Written By: Camila Molina | Interview By: Camila Molina | Photos By: Annie Schutz After a decade of success with alt-rock and electro-pop hits like “Sail,” accumulating over 800 million streams on Spotify, Aaron Bruno, the recording artist behind AWOLNATION, aims to continue his legacy of comforting others through his art with his upcoming album, “The Phantom Five.” In this HAZZE Magazine interview, Bruno delves into the story behind what he says might be AWOLNATION’s final album release. While “Sail” remains the band’s top song, “Panoramic View” — the first single from “The Phantom Five” album — is rising to be among the list of Bruno’s most popular songs. However, Bruno is not concerned with its growing popularity or the number of streams. “I don't know why exactly it became and still is as large as it is,” said Bruno. “I think I just struck a nerve with the rest of the planet on how people were feeling at the time.” “I guess it's a good example of, as my mom says, turning lemons into lemonade with my career in some way,” added Bruno. The music video  for "Panoramic View" showcases his newfound creative vision. It combines surreal imagery with thought-provoking themes, offering a multisensory experience for his audience. Fans deeply resonated with the internal battles described in the song, filling the YouTube  comment section with quotes from the track that spoke to them, as well as sharing the impact of AWOLNATION’s music on their journey to healing. ​​“It serves a deeper purpose when the song pulls at the heartstrings and the soul a little bit more,” said Bruno. “And so far with ‘Panoramic View,’ I've stumbled across quite a few comments in that.”  The song explores Bruno’s complex relationship with uncertainty during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when it felt like the whole world was “bludgeoned with fear,” while simultaneously leaning into escapism through music. “I was picturing, you know, our little family that we ended up creating and trying to keep it calm [and] trying to remind us all to have hope and faith in the face of fear,” said Bruno. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Bruno continued to expand his writing process in many new ways, including adding new contributors to the project, such as Del the Funky Homosapien, an Oakland-based rapper who worked on the first Gorillaz album. “I feel like I'm on top of the world as far as his involvement.” “The Phantom Five” also features Emily Armstrong, the lead singer of the alternative rock band Dead Sara. “I thought, man, if I could just harness her energy and talent and wide range and put it into a song, it would be cool to say the least.” Bruno has navigated significant life changes outside of his musical career and the universal struggles of the pandemic, including the birth of his first children and a departure from his previous record label, which allowed him to make music that is truly in line with his personal style. His latest album, marked by introspective lyrics and experimental sounds, reflects this personal evolution throughout these challenges. “My wife and I were trying to start a family. That took longer than I had ever anticipated, and I started writing about that,” said Bruno. “I started writing about some of that disappointment, and there came the start of ‘The Phantom Five.’” While Bruno has truly loved his work in countless ways at AWOLNATION, “The Phantom Five” may be the last of his work on this project. “I wanted to go into this record with an attitude of perhaps it being the last album. I love the idea of putting it all on the line and trying to make a record that would feel appropriate to walk off with.” Due to both creative reasons and lifestyle changes alike, Bruno continues to embrace the uncertainty. “I don't know how much more I want to grind on the road and be away from my family,” said Bruno. You can stream the potential farewell to AWOLNATION, “The Phantom Five,” on all major streaming platforms starting August 30, 2024.

By Hazze Sports | February 16 2026 ROCKFORD, IL. There was no shortage of excitement in Rockford, Illinois, as the All-Stars took the ice. From inside, there was barn-rocking noise from fans as soon as the puck dropped. Outside, there was a buzz as they tailgated at a block party-style event. The Rockford IceHogs played host this week for players, staff, and media, getting to be a part of this fun event. Night one was the Skills Competition. Skills included puck control, rapid fire, fastest skater, hardest shot, accuracy shooting, and a breakaway relay. The East dominated many of the skills. The West made a strong effort for a comeback, starting to pick up points later in the competition. Puck control was broken down into four rounds; the last two rounds broke teams to 1-1, from the original six players that competed in the first two rounds. When it came to the fastest skater, Calgary Wranglers ' Matvei Gridin took that win, with a 14.4 mph speed. In the Rapid Fire competition, the goalies were now getting involved. Goals and saves would be tracked, and the highest total would earn a goal. Two shooters would take on a goalie in the opposing division. There were eight rounds, and it was the East that would also win that competition. Belleville Senators right-winger, Arthur Kaliyev, won the hardest shot competition, with a 104-mph shot. Coachella Valley Firebirds player Jagger Firkus won the accuracy shooting competition with a perfect score of 4 out of 4. Goalies got to show off their skills when players took part in the pass and score competition. Just because it wasn’t a regular season doesn’t mean the goalies and their stops lacked anything. They also got to show what they can do, which excited fans even more. That feeling continued for the Breakaway relay, where the West gathered some points to continue building on the comeback they were looking for. But it would ultimately be the Eastern conference that would hold on to the lead, the overall score being 18-15. Among players being named for fastest shot, fastest skater, and perfect accuracy, Calle Clang had been named top goaltender. Night two was six rounds of round robin style play, which would end with a final championship round. Rounds would be 3 on 3 players, two, four-minute rounds. The first game between Central and Atlantic ended in a shootout, resulting in a 1-1 tie. Pacific and the North took on game two. Captain Jayson Megna had an unassisted goal in the first round, and there would be a 0-1 score. The North had scored one goal. But it would be a big win for the Pacific, continuing with another three goals, the captain would get a hat trick, and the final score would be 4-1. Atlantic and Pacific would play game three. Jayson Megna kept his scoring streak going with another goal in the second round. The Pacific would win 2-3 over the Atlantic Division. The North and Central take on game 4. The North takes an early lead with a 2-0 lead. Central will even the score and take the win with a 3-2 game. Game 5 between Pacific and Central was a shutout win for Central, winning the game 0-4. Finally getting to the championship game between Central and Pacific would result in another Pacific 3-1 win. With the events coming to an end, fans showed up and demonstrated how passionate they are for their players. The games had something for everyone. Fans are going to be looking forward to next year’s game while still thinking about what they experienced over the last several days. CHECK OUT THE FULL COVERAGE FROM THE WEEKEND BELOW: INTERVIEWS: JACOB FOWLER - LAVAL ROCKET SEBASTIAN COSSA - GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS COLE MCWARD - BRIDGEPORT ISLANDER BRADLY NADEAU - CHICAGO WOLVES JAYSON MEGNA - COLORADO EAGLES BEN STEEVES - CHARLOTTE CHECKERS MATT LUFF - SPRINGFIELD THUNDERBIRDS ILYA PROTAS - HERSHEY BEARS GALLERIES: Star-Studded Talent in the AHL Pacific Division Claims 2026 AHL Classic Winner These photos are owned by Hazze Media and the American Hockey League (AHL). They may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

Gallery by So Kim | February 12 2026 The American Hockey League 2026 All-Star Classic took place February 10 - 11 at the BMO Center in Rockford, featuring top players from all four divisions in skills events and a 3-on-3 challenge. The Pacific Division beat the Central Division 3 - 1, with Jayson Megna named MVP. These photos are owned by Hazze Media and the American Hockey League (AHL). They may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

by Emily Kuylk | February 9th 2026 Photo provided by AHL ROCKFORD, IL- The Midwest is getting ready to host the American Hockey League All-Star game. An event that hasn’t been held in a Midwest city in over twenty years. The event will be played at the BMO Center in Rockford, Illinois at the home of the Rockford Icehogs, from February 10th to 11th. There will be several busy days, filled with skills competitions, community engagement, and an awards ceremony. Additional roster information can be found here .  How to Watch: The event will be streamed live on FloHockey for the entire duration of the event, along with NHL Network in the US and TSN in Canada. Skills Competition: The events will start with a skills competition on February 10th. Fans will get to see some of their favorite players compete in events such as puck control, fastest skater, hardest shot, and accuracy, among others. All players across the AHL and their divisions will be participating. More information can be found here , along with a roster of participating players. AHL All-Star Challenge: The All-Star Challenge will take place on February 11th, teams are playing in a round-robin style tournament and will feature four teams, 3-on-3. There will be six games in total, each lasting eight minutes. Teams with the best record will then face off for the final championship round, in a final eight-minute, 3-on-3 game.   Community Engagement and Awards Ceremony: Events will wrap up with a Hall of Fame Induction and awards ceremony and with players getting out in the community. First, the AHL Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony will be on February 11th, at 11 am at the Coronado Theatre . Fans can learn more about this ceremony . Community events include the Rinkside Block Party. The AHL All-Star Classic gives fans a glimpse into skill, but also the fun that can be found in hockey. Follow along on Instagram and TikTok for more behind-the-scenes and coverage of the week!

Gallery by Allison Cho | January 30, 2026 The University of California, Los Angeles  women’s swim and dive team competed against crosstown rival University of Southern California  on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at Spieker Aquatics Center, falling 126-174. Despite the loss, the Bruins opened and closed the meet with record-setting relays, highlighting a strong start and finish against the Trojans. These photos are owned by HAZZE MEDIA, LLC. . They may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

Designer: Jalyn Young Director: Oliver J Frisby Stylist: Chloë Felopulos  DP: Zach Cooper Edit & Sound Design: Oliver J Frisby Colorist: Zach Cooper Gaffer: Destin Hernandez Hair & Makeup: Eve Fishman Model: Sofia Fani  Assists: Emma Mccarthy, Dessa Ely, Merrick Bearson  ​ This collection explores the space between girlhood and adulthood, navigating feelings of change, loss, love, comfort, and discomfort, wanting to hide and wanting to be seen and the rediscovery of joy. Rooted in the magic of playing dress-up in a mother’s closet and inspired by the silhouettes and textures of growing up, Growing Pains lives amidst memory and growth, where nostalgia and becoming are inseparable and the past is interwoven with the present. Photos courtesy of Oliver J Frisby

Interview by Holly Arend & Renee Sieveri | Janauary 16 2026 Hazze Sports sat down with PWHL Sirens KRISTÝNA KALTOUNKOVÁ and CASEY O’BRIEN and talked about the impact of the PWHL and building the success of the season. Q: What feels like the biggest change in the league from a player's perspective? O'BRIEN: I think the biggest change is the physicality. Obviously, not having hitting before the PWHL is a big change for anyone. And so definitely the transition from college to professional, we've had to adjust and learn how to play that style of game. But it's been really fun. And I think all of us rookies have adjusted pretty well. KALTOUNKOVÁ : Yeah, I agree. I also think that a lot of people talk about the physicality, but scoring goals is also so difficult and so much harder in this league, too. Like, the goalies are all super good. So I would say that's another thing. Q: So Casey, how would you describe the Sirens team identity so far? O'BRIEN: I think our biggest thing, first and foremost, is our speed. We have a young, dynamic group, got a ton of new people, whether it was from the draft or from trades being made. So I think... We are just really dynamic. Usually, we're not going to be the bigger team on the ice, but we will be the faster team. And so we try to play to our identity, try to get pucks behind teams, beat them to them, and then just get shots on that. And obviously, you know, the last few games haven't gone in our favor, but know, we're still working those things out. We're still learning to click with our line mates because everything is pretty new. It's almost like a brand new team from last year. And so I think with time, like that's all going to come, and the goals will come, and so will the wins. Q: Kalty, what stands out to you about the locker room when you take away the cameras and the outside noise? KALTOUNKOVÁ: I feel like we have a very special group when it comes to our... just how interconnected we are. Like, I feel like we're all very good friends, and so just being connected off the ice helps us on the ice, and I mean, you can probably see that when the cameras are around, too. Like we celebrate the little things and each other's successes on the ice. But we also do that off the ice. But I think that's the biggest thing. That's just like when the cameras are away. That just shows how genuine that is. I feel like I was so used to being in my comfort zone at Colgate for five years. And so I think less about hockey. This is more about just being a person living in a new area, having to figure out housing and whatnot. And then on top of that, be a hockey player. So I think it's a few things altogether. Q: For both of you, what's something you've learned about yourself this season that you really didn't know before? O'BRIEN: Yeah, I think I guess I'll answer more from a hockey standpoint. Like when you're at college, you know, you're with the same people, you know, the teams, like obviously you get new freshmen, seniors graduate, but the teams aren't generally the same. And so you learn to have a lot of chemistry with your line mates, the people you're playing with. I kind of played, you know, with the same line mates for the past two years, and even before that, I was kind of the same. And so I think going to a new environment with different players, different skill sets that are coming from different leagues and different coaches, Q: So, Kalty, what does a typical non-game day look like for you right now? KALTOUNKOVÁ: A non-typical game day would be a lot of Netflix. We actually talked about this with Casey. A lot of Netflix, crazy anatomy. But I also like to just go shopping or something, just do something away from the ring. But yeah, not anything too exhausting because, you know, the games are so hard. They're up and down, they're physical. So any opportunity that you get to relax on a day off, it's...It's very nice. I also got a massage yesterday during our day off. That's also very popular in our game on our day off. Q: Do we have a favorite Grey's character, or are we just seeing where we go with Grey's? KALTOUNKOVÁ : I definitely have the least favorite, that's Izzy Stevens. My favorite would probably be that's a tough one. I do love Meredith. Don't, yeah, McSteamy is very attractive, but I don't like his personality, especially at the start.... I would say Meredith. Q: Casey, is there one routine or habit you absolutely need to feel ready on game day? O'BRIEN: Yeah, I'm not like a super, I'm not a superstitious person. but, and this is going to sound really weird, but on game days, like on, whether it's like a bus ride to the rink or from driving or just like right when I get there, like I have to listen to like really sad music, you know, kind of, I have like the mindset, like you got to get like low to get high. And so, like, kind of just to chill out, bring my mood down almost. And then, you know, when it's time for puck drop, that's kind of when I, you know, get up and out of it and get a lot of energy. I've got like a whole playlist. think it's like eight hours. It's the most depressing music ever. But I think like one of my favorites, that's kind of like the transition period from what I'm like, sad to getting up is Traitor by Olivia Rodrigo. Q: This one's for both of you and obviously New York Sirens. What's one New York habit you've picked up that surprised you? O'BRIEN: Well, okay, I was born here. So I feel like I was almost born with it and you know going to high school and college in the Midwest I think I lost a little bit but it's Right back now like I think the walking fast and like being so impatient on the streets Like I feel like I'm speed walking everywhere I go, especially when you know, we train into the city I know in like Madison and in Minnesota where I went to college in high school like people are very patient, know, they wait to cross the street they wait for the light to change but like now that I'm back here, I feel like I'm back to my old ways of just being really impatient and trying to, know, skip people on the sidewalk and everything. Q: Casey, if fans followed you around for a day off, what would surprise them the most? O'BRIEN : I don't think anything would be too shocking. I'm a really big reader, so I think if fans were following me, they'd get pretty bored pretty fast because I kind of like to just dial it down when I'm not at the rink, pick up a good book, usually. I finish them within a couple of days. I just kind of sit in one spot and read for hours. The other thing would be going to see family or friends. My brother works in the city, and so any chance I can get on a weekend off day to go see him. My family lives only a couple of hours from here, too. So, like any chance that they can come in, I'll try to spend time with them. So nothing too crazy, but a lot of downtime reading and seeing my family. Q: Do you have a favorite book that you're reading right now, or something you just finished? A DNF? O'BRIEN: We have, so our team's book club just read The Housemaid. So I don't know if you guys have read it, but it's the movie's coming out too, which is kind of why we did it, but very big plot twists in that one. So I would recommend it was really good. Q: You mentioned you were born in New York. I'm also a New Yorker. When was the time that you left when you went to the Midwest? O'BRIEN : So my family lived in SoHo until I was nine years old. Then, one of the big reasons that drove the move was that both my parents went to New England prep schools. And so, you know, it's great there for like sports and academics. And my parents were actually having to pick my brother and me up from school every day, drive us out to New Jersey to a rink just to beat the traffic. And then we wait for hours until practice happened and then we drive back. Just a lot of commuting, a lot of time for them. And, you know, there aren't too many youth opportunities for women's hockey or hockey at all in the New York City market. And so then we lived in Boston, and I ended up making the decision to go to Shattuck St. Mary's when I was a sophomore in high school. Just, I really kind of wanted to be on the ice more. You know, they're on every single day. You have opportunities to do two-a-days, easy access to weight rooms, to video, and kind of everything you need. So that's like, I really knew that hockey is my passion. I want to be an Olympian. You know, I want to play to the highest level that I can. And so that was the right decision for me. And I also, at the time, had made the decision to commit to Wisconsin because it was kind of the same thing. I visited, you know, the program is legendary. They have so many Olympians, so many national champions. And so those both were the perfect fit. And I made, I think I decided to go to college actually before I made the decision to go to high school out there. So it was kind of funny; it was reversed. Q: Who's got the best music taste or the control of the playlist in the locker room? Who's the DJ? KALTOUNKOVÁ : Ally Simpson, a lot of times. I just feel like, yeah. Yeah, she has good taste. Sometimes it's a few songs being replayed a lot, especially some TikTok songs, but she's got me pumped up. And then when we're lifting, it's our strength coach who has very good taste, O'BRIEN: Yeah, I think literally every day in the locker room it's Ally. And yeah, I like her music. Like I said, I'm on the sad music train, so not totally my vibe, but I do like it. And I think she gets the locker room going, so it's perfect. Q: What is one thing that you both have learned about each other this season that fans may not notice directly, like on the ice? O'BRIEN: I think for me with Kalty is, know, when you watch her play, like she's gonna go and she's gonna...cause problems for their team. She's going to be really aggressive. She's going to throw hits. She's going to, you know, get in another team's head. And I think if you, when you look at a player like that, you know, you kind of would think like that's what their personality is like. And I think Kalty is kind of the opposite of, you know, her player personality is so different from her off-ice personality. Like, she's a really sweet human being. And so I think like, you know, you don't like, unless you like watching an interview or like actually get to know her, like, cause I didn't really know her at all before the draft and so like meeting her I was very confused because it wasn't the image of what I had in her head just knowing her her game on the ice. KALTOUNKOVÁ: Yeah, thanks, Casey. That's very sweet. I get that on ice stuff a lot, but I would say about Casey, you know, saw her always on TV, ESPN+, or whatever. You know, obviously and everything. Like, just what a good hockey player. And then you never know sometimes, as it can get into people's heads. And I think Casey has done a really good job at kind of staying humble and being a great person and a great leader on and off the ice and leaving those personal accolades to the side a little bit, which obviously has got to fuel her. It's got to help her, you know, confidence. But I think there's a line that she just doesn't cross where it could get in her head, and she could be cocky because she has deserved. would have the right to be cocky, but she's just not. So I value that a lot about her. I also think she's such a hard worker, which, you know, sometimes people assume that if you score a lie, it just comes easily. I think she works so hard for everything that she gets rewarded for on the ice. Q: You're a few weeks into the season now. How does this stretch feel compared to your opening week? O'BRIEN : I think we're trying to almost take you know, the season, like five games at a time. And so, you know, we looked back at the first five games, and we met as a team. We talked about what, you know, went well, what we needed to improve on. And we kind of set goals for these next five games. And so, you know, we don't want to look too far ahead at, you know, the bigger picture. It's 30 game season. can feel like wanting, you know, only having played six right now. So right now we're just focused on the game in front of us. We're, you know, trying to focus on the process too and not the outs. Because usually when you're doing the little things right, the outcome tends to go in your favor. But even if it's not, we're proud of ourselves and our effort in the locker room. And so yeah, right now we're just kind of keeping it in the team, focused on what we talked about in our meetings, and I think we're gonna find success. KALTOUNKOVÁ: Yeah, I think we're still learning about each other, about our identity and our team. Mean, we have established our identity, but I think it takes a little bit of time to get used to it and to actually fulfill all the pieces that fall into our identity. So I think we're still learning like we were at the start. I mean, some games haven't gotten our way. So we're definitely not a finished product. So I think it's all about learning. think that's. Same at the start of the season, middle of the season, and the end of the season because you always run into things, whether it's diversity or just any kind of things along the season that you have to learn a lot about yourself and then how to respond to that. Q: Kalty, we have to ask, how is your hamster doing? And are there any new personality updates? KALTOUNKOVÁ: Yeah, my hamster is good. My mom was on FaceTime with me the other day. She was showing me my spritz. She's great. I miss her so much. She's doing well. My cousin is taking good care of her because my cousin would never let anything happen to her. So I actually was like, you take her because I trust you the most. And then obviously I'm not. But I still think about the ways to get here, how to get her here. No, well, she's out of our home, so I haven't been too much in touch with her, but she was eating lettuce the other day when she was on FaceTime with me, so that was very cute. Q: For anyone watching the Sirens or the PWHL for the first time, what's one thing you want them to understand about what this team means to you and why? KALTOUNKOVÁ: I want everyone to know that, you know, first of all, as a team, we appreciate our fans so much. I appreciate the fans so much, like always going out there and seeing the crowd that we play in front of. Like, it doesn't matter how many people it is, you know, it means the world, even if there were 10 people, but, you know, those 10 people mean so much. But I would just say it's such a privilege to be out there. Like, I really value just having the opportunity to dress up and play for the New York Sirens and to play for the best league in the world when it comes to women's hockey. And so it just really just really grateful, especially, you know, coming all the way from Europe and just having this opportunity. O'BRIEN: Yeah, I think similarly, like, when we're out there, we're playing for so much more than ourselves, thinking back to when I was a little girl, and the Olympics was the dream, there was no professional league to even think about. when I got to meet players like Hilary Knight or Brianna Decker, that was the coolest thing ever to me. And then from then to now, hockey has given me my best friends. My teammates have become my sisters. It's taken me to so many cool places to travel, to Europe, to Japan, to Russia, everywhere. And then like... I think fans should know that we are playing for those little girls because we want to be the ones that they're looking up to who we can inspire them to pursue this or to pursue whatever they're passionate about and just know that anything is possible because when we were in their position, we didn't have this to dream about and look where we're at now. Even if it's not hockey, I want the message to get across, especially to the younger fans. You can make it happen. Doing what you love and like is gonna come because, especially in women's sports right now, there's such a wave, there's so much momentum, and I think it's gonna grow so much in the next few years. Q: Looking ahead, when you reflect on this season later, what would make it feel like a success beyond the wins and the statistics? O'BRIEN: I think, yeah, like you said, like beyond the wins, the statistics and like beyond any like accolades or awards, I think the biggest thing is like, I... would feel like this entire season was a success if I could look myself in the mirror at the end of it and know that I gave everything to my teammates for New York, for the fans to do everything I can to put us in a position to be successful both on and off the ice. I think it's going to be a success if we can look back and say like New York's got more fans than we did the year before, more attendance, more people who are into hockey, more youth players who are getting into the game. think the off-ice part of all of this is much more important than the on-ice. KALTOUNKOVÁ: Yeah, I would say looking back and just, you know, reflecting on our team when it comes to culture, did we stick together? You know, did we pull through together? And then obviously, the last two seasons didn't go very well. So I think just making any sort of impact and improving, kind of. The season's or the team's reputation when it comes to winning would definitely be something that I would look at because it's like, did I make a big enough impact where we changed the trajectory of this team? Q: If you could have a song to describe your past and a song to describe your future, what would they be? And they can be anything. KALTOUNKOVÁ : I would say my past would be... Wait, I was just looking. Oh, oh yeah, yeah, yeah. My past would be That's So True, because it was also by Gracie Abrams. It's such a good song. Last year was very popular when I was in college during the fall semester. And I just think, I'm just like everything that happens, I'm like, so true. Good, bad, you know? It is what it is. And then I would say the future is Euphoria. It's a little less popular song. I don't know if you guys know it. And it's by, what is it? Oh yeah, Laureen. You can look it up. It's really good. It's from like the European music, whatever it is, competition. And so I would say that because I'm just, you know. I'm in a euphoria moment a lot. Like I'm enjoying my time with the Sirens, and I'm enjoying my time with the Czech national team. Like what, a year, you know, finishing up my college career at Colgate, being able to go to the draft and obviously Worlds, Worlds at home, and go to draft, you know, being picked by New York, and then obviously starting the season off, and then we have the Olympics coming up. So what a time, so just euphoria. O'BRIEN: The one to describe my past would be You're Gonna Go Far by Noah Khan. Because I'm just thinking about it, looking back, everything that I dreamed about, everything that I wanted to do, is still, hasn't, still coming true. And just knowing that everything I did was to get to where I'm at now, and all the decisions I made to leave home and everything. So I think that one kind of describes it nicely. And then I'd say for the future, I'll say "Ready For It?" by Taylor Swift because you now in the P-dub there's expansion and everything like there's you know a lot of unknowns and you know trying out for the Olympic team things like that I think whatever is thrown my way and I think kind of all of our ways because we're still all figuring it out together like I'm gonna be ready for whatever comes and whatever happens and I'm excited about it. A huge thank you to the New York Sirens Organization and Kristýna and Casey for their time, and good luck for the rest of the season.

Interview by Christina Winnegar | December 12, 2025 There is a certain silence that lives in the seconds before a dream shifts into a reality, one that carries the weight of every sacrifice, every delayed opportunity, every shift in mindset that leads to the gradual build of the very high that only comes once in a lifetime.  The one that marks this story began in a living room in South Florida, the TV humming, while the Denver Broncos were on the clock. That is when the silence broke, and the incoming call from the general manager of the Broncos, George Paton, changed the trajectory of Nik Bonitto’s story. The room, packed full with his support system, erupted seconds later when the announcer declared Bonitto as the 64th overall pick in the second round of the 2022 National Football League (NFL) Draft – a day forever marked on his calendar as the new beginning, a chapter to inspire younger generations. watch the full interview here “I was nonstop crying for a little bit,” he remembered. “Just having all [of] my family there, it meant everything.” From the outside looking in, that night might have appeared to be the beginning; for him, it was a payoff. The culmination of a childhood formed by humility, a grind that never left his spirit, and a belief that followed him like a shadow even when the path demanded patience. It was the same devotion that carried him from his days in Fort Lauderdale to the University of Oklahoma, then to Denver, Colorado, where the workload increased and alongside it, the spotlight brightened. The ultimate purpose behind it grew clearer.  Nothing about Bonitto’s rise came easily, and nothing was handed to him. Everything that mattered was built quietly, long before the spotlight ever found him. Long before Empower Field at Mile High, before the Casa Bonitto chants, before Denver’s defense shaped its identity around him and his counterparts, there was Fort Lauderdale. Heat glazing over youth practice fields, neighborhood noise folding into pass-rush drills and a family that ensured talent never outran dedication.  “My family always kept me grounded,” Bonitto said. “I was always kind of a big deal down there, but my parents made sure I was always focused on getting better in everything I did.”  Football found him early. His father signed him up before most kids learned what a playbook was. However, the love for the game, the part that stuck, developed on its own. Those early years of development were defined purely by repeated motions.  After school, he dropped his backpack and went straight into training, moving from practice into pass-rush drills that kept his eyes sharp and his commitment sharper. The repetition was a serious grind for him, but as Bonitto grew older, he wanted nothing more than to take football more seriously. The hours racked up as he leaned in more and prepared to step onto the field at St. Thomas Aquinas High School.  The rhythm carried him further than he could have imagined. It carried him to the University of Oklahoma, where new terrain brought harder lessons. It challenged him, and over time, that discipline became the strength that defined him.  Leaving the familiarity of South Florida for the uncertainty of Norman, Oklahoma meant trading comfort for growth. He arrived at the university undersized, behind older players, and facing a depth chart that valued action over potential. “I ended up redshirting my freshman year, so it was hard, seeing a lot of guys in my class being out there playing and stuff, and I’m just having to wait my turn,” Bonitto recalled. “But I just kept working and continuously trying to get better. So when I did get my opportunity, I was ready.” His freshman year became an early turning point, giving him time to study older players and find the group of teammates who would become his family – a routine that hardened his mindset and solidified the understanding that development is not always instant. Nevertheless, the moment everything shifted for Bonitto did not come during that redshirt year. It came later, unexpectedly.  “The moment I knew I could really take it somewhere was honestly not even to college,” he said. “I had a game-winning interception play, and it gave me so much confidence going forward. And it was like, dang, I can really do this.”  It was one defensive snap that rewired his entire mentality around the sport he always loved. A moment that turned dedication into certainty.  Bonitto ended his college career with production that became routine. Per the  University of Oklahoma  records, across 39 games, he collected 117 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, and 18.5 sacks. He finished his college career by ranking 13th in the Oklahoma Sooners program’s overall history and third among linebackers. A career built on perseverance that followed him straight into draft night, where everything he had been working for finally called his name.  The Denver Broncos drafted Bonitto as the second-round pick, No. 64 overall, in the 2022 NFL Draft. The dream came true, but the role was not glamorous yet. There were plays to learn, a system to master, and a defense to slot within to fit the entirety of a new team, a new culture.  “I may not be where I want to be when I first get somewhere,” he said. “But I just keep getting better… just working on myself, seeing how I get better and make it undeniable to where I would have to be on the field.” His rookie year demanded the same steadiness he had relied on before, a familiar cycle of learning, adjusting and staying ready. The stretch of waiting shifted in moments, not in gradual momentum, but in plays that cracked open opportunities, sparking a new beginning – the origin of Casa Bonitto. On Dec. 2, 2024, the Denver Broncos faced. Cleveland Browns. Fourth quarter: Browns are driving offensively, Jameis Winston scanning downfield. The stadium hung in that anticipatory moment of quiet that precedes something significant on the field. Bonitto read the play a beat early, not by luck or by accident, but by study and instinct folding together. He broke on the ball, snatched it clean, and suddenly ran 71 yards of open field stretched in front of him.  The crowd did not erupt all at once; it rose like a wave chasing him down the sideline as he outran everyone in white. The second he crossed the goal line, the singular read, flipped the trajectory of his professional career forever.  On Dec. 15, 2024, the Colts tried a lateral-heavy trick play designed to confuse the defensive line. Instead, the ball was thrown perfectly before Bonitto scooped it in stride and intercepted the pass. Fifty yards disappeared beneath his cleats as he sprinted into the end zone again, this time with a different kind of validation. One not to himself or his team on the sideline, but to the rest of the world, showing who Nik Bonitto is.  Those plays, only thirteen days apart, were not random highlights. They were proof – the moment his game stopped looking promising and started looking inevitable every time he stepped on the field. Furthermore, when he is asked about when he knew he could really do it at this level, he did not pick the touchdowns, the headlines, or the chants. He went straight to that moment in Chicago from Oct 2023, before any of this. “I had three sacks that game, and that was kind of the game where I’m like, wow, I can really do it at this level. And it just gave me so much confidence moving forward,” Bonitto reflected.  The picks and the intercepted trick play came later, but they were built on that night, when his newfound confidence finally caught up to his ability – long before the league realized what it was seeing.  It was not just the stat sheet that shifted when Bonitto leveled up that season; the locker room felt it first. Inside the locker room, his performance did more than energize fans; it reshaped how his teammates talked about him.   Broncos’ linebacker  Jonathon Cooper , who has lined up opposite Bonitto for years, spoke about Bonitto’s rise with something closer to admiration than analysis.  “We’ve been doing this together for a long time, and we push each other,” Cooper said. “We all know Nik [Bonitto] is an extreme talent… I’m happy to be out here with him, honestly. We’re just going to keep pushing each other [and] getting better. That’s my brother.”  Cooper did not hesitate to go further.  “I think he’s the best pass rusher. I’ve said this before, he’s been on top of this league for a while. His instincts are off the charts, his get off, the way he plays the game, the way he approaches. He’s smarter than what you give him credit for. You live right and you do things right, the success comes. I couldn’t be happier, more proud of my guy, honestly,” he expressed.  For the team, results may be what takes center stage. But to Cooper, the admiration comes from the work he sees daily behind the scenes – the invisible grind when the stadium lights go dark, and the cameras are off.  “He’s been working every day. He wants to be the best he can be, and that’s something we all carry with ourselves…He’s becoming an even better player. He knows he’s not just satisfied with what he did last year. He knows he can become better. So the work’s just getting started,” Cooper said.  On the back end of the defense, the sentiment echoed. Broncos’ Cornerback  Pat Surtain II , one of the league's best, noticed the growth, too.  “You can just tell, Year 4, he’s developed,” Surtain said. “Last year was his coming out year. This year is even scarier because now you can tell he’s growing into himself a little bit more, he’s more confident going off the edge. Teams have to gameplan around him… He’s just going to cause havoc each and every play.” However, what impressed him was not just the production; it was the preparation.  “It’s pretty impressive when you see him really study his opponent,” Surtain said. “Studying the tackles he’s going up against, studying offenses because I feel like in his head he’s picturing how he can make this play at the end of the day. Once you hone in the film study, the game slows down for you a lot, and I think that’s what allows him to get to this point right now for sure.” Inside the building, the coaches observed it the same way. Broncos’ Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph  saw another layer, the humility that is Bonitto, one that does not disappear, no matter how many or how few sacks pile up on the stats sheet.  “He hasn’t changed,” Joseph said. “You can’t tell after a game if he’s gotten two sacks or none.” And then he described the kind of thing only coaches notice, the quiet sacrifices for the team.  “What we asked him to do last week [2024-25 Week 11] was rush together and not rush past the quarterback,” Joseph said. “That is hard to do as an NFL rusher… His unselfishness speaks to our entire defensive line… That just speaks to the guys’ unselfish play.” Broncos’ Head Coach Sean Payton , who sees Bonitto in the context of decades of edge players, highlighted the instincts beneath the production. “I do think he has good instincts. He can get his arms up, tip a ball. I think sometimes that comes a little bit easier to others than it does for some.” As the production grew, so did the responsibility. Bonitto noticed the shift in the room. “As a rookie, I was just trying to be a sponge,” he said. “But now that I’m starting to make plays… guys are starting to look at me as a role model and a leader.”  While his role was changing on the field and off, another purpose was growing. One that had nothing to do with sacks or contracts and lives far from Empower Stadium.  Because for every sack, every rep at practice, every film session where he studied the angles of tackles important to the league, there were hallways of elementary schools, community centers and food distribution sites where his presence meant something entirely different.  The first real glimpse of his impact under his own foundation came on Sept. 23, 2025, when Bonitto stood inside the TreVista at Horace Mann Community Hub. The Bonitto Family Foundation  had just launched, partnering with Denver Public Schools for a food-distribution event. Tables lined with groceries, kids running between volunteers and families leaving with bags that made the week feel lighter.  It did not feel like a headline moment. It felt like home to a bigger purpose.  “The mission is just to give back any way we can,” he said. “Emotionally, financially… helping out and trying to provide families with opportunities to grow and be loved.” He had seen that need before, not as a donor, but as a kid. He remembers the night when his mother worked two jobs while driving him and his brother to practices, games, and training sessions, struggling to do it all between the two households.  “Seeing how my mom struggled financially and having to work two jobs just to support me and my brother… If there might be a family out there in a situation like that, where the mom or dad might not be able to help as much or can’t help as much as they want to. I would want to be in a position one day to where, if that was the case, or any other type of scenario, where I would want to be able to help out and give those kids the opportunity or provide the family with the opportunity to do what they want to do and have the love and support that they need,” Bonitto said.  That internal promise became the axis for everything that followed.  Because the foundation did not begin in a boardroom, it began in the living room in South Florida on draft night, when he cried with joy as his time finally came. It began in the moments when he was redshirted at Oklahoma, waiting behind older players. It began in every stretch when readiness was the only thing he could control.  And in Denver, the purpose to do more, give more, did not shrink to one organization. Before the foundation had a name, Bonitto’s work was already appearing. He partnered with the Food Bank of the Rockies, supporting more than 200 families facing food insecurity, hosted kids from the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver for a holiday shopping spree, and visited local communities in Denver and his hometown, hosting youth camps and providing guidance for children dreaming of following in his footsteps.  His teammates say it plainly. They see the work, the intention, the humility behind the athlete.  “He’s a great teammate, he’s a great dude. You live right and you do things right, success comes. So for everything that he’s doing, more power to him. I couldn’t be happier…more proud of my guy, honestly,” said Cooper. Those comments recognize who he is when he walks off the field, the cleats are hung and he is no longer Casa Bonitto but just Nik. The part that lingers in his story, the part that paints a bigger picture than football, is what all of these chapters, cumulations of lows and triumphs, have shaped him into.  A son who honors the sacrifices that lifted him. A teammate who measures success by those standing beside him. A foundation-builder who gives families dignity instead of charity. A young man who knows the difference between achievement and purpose. “God put me on this earth to do things,” he said. “Whether it’s football or helping people, I’m just trying to do it.” All of the chapters were preparing him to be one whose impact extends far past football. The truth is clear: Nik Bonitto is shaped far more by what he carries than what he achieves.  He carries the memory of long nights watching his mother work two jobs so he and his brother could keep dreaming, the years of being overlooked, the redshirt season that stretched him, the quiet grind no camera ever captured. He carries the responsibility of being a role model for children to look up to.  His foundation was not born from branding. It was born of lived experience, of the weight he watched his mother shoulder, of the neighborhoods he grew up in, and of the understanding that every opportunity is not guaranteed. Every Denver event, every community visit, every family he meets is tied back to the version of himself who was once a dreamer.  That is what sets him apart. Behind every moment the world sees is a conviction he has carried long before the league called his name, a man driven by something heavier than pressure and more permanent than applause. When the arc is traced from Fort Lauderdale to Oklahoma to Denver, from redshirt to role model, patience to production, grind to giving back, it becomes clear that his story is not one about ascension. It is about alignment. About knowing who he was before the world decides what he would become. His legacy will not come only from contract numbers, but from the way he turns his platform outward, offering steadiness to families who stand where he once stood, and opening doors for kids who remind him of home. His career may rise on the field, but his purpose is rooted in the people he meets far beyond it.  Because for Nik Bonitto, the real legacy is not the kind that is listed. It will live in the lives made lighter because he showed up and in the weight he chose to carry so others’ dreams could grow in the dark, until they too find their own light someday. COVER STORY TEAM: Nik Bonitto @nik_hendrix PR: Maddie Schulz @ecosgrp PHOTOGRAPHER, DP, & CO-CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Ezzah Rafique @ezzahazka @ezzahphotography LEAD JOURNALIST: Christina Winnegar @cwinngear11 @sportsbycwinnie LEAD SPORTS CONTENT STRATEGIST: Allison Cho @aycapture.photography SPORTS DIRECTOR & CO-CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Holly Arend @iamhollymillenium VIDEOGRAPHY: Akeem @swavykeem VIDEO EDITORS: Jamie Lo @jamielodigital Renee Sieveri @sieveriproductions STUDIO: Skytheroy Media @skytheory Purchase a print copy of HAZZE Magazine here: https://www.magcloud.com/user/hazzemedia

Interview by Christina Winnegar | December 18, 2025 Logan Gauthier did not expect anything to come from the first TikTok he posted during a late fall night in 2020. He had spent weeks doing what everyone else was doing – scrolling, watching, building their For You page while the app was still finding its own groove.  It was neither planned nor strategic. He was inspired by an audio he had heard and quickly recognized how closely it mirrored the humor behind the hockey culture he was surrounded by. That simple spark of inspiration led him to create the video that would mark a new chapter in his life, content creation. At the time, the video was nothing more than another extension of the sport that had already shaped most of his life. There were no results until two days later, when the video suddenly started to blow up. By the time he went back to school the following Monday, people were talking, noticing. The video had reached far beyond the small circle of his teammates as followers, and the response surprised him. Out of the gate, the video crossed the million-view mark. Within days, his account had grown to more than 14,000 followers simply from the initial video alone.  “Growing up as a shy person, I learned to show people who I was not through words, but through the things I loved – competing in sports, excelling in school, and exploring creative outlets that allowed me to shine,” he expressed. “So posting on TikTok became a new outlet for my creativity and the response gave me both confidence and motivation.” For Gauthier, it did not feel like a page turning into a new chapter yet, but for him, it felt like something worth continuing. Long before social media, hockey had already structured his life. Gauthier began playing a year early. At 4 years old, he was skating with 5 year olds, able to keep up and belong on the ice. His older brother was on the same team for two seasons, setting the pace both on and off the ice. Competing alongside him became instinctive.  “The funny thing is, I always felt like I belonged on the ice,” he said. That sense of belonging followed him home to Pembroke, Ontario, where hockey was not an activity one discovered to fill time, but rather a rhythm intertwined with the culture of the Ottawa Valley. The town is known for hosting the annual International Silver Stick Tournament, one of the most recognizable youth hockey events in North America. For Gauthier, it was not just another tournament; it was an early introduction to the scale of the sport and the reach of his passion. By age eight, Gauthier began playing spring AAA hockey, competing in tournaments that drew teams from across Canada and the United States. Those weekends meant unfamiliar opponents, packed schedules and a level of intensity that demanded commitment. The exposure accelerated his development, not just as a player, but also his understanding of what commitment means: consistency. For nearly a decade, his calendar was filled with nothing but hockey. “If my parents took the time to drive me a few hours every day to and from hockey, the least I could do was go out on the ice and give it my all,” he said. The effort reflected in his opportunities. He played in elite competition early, against current National Hockey League (NHL) players like Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight . He learned under coaches who had played in the professional league, including former NHL player Jason York . The pace was nonstop for almost a decade, and eventually, it caught up to him. Come high school, the motivation to travel wore thin. The distance began to hinder other desired paths; it cost more than it returned. Gauthier made a decision that would define the rest of his path in the sport – he turned down the offer to play for the Kanta AAA U18 team at 15 years old and came home. Returning to Pembroke was a recalibration. The result was back-to-back championships in his final years of minor hockey, earned with a team that understood what it meant to win together. First year as an underdog. Second and final as a leader. Both were rooted in pride for a hometown that had invested in him from the very beginning.  “It’s a great feeling, knowing you can make a difference in a game and that’s what I tried to do every time I stepped out on the ice,” he said. “Winning that year was a great way to tie a bow on my minor hockey career.” By then, hockey had already taught him its central lesson: nothing lasts unless you are willing to show up for it every day. Gauthier’s victory lap year was the next inflection point in his journey, an extra year of high school that was not about delaying the life he desired but preparing for it.​​ Through this moment, Gauthier stepped into a digital space that would allow him to expand his voice beyond the rink.  TikTok did not replace hockey. It translated it to a new audience. What began in 2020 as a single post quickly turned into a habit, not out of obligation but out of familiarity, to express creativity while being present in the world of ice hockey. The rhythm of content creation felt recognizable: try something, see what works, adjust, repeat. The same pattern followed in athletics. The content that resonated most was always embedded in authenticity. It consisted of relatability, inside jokes, equipment debates and even education. The parts of the sport everyone recognizes as a routine but rarely reflect on. Nothing forced.  “I just wanted to make hockey stuff,” he said. “Stuff people could relate to.” The response widened quickly, to almost 300,000 followers combined across TikTok and Instagram. What surprised him the most, though, was not the growth in numbers but where it came from. His impact stretched to communities where hockey did not thrive. Messages started to arrive from places without a population of ice hockey players to those who had never laced up skates or watched a full game, but were learning through his content. “I’ll get a message from someone saying, ‘I’m from Brazil, and I know nothing about hockey, but I watch your content because it helps me learn,’” he remembered.  That mattered most to him. Not because of numbers, but because it mirrored who he was becoming off the ice. What he was creating was no longer just humor for players who already understood the ins and outs of the game. It had become a translation. Education. A point of entry for people meeting the game for the first time. In many ways, the role mirrored what he had grown up with. Both of Gauthier’s parents were educators. Balance mattered in his household and in his education. When the junior route would have inhibited his ability to give his all in his education, he chose university instead – not because hockey did not matter, but because everything else did too. “I didn’t want to delay my schooling,” he stated. “I had to make a choice on what I should do and why I should do it.” By his second year of university, the lines between creator and educator began to converge. Gongshow Hockey reached out first, a brand he had grown up wearing, and with it came the realization that this could be more than just a hobby.  The picture of his future began sharpening. It was not just about creating content; it was about establishing something that would last. “That was the first moment I realized this was more than just entertainment,” he recalled. Brands followed alongside Canadian Cycle and Motor Company (CCM), events and collaborations. Over time, the partnerships grew to more than 100 brands. Yet his approach never shifted. He speaks about the opportunities with gratitude, not expectation. As his time in university continued, teaching eventually stopped being a goal and became a classroom. Grade 8 students recognized him from his content before introductions began. Others quickly learned of his impact outside the classroom walls. Questions followed, sticks, skates, routines. Those questions became conversations, which in turn became connections. Hockey, the same sport that taught him discipline, became the bridge that helped him reach students who might otherwise not have been as involved. On his final day, he brought in sponsored gear to share with the class. Sports drinks, equipment, all reflections of the questions that began the connection he associated with the classroom. All rooted in a gesture. Something tangible, something that made education feel relevant.  “It’s just a way to connect,” he said. “To make things relatable.” Teaching did not change how he approached content creation. It confirmed it. “In a way, it’s like I’m teaching in a different sense,” he said. “Just helping people learn.” The overlap is natural. In the classroom, he draws the same skills that built his platform: communication, awareness and authenticity. Online, he carries the same responsibility he feels when he is standing in front of students. He understands visibility comes with the heavy weight of impact. The most rewarding memories of Gauthier’s creator journey did not come from only a viral clip or brand deal. They came when he stepped into situations that forced him out of everything familiar. Where the educator becomes the learner. The clearest example came last summer in Texas. He was invited to take part in a goalie-only hockey game, a full-contact event where every participant, regardless of position, wore goalie equipment. Forward, defenseman, creators, everyone in the same pads.  It was more than just a game; it was a means of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Trying something new, a message was relayed to his students.  “The only time I’d ever played goalie before was when you’re a kid and everyone takes turns,” he remembered.  This was vastly different, all in the name of connecting with those he would not have had the chance to meet prior, other creators and even supporters of his. The weekend included a draft party, meet-and-greets, VR competitions, and fan interactions. A reminder that the game, at its core, is still about connection.  Whether it is stepping into a classroom, explaining hockey to someone who has never seen the sport before, or strapping on goalie pads in front of a sold-out crowd, his instinct is the same. Say yes, figure it out and show up authentically. Gauthier’s path was never without intention. The decisions he made through sacrifice that led to success, between competition and responsibility, guided him through every stage. The weight where sacrifice meets success and the competitive mindset that pushed him forward never left his spirit. Even now, balancing teachers' college, brand obligations and content creation requires the same discipline he learned in youth programs and on long car rides to the rink. When burnout comes up, he does not frame it as pressure. He frames it as a great responsibility to the people watching, to the children that look up to him, to the game that gave him opportunity and to the future he is still building.  “Always treat people the way you wish to be treated. In hockey, there’s a respect for the game, respect for the players, respect for yourself. This translates from the ice to the classroom very well. I have just started my teaching career but I can see there are many parallels between sports and the classroom. I will model this on the ice or in the classroom and hope my students follow my lead,” Gauthier said. The road life took him down was unexpected. But it makes sense when you trace it backwards. A kid from Pembroke who learned the value of effort early, who chose balance over shortcuts, who found a new way to give back to a sport that raised him without leaving it behind.  His future, by his own admission, is not written. But the direction is clear.  His story now lives between ‘For You’ pages and classrooms, in a way he has found to keep both honest and true to his message. Not replacing one path with another, but allowing them to intersect. Because with great power comes great responsibility.  Where ultimately twine meets the timeline.

Interview By Christina Winnegar | November 26 2025 The same hallways where her father once trained now echo with the rhythm of Zoë Bormet’s cleats. In Ann Arbor, Michigan, legacy is not abstract; it is something students can feel under their feet as they follow the same paths that earlier generations walked. Her father, Sean Bormet, was part of an earlier generation, one who wrestled decades ago and helped shape the University of Michigan’s culture. Today, his daughter Zoë wears a different jersey, but carries forward the same reverence for what it means to represent the block M.  However, the story of Zoë Bormet is not confined to family legacy or the Wolverines’ field hockey stat sheet. Her impact exists in the space where competition and compassion meet, where drive becomes devotion and where community becomes her home.  Before the Block M stitched itself into her identity, Bormet was a young girl from Naperville, Illinois, where field hockey was uncommon. Her mother was finishing a doctoral degree while her father accepted an opportunity to return to his alma mater to coach.  The move to Ann Arbor rerouted everything, unknowingly shaping Bormet into who she has become today. “In Illinois, field hockey wasn’t a thing,” she said. “When we moved here [Ann Arbor], I landed right in one of the few communities where the sport was big. From the first time I picked up a stick, I was hooked.” The game clicked immediately. It was not just the competition; it was the creativity, the strategy, and the speed woven into the game's dynamics. She found her niche: field hockey. Despite Bormet’s world being very present with athletics, it was also built from the very beginning on balance, grace and empathy. She had grown up volunteering in Ann Arbor’s peer-to-peer mentoring program, spending time with fellow students in special education classrooms. “Those friendships taught me more than any textbook ever could,” she said. “They showed me what true connection looks like. I learned empathy before I even knew what the word meant.” The time she spent mentoring students in self-contained classrooms, from all backgrounds and on the spectrum, shaped how she approached everything in her life: teammates, opponents, and eventually the communities that have now become her calling. By the time Bormet reached high school, she had already decided what she wanted: the University of Michigan. The same place she had spent her childhood in the stands, watching alumni, later wishing to return, knowing one day, future generations would be in the stands, watching her on the field.  That sense of legacy pulled her forward. However, when she arrived on campus, her plans changed drastically. Due to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) COVID-19 eligibility extensions, her recruiting class disappeared. What she once would have gone into with a built-in support system of fellow teammates, going through the early growing pains of Division I sports, turned into a solo journey. She was the only freshman, a recruitment class of one. “It was strange,” she remembered. “Everyone had someone. I didn’t. I had to figure it out on my own.” Bormet entered her first year with clarity about what it would look like. Her plans were not uprooted or unexpected, she asked for a redshirt, choosing a development year to grow her game the right way. A season defined by training, learning and investing in the bigger picture. It was not a setback; it was a foundation. “That year forced me to grow,” she said. “I learned discipline in a whole new way. I had to be patient. It made me appreciate the moments when I finally got to play.” What could have felt like waiting became something else entirely, a quiet stretch that taught her intentional growth is just as powerful as immediate results. By her junior year, all that patience paid off. She was part of something historic, a legacy in Wolverines' athletics. Michigan had stumbled early, dropping regular-season games to Indiana, Maryland, and Northwestern, but in a 2024 championship run that felt like destiny, there was a shift. Michigan beat all three teams back-to-back, each in the most dramatic way, in overtime or shootouts. “We earned that one,” she said, smiling as she recalled the memories of the final seconds. “The first time I was a Big Ten champion, I didn’t play a minute; I was a redshirt. This time, I was on the field. I got to sprint to my goalie from the turf instead of the sideline. That high, I’ll be chasing it for the rest of my life.” That moment was not just a win. It was validation, proof that patience, when paired with purpose, pays off.  For Bormet, though, the championship ran deeper than just a medal. It reflected how much she had grown since her first year entering Michigan and the familial legacy she had carved her own path into. Though most experience a single era during their college athletic careers, Bormet lived through two eras of Michigan field hockey. She trained under Marcia Pankratz, one of the sport’s most respected coaches, and now plays under Kristi Gannon Fisher, who is crafting a new identity for the program.  “Marcia taught me how to own [my] space and never back down,” she said. “Kristi reminds me that family comes first. To be part of Marcia’s last team and Kristi’s first, that’s something I’ll never forget.” The duality resonates with Bormet herself: intense on the field, grounded off the field. Embodying the spirit of a competitor who leads with compassion.  She has now grown into a senior voice in the locker room, mentoring the underclassmen like she once was, bridging generations of players who see her not only as a teammate but also as a role model.  “I try to lead by example,” she said. “I want my teammates to know they can count on me, whether it’s on the field or when life gets heavy. That’s what leadership means to me.” Off the field, Bormet’s leadership work has built an equally powerful, enduring legacy.  Some of her favorite moments in Ann Arbor do not happen under stadium lights or during championship runs with her athletics team. Instead, they involve a different community in her life. It is the side of sports that does not make highlight reels, the one that reveals who Zoë is beyond the competitor.  Victor’s Day, an annual event hosted by Michigan Athletics and the TWall Foundation, where hundreds of students with special needs visit campus to spend a day with Wolverine athletes. For Bormet, it is not about the spotlight but the meaning behind these moments, proving they matter more than any scoreboard. The idea of this special day is simple: every child deserves to feel what it means to be a Michigan athlete. Across the athletic complex, student athletes run adaptive sport stations, while families cheer from the sidelines with pride.“Watching the joy and sense of accomplishment each time an individual comes to our station to try field hockey, and pushes that ball over the goal line triumphantly, makes my heart soar,” Bormet expressed. Moments like these give her something competition never could, perspective.  For her, it is more than giving back. It is a perspective, a reminder of why she laces up her cleats to put her best foot forward on and off the field. “It reminds me that athletics aren’t just about competition,” she said. “They’re about belonging. Everyone deserves that feeling, to be seen, supported, and celebrated.” Those moments of revelation recentered her and carried her into the next chapter of her outreach, one marked by an even deeper bond. Through the national nonprofit, Michigan field hockey was paired with a new member of their family, Charlotte, a young girl who quickly grew close to Bormet. What began as a new addition to the team quickly became the bond that now defines them as they lace up their cleats. Charlotte has her own locker, jersey, and pregame rituals. Joining the Wolverines at practices, media days, and home games, she encourages the team with her bright laughter from the sidelines. “Charlotte’s the heart and soul of our team,” Bormet expressed. “She brings this energy that’s impossible to describe. You hear her cheering from the moment warmups start, and when the game ends, she’s already sprinting toward us, arms open. She reminds us what joy really looks like.” It’s a connection that redefined her idea of success. They taught Bormet that the true power of sport lies not only in victory but also in the ability to unite people who might never have crossed paths otherwise.  For the Wolverines, she represents everything pure about sports: the laughter, the connection and the freedom to play without expectations. Charlotte’s presence is a gentle reminder for Bormet, a reminder when she looks to her on the sidelines with her supportive smile that being an athlete is meant to be fun. It is not purely about competition, it is about the future generations the Wolverines inspire. Competition is not how her love for the game began, nor is it how it will carry her further. While Team IMPACT gave Michigan field hockey a new teammate, it also gave Bormet a picture of something everlasting. That being an athlete is more than performance; she is part of something bigger. Something that changes lives, like Charlotte’s. Community work is not a résumé line for Zoë Bormet; it is an attribute of her character that she has lived with since childhood. The same young girl who used to help classmates in peer-mentoring programs now runs volunteer initiatives for an entire university athletic department.  As a senior, she serves on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee’s community engagement board, leading efforts to increase student participation in local service. With recent structural shifts affecting Michigan’s outreach programs, many of the integrated resources that once supported these events now depend on athletes like her to keep them alive. “My goal is to increase student-athlete involvement and participation in community engagement and service,” she said. “With some of the structural challenges we’re facing, we need to expand community involvement now more than ever.” She has been part of every major volunteer event on campus: Victor’s Day, Best Buddies, Special Olympics, Exceptional Journeys, and Night to Shine. An inclusive prom experience hosted by the Tim Tebow Foundation that celebrates individuals with disabilities, one she noted to be one of her favorite events each year. “Whether it becomes part of my career or not, advocacy, service and philanthropy will always be part of my life,” she said. “If it can become my career, that would be amazing. But no matter what, I’ll always be involved – Team IMPACT, Special Olympics, Best Buddies, TWall, Exceptional Journeys, any nonprofit wherever I am in the world.”  It is a list that would impress anyone, but what makes it remarkable is her consistency. Between morning lifts, classes, practices, and games, she still finds time to show up. To listen. To connect.  “I’m competitive in everything I do,” Bormet said. “That same competitiveness pushes me to do my best work in advocacy, too. It’s about creating results, not just in sports, but in the community.” She has learned that leadership is not always about whispers in the huddle or the scoreboard. Sometimes it is about recognizing when others need a voice, and using your own to help them amplify it.  Balancing Division I athletics and a growing leadership portfolio is not simple. There were stretches where Bormet admits she lost sight of her “why.” The days started to blend into a repetitive routine: class, practice, film, repeat. “There were times when I felt burnt out, when I forgot what I was working toward,” she remembered. “But every time I reconnected with community work, it grounded me again. It reminded me who I am outside of being an athlete.”  She learned to honor both sides of her identity, allowing them to intertwine and stay true to her character: the competitor who refuses to quit and the empath who leads with compassion. The perspective of treating service with the same intensity as training, pushing her to achieve the best possible outcomes, helped her rediscover joy in her sport. What began as a grind to put her best foot forward turned back into gratitude. “Sports taught me teamwork,” she explained. “Advocacy taught me empathy. Together, they shaped how I show up for people.” It is a balance that now defines her, one that’s guiding her next chapter as she prepares to step beyond Michigan and continue the work she started here. As she approaches graduation and plans to begin her master’s program in psychology, Bormet’s focus is clear: she wants to merge her passions for sports, service and mental health into something lasting. “I don’t know exactly where it’ll lead,” she explained. “But if I can build something that connects athletes, community and purpose – that’s the dream.” Zoë Bormet’s legacy at Michigan will not only be measured in goals or stat sheets; it is written in moments. Her impact is shown in the children who discovered newfound confidence at Victor’s Day, in the teammates who found family in Charlotte, and in the community she helped shape off the field. “Michigan taught me that strength isn’t loud,” she said. “It’s steady. It’s how you treat people when no one’s watching.” When she walks through the same hallways her father once did, she knows her story fits within a larger one. Because for Zoë Bormet, the heart of Michigan has never been about what happens between plays. It is what happens when the field goes quiet, and she is still there, still giving, still building something that lasts.  A purpose that goes beyond the final whistle.

Gallery by Katie Romo | December 9, 2025

Interview by Emily Kulyk | December 11, 2025 Stories can play out in very different ways. It could be the pages of a newly released novel. Or it could be the storyline of a high-profile player signing a large contract extension. Both stories can be highlighted. Take the idea of two women discussing those stories, along with tales from the sports world in which they work. They have found an in-between. Shelved between colorful paperbacks is something that feels special to those who know about it. It also serves as an invitation for newcomers. There is insight and range within these stories. It’s approachable for those who have never picked up a piece of equipment or watched a game. Breanna Ebisch and Mackenzie Connick are the women behind the sports podcast and media site, Read Between Sports. Both of their influences began in similar ways, from their families. Connick’s grandfather had played hockey and baseball for Yale University. Her road to sports had been created without her even knowing it at the time. The ice rink became a welcoming place for her. She recalls memories of watching a National Championship. Those memories and family ties to hockey shaped her as a fan. She recalls specific memories of attending Yale hockey games. Both of her parents are also sports fans, which ensured it would be something that could be built upon for Connick. Even if it’s allowing for connection and friendship to be built. Ebisch’s story started with being in a football and National Football League fan family that kept her interest until high school. But she got a taste of New York hockey several years earlier when attending a New York Rangers game. She knew of one player, and the impression of the game was a lasting one. Even if the impression didn’t stick the first time. When football got a little tiresome for Ebisch, with the New York Giants continuously disappointing fans she turned to hockey. Now knowing much of the National Hockey League, while also knowing this was the time the game was going to stick around for her. The love would develop into interning in hockey and landing her a job where she currently works with the NHL Network, and in addition to that covers the New York Sirens. Their friendship began under the premise of loving sports. It had cemented their friendship while watching the Mets at Citifield. With big ideas to take on the new and developing Professional Women’s Hockey League, they continued to build on their ideas. Deciding that writing articles would be something they could have fun doing, while dipping their toes into a bigger idea. Though the friendship started fast, it could be measured against how quickly a game could move. A quick thought-out play may just be what helps them win. Fast is what has been proven to work for Read Between in the sense that their business plans had been created maybe as quickly as their friendship. A working relationship unfolded and the friendship now includes being coworkers too. But the responsibilities can be fun and the return on investment can produce a ripple effect for anyone who likes a post, learns a new rule or listens to an episode. The production team is the two of them. They run socials, curate a community and produce a podcast. This would lead both Connick and Ebisch to create their own sports media site. The umbrella of Read Between Sports, also houses their podcast, Read Between the Blue Lines. The podcast primarily focuses on hockey but leaves bits of room when it is necessary to bring in other topics. Their focus is to welcome fans into this space. There are no boxes to check or prerequisites to fill when it comes to being a fan. “Everyone deserves to be a sports fan, no matter how you got into sports and why you’re there,” Connick says. With new fans, the space also creates room to answer questions. The work they put out allows others to feel seen in spaces. This allows for the growth of a game. Growth can be the thing that moves the needle, the difference maker. Maybe it’s a fan attending their first game, or simply finding the confidence to speak about sports with a passion that hadn’t been recognized before. Within their platforms, whether it is an Instagram post or a podcast episode they help to break down elements around why a new contract makes sense for a player, maybe the nuanced rules that can confuse any fan. Ebisch leans into something she is familiar with from her day job and which is the knowledge around facts and statistics. With the knowledge from the NHL Network, she’s careful to keep everyone on the same page on topics that are new to fans. “I’m conscious of that, but I also think that’s something that we make sure we aren’t breezing through a conversation without making sure everybody can be on the same page, no matter what your knowledge of the sport or how you got into it,” Ebisch replies. Keeping an open mind, and well not judging a book by its cover are as foundational as it gets. But it’s the offerings from both Connick and Ebisch on how branching the communities could work. A better understanding from both sides could allow for experiences that are special. They also support the idea that being passionate is cool according to them. It doesn’t have to be one or the other when it comes to reading or liking sports.  They both acknowledge the backlash women get for reading romance novels, especially the ones that take place in sports. While there are a couple of bad apples that can be found, it's a space that should be respectful of not only each other but the ones they are watching. Connick and Ebisch also stand behind the idea that if books are what had you walk into this space and allowed you to become a fan, then that’s fine. It is sharing what they love with others who have a similar passion that keeps them going.    Reading is something both Ebisch and Connick enjoy, but it’s the sports community and the reading community having an opportunity to bridge a gap that means the most to them. Both sides could have their reasons for keeping the other one out. But having an open mind while ignoring stereotypes could be an answer to a large problem. Ebisch offers a touch of insight and says, “Both communities being open to expanding their horizons and the book-themed nights that are popping up across professional leagues are a great start to joining the communities together to eliminate that separation.”

by Whitney Randall | December 10, 2025 Sports and pop culture have always been more connected than people realize. From walk-up songs to stadium lights, both worlds revolve around performance, personality, and storytelling. The attention on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce has made that connection obvious, but it also invites a bigger question. If one celebrity pairing can dominate headlines, what other parallels exist between National Football League players and today’s pop sensations? The energy, the personalities, the drama, it all lines up too well. Here’s a full fantasy lineup of NFL players as pop icons. This is where touchdowns meet tour dates. Taylor Swift  - Travis Kelce Taylor and Travis are the blueprint; they are the faces of their industries. Swift is a cultural force whose influence reaches far beyond music. Kelce fills that same space in the NFL. He is charismatic, media-aware and fully in control of his public narrative. Both use attention to their advantage; their success comes from talent paired with smart branding. They did not just appear in headlines; they shaped them. Together, they have helped redefine what a power couple can look like in modern sports and entertainment. Olivia Rodrigo  - Lamar Jackson Young, fiery, and somehow still underrated. Rodrigo and Jackson powered by intensity. Rodrigo’s music is emotional and loud in all the right ways. Jackson plays with that same improvisational spark. Both faced criticism early on in their careers. Rodrigo was called dramatic, while Jackson was called unconventional. Instead of trying to fit the mold, they doubled down and proved that emotion and instinct can become strengths. Whether it is a breakup song or a broken tackle, their momentum always feels honest and alive. Sabrina Carpenter  - Jaxson Dart This matchup is one of my favorites. Carpenter and Dart are confident and playful. Carpenter’s persona is witty, flirty, and just chaotic enough to keep audiences watching. Dart approaches football with the same charm. He is fearless in big moments and comfortable taking risks. Both thrive under pressure and make difficult work look easy. Their style is controlled chaos. They know it works and they lean into it. Gracie Abrams  - Joe Burrow With this pair, quiet confidence meets quiet intensity. Abrams delivers emotion softly, but it carries weight. Burrow plays with a calm precision, especially when the stakes are high. Neither relies on volume or theatrics to stand out. Their presence is understated and consistent. They remind audiences that subtlety can still command attention. They win by staying composed when everything around them is loud. With these two, understatement has never looked so good. Tate McRae  - C.J. Stroud Both are the definition of next up. McRae and Stroud arrived with such a calm dominance that people forget how young they are. They both feel like long-term fixtures. McRae performs with athletic control and intentional movement. Stroud plays with clean mechanics and decision-making. They might be young, but their approach looks experienced. They do not force attention; they earn it by being sharp and composed. Their potential is not hype, it is structure. Chappell Roan  - Jason Kelce Even though Jason has recently retired, it felt unfair to leave him out. Roan and Kelce are defined by personality and authenticity. Roan performs with camp, humor and unapologetic presence. Kelce built a similar persona on and off the field. They lead by being themselves. Their impact comes from joy and honesty. Audiences connect with them because what you see always matches who they are.  Maisie Peters  - Brock Purdy Peters and Purdy share an underdog narrative. Peters writes with self-aware honesty. Purdy plays with consistent confidence. Neither arrived with massive expectations, but both earned their place. They prove that being overlooked can build resilience. Their value comes from showing up, performing and staying consistent without needing to announce themselves first. Reneé Rapp  - George Kittle Loud, fearless, and impossible to ignore, Rapp and Kittle bring energy and emotion to  everything they do. Rapp performs with vocal power and presence. Kittle plays with intensity and humor. They take up space naturally and never apologize for it. Their style is bold, expressive and entertaining. Fans know exactly what they are going to get and that is why they stand out.  Madison Beer  - Justin Herbert With these two, pretty doesn’t mean passive. Beer are Herbert are often judged by surface-level traits before skill. Beer is polished, stunning, and often perceived through aesthetics before talent. There's more to her than meets the eye. Herbert’s calm demeanor can hide his competitive edge. Both are so effortlessly polished and often misunderstood because of it. Once people look deeper, the discipline becomes obvious. They excel through preparation and focus. Their confidence is internal rather than performative. Billie Eilish  - Jalen Hurts Eilish and Hurts are defined by controlled power. Eilish performs with intention and emotional clarity. Hurts leads with steadiness and purpose. They avoid unnecessary noise and choose direction over attention. Their strength comes from composure. They make choices based on awareness, not reaction, and that is why they remain consistent under pressure. Neither performs for approval, always with purpose. Lorde  - Aaron Rodgers  Lorde and Rodgers operate independently. Lorde experiments with sound, mood and long-term timing. Rodgers approaches football and the media with that same unpredictable mindset. Lorde often steps away from mainstream media attention, with returns with intention. She reemerges when she has something to say, always delivering a message and a purpose rather than another trend. Rodgers follows a similar rhythm in the NFL. He distances himself from public conversation, then reenters when he has a point to make or direction to set. Both stay compelling because they control their own narrative and timing. They do not react to trends, they decide them, shaping narratives on their own terms.  Avery Anna  - Cameron Skattebo The hometown favorite, Anna and Skattebo, share a sense of realness that fans gravitate toward. Anna and Skattebo share warmth and a work ethic. Anna writes country-pop music with honesty and sincerity. Skattebo plays with toughness and authenticity. Their appeal comes from being real. They represent effort, loyalty and connection without a façade. Fans respond because they feel like people they could actually know. Disclaimer: This article reflects personal opinions and views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or editorial stance of HAZZE MEDIA, it’s staff, and editorial team. We publish diverse perspectives to foster dialogue and encourage welcome submissions that contribute to meaningful, thought-provoking conversations.

Gallery by Olivia King | December 6, 2025 Boston College Men's Basketball beat New Haven in a nail-biter ending on Sunday, December 6th. After being down the first half, they came back in the second to win 67-63. This was Boston College's first win against New Haven in the program's history. These photos are owned by HAZZE MEDIA, LLC. . They may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

Interview by Holly Arend | December 9, 2025 Before she ever took a single step, Ashley Korn was already laced into skates, gliding across the floor of her family’s home. “I actually still have those first skates on display in my room,” she says. Skating wasn’t just something to try; it was embedded in her from the very start. Her earliest memories don’t center on lessons or competitions but on the rink itself, the place she grew up calling second home. “My mom would drop me off at the rink after school, not at home. Being there was just part of my routine.” Growing up in a family rooted in skating came with unique pressures. Korn admits she often created pressure for herself. “I was a dedicated people pleaser. Of course, I wanted to be a good representation of my parents on the ice, especially my mom. But she never really set that expectation for me.” Her mom took a measured approach .  “She coached me at times, but mostly she let me just be, so I wouldn’t feel that pressure. That way, she also avoided assumptions about favoritism.” Korn’s early relationship with the sport was shaped through repetition and structure. Early on, the sport wasn’t always glamorous. “I hated competing,” she says bluntly. “Competition was the worst part, but I loved the process, the work, the practice, the day-in and day-out effort.” She knew that practice, though mundane at times, was the thing that made everything happen. “There’s always a reason behind every exercise or drill my parents put us through. Knowing that made it easier to stay focused.” A defining part of her childhood came from the small-town rink culture her parents built. For a sport as niche as synchronized skating, especially in a rural, agriculture-driven Ohio town, this was no small feat. Her parents’ passion created a community hub where ice time was sacred and dedication contagious. “People don’t usually play hockey or figure skate in farmland towns like ours,” she says. “But through their dedication, my parents got the university and the city to care about skating and hockey and that’s huge. They poured their heart and soul into making that happen.” Their consistent support helped establish a local skating identity that reached beyond their family. “It showed me that when you truly care about something, other people pick up on that. People show up because they know someone else cares enough.” It set a tone that would carry through her entire career, a belief in commitment, community, and purpose beyond trophies. College introduced a new environment and new expectations. Going to Miami University was like stepping into a bigger world of synchronized skating but entering a larger skating world while navigating her family’s legacy. Being the coach’s daughter came with its own invisible weight. “I wasn’t the best skater, by any means, and sometimes that made navigating relationships a little tricky,” she says honestly. “Plus, the judging panel was always watching, which added pressure I didn’t always say out loud but definitely felt.” Korn’s mother, as the head coach, took a back seat with her to help ease off any unwarranted pressure, letting other coaches handle critiques or improvements, while giving Ashley room to grow. “She wanted me to be myself,” Ashley reflects. That support made a world of difference, especially in the team environment of collegiate synchro skating. Relationships were central to her college experience. “I hated skating alone. I’ve always been a team person to the core.” Synchronized skating satisfied that desire, blending the individual’s effort into a collective rhythm. “From the very beginning, I knew this was my path in the sport.” That path was built on shared practices, endless repetition, and adapting to what the team needed. The Miami synchro program prides itself on its tight-knit culture, the kind of culture that carries you through the demanding seasons and the ups and downs of competition. “More than the medals, what really sticks with me are the relationships,” she says with a smile. “Finding your people who care as deeply as you do. Those moments become the foundation.” Those moments took on extra meaning when Korn's mom called the shots from the bench. The pressure wasn’t just internal; she knew others watched for signs of privilege or favoritism. “But I just tried to focus on my role and be authentic in my leadership opportunities.” The team culture was one of autonomy and student leadership, which helped her carve her own voice. One of the most personal memories is from a Nationals-winning year where the team skated to a Beatles medley, the music choice coming from her mom before she passed away. “We never told anyone she was the one who suggested it, but for us, that performance was a tribute.” Winning that year was less about the trophy and more about honoring a legacy, a bittersweet moment etched into the team’s history and her heart. Mentorship was and continues to be a major part of Korn’s story. She speaks warmly of coaches and leaders who influenced her approach, not only in skating but in life and leadership. From learning the value of failure through optimistic coaching to quiet but firm leadership, these lessons shape how she coaches now. “I learned to push creativity, honesty, and always put athletes first.” After hanging up her competitive skates, she transitioned seamlessly into coaching. She’s now been coaching at Michigan for nearly 12 years, guiding the next generation of synchronized skaters. But Korn is quick to point out that coaching is more than just a job; it’s a passion she guards carefully. “I never want coaching to become my entire identity or something that drains me. I’ve always treated it as my side hustle, a way to stay connected and give back.” That mindset informs everything she does on and off the ice. She is as focused on the personal development of her athletes as she is on winning competitions. “It’s about building a culture that supports growth, both on the ice and in life.” Her leadership style reflects the influences from her mentors, embracing failure as a lesson, pushing boundaries with creativity, and always prioritizing the athlete’s well-being. The Michigan synchronized skating program is steeped in history, and she respects that legacy deeply. “The Hockettes aren’t just a name. We embody a tradition and an image of excellence.” That image carries weight for the athletes and the community but also comes with the responsibility of innovation and evolution. Korn embraces both. “Our goal is to stay at the top of the sport while making sure the experience is sustainable and meaningful for the athletes.” She takes pride in the autonomy her team enjoys as a student-run organization. “The athletes are involved in almost everything, from operations to decisions about the team’s direction.” This homegrown investment fosters resilience and ownership, qualities she believes are vital in sport and in life. One of the toughest moments was when her mother retired just before her senior year. “I wavered over whether to return for that final year, but ultimately, I knew I had to skate it for myself and my teammates.” That decision speaks volumes about Ashley’s commitment, rooted in loyalty, passion, and a love for the game and the people who make it special. Looking back, Korn’s journey is framed by more than the competitions or titles. “It’s about relationships, legacy, resilience, and representing something bigger than yourself. Those are the lessons I want to pass on.” Her approach to coaching and life is deeply shaped by the lessons of resilience she learned as a skater. “I want my athletes to grow every single day at practice, doing one thing better than the session before. Growth, not perfection. That mindset applies on and off the ice.” She understands that every athlete’s best looks different day to day, and that awareness is key. “Being respectful of that helps me coach with empathy and helps teams build trust.” Her personal experience as the coach’s kid taught her important lessons she now hands down with care. “I knew I was watched a lot, and sometimes I struggled with that pressure. I try not to let my athletes carry that same weight. My goal is to empower them to be confident yet aware, and most importantly, to uplift each other.” Korn’s commitment to collegiate skating runs deeper than the ice. She serves as Vice Chair for Collegiate Synchronized Skating and advocates tirelessly for the sport’s growth and accessibility. Having skated and won multiple national championships at Miami, and now coaching at Michigan, she’s seen the sport’s evolution firsthand. “Miami’s program is why collegiate divisions exist as they do today. It created opportunities for athletes to continue skating beyond high school and college.” Navigating coaching during times of frustration, like tough Nationals losses, she keeps her perspective. “Last year was rough. The team was dominant all year, but Nationals didn’t go our way. The pressure I felt, even off the ice, was intense. But instead of fixating on what went wrong, we used it as motivation to grow and do better.” She credits mentorship and collaboration as pillars in her coaching journey. Working alongside iconic coaches like Erin Donovan helped shape her philosophy. “Erin put this program on the map. Watching her passion and care for the athletes inspired me every day.” The loyalty of former athletes returning as coaches, like Marisa Hutchinson, holds the program’s culture strong. Balance remains a recurring theme for Korn. Juggling her full-time role as Associate Director of the Academic Success Program at Michigan Athletics with head coaching duties demands discipline. But it also shapes her holistic approach to athlete support. “Coaching and academic support complement each other. I want to help athletes succeed in every facet, on the ice and in the classroom, because that’s what prepares them for life beyond sport.” Ashley Korn knows what it means to carry the weight of a family legacy and a sport’s history on her shoulders.