isn’t what happens in the stadium, but what happens outside of it. This isn’t your average “10 tips for a better tailgate” list; it’s a student-to-student guide to ma...

Column: The Best and Worst Stadium Eats at the University of Utah

This story originally appeared in the Food print issue, in stands February 2025. It has not been updated and some information may be out of date.
 
It’s game day — the Huntsman is buzzing, the MUSS is going wild and your stomach is growling — but let’s be honest, stadium food gets a bad rap. However, here at the University of Utah, there are some genuinely tasty options if you know where to look. We’ve explored the concessions, talked to fellow Utes and uncovered the hidden gems — as well as the...

Return to Glory? – Utah Betting on Alex Jensen To Revive Runnin Utes

A return to glory?
That’s the question echoing through the halls of the Huntsman Center as the University of Utah welcomes back one of its own, Alex Jensen, the new head basketball coach of the Runnin Utes.
Just ten days after parting ways with Craig Smith, the Utes have turned to a familiar face, a former player who embodies the program’s storied past, hoping he can reignite its future. Jensen’s hiring is more than just a coaching change; it’s a homecoming. A Centerville native and a key figure...

The Student Life Center: Everything You Need To Know

Welcome to the University of Utah! As you embark on your college journey, one of the key places to discover on campus is the George S. Eccles Student Life Center. Known around campus as the Life Center, this facility is a vibrant hub for student activity and engagement at the U. Whether you’re interested in fitness, recreation or socializing, the Life Center offers a diverse range of opportunities for students to explore.
Located at 1836 Student Life Way, the recreation center has everything yo...

Soon to Be Empty — A Cautionary Tale For the Salt Lake Community

It was just over a year ago when, in January 2023, the Salt Lake Bees Triple-A baseball team their plans for a new stadium in South Jordan. After announcing these new stadium plans, the Bees broke ground on their new ballpark in the Salt Lake suburb that October.
The now-closing Smith’s Ballpark first opened in 1994 and has been a pillar of the community. Like many baseball fields across the country, Smith’s Ballpark has influenced the culture of the city, with residents even renaming the area a...

Special Olympics Utah: A Community of Champions

When you think of sports, one of the first words that comes to mind is competition. Being a competitive-spirited individual is one of the main values all athletes possess. Many students here at the University of Utah choose to participate in extracurriculars such as intramurals to remain competitive as well as to be active. While intramurals are fun, the campus has several other extracurriculars that offer students the opportunity to stay competitive as well as be a positive factor in their comm...

Get To Know Novie McCabe and Her Path to the Olympics

If you watched the Winter Olympics this year, you might have recognized University of Utah athlete Novie McCabe. The Utah sophomore competed in three Cross-Country Skiing Olympic events and was one of twelve Ute skiers competing in Beijing. Although she has proven to be one of the elite athletes of her sport, she still is able to factor time into her studies here at the U and has grown to really love being a part of the campus and community.

Skiing has always been a part of McCabe’s life. Her m

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Utah Splits Two-Game Set, Shocked by Cal Poly for the First Loss in Jensen Era

The Utah Men’s Basketball Team opened the week with a home victory over Purdue Fort Wayne, improving to 5–0 under head coach Alex Jensen in the Acrisure Series. 
Utah jumped out quickly against Purdue Fort Wayne, taking an early lead with a 3-pointer from Terrence Brown. Moments later, Kendyl Sanders finished a fast-break layup off an assist from Brown to push the score to 13‑7. Seydou Traore added back-to-back baskets in the middle of the half, keeping Utah ahead as the Mastodons tried to respo...

Homestretch Podcast w Max Valva — Runnin Utes’ Exciting Future

Welcome in guys, this is the Homestretch Podcast where we talk all things Utah Athletics. I’m your host Max Valva, and we’re diving in headfirst into the very first episode of the season with a big focus on the Utah men’s basketball team. So whether you’re a die-hard Utes fan or just looking for some good sports talk, you’re in the right place. This is the podcast where we break down the action, the moves and the game-changing moments that make Utah sports one of the best in the country. Let’s g...

Return to Glory? – Utah Betting on Alex Jensen To Revive Runnin Utes

A return to glory?
That’s the question echoing through the halls of the Huntsman Center as the University of Utah welcomes back one of its own, Alex Jensen, the new head basketball coach of the Runnin Utes.
Just ten days after parting ways with Craig Smith, the Utes have turned to a familiar face, a former player who embodies the program’s storied past, hoping he can reignite its future. Jensen’s hiring is more than just a coaching change; it’s a homecoming. A Centerville native and a key figure...

Runnin Utes’ Senior Night Ends in Close Defeat to West Virginia

The air in the Jon M. Huntsman Center was thick with emotion as the Utah Runnin’ Utes celebrated their senior class, only to witness a heart-wrenching 71-69 loss to a resilient West Virginia team. The night, intended as a jubilant send-off, became a poignant reminder of the fine margins that define college basketball, leaving a lingering sense of “what if” amidst the heartfelt tributes.
The Utes surged out of the gates, fueled by Gabe Madsen’s sharpshooting. His trio of early 3-pointers ignited...

Utah Basketball Parts Ways with Craig Smith Before Season’s End

In a significant development, the University of Utah has announced that Men’s Basketball Head Coach Craig Smith will not return for the upcoming season. Athletic Director Mark Harlan made the announcement Monday, concluding Smith’s four-year tenure with the Runnin’ Utes.
Smith, who assumed leadership of the program in 2021, compiled a 65-62 record, representing a .512 winning percentage. However, the team did not secure an NCAA Tournament appearance during his time at the helm.
The decision foll...

Runnin’ Utes Struggle Against No. 7 Ranked Houston Cougars

Coming off a big win against arch-rival BYU, the Runnin’ Utes traveled to the Fertitta Center in Houston, Texas for a tough matchup against the No. 7 Houston Cougars. Despite facing one of the nation’s top teams, the Utes struggled to find their rhythm on both ends of the court, ultimately falling 70-36 in a one-sided contest, allowing the Cougars to shoot 48% from the field while only shooting 30% themselves.
The game quickly got away from the Runnin’ Utes in the first half as Houston took cont...

Runnin’ Utes Take Down Oklahoma State for First Big 12 Win

The Utah men’s basketball team snapped a four-game losing streak with a resounding 83-62 victory over the Oklahoma State Cowboys Saturday evening at the Jon M. Huntsman Center, marking their first Big 12 Conference win.
The Runnin’ Utes’ offense rediscovered its rhythm, shooting a much-improved 55.6% from the field — a key factor that had been missing in their previous Big 12 games. Junior Ezra Ausar led the charge with 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting while also adding four rebounds.
The Runnin’ U...

Runnin’ Utes Back on Top with Victory Over Utah Tech

Coming after a tough loss to Mississippi State, the Runnin’ Utes got off to hot a start against their in-state rivals, taking down the Utah Tech Trailblazers 84-53 on Friday at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. After putting up only 9 points in his last game, Gabe Madsen got off to a hot start scoring 14 points in the first half of tonight’s game, with 19 in total. The Utes showcased their defense, holding the Blazers to just 34% from the field while also forcing 15 turnovers. Now 4-1 on the season, t...

Runnin’ Utes Suffer First Loss of the Year Against Mississippi St

The Runnin’ Utes fell just short in a hard-fought Mid-South Showdown against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, losing 78-73 Sunday evening at a neutral site in Memphis. Despite holding an 11-point halftime lead, Utah couldn’t withstand the Bulldogs’ dominance at the free-throw line and clutch shooting in the closing minutes. The loss, which drops the Utes to 3-1 on the season, was a frustrating outcome in a game where they had many chances to best their SEC opponent.
The Utes came out firing in th...

Runnin’ Utes Drain 19 Threes in Win Over Central Arkansas

In its second game of the 2024-25 season, the Runnin’ Utes tipped off against the Central Arkansas Bears at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday night at the Huntsman Center. The Utes lit up the court with a record-tying performance from beyond the arc, knocking down 19 3-pointers in a dominant 98-63 win. Highlighting the night, senior guard Gabe Madsen became the 42nd player in Utes history to join the 1,000-point club, adding to the excitement for fans eager to see Utah’s firepower as they gear up for Big 12...

Runnin’ Utes Win Season Opener Against Alcorn State

The Runnin’ Utes handled business against the Alcorn State Braves on Monday, winning by a score of 100-59 in their first game of the regular season at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. Twelve Ute players saw minutes with nine players contributing to the scoring effort, showcasing their depth to the Salt Lake fans. The win came without center Lawson Lovering who was ruled out before tip-off after suffering an ankle injury during the Utes exhibition game last Tuesday. 
The Runnin’ Utes took control earl...

2024-25 Runnin’ Utes Preview

The University of Utah Runnin’ Utes are poised to make their highly anticipated debut in the Big 12 Conference. As the nation’s premier basketball league, the Big 12 boasts a staggering five teams ranked in the top-ten of the preseason AP Poll — an all-time conference record.
Facing the likes of basketball blue bloods like Kansas, Houston and Arizona, to name a few, the Utes will undoubtedly encounter fierce competition throughout the season, making this one of the most anticipated campaigns in...

Does Jayson Tatum Still Have More to Prove?

Was a summer that consisted of an Olympic gold medal and an NBA championship enough to label Jayson Tatum a superstar or does he still have more to prove?
The Celtics just won their 18th NBA championship. After a 16-year drought that saw their rival Los Angeles Lakers win three titles (2009, 2010 and 2020), NBA superstar Jayson Tatum led the Celtics to their first title of the decade.
This is the headline that Jayson Tatum would like to have seen on ESPN’s website after finally winning his first...

The Rise of the University of Utah’s Women’s Water Polo Team

When you think of Utah Athletics, many sports teams and stories come to mind. Maybe you think of the football program whose recent success has captured the attention of the national media and helped put the University of Utah on the map. Perhaps you think of a gymnastics program whose reputation has attracted the likes of Olympic athletes who proudly flash the U during their world-class performances. Or even the women’s basketball program, whose teamwork and desire to win has led to them exceedi...

How the OKC Thunder Built a Contender Fast

The Oklahoma City Thunder‘s recent success story is a masterclass in navigating the often treacherous waters of an NBA rebuild. After the departures of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, two generational talents who led the team to the 2012 NBA Finals, the Thunder found themselves staring down the barrel of a long, arduous climb back to relevance. However, through a combination of shrewd trades, strategic drafting and a commitment to player development, the Thunder have defied expectations, tra...

Utah Ski Team Finishes Second at RMISA Championships

The Utah Ski Team competed in the Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association Invitational this weekend. The tournament was held at the Big Sky Resort in Montana, known for its scenic views and proximity to Yellowstone National Park. The tournament not only served as the final conference competition of the season, but as the NCAA Western Regional as well.
Also known as Giant Slalom race day, the Utes saw many top performers including race winner Mikkel Solbakken, who notched his third win of...

Utah’s Olympic Comeback: Preparing for the 2034 Bid

It was not too long ago when the world’s greatest games were played here in Salt Lake City — the 2002 Winter Olympics. The United States has hosted the Winter Games four times — twice at the mountain town of Lake Placid, New York, once at what is now Lake Tahoe in California and, most recently, here in Salt Lake. The 2002 Winter Olympics was ca massive success and marked a significant turning point in Utah’s history, bringing international attention and recognition to its winter sports prowess....

Utah Soccer Remains Undefeated on the Road

The Utah women’s soccer team (4-2-3) faced off against two fellow mountain teams this past week. On Thursday they traveled to Ogden to play against the Weber State Wildcats. The matchup saw a tightly fought game that ended in a 1-1 draw. The Lady Utes then traveled across the state border to Fort Collins, Colorado to square off against Colorado State. In a game that featured good defensive play, the Utes scored late and took the game against the Rams 1-0. The Utes now return to Salt Lake with a...

Utah Soccer Suffers Hefty Defeat Against Top-Ranked BYU

The Utah women’s soccer team faced off against infamous rivals the BYU Cougars this past Saturday. The matchup saw a jam-packed Ute Field as Utah fans from up and down the valley were looking to see the Lady Utes knock off the No. 1 BYU Cougars. The matchup saw the largest crowd in Ute Field history, with 3,224 fans in attendance. Unfortunately, the Utes were never able to gain momentum and fell to the Cougars by a score of 1-6. 
The loss drops the Utes to a record of 3-2-2 for the 2023 season....

It’s Time for the Raiders to Change the Narrative

The Las Vegas Raiders went into 2022 expecting to compete for a playoff spot, instead they underperformed heavily and will be looking at a top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The 2021 version of the Raiders featured a resilient team that fought back from losing their head coach and star receiver mid-season to making the playoffs with interim coach Rich Bissacia. After losing to the eventual AFC Champion Cincinnati Bengals, the Raiders decided to move on from Bissacia to former New England Patrio...

Utah Women’s Basketball Tops Arizona in Thriller

The No. 10 University of Utah women’s basketball team played host to the No. 14 Arizona Wildcats in the Jon M. Huntsman Center on Sunday. The season’s largest crowd got to experience a close and exciting game that featured a last-second Ute victory, by a score of 80-79. With the win the Utes improve to 15-1 on the season and 5-1 in Pac-12 play.
The fourth quarter featured eight lead changes, including two in the final 10 seconds of the game. After giving up a go-ahead layup with less than five s...

No. 11 Utah WBB Best Washington State to Remain Undefeated

No. 11 Utah Women’s Basketball team traveled to Pullman this past Friday to face off against the Washington State Cougars with aspirations of continuing their undefeated start to the season. The Cougars proved resilient as they put together a late rally to keep the game close, however, the Utes were able to come out with a 71-66 victory in a game in which they never trailed. The Utes improved to 13-0 on the year, the best start to the season since joining the Pac-12. 
This game proved to be a te...

Utah Women’s Basketball Wins The Holy War

In a visit to Provo, the Utah women’s basketball team was able to continue their winning ways against in-state rivals BYU this past Saturday. Transfer forward Alissa Pili put up 28 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in a 76-59 Utah victory.
The rivalry was a new one for several members of both teams as the Cougars only had two players who had played against the Utes and only one from Utah had played against BYU. The Ute players were able to embrace the culture as they shot 55% from the field, an incr...

What Could Conference Realignment Mean for the U?

In late June, USC and UCLA made the big announcement that they would be leaving the Pac-12 for the Big Ten, a move that will occur before the 2024 season. This is the second big conference move in the past two years, as last off-season Oklahoma and Texas announced that they would join the SEC in 2025.
USC and UCLA have been members of the Pac-12 since the early 20th century. Over the more than 90 years that they played in the Pac-12, they formed rivalries and established traditions that many peo...
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