Over the last decade, horror has become one of the most popular film genres, especially among younger audiences. With the releases of “Obsession” and “Backrooms” horror is becoming one of the most popular and successful genres at the box office.

As of June 1, “Backrooms” is leading the box office with over $81 million in revenue within its first three days in theaters, breaking A24’s record for biggest opening weekend. “Obsession” takes the number two spot with $26 million from its third weekend.

The rave reviews for these two films are unlike any horror movie released in the last few years. With both films directed by YouTubers in their 20s, are we entering a new era of horror?

A new generation of horror

Kane Parsons is the 20-year-old who just broke multiple box office records with his directorial debut. Parsons got his start on YouTube, creating a web series based on the Backrooms image that became an internet sensation in 2019. Over the last four years, Parsons has accumulated over 3 million followers under the name Kane Pixels.

What makes “Backrooms” different from other horror films is that it was developed from an internet craze. Gen Z grew up watching trends come and go online, which gives the generation a different perspective. Because of that, younger filmmakers may be better equipped to turn internet culture into compelling horror stories, giving them an advantage older filmmakers simply did not have.

The Backrooms image inspired countless theories and online discussions, creating a built-in audience long before the film adaptation. With the internet presence Parsons had, he was able to create a film based on the stories behind the photo.

26-year-old writer-director Curry Barker got his start similarly to Parsons, by creating short-form videos and sketches on YouTube. Barker’s film “Obsession” was shot in just 20 days on a budget of less than $1 million, yet it is now considered one of the best new horror movies in years.

With both young directors having experience creating YouTube content, it seems that being online creators gave each director experience in filmmaking and an understanding of what younger audiences are looking to watch. 

A popular horror gaming YouTuber, Markiplier wrote, directed and starred in “Iron Lung”, which was released earlier this year. With his experience playing horror games, he had a different view on the genre than many other film directors.

Why these films stand out

While I personally am waiting for both films to be released on streaming (preferably in broad daylight), I was curious about why these films were rated so highly compared to other popular horror releases over the last few years. 

“Obsession” is considered a psychological horror, similar to “Smile” or “The Silence of the Lambs”. It is described as unsettling, but also with a sense of humor, due to the relationship conflict at the center of the plot. 

“Backrooms” is also considered a psychological horror, but the set creates an eerie, creepy atmosphere that leaves audiences uncomfortable. Parsons also includes found-footage sequences filmed on VHS, which adds to the uneasy feeling the Backrooms give off. 

Both films take real-life environments and familiar fears and turn them into horrific situations, a feat many recent horror films have struggled with.

The future of horror

As more young filmmakers enter the industry, we can expect more horror releases over the next decade. Parsons is developing a sequel to “Backrooms,” while Barker is adapting the popular “Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”

There’s no doubt the horror genre will continue to grow over the next decade, and it’s possible more YouTubers will be taking over the big screen. As Gen Z creators continue entering the film industry, audiences may see more internet-born stories make the leap to the big screen.

With this new wave of young directors redefining film, the future of horror has never looked better. Whether it’s the next viral photo or a YouTube series adaptation, it’s clear the golden age of horror has just begun.

Opinion@thedailycougar.com

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"How Gen Z is reinventing horror" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston players huddle before an NCAA softball game against San Jacinto, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Houston. | Matthew Guzman/The Cougar

The Houston Cougars’ 2026 softball season ended on April 26 with a 15-4 loss to the University of Arizona Wildcats, extending the Cougars’ losing streak to nine games.

Although they ended on a loss, the Cougars’ season was marked by offensive milestones, player achievements and challenges that come with being in the Big 12 Conference.

The Cougars finished 20-31 overall and 3-21 in conference play, but the team’s offense was a bright spot throughout the season. Houston’s lineup consistently produced runs and power at the plate, which developed into one of the strongest offensive seasons in the program’s history. 

While the season ended in a loss, Houston had several significant milestones throughout the season. The Cougars earned their 800th all-time victory with a 9-1 win over Fairfield University on Feb 7.

They also became the fastest team in the program’s history to reach 50 home runs, accomplishing this in 32 games. 

The season also marked the beginning of a new era for the program under head coach Chrissy Schoonmaker, who took over after longtime head coach Kristin Vesely departed in 2025.

The Cougars started the season winning their first six games and posted an 8-1 record across the Houston Tournament and Houston Invitational series. The season’s start showed a glimpse of the offensive potential of the team that continued throughout the spring under Schoonmaker.

Houston’s offense was led by sophomore pitcher Maddie Hartley, who produced a .345 batting average, 20 home runs and 47 RBIs. 

Junior infielder Makenna Mitchell was another top offensive player this season. With a batting average of .333, 18 home runs, 46 RBIs, Mitchell produced a team-high of 44 runs. 

Hartley and Mitchell combined were responsible for 38 of the 70 home runs and provided a lot of power for the team throughout the season.

Sophomore infielder Madox Mitchael started all 51 games and was a constant presence in the lineup. Sophomore outfielder Ariel Redmond added nine home runs and was one of the most dependable contributors to the offense, while freshman outfielder RyLee Gardner added six home runs and additional power at the plate. Mitchael, Redmond and Gardener had a consistent impact and helped give Houston some depth in the lineup.

There were two individual milestones that created memorable moments during the season. Senior infielder Mandy Esman struck the 100th hit of her collegiate career in the game against Iowa State on March 21. Additionally, redshirt senior pitcher Paris Lehman pitched her 100th career strikeout against Iowa State on March 22.  

The Cougars had posted a strong defense throughout the season, finishing with a .960 fielding percentage. Behind the plate, sophomore catcher Isabel Cintron threw out seven runners attempting to steal bases, ranking fourth overall in the Big 12. 

Pitching was Houston’s biggest struggle this season, especially when it came to conference games. Many opposing teams found success at the plate, batting .335 against the Cougars. Houston’s pitchers finished the season with a 7.44 ERA. 

Sophomore Neveah Brown was the Cougars’ top pitcher this season and led the team with nine wins and 84 strikeouts. She took on a majority of the pitching load against opponents from the Big 12. 

The transition from their non conference games to the tougher games against Big 12 opponents tested the Cougars’ strength this season. In just their third season in the conference, Houston secured only three victories but faced some of the nation’s top softball programs, including a series victory over Baylor University.

The 2026 season showcased a lot of potential for the Houston Cougars as they go into the offseason. As Houston continues to adjust to one of the nation’s softball conferences, the progress shown in 2026 has created significant momentum to keep building on the potential heading into next season.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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"Houston softball ends 2026 season with progress, power" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston celebrates their win against Arizona after game one of an NCAA college baseball series, Thursday, May 15, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston’s first big score was against No.2 Texas, with the Cougars bouncing back from a 7-0 deficit, finishing 9-7. Houston also beat Texas Tech in Lubbock for the first time in 30 years, winning two of the three series games.

Along with that historic win, Houston beat their city rival Rice in all three Silver Glove Series games across the season.

Focusing on the returning players who’ll bring Houston into the spotlight next season, sophomore infielder Jackson LaLima is a pillar in the outfield, sporting a .924 FLD% and 132 catches for this season. 

Junior right-handed pitcher Alex Solis keeps batters on their toes, allowing only 11 walks and striking out 37. Solis is also credited with nine multi-strikeout games and had 19 appearances ranked third on his team as a sophomore. 

Freshman infielder Blake Fields held down the field, honing a .991 FLD% and 109 putouts. His past achievements and growth with Houston make him a great fit for a comeback season. 

Junior outfielder Tre Broussard made himself known at bat with 29 runs and 23 runs batted in. His sophomore accolades include leading the team in hits with 62, being named Silver Glove Series CO-MVP and being ranked sixth all-time in single-season program history for stealing 31 bases.

Citing their 7-23 conference record, Houston has some work to do if they want to stand out in the Big 12. Houston did manage to beat Texas Tech and Arizona with two wins in each series, but couldn’t land a single three-win series against another Big 12 team this season.

Looking back on their game against Tech, Houston specialized in loading bases with walks and bat-ins from balls sent to the outfield. The biggest issue Houston needs to focus on is the field.

Even with such reliable outfielders, Houston just can’t seem to stop the runs from coming, especially shown in game three against Arizona State when the Sun Devils scored four runs in one inning. 

With returning talent, Houston still has to keep their eyes on the future with their recruits. Outfielder and right-handed pitcher Jaylen Walker from Pearland, TX, holds a steady 90mph fastball and is ranked 275th nationally by Perfect Game.

Walker has grown his skills on the mound but still held strong in previous years, striking out six batters in one game back in 2022. 

First baseman Logan Brown from Keller, TX, is ranked 500th nationally by Perfect Game with a 90mph fastball and 78mph swing. Brown also runs a 7.06-second 60-yard dash, giving him the edge needed to chase runaway balls and fly through the bases. 

Short stop and middle infielder Carson Ray from Atlanta, GA, carries an 82mph fastball and 93mph swing, making him a threat on both the mound and home plate. Ray is also ranked 429th nationally by Perfect Game.

The most recent development in the Houston baseball world that could change the course of the season is the hiring of Coach Will Davis. Davis was previously at Lamar University for 10 seasons and is responsible for leading the team to five back-to-back 30-win seasons. On top of that, 38 players under Davis received All-Conference honors. 

With a hearty group of recruits, strong returning players and a new weathered coach it seems the future of Houston baseball is prosperous.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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"Rising to the top: Houston’s future in baseball" was originally posted on The Cougar

Courtesy of Houston Athletics

Houston men’s golf has had an amazing season in its 2025-26 campaign. After multiple first placements and individual talent growing, many thought the 26-27 season would be just as explosive.

However, the beginning of June changed the coaching staff as Head Coach and Director of golf Jonathan Dismuke retired after 17 years with the team. He started at Houston as a Head Coach in 2009, but later gained the honor of Director of Golf in 2012.

With his absence, a new gap opens in the men’s golf team as they look for a new Head Coach. With multiple options in today’s growing golf scene, who could be the next coach for Houston?

Jonathan Dismuke’s achievements at Houston

Dismuke is one of the longest-serving Head Coaches in men’s golf history. It’s no surprise that he has many achievements with the team on his career page.

With the Houston Cougars, Dismuke has had three NCAA Championship berths, 12 NCAA Regional appearances and 21 Team tournament titles. Along with the team achievements, he has also harbored 5 all-American golfers, 29 individual champions and 114 all-academic honorees.

With all of these honors to his name, Dismuke has definitely left his mark on the Houston men’s golf team. It will be unlikely that another coach like Dismuke will be found.

In his retirement speech, Dismuke also stated why he decided to step away from the coaching position.

“I have enjoyed being a coach for 20 years, but I recently was given an opportunity to work in the private sector, which will allow me to spend more time with my wife and our children,” Dismuke said.

With his new opportunity, Dismuke seems ready to spend more time at home with his family and finally wind down after 17 years of service.

“I have received so much support through the years from our fans, our boosters and our administration, and I will always be grateful for my time with the Cougars,” Dismuke said.

What’s next?

With the Houston men’s golf team losing its leader of almost two decades, a new face will definitely change the culture around the team. With Assistant Head Coach Cameron Peck as a potential candidate for the job, men’s golf looks forward to the future.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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"End of an era: Jonathan Dismuke retires as head coach of the men’s golf team" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston senior Alexa Saldana prepares to hit the ball into the twelfth hole of the women’s golf Chevron Collegiate, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025 in Humble, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

The Houston women’s golf team went on its first trip to the NCAA Championship at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, CA.

After placing second at the NCAA Simpsonville Regional where they tallied a team score of 11-under 853, the team made school history when they advanced to the nation’s most prestigious collegiate competition for the first time ever.

The No.29-ranked Cougars finished twentieth in the NCAA championship tournament after three rounds, while senior Moa Svedenskiöld tied for thirty-sixth. 

Altogether, the team tallied a team score of 289 and finished with a 54-hole score of 880 while rising four places in the standings. In the end, Svedenskiöld tied her first-round score, finishing with a 71, tying for No.36 at 217 to lead the team.

To Lydia Lasprilla, the second Head Coach in women’s golf history, the win to advance to the championship was a special homecoming.

“That was super-special, to be home,” Lasprilla said. “I grew up forty-five minutes from that golf course, so I had a lot of family and friends that I hadn’t seen come out supporting the Cougars.”

Together, they became a formidable force to be reckoned with this season. When asked what the difference maker was between this season’s team performance and last season’s, Lasprilla credits the leadership of the team. 

“I think we have great leadership,” Lasprilla said. “We have a veteran team and they’ve been through regionals several times.”

Coach Lasprilla’s exceptional guidance had united this team of international players. Besides junior Maelynn Kim, everyone else on the roster hails from different parts of the world.

“It’s actually very inspiring, because they’re so far away from home,” Kim said. “To see them all push through the adversity whenever they’re sick or get homesick, it makes me super-grateful and realize to be thankful for everything.”

Through their time together, they strengthened their bonds as a team. Being away from home, they had learned to rely on each other to get them through the hardest of times. It is this type of camaraderie that brought the team together, helping them to peak at the right moment. 

“It was like another family, like we built another Houston family here. We’re all adults, but for the first time we’re across the Atlantic Ocean,” said senior Natalie Saint Germain. “It’s so nice to have people you can rely on.” 

They challenged each other to bring out the best in one another. Though they are a team, they remained competitive with one another to sharpen and hone their skills to the fullest.

“In the gym, Natalie is incredibly strong. She pushes everyone. She can lift like double her weight, it’s crazy,” said junior Alexa Saldana. “In golf, I think the three other girls, especially Moa. She’s always grinding so hard, so she really pushes me to keep up with her and keep practicing,”

Svedenskiöld had been fantastic this season, continuing off her junior year when she was the only player on the team to qualify for the NCAA championship after finishing 2-under 214 at the Columbus Regional.

This year, Svedenskiöld was humble yet proud to have the rest of the team join her in the championship.

“It’s unbelievable. Making history- it’s a great feeling. It’s what we all dreamed about, bringing the whole team,” Svedenskiöld said. “We achieved the ultimate goal, to make it to nationals.” 

Svedenskiöld’s veteran work ethic, accomplishments and leadership by example really helped bring out the best in her fellow teammates.

The team pushed themselves, and together they achieved a monumental ending to a historic season.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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"Next level: Houston women’s golf makes history" was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh / The Cougar

Editor’s note: This story has been updated according to the most recent facts available. 

The data stored in the UH SharePoint and OneDrive sites exceeded maximum capacity on May 31. The University community is unable to save or modify files in SharePoint or OneDrive, but Microsoft Outlook and other Office applications are still functional.

“Until service is restored, it is possible that our community may experience errors when saving or uploading files, creation of new content across Microsoft 365 services may be limited and forms and surveys through Microsoft Office and SharePoint may be unresponsive,” said a University spokesman.

The University Information Technology team is working with Microsoft Enterprise support and Microsoft management to increase UH’s storage quota and restore service. 

UIT staff noticed that storage was reaching capacity on May 25. Typically, UH storage demand increases by 0.1% to 0.3%, less than a Terabyte each week, but demand jumped over 3% in the week of May 25, exceeding maximum capacity. The total amount of data stored increased by close to 50 Terabytes.

On May 31, faculty reported that they were unable to save documents to SharePoint and were met with a “quota exceeded” message.

UIT requested additional storage by Sunday afternoon on May 31, and is currently in direct conversation with Microsoft management to restore management.

As of 11:45 a.m. on June 1, UIT has confirmed that the University has acquired more storage, but that has not yet been applied to the UH allocation.

It is likely that an automated process in the Microsoft infrastructure caused the University to reach maximum capacity, not students and faculty uploading files into SharePoint or OneDrive.

UIT is still working to determine the root cause of the disruption, but plans to increase the maximum storage capacity, enable alerts to prior service disruptions and implement stronger storage management options.

As of 7:20 p.m. on June 2, SharePoint and OneDrive service have now been restored for the UH community.

This is a developing story and The Cougar will continue to report on it.

news@thedailycougar.com

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"UH SharePoint, OneDrive exceed maximum capacity: Students, faculty unable to save files" was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

May is both Military Appreciation Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. For over 1600 students served by UH Veteran Services, including student veterans, active duty military students, Reserve and National Guard students and military spouses or dependents, mental health runs parallel to experience with the military.

Assistant Director of Veteran Services LaKeshia Villegas, herself a former student veteran, often hears students express a feeling of being alone after getting out of the military.

“A lot of our students don’t feel connected to anyone else, they feel like they can’t relate to other students, they just feel left out,” Villegas said. “So they’re just quiet, they go to class and then they go home.”

Students in the veteran services office can trade stories about the places they’ve served and bond over their memories of the highs and lows of military life.

But outside those four walls, there are few at UH who can relate to them. This isolation is compounded by the fact that student veterans as a group are typically older than traditional college students. 85% are between the ages of 24 and 40, with decades of life experience on their peers.

“Even if you’re trying to do a study group or something like that, you don’t realize it, but other students still might be under their parents’ rules,” said mechanical engineering senior Noah Mitchell. “They’re not even allowed to be in a study group that isn’t all boys or girls. Me and a couple other people ran into those situations when we first got to school and were completely taken aback by it.”

Mitchell served in the Navy as a nuclear engineer for eight years before enrolling in University to get a second degree. He recalls that his initial transition back to civilian life was far from easy.

“I went from being somebody that was a very vital or integral part of a team on a submarine to just being a civilian who had no task and no responsibility other than being a husband and a dad,” Mitchell said. “I didn’t really have any task or goal that I was supposed to do. That was pretty rough for me.”

Mitchell compares it to going from one hundred miles per hour to zero. And beyond the loss of that clear, primary mission provided by the military, there was also the lack of a team environment.

“Once you are in a situation where you are consistently working with a team in order to meet a standard or a task, it’s really hard to do anything else,” Mitchell said. “I like working in a team because I like leading that team and I like being able to use all of our strengths to achieve something, rather than just doing it solo. There’s not as much fulfillment in just doing it by yourself.”

Academics became Mitchell’s new mission. He drowned himself in school for his first year, and found a new team by working at the Veteran Services Office and by getting involved with Student Veterans of America.

Still, with a wife and kids, Mitchell describes his full-time academic career to running on “part-time time”: he has a fraction of the time that a regular student has to do the same assignments, write the same essays and study for the same exams.

“It’s a hard choice to make,” Mitchell said. “You don’t want to not spend time with your family because you have some small assignment that doesn’t feel like it matters. But at the same time, if you don’t take the time and spend that hour or two doing that assignment, then all of it adds up in the end and you don’t actually end up finishing.”

For tangible challenges like transportation issues or food or housing insecurity, the veteran services office is a hub of resources. When it comes to mental health, though, the solution isn’t always as transparent.

Computer science and mathematics junior Arzo Noorzad grew up in a military family and now works in the veteran services office, where she sees the invisible wounds of military service manifest in a range of ways.

“Some veterans come in with PTSD or anxiety, and then for the dependents, I’ve noticed a trend of all of us having some pretty high anxiety,” Noorzad said. “I think it’s just from the pressure of growing up in that type of household. It’s always high-paced.”

Noorzad’s father served in the Navy, and Noorzad names her upbringing as the reason for her tendency to micromanage and to sometimes take on more than she can handle.

For military dependents, there is an implicit expectation to overachieve, do well and show results.

“This semester was a pretty tough semester, and I just noticed I was feeling high anxiety all the time, and I put it on myself,” Noorzad said. “It just kind of sucks, because I feel like most of the other people that I was with in class, they were a little bit more lax. They were taking stuff at their time. I should have done that.”

Within the veteran community, though, Noorzad has noticed two separate and distinct attitudes toward mental health. 

“There are some people that are more on the end that mental health is not real,” Noorzad said. “They’re just like, ‘you get tough enough’. These are usually the older vets we have in the office.”

On the other hand, younger veterans or those newly out of the military tend to be more willing to talk about mental health, and even encourage the military dependents to care for their own mental wellbeing.

“They’ll just talk to us and help us mentally, like ‘you’re taking a lot of classes, why do you have to do that?’,” Noorzad said. “I can take their advice, fully, because I’m talking to someone that’s already been through it. I believe them.”

Some students end up having to consult with Counseling and Psychological Services. But others are able to find solace in the group activities that Villegas organizes with Celina Dugas, the Director of Veteran Services: horseback riding, paintball and more.

“I know we had one student, his feedback was, it was like a mental break for him, and he needed the mental break,” Villegas said. “He said he never thought that riding a horse would actually help calm his anxiety down. So that’s what we aim to do. We aim to get the mental health right and just to let them know this is a family, we’re a community, you’ll be taken care of here.”

Veterans can be stereotyped as overly rigid, structured or hardheaded. But the rigor of their training also lends itself uniquely to an academic environment. 

“If I were to draw a parallel between my first degree and my mentality then, and my second degree and my mentality now, prior to the military, I was operating at like a 3.0 level,” Mitchell said. “Getting out of the military, I’m operating at a 4.0 level, in a degree that is infinitely harder than the first one.”

news@thedailycougar.com

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"Student veterans navigate mental health challenges after military service" was originally posted on The Cougar

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton won the May 26 runoff election against incumbent four-term Senator John Cornyn, with a last-minute endorsement from President Donald Trump.

Paxton will now face Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico in the November midterm elections. Some students believe that Trump’s endorsement was what ultimately secured Paxton his runoff victory.

“I would say that heavily aligning himself with Trump and receiving his endorsement really pushed Paxton’s odds up to win the race,” said sculpture sophomore Ira Sison.

Democratic Rep. Al Green who is another long-time incumbent, lost his runoff against Democratic Rep. Christian Menefee. Last year’s redistricting efforts by the Texas House redrew Green’s 9th District, prompting him to run in the 18th District instead.

Students believe that Houston’s desire for younger elected officials was what propelled Menefee to his win.  

“It’s nice seeing younger people get elected because of how old our recent presidents have been,” Sison said. “What I’m looking for are newer candidates with diverse opinions.”

Leading up to November’s general election, students’ voting decisions are influenced by a variety of social and political perspectives.

Some students aim to elect officials who prioritize improving Houston’s environment and education. 

“The implementation of high-speed rail and other mass transit and advancement of public education are the most important political issues to me in Texas,” said history junior John Unal. “Texas is too dependent on auto infrastructure and its consequences, and public education desperately needs to improve. This pushes me to vote for Democratic candidates because they appear more intent on solving these issues.”

Some students are aiming to elect officials who are committed to safeguarding Texans’ social rights.

Political science sophomore Courage Nsude expressed her hope that the candidates will actively advocate for women’s reproductive rights and voting rights. 

“I want a candidate who will actively fight tooth and nail for our voting rights, especially after the Louisiana v. Callais ruling, and for women to have access to abortions,” Nsude said. 

Other statewide runoffs included races for attorney general, railroad commissioner and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

State Senator Mayes Middleton is the Republican nominee for Texas attorney general, and state Senator Nathan Johnson is the Democratic nominee.

Former Tarrant County GOP Chair Bo French, in a close victory, defeated incumbent Jim Wright in the race for railroad commissioner, and will face Democratic state Rep. Jon Rosenthal in November.

Thomas Smith, backed by Paxton, is the Republican nominee for Place 3 on the Texas Court of Criminal; he will race against Democrat Okey Anyiam.

State Rep. Vikki Goodwin is the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, and will face Republican incumbent Dan Patrick.

news@thedailycougar.com

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"May 26 runoff elections leave students hopeful for issue focused victories in November" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston men’s basketball Head Coach Kelvin Sampson raises the Cougar Paw and looks off into the distance after winning an NCAA college men’s basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Incoming freshmen Tyus Thomas and Djafar Silimana signed their scholarship agreement in the first week of May, according to men’s basketball head coach Kelvin Sampson. 

Thomas averaged 14.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists in his  2025-26 senior season with Liberty High. He also brought his team to the Class 5A state championship game and was the MVP in that game. 

“When recruiting (Thomas), the thing I kept noticing was how tough Tyus was,” Samson said. “Tyus is a tremendous young man, and I am excited to have him join our program.”

Thomas brings depth to the point guard position. With former seniors Emanuel Sharp and Milos Uzan leaving, players like sophomores Chase McCarty and Mercy Miller step up to the position of facilitators and scorers. Thomas provides a helping hand with the role as a guard. 

Silimana gives the Cougars height and defense. With former guard Chris Cenac Jr. and senior Kalifa Sakho leaving, senior forward Joseph Tugler is the anchor on defense. Silimana’s rim protection and elite defense give Tugler a helping hand in the paint. 

“He has long arms and is a tremendous kid,” Sampson said. “In his second or third year, he is really going to be outstanding for us.” 

The freshmen’s arrivals add depth to the Cougars team that is competing for a national championship under coach Sampson.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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"Incoming freshmen: Thomas, Silimana join Houston Men’s Basketball" was originally posted on The Cougar

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As the war in Iran extends past its third month, conservative students’ support for the war remains unshaken.

A survey by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research conducted earlier this year found that 52% of Republicans think U.S. military action in Iran has been about right. In contrast, 90% of Democrats think the recent military action has gone too far, with only 4% calling it about right.

“This war is exactly the kind of action I wanted to see out of President Trump and his administration, as he is pushing for change and progress in an area that has been stagnant and suffering for years with no meaningful action from America to help it,” said mechanical engineering sophomore Reuben Bishop.

Bishop, who is an independent but leans conservative because of his Christian values, argued that the Biden administration reflected poorly on America’s leadership. That’s what drove him to vote for Trump in 2024.

“After the Biden administration made America look weak, conflicted and mismanaged, Trump has led America to look strong and influential again after so long,” Bishop said.

Bishop’s views on the Iran war place him in the minority of Americans; according to Pew Research Center, about six in ten Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the conflict in Iran.

However, Bishop’s support follows the deepening partisan divide that shows 79% of Republicans and 52% of Republican-leaning independents approve of how Trump is handling the conflict. 

“I believe the goal or mission of the war in Iran was to free the Iranian people from a corrupt government that had been exploiting them for far too long without repercussions and give the people a chance to institute a new government,” Bishop said. “I think America has followed this mission pretty well so far in the war, as the government has been obliterated for the most part, and the Iranian citizens aren’t being actively oppressed en masse.”

The Trump administration has faced criticism for its unclear messaging and goals in this conflict, including from prominent MAGA figures.

Despite Bishop’s ongoing support the Trump administration’s action in Iran, Bishop has seen his support for the administration as a whole waver. 

“Other actions or policies from the Trump administration within America have affected my support for this administration,” Bishop said. “I no longer back the Trump administration but fully back the conservative movement.”

Trump’s approval rating dropped to 35%, according to a Reuters poll taken in mid-May, its lowest point of his two terms so far.

Bishop cites the killing of two American citizens by ICE in January as one reason for his change in attitude toward Trump. He also felt the administration diverged from his Christian values. 

“Trump blatantly posted not one but two AI images in which he was depicting himself as Jesus, which transgresses against my religious beliefs,” Bishop said.

As the Iran war continues and gas prices climb, only the midterm elections can show whether the Trump administration’s popularity has truly been affected by this conflict.

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"Conservative students support Iran war but view Trump less favorably" was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/ The Cougar

As of May 2026, a 6-3 ruling by the Supreme Court in the case Louisiana v. Callais significantly narrowed Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act allowed voters to challenge district maps and policies that produced racially discriminatory outcomes. As a result of the decision, states now have the ability to redraw voter maps and implement laws that are predicted to disadvantage minority voters.

The decision further reduces citizens’ ability to challenge discriminatory policies in court. The weight of this decision is summed up in a quote from the director of the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, Ashley Shelton, who said, “Without representation, what is citizenship?”

When the redrawing of district maps renders the representation of marginalized communities debatable and non-essential, it exposes representation not as a right, but as a conditional privilege.

Cracks in Legislation 

The Supreme Court’s ruling overturned a congressional map in Louisiana that enabled Black voters in the area to elect candidates of their choice and challenge discriminatory voting practices.

The effects of the decision are already appearing in the Mississippi legislature, which will be among the first to consider the Supreme Court’s ruling, as Governor Tate Reeves announced he expects the state to redraw its four congressional districts in the near future.

As an NPR article notes, “The political power of Democrats in this country and Black voters in particular is likely to be hugely eroded.” This erosion of political influence raises broader questions about the purpose of representation in a democratic society.

The right to representation is foundational to democracy, arguably connected to Thomas Jefferson’s assertion that all people are entitled to the rights of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. How can Jefferson’s principle of life, which establishes the right to survive and defend oneself, be established if one’s humanity is acknowledged but not represented in decision-making rooms?

Cracks in Representation

The consequences of this exclusion are not theoretical but historically and materially evident. Black and brown people have only known struggle in their efforts to obtain equal treatment, consideration and opportunities in this country.

The fight for representation and visibility has been constant for Black and Brown communities who advocate for including more nuanced and accurate character portrayals, increased positive representation and the reduction of racial dog whistles and unrealistic stereotypes embedded in everyday media narratives.

These ongoing struggles reveal how inadequate representation in youth and early adulthood can diminish self-esteem and hinder self-actualization. There is no substitute for representation; one just must be present.

No one is better positioned to speak on a community’s experience than its own members. People of color have historically had to not only fight for representation but for access to the ballot box itself. When the Supreme Court strikes down a fundamental section in one of the most influential tools that prevents racial discrimination in voting, we must ask what comes next.

Cracks in the Foundation

A lack of representation harms not only excluded communities but also those already seated at the table. For perspective, imagine debating whether to buy a house, only to find that the house in question is missing its concrete foundation.

The discussion about purchasing the house is grounded in nothing, because the house itself is structurally incomplete. Without a functioning foundation, any conversation about its value becomes meaningless, since there is no stable structure on which worth can actually be assessed.

Black and Brown communities held significant roles in the creation of the United States. When we remove their perspectives from the table, we not only further disadvantage their communities but also create holes in the discussion of the legislative, administrative and political foundations of this country.

The loss affects everyone involved. There is an equivalent tradeoff in which marginalized communities will be detrimentally impacted; it is a loss on both ends: those at the table and those who aren’t allowed a seat.

In sum, alterations to the Voting Rights Act will lead to fewer Section 2 lawsuits, and further consequences will arise as maps are revised. The structural fragility of this decision will certainly be reflected in the South, where politics have not yet moved beyond race.

By allowing the redrawing of district maps, which could result in a complete lack of representation, Supreme Court Justices decided that the representation of marginalized communities was debatable and non-essential. Without marginalized perspectives, without foundational voices, the house is built to collapse, and what remains is not a democracy.

opinion@thedailycougar.com

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"When representation cracks: Changes to the Voting Rights Act " was originally posted on The Cougar

Courtesy of Lamar Athletics

The Houston Cougars announced that they have hired former Lamar baseball head coach Will Davis on May 26. 

After 10 seasons with Lamar, Davis has won 289 games and has gone to two conference championships. Additionally, he has held Lamar to five straight 30+ winning seasons as well.

Houston struggled in the 2025-26 season, going 24-31 and 7-23  in the Big 12, finishing in last place. Houston started off strong, winning five straight games. However, after losing against UTRGV on February 20, Houston’s momentum collapsed. 

After the season, UH vice president for intercollegiate athletics Eddie Nuñez announced on May 17 that they will not be offering former head coach Todd Whiting a new contract. 

In his 18 years of coaching, Davis has appeared in eight NCAA Regionals, five Super Regionals and three times in the College World Series while coaching 60 MLB Draft picks. He was also a part of the 2009 LSU team that won the national championship game. 

With this hire, Davis brings the Cougars’ experience not only in the regular season but also in the playoffs. He has brought success wherever he goes and could bring that success to Houston too. 

“I am thrilled and honored to be the head baseball coach at the Univeristy of Houston,” Davis said in a statement. “I am excited to take on the challenge of getting the program over the hump.”

sports@thedailycougar.com

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"BREAKING: Houston hires Will Davis as baseball head coach" was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

For decades, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome has been defined by a name that many doctors and patients say does not fully reflect the condition itself. As of May 12, PCOS has been officially renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS). 

While a name might seem small, the push to rename PCOS represents a larger shift for millions of women: a healthcare system finally beginning to recognize that women’s health issues are far more complex than outdated labels suggest.

For years, PCOS has been mainly treated as a reproductive disorder, with conversations surrounding the condition focusing heavily on fertility and the ovaries alone. 

Countless people have lived in confusion, unable to be diagnosed with the condition since they did not have cysts, but did have other symptoms associated with PCOS. Many end up taking birth control to treat the symptoms, and never get treated for the condition they didn’t know they had. 

But the reality is much broader. PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women and is linked not only to irregular periods and hormone imbalances, but also to insulin resistance, mental health struggles and increased cardiovascular risks.

As the medical community pushes to reconsider the name, it’s also being forced to confront a bigger issue women have dealt with for decades: women’s hormonal health has long been misunderstood, oversimplified and reduced to reproduction alone.

Women’s health has often been pushed to the back burner, with many practices and tools remaining unchanged for decades. 

Beyond periods, fertility

The speculum, one of the most commonly used tools in gynecology, has seen little redesign since the 19th century, despite years of women speaking out about the discomfort and pain associated with it.

Another example is the IUD insertion procedure. Even though many women have spoken out about the pain associated with it and pushed for anesthesia to be more routinely included, many doctors still don’t offer pain management unless patients specifically ask for it, and even then, are sometimes denied anesthesia.

This and many more are examples of how modern medicine has failed women and continued to make them suffer because of a lack of research and investment in women’s health.

These long-standing issues within women’s healthcare are also part of the reason the renaming of PCOS matters so much. For years, many women struggled to receive proper diagnoses or treatment because the condition was viewed too narrowly through the lens of periods and fertility. 

By changing the name to better reflect the full scope of the disorder, the medical community is also beginning to change the way the condition itself is understood.

Seeing change for the betterment of women’s health brings a sense of hope to many women. Although renaming PCOS will not immediately erase years of misunderstanding, delayed diagnoses and lack of research, it does signal a shift toward listening to women’s experiences more seriously within medicine.

For many patients, being heard and properly understood is the first step toward receiving real care. The transition from PCOS to PMOS reflects a medical field that is finally beginning to acknowledge the full reality of conditions that women have struggled with, often silently, for years.

Women’s health should not take decades to evolve. But with changes like this, many are hopeful that medicine is finally starting to move in the right direction.

opinion@thedailycougar.com

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"Why renaming PCOS matters" was originally posted on The Cougar

The University of Houston Board of Regents speaking during the seminar meeting on Thursday, March 12, 2026 in Houston, Texas. | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar

The UH System Board of Regents met on May 21 at the LeRoy and Lucile Melcher Center for Public Broadcasting. The board approved several new academic programs and degree consolidations across the UH system, with some changes set to start in fall 2026. 

New programs

UH-Downtown will implement a Master of Science in biological science and instrumentation beginning fall 2026. This program is designed to focus on laboratory and application-based skills that meet growing national workforce demands, as cited by the board.

UH will establish a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, politics and economics beginning fall 2026. The degree will offer an interdisciplinary approach that allows students to approach issues from multiple academic perspectives rather than a single discipline.

UH will also implement a Master of Design Studies in fall 2026, replacing the current master of Arts in architectural studies degree. According to the board, the change is intended to make the degree more attractive to future students while also building on foundations in environmental design. 

Additionally, UH will establish a Ph.D. in music education in fall 2026, replacing the current Doctor of Musical Arts degree. The board noted that the program will have a more comprehensive focus on music, research and pedagogy. 

Program consolidations

Program consolidations were also approved within the College of Pharmacy.

The Master of Science in pharmaceutical health outcomes and policy and the Master of Science in pharmaceutics will be consolidated into a Master of Science in pharmaceutical sciences.

Similarly, the Ph.D. in pharmaceutical health outcomes and policy and the Ph.D. in pharmaceutics will be consolidated into a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences.

The Board also approved changes to the law program. The board members noted that while many students enrolled in specialized law courses, such as tax law, the separate degree programs themselves did not meet minimum enrollment requirements. 

Under the new structure, students will pursue a Master of Laws degree with  the option to specialize in intellectual property and information law, health law, tax law, international law or energy and environmental and natural resources law, rather than enrolling in standalone LLM degree programs. 

news@thedailycougar.com

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"UH Board of Regents approves new degrees, program consolidations" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston sprinter Sean Aigboboh after an interview for The Daily Cougar on Wednesday, March 5, 2026 in Houston, Texas, | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar

This season, nineteen-year-old freshman Sean Aigboboh has exceeded expectations, including breaking an Irish national record in the men’s 200-meter race that had stood for nearly two decades. Aigboboh shared his personal insights, inspirations and aspirations.

Aigboboh’s parents were competitive sprinters originally from Nigeria. He and his family moved to Dublin, Ireland in the early 2000s, where he attended Dublin High School. 

“Everyone usually knows each other,” he said. “It was a great environment to grow up in.”

Aigboboh gave much praise to three individuals aside from his parents who helped guide him on his path to competitive track and field. “Definitely between my brother, my old coach Daniel Kilgallon or my first coach Tony Byrne,” Aigboboh said. 

He continued in depth describing how his brother introduced him to competitive track and field. Byrne, who saw the potential within him, helped him reach new heights.

“Tony Byrne was my first coach at Tallaght AC, part of the developmental group. My brother got me into the sport,” Aigboboh said. “My brother was with Tony Byrne, who has passed away.”

Aigboboh had nothing but positive things to say about how influential Byrne was to him during their time together and how he still thinks about him to this day.

“Tony was the one who ignited the flame,” Aigboboh said. “He saw a fair portion of my success, so it’s unfortunate he hasn’t been able to see the rest of what I’ve become.”

Aigboboh shared an interesting personal story about starting to run track in high school in 2022 and how one specific incident during that time helped ignite his competitive flame.

“It’s funny, it was my first competition. We crossed the line and I’d thought I got a bronze in the first race. I was given the bronze initially, but some guy came and said he thought his friend got bronze,” Aigboboh said. “That made me fairly mad and I was like, now I have to beat him the next time I race. As I’d like to say, I accidentally went on and became the fastest person my age in the country.”

Aigboboh talked about his time at the 2025 European Athletics Team Championships in Maribor, Slovenia. He detailed how being a part of the 2025 Tallaght Athletic Club relay team that set the Irish national record in the 4x100m race there helped prepare him to compete with the Houston Cougars. 

“I gained a lot of experience from that. As I’ve always said, that was probably the biggest moment in my career so far prior to what has happened here,” Aigboboh said. “I learned a lot from it; that was one of my first real experiences in a pressure pot situation where we had to perform because it was a team championship.”

On April 30, Aigboboh recorded 20.27 seconds in the 200-meter and broke Paul Hession’s long-standing Irish national record at the Cameron Burrell Alumni Invitational. Thoughts of shock and surprise rushed over him for many days. “I couldn’t believe it for hours. Probably not until the next day is when it actually kicked in, that I’ve broken the national record,” Aigboboh said. “I called my parents probably like forty minutes after. I was like you’re now on the phone with the fastest ever Irishman over 200 meters.”

Humble in victory, Aigboboh exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete who proudly represents the University of Houston. From a self-described erratic youth to a disciplined member of Coach Carl Lewis’s elite track and field squad, he defines what it means to be built by Houston.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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"Full speed ahead: Meet Sean Aigboboh" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman (1) hands the ball to Houston Cougars running back Dean Connors (44) for a running play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against the Colorado Buffaloes, Friday, Sep. 12, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar

Looking back on Houston’s historic 2025 football season, it is easy to see which returning players will lead Houston once again. Senior quarterback Conner Weigman went the distance, leading with 2,705 passing yards and junior wide receiver Amare Thomas became one of Houston’s most reliable offensive weapons with 966 receiving yards. 

With many of Houston’s key offensive players returning, expectations for the 2026 season are already high. But even after a successful season, Houston’s schedule still comes with challenges.

UH stood undefeated on the road in 2025, and another undefeated run could cause some shake-ups against top Big 12 teams. Houston is expected to overcome previous opponents Colorado and Kansas, but West Virginia, which beat Houston 45-35 and finished the season 4-8, could still be a difficult matchup. 

Some of Houston’s biggest tests will come against teams that exposed weaknesses last season.

Challenges ahead

2025 quarterfinalist Texas Tech beat Houston 35-11 and then lost to Oregon 23-0. A victory against the Red Raiders gives UH the chance to show its growth and could strengthen Houston’s chances of earning a playoff spot. UH will also have to compete with some of the conference’s strongest returning programs.

Utah could also be a problem, finishing ranked third in the Big 12, just above Houston. Utah’s success can be attributed to junior quarterback Devon Dampier, who threw for 2,490 yards in 2025. Fortunately, though, parts of the schedule appear more manageable.

Back at home, Houston starts the season off with Oregon State, who’s been caught up with the almost abandoned Pac-12 and a 2-10 overall record for the 2025 season. Along with Oregon, Southern should also be one of Houston’s easier matchups after finishing 1-11 in 2025. Still, not every middle-tier matchup will be guaranteed.

Cincinnati could face some hurdles after finishing 7-6 in 2025, and so could UCF, which, even though it was beaten in 2025, Houston only won by three points, finishing 30-27, showing how competitive the matchup was. 

Houston’s rivalry week game against Baylor should go similarly to the first few games of the season after Baylor lost 31-24 to Houston in 2025 and finished with a 5-7 record. Part of the excitement surrounding the 2026 season also comes from Houston’s offseason recruiting success.

The future of Houston

Houston stepped up its recruiting game with five-star quarterback Keisean Henderson. In his senior year, Henderson recorded 3,821 passing yards and 591 running yards, showcasing his skill as a quarterback. 

Three-star defensive lineman Xavier Fleming adds another strong presence to Houston’s defense after recording 65 tackles during his senior year of high school. 

Fleming was also ranked as the 18th-best defensive lineman in Texas, making him one of UH’s strongest recruits heading into the season.

Houston also strengthened its defense through the transfer portal by adding three-star junior defensive lineman Ashton Porter from the Oregon Ducks football and three-star junior defensive lineman De’Marion Thomas from the Oklahoma State Cowboys football. 

Porter contributed sacks and defensive pressure during the 2025 season, while Thomas added depth and experience to Houston’s defensive lineup.

All in all, Houston seems to be more ready than ever to kick off another historic season with a well-rounded patch of recruits, transfers and high hitters. If UH can build off last season’s momentum, the Cougars may finally be ready to establish themselves as one of the Big 12’s most consistent contenders.

Opinion@thedailycougar.com

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"Cougars wait in the cave: What to expect from the 2026 football season" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston outfielder Will Van Wie (1) is tagged out on his slide into second base during an NCAA baseball game on Sunday, May 3, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

The Houston Cougars baseball team recently hosted its last regular-season series against No. 22 Arizona State. The series was played at Darryl & Lori Schroeder Park from May 14-16, with Arizona winning the series 2-1.

The Sun Devils held a two-run advantage over Houston through the first five innings of Thursday’s opener. An RBI from junior infielder Dominic Smaldino brought home sophomore infielder Landon Hairston for Arizona State’s first run, followed by another run scored by Hairston off an RBI from graduate outfielder Dean Toigo.

The Cougars cut into the deficit in the bottom of the fifth inning when senior catcher Dylan Maxcey launched a deep homer to left field, allowing freshman infielder Blake Fields to score. The homer marked Maxcey’s third of the season.

Houston took the lead in the seventh inning after senior infielder Carsten Sabathia hit his sixth homer of the season. Arizona State regained the lead after an RBI from sophomore infielder Austen Roellig allowed Smaldino to score. The Sun Devils secured a 4-3 victory over Houston.

In the second game of the series, Arizona State opened aggressively with back-to-back home runs on the first two pitches of the game. Hairston recorded the first homer before junior infielder Nu’u Contrades added another. Contrades hit his second homer of the game in the third inning, giving Arizona State a three-run advantage.

Houston responded in the bottom of the third inning, evening the score before the inning concluded. An RBI from senior infielder Tyler Cox brought Fields home from first base, while Cox and senior outfielder Irvin Weems each added runs for the Cougars.

The game remained tied until the bottom of the seventh inning, when Fields launched a deep homer to left field to give Houston the lead. Senior infielder Cade Climie later scored Houston’s fifth and final run, off an RBI from junior catcher Riley Jackson. Friday’s victory evened the series at 1-1.

In the final game of the series, Houston suffered an 8-3 loss to the Sun Devils. 

The Cougars trailed by one run entering the sixth inning before Arizona State added four runs to extend its advantage. Houston attempted a late comeback in the ninth inning with runs from sophomore outfielder Xavier Perez and senior infielder Antonelli Savattere, but the Cougars ultimately ran out of time.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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"Houston loses final series against Arizona State" was originally posted on The Cougar

To mark the conclusion of the 2026-2027 academic year, The Cougar asked students whose voices contributed to our reporting to share the best part of their semester. Here are their responses, lightly edited for clarity.

“My favorite part of the semester would have to be the last day of class. I know it sounds cliché, but as a first-generation student, that day made me realize what I had just accomplished. After turning in my final exam, I took some time to walk around the campus and take everything in. Memories of rushing to class in Melcher Hall, sitting in the Student Center working on assignments, and feeding the squirrels saltine crackers all came rushing back to me, and I felt very emotional. I truly will miss being on campus and being surrounded by my fellow Coogs, even the almost two-hour commutes to this wonderful campus. The last day was definitely a meaningful moment for me, as I will now proudly walk across the stage.”

— Finance senior Karla Otero, featured in “Rising gas prices place strain on UH’s commuter student population”

“I would like to say the best part of my semester was participating in student organization events – the community and student relationship aspect was nice.”

— African American Studies freshman Genesis Lemon, featured in “African American Studies students remain optimistic amid statewide DEI ban”

“The best part of my semester would have to be centered around moments with friends. Even though academics are very important to me, when I look back at this semester all I will remember is the people who made it memorable.”

— Political science freshman Emerson Curran, featured in “Rising gas prices place strain on UH’s commuter student population”

“My favorite part of this semester probably would have to be my first Annual Progress Evaluation. It’s a presentation that Ph.D. students have to do every year starting on their third-year and I’m pretty happy with how mine went. I prepared a lot and when I presented I felt like a real researcher.”

— Physics doctoral candidate Lars Walker, featured in “High health insurance costs push graduate students into advocacy”

news@thedailycougar.com

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"Feeding squirrels and making friends: Students reflect on the 2026-27 year" was originally posted on The Cougar

Matcha has become a staple for students who are looking for a delicious, satisfying drink between or after classes. While the continuing reign of matcha has created a variety of satisfying outlets for students, the stakes for good brew have become higher than ever.

With multiple places on campus selling matcha, things to look out for are taste, price and convenience. Here is an honest review of the matcha available on campus.

The gold standard: Cougar Grounds

Set at the front of the Hilton Hotel and in the Health 2 building, Cougar Grounds notably deserves its gold star. The matcha latte sits at $5.45, available with alternative milk options and a variety of syrups. Unlike other spots, the Cougar Grounds unsweetened matcha has a smooth consistent flavoring that does not need any add-ons.

“Cougar Grounds is the best because the unsweetened is enough,” said pharmacy doctoral student Jenny Hu.

The reliable chain: Starbucks

Starbucks is a staple of Student Center South. The matcha latte is $5.45 and it is not one that will disappoint. The matcha is consistent and can be made to fit exact taste buds.

The budget-friendly Matcha: Shasta’s Cones & More

In Student Center South, it’s hard to miss Shasta’s Cones & More. It offers the best price on campus at $3.50. A common combination bought in the spring time is the iced matcha latte with strawberry syrup.

“Now that it’s spring people are getting fruity flavors, but overall usually it’s vanilla syrup,” said barista and computer science senior Meenakshi Vinod.

With a variety of options for customization, the syrups will add a sweet side to enjoy.

The gateway: The Nook Cafe and Shake Smart

Located in the RAD (Retail, Auxiliary and Dining Center), The Nook is a perfect introduction to matcha. At $5, the matcha has many options for customization. The taste is not the strongest initially, since half of the drink is milk, but upholds the matcha essence.

In the heart of campus at the Rec (Recreation & Wellness Center) is Shake Smart, a go-to for a pick-me-up after a workout. The matcha protein shake, at $4.75, is not the strongest matcha tasting, but is a great option for vanilla-flavored protein.

“I like the shake. It’s not super matcha flavored, it kind of has a vanilla flavor so people like it if they aren’t super matcha-crazed,” said psychology senior Denise Boateng.

An acquired taste: Kokee Tea

On the back end of campus on University Drive, Kokee Tea does not reach the high bar set by other student hubs. It’s the most expensive of the bunch at $6.25, and it may not be a good go-to for a natural and earthy-brew flavor; the taste leans towards a pre-sweetened profile that is not the signature matcha brew taste.

For matcha purists or budget-conscious students alike, UH has a whisk for every palate.

news@thedailycougar.com

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"Matcha map: Rating every matcha spot on campus" was originally posted on The Cougar

Gerald Sastra/ The Cougar

The 2026 graduating class is expected to be the largest in UH history, with 7,819 graduates. 

Of these, 5,793 are receiving their bachelor’s degree, 1,282 are receiving their master’s degree, 243 are Doctorate students and 501 are Professional graduate students. 

According to an article by UH, nearly one-third of the class is graduating with honors, including 933 cum laude (3.5-3.69 GPA), 936 magna cum laude (3.7-3.89 GPA) and 559 summa cum laude (3.9-4.0 GPA). 

“This spring, we are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of 7,819 graduates — a remarkable cohort whose energy and ambition have left an indelible mark on our campus,” said senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at UH Diane Z. Chase. “As these students transition from scholars to alumni, we share in their excitement and stand ready to see how they transform the world around us.”

The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences has the most graduates with 1,912 students, followed by C. T. Bauer College of Business with 1,617 students and Cullen College of Engineering with 1,407 students. 

The Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine will also be celebrating its largest graduating class with 51 students. 

The youngest Cougar to walk the stage is 18-year-old Eguono Okpohworho, who will receive a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems from the C. T. Bauer College of Business . 

Meanwhile, the oldest Cougar to walk the stage will be 69-year-old Steven Jones, who earned a doctorate in business administration from C. T. Bauer College of Business as well. 

news@thedailycougar.com

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"UH set to make history with biggest graduating class this spring" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston infielder Jackson LaLima (51) celebrates after hitting a double against Rice during an NCAA baseball game, Tuesday, March 10, 2026 in Houston. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar

In an overpowered game, the Cougars defeated the Rice Owls 14-3 at Darryl & Lori Schroeder Park on May 12. In the last matchup against the Owls, the Cougars won 13-1 in eight innings. The final game of the series resulted in the Cougars taking home the Silver Glove Series win. 

At the bottom of the first, the Cougars shined with immense momentum. Cougar senior infielder Tyler Cox walked onto first base, which was followed by redshirt sophomore outfielder Xavier Perez, who doubled to left center, allowing Cox to score. Another run occurred when Houston junior outfielder Tre Broussard scored from second. 

Houston junior catcher Riley Jackson doubled to shallow center field, opening the door for senior infielder Cade Climie to score. 

The advantage continued when freshman infielder Blake Fields walked and Perez scored. Jackson advanced to third while senior infielder Carsten Sabathia moved to second. Cox then went on to hit towards right center, which Jackson took the opportunity to head home, followed by Sabathia. 

Broussard went on to hit a single through the left side of the infield, Cox then ran through from second. Broussard went on to score off a muffled throw.

The Cougars closed the first inning with nine runs. 

Onto the bottom of the second, Cox singled up the middle, which allowed Jackson to score and Sabathia a run from second. 

The Cougars took a heavy defensive stance and did not allow the Owls to breathe in between innings. At the bottom of the third, Fields sacrificed a fly to the infield, for Perez to make it 12-0. 

However, Rice sophomore infielder Hiram Bocachica Jr reached base on a throwing error by Climie. Senior catcher Paul Smith then advanced to third base and junior infielder Garet Boehm proceeded to second base. 

Rice sophomore infielder Cole Green reached on a fielding error by Climie, which allowed Smith and Boehm to score.

Soon after, Rice sophomore outfielder Landis Davila sacrificed a fly to the infield for Bocachica to score and gave the Owls three runs. 

Although the Cougars did not feel threatened, Climie clinched the 13th run for the Cougars. 

Houston senior infielder Antonelli Savattere advanced to third base. Sabathia would then walk, which allowed Savattere to score the 14th run. 

The Cougars dominated the Owls with a tough offense that the Owls could not keep up with. Cox posted a batting average of .330, Broussard posted .346 and Climie .336.  At the mound, senior right-handed pitcher Tyler Bryan had a 7.99 ERA and 4 foul outs. 

Houston will face Arizona State in its final home series of the season May 14-16 at Darryl & Lori Schroeder Park.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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"Claiming the Chrome: Cougars win Silver Glove Series against Rice 14-3" was originally posted on The Cougar

The Houston Cougars celebrate an electric run by Houston outfielder Easton Winfield (0) during an NCAA baseball game against the University of Texas Longhorns, Tuesday, March 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. | Matthew Guzman/The Cougar

Coming into the crucial series against Arizona, Houston baseball had just four conference wins. On the heels of the first two high-powered games, that number increased to six at Hi Corbett Stadium in Tucson, Arizona winning 2-1 from May 8-10.

The Cougars now sit three games behind Texas Tech for the final spot in the Big 12 tournament.

Game 1: Eight Cougars record hits in series-opening win

Houston had eight different batters connect for a hit tallying 13 as a team in the 7-4 victory in the opener.

Senior infielder Tyler Cox recorded his 16th multi-hit game of the season, with his three hits while junior catcher Riley Jackson also smacked three hits. Cox also recorded his 25th career multi-RBI game, as he led the team with two and gave Houston its final run in the sixth inning.

Sophomore pitcher Kendall Hoffman glided to his third win as he allowed just three runs in seven innings, while senior pitcher Ryne Rodriguez earned the save.

After heading into the second frame tied 1-1, Jackson put Houston back on top for good as he scored on a 2-out fielding error by Arizona’s senior shortstop Mathis Meurant. 

Three runs in the sixth inning, including Cox’s 2-RBI double, created enough distance to hold off an Arizona comeback bid.

Freshman first baseman Tony Lira led Arizona offensively, as he went 3 for 4 with two RBIs.  Junior pitcher Owen Kramkowski was given the loss after allowing six runs over 5.1 innings.

Game 2: Cougars earn most hits in a game since 2015, clinch series win

Houston’s bats caught fire in a fashion not seen in 11 years, as they recorded 23 hits in the 7-5 extra-inning victory.

Sophomore infielder Jackson LaLima and junior outfielder Tre Broussard’s RBI scores pushed Houston ahead for good in the 13th inning.

Five Cougars had three or more hits, with Cox and Broussard having four. Climie led the team in RBI with four.

Senior pitcher Ryne Rodriguez was given the win after earning the final seven outs of the contest while allowing one run.

Arizona took the lead with a four-run fifth inning. Climie later tied it with a three-run shot in the seventh. Four scoreless innings sent the game to the 12th, where both teams exchanged RBI extra-base hits before Houston sealed it in the 13th.

Sophomore outfielder Carson McEntire led Arizona offensively, going 2 for 5 with a two-run shot in the fifth. Junior pitcher Collin McKinney was given the loss after allowing three runs in the final three innings.

Game 3: Arizona steals series finale

The Wildcats didn’t let the Cougars escape unscratched, as they stole the series finale 6-5 off an eighth-inning solo blast.

Freshman catcher Joe Forbes clubbed his first career home run to give Arizona the lead back and the eventual win.

After initially facing a 4-0 deficit, Houston scored five runs in the sixth inning to gain the lead.

The Cougars went 1-2-3 in the final three innings while Arizona scored in both the seventh and eighth to secure the win. Four Cougars tallied an RBI in that sixth inning as freshman infielder Blake Fields led with two.

Freshman pitcher Caleb Kimble was given the loss as he allowed the final two Arizona runs and struck out one batter.

McEntire led Arizona offensively once again, as he went 3 for 4 with an RBI. Senior pitcher Patrick Morris was awarded the win after he pitched the final two innings without allowing a run and giving up two hits.

Next, Houston will take on Rice for the final installment of the Silver Glove Series on May 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Schroeder Park.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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"Cougars clinch first series victory in over a month against Arizona" was originally posted on The Cougar

UH lighting project moves closer to completion. Feb 10, 2026, in Houston, Texas. | Bao Nguyen/The Cougar

UH has launched an interactive map where students can track the progress of the campus lighting project and has established a dedicated maintenance team for the light poles on campus.

The map is color-coded by completed projects, projects in progress, scheduled projects, places with no known problems and spaces to be reviewed after the Centennial.

The University is implementing industry-leading lighting and design standards, and upgrading the type and quantity of light poles to promote consistent visibility around campus, said senior vice president for administration and finance Raymond Bartlett in a University-wide email sent to students this morning.

The email also included a link to a progress video showing before and after footage of parking lots 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 6A, 12A, 21B, 15H and 16D & E.

Design for the Campus Lighting and Security Project was already ongoing in 2022, and construction was originally scheduled for 2024, but the project was delayed due to complications related to Covid-19.

Phase Two of the project was approved by the Board of Regents in Feb. 2025, with the project slated to finish by the end of 2025 but experienced additional delays due to unexpected underground issues.

news@thedailycougar.com

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"UH launches interactive map to track campus lighting project" was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

It’s never been easier to feel connected to artists. With constant updates, behind-the-scenes content and direct interaction, fans now have more access than ever before. But that access comes at a cost.

In today’s social media-driven world, artists are no longer just creators; they are also being pushed to be influencers. Because of this exposure, fans’ expectations have grown more demanding.

As they struggle to distance themselves from their personal brand, it becomes harder for them to create unique art. For years, many artists have held back parts of their creativity just to meet their audience’s needs and maintain success.

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram push artists to constantly post, interact and show pieces of their everyday lives.

They are no longer seen just for their work but also for how “real” they seem online. While this can help build a connection, it also puts pressure on the creator to hold an authentic image at all times.

As a result, artists focus more on how they’re perceived by their audience and not what they actually want to create.

When artists create for themselves 

A prime example of this is Rosalía’s newest album, “LUX.” This album doesn’t follow a set standard; it feels like it was created to fulfill a personal need.

She doesn’t ask her fans what they want to hear from her or if her music is acceptable to them. Instead, she creates what she wants, blending languages, sounds and influences from around the world. Because of this, her work feels more genuine.

Harry Styles is another great example. After finishing his “Love on Tour,” he took a break from songwriting and performing. In a Times interview, Styles reflects on how it felt to slow down after the tour. He said stepping away from public attention allowed for a period of reflection and identity.

Now that he’s returned with his new album “Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally,” his music feels more intentional and complex. Styles created something that met his own expectations instead of prioritizing the audience.

In both cases, distance from constant visibility allowed space for more genuine creation. But stepping back isn’t always an option.

The cost of being relatable

Many may believe that having a strong social media presence is necessary. It helps promote music, build a following and ultimately create a deeper connection between the artist and their fans.

While this is true, it can also lead artists to lose themselves. They begin to question their work and whether it’s genuinely them or a version created for the audience.

After the success of her album “Short n’ Sweet,” Sabrina Carpenter started to lean into a more provocative and bold version of herself with her latest album release, “Man’s Best Friend.”

This new era of hers may be something she’s genuinely exploring, but it also raises the question of whether it’s being continued for the fans or because the fans strongly respond to it. 

Her performances feel very intentional and carefully crafted, almost as if they’re telling a continuous story. Because of this, it feels like she is having a lot of fun with this era, but it may not last forever.

Over time, that cycle can become limiting. When artists prioritize relatability and audience approval, they risk creating work that feels safe instead of personal. The more they try to maintain a connection, the more they can lose the individuality that made their work stand out in the first place.

What audiences gain in connection, they often lose in authenticity.

Opinion@thedailycougar.com

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"Pressure on artists is killing authenticity" was originally posted on The Cougar

Centennial construction disrupts campus roads, Monday, June 2, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Construction fencing for the Academic Building for Hobby School of Public Affairs will be installed beginning May 13 through Dec. 31, 2027, according to an email sent by Facilities Communications to the UH community.

The fencing will reroute pedestrian pathways temporarily. This will affect the access points for Bates Law building, Teaching Unit 2 and Krost Hall. 

These routes will be updated and reflected in the UH Go App for better navigation in and around the affected areas. 

In addition, a focused pedestrian path map has been developed to guide movement through the construction zone, the email said. 

For any questions or concerns it is recommended to contact Facilities Communications. 

news@thedailycougar.com

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"Pedestrian paths to be affected by construction near Bates Law building" was originally posted on The Cougar

Attendees at the M.D. Anderson Library’s 75th anniversary play games for prizes on Thursday, April 30, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

UH marked the 75th anniversary of the MD Anderson Library on April 30 by bringing together students, faculty and staff to honor its legacy on campus.

The event featured food, games, community engagement, aimed to thank the campus community and reimagine the library space moving forward.

The future of the library will be designed to combine modern and vibrant spaces as well as meet the needs of UH students, faculty and staff, said executive director of communications for UH Libraries Esmeralda Fisher.

“We are going to focus on stewarding our collections through collaboration, turning the library into an engaging focal point for the library as well as facilitating convergence,” Fisher said.

Students at the celebration reflected that the library serves as an integral part of the college experience and play an important role for communities beyond academics.

“Whether it was studying late at night or scheduling group meetings for my club, I love the library,” said chemical engineering senior Santiago Ramirez. “Libraries are very important to understand the historical context of politics and to better understand and make more educated choices about the things that affect us.”

Many students expressed how the library has been an important part of their academic journey and goes beyond just academic resources. 

“The library has been great,” said art history senior Destiny Mahone. “I do all my printing here and get the books I need for my classes.”

The UH library has not only helped students academically but also acts as an important gathering point for students on campus, especially during stressful times in the semester. 

“Libraries still serve as a place to gather and bring ourselves together, but also lock down and do well on finals,” said data management librarian Molly Knapp. 

Fisher echoed a similar sentiment, explaining the event was meant to create a supportive and relaxing atmosphere for students.

“So many of us are thinking about finals right now and you can get stressed out,” Fisher said. “We wanted this to be an opportunity for folks to get together, take a break from studying and come together to celebrate the legacy.”

news@thedailycougar.com

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"Students, staff celebrate 75 years of MD Anderson Library" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston infielder Carsten Sabathia III (44) celebrates his run to first base during an NCAA baseball game, Wednesday, April 29, 2026 in Houston, Texas. | Kaitlyn Villatoro/Cougar

In a dominated game, the Cougars beat the McNeese Cowboys 4-2 at Darryl & Lori Schroeder Park on Apr 29. Houston entered the field with  40 wins all time against the Cowboys. 

The first inning began with Houston senior left handed pitcher Chris Scinta, who struck out the Cowboys to unload the bases in quick speed.

At the bottom of the first, Houston to bat junior outfielder Tre Broussard took a swing to steal second base. Senior infielder Cade Climie got a clean hit off to left field for Broussard to gain the run for the Cougars. 

Houston’s defense became a focal point in the third inning. Houston freshman right-handed pitcher Connor Udland was challenged when McNeese stole second base, but Udland was quick to gain the upper hand and struck out the Cowboys to end the threat.

 At the bottom half, the Cougars capitalized on the pitching change. Cougar senior catcher Dylan Maxcey stole first, followed by sophomore infielder Jackson LaLima, who shot the shooting star down left field 414ft, his ninth RBI of the season. 

The momentum stayed with Houston into the sixth inning. Cougar redshirt sophomore outfielder Xavier Perez singled through the right side, and allowed Climie to advance to second base.

Houston senior infielder Carsten Sabathia then grounded out to second base for Climie to score a run and extended the lead to 3-0. 

Despite two Cowboys left on base at the end of the sixth, the Cougars controlled the game. 

The Cowboys appeared at the top of the ninth with pure grit to advance. Cowboy Graduate outfielder Isaiah Keller sent a home run deep into right field to put McNeese on the board.

Followed quickly by McNeese senior infielder Danny Barbero, who rushed from first to narrow the gap. However, the late-inning rally was not enough to overcome Houston’s early dominance. 

The Cougars secured the 4-2 win and finished the night with 11 hits and a disciplined pitch performance that totaled nine innings of work. Houston’s batting remained consistent throughout the night; Cox and Broussard posted a .315 average. Udland pitched the win to move to 3-3. 

The Cougars look forward to meeting the Cincinnati Bears in their sixth conference series in Houston at Darryl & Lori Schroeder Park starting on May 1.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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"Houston wrangles the McNeese Cowboys at the diamond 4-2" was originally posted on The Cougar

UH Tennis coach Katarina Adamovic speaks with the team on Saturday Feb. 7, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

After two seasons with the Cougars, head coach Katarina Adamovic will be leaving to return to her alma mater Oklahoma State as the new head coach. 

In the two seasons with Houston, Adamovic transformed the Cougars. Prior to her arrival, Houston went 2-19 overall and 0-13 in conference.

Her first year, the Cougars went 4-16 overall and 0-13 in conference. However, this past and final season the Cougars went 17-6 overall and 8-5 in conference. 

The Cougars entered the 2026 season under Adamovic, with an 11-0 streak, the best opener the program has seen since 1990.

Adamovic coached the Cougars to the highest ITA ranking the program has seen, at No.29. 

Houston is now in pursuit of a new head coach.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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"Katarina Adamovic leaving UH Tennis to coach her alma mater Oklahoma State" was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh / The Cougar

Editor’s note: This story has been updated according to the most recent facts available.

UH is among nearly 9,000 schools worldwide affected by a cyberattack by criminal extortion group ShinyHunters on Infrastructure, which houses the Canvas Learning Management System. 

Canvas is currently inaccessible for students. According to a Reddit thread started one hour ago, students are unable to turn in assignments or take final exams. The Cougar has reached out to the University, but has not yet received a response regarding guidance for students.

Photography senior Raphael Fernandez, who has a final exam for an online class due on Sunday, describes the situation as “frustrating”.

“I just hope it’s either resolved soon or there’s an alternative to make up the final because I have an A in the class, but if this continues and I’m unable to submit, I get a zero and my grade falls into the seventies,” Fernandez said. “UH better not make me retake or repay for the class, because why can’t a big company like Infrastructure with thousands of schools nationwide not have better security?”

ShinyHunters claims that 275 million individuals’ data is included in the breach. Other universities affected include the University of Oklahoma, Duke University and the University of Pennsylvania. Rutgers University, the University of Colorado Boulder and Tilburg University have issued warnings asking students to be vigilant for potential phishing emails. 

A screenshot of the message popping up when students try to open the Canvas LMS system.

This is a developing story and The Cougar will continue to report on it.

news@thedailycougar.com

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"BREAKING: UH affected by cyberattack on Canvas Learning Management System" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston Cougars guard Kingston Flemings (4) dunks over Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game on Monday Dec. 29, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

UH has been on a roll lately when it comes to developing players into NBA-caliber talent. Many talented athletes from across the nation and the world have come to Houston to play for coach Kelvin Sampson and his elite staff members.

They seem to have all realized that the Houston coaching staff has mastered the art of unlocking a player’s potential, with a few exceptions here and there.

Recently, former Cougar stars Kingston Flemings and Chris Cenac Jr. both came to Houston specifically for this reason. In their short time with Sampson, they both quickly flourished into NBA-caliber players. Flemings especially benefited as he went from an under-the-radar pickup to a potential top 10 pick in the 2026 NBA draft. 

As a Cougar, Flemings set the single-season freshman scoring record with a total of 594 points and set a freshman single-game record with an astonishing 42 points against Texas Tech. He led the team with 16.1 points, 5.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game during the 2025-26 season. This made Flemings a consensus second-team All-American and gave him first-team All-Big 12 honors.

It is this type of development that has also made many other Cougars valuable assets to a variety of current NBA team rosters. One way or another, these players have assisted their teams while providing significant depth and contributions.

Cougars in the NBA

Point guard LJ Cryer helped lead the Cougars to their first national championship game since 1984 after coming in through the transfer portal from Baylor. He came into the NBA as an undrafted free agent who eventually signed with the Golden State Warriors.

He was a steady contributor for the Warriors, averaging 8.2 points in 18 regular-season games. An unfortunate injury in a loss against the Lakers prior to the play-in tournament match-up against the Phoenix Suns sidelined him for the rest of the season.

Jamal Shead played for a total of four years as a point guard with the Cougars and won both the Big 12 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year as a senior in 2024.

Shead was drafted 45th by the Toronto Raptors in the 2024 draft and is currently averaging 6.6 points, 5.4 assists and 1.7 rebounds over 82 games. He has become an important playmaker for the Raptors who are currently contending against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

Guard Marcus Sasser also played all four years for the Cougars and won the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year award as a senior. Sasser was drafted 25th by the Detroit Pistons in 2023.

He is currently averaging 5.2 points, 2.0 assists and 1.0 rebounds per game with the Pistons. The Pistons are the number one seed in the East this 2026 season and are currently locking horns with the Orlando Magic in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

Jarace Walker was a one-and-done power/small forward who had a standout season with the Cougars during the 2022-23 season. Walker was named AAC Freshman of the Year that season and went straight to the NBA.

He currently plays for the Indiana Pacers but was drafted by the Wizards in 2023 as the eighth overall pick in the 2023 draft. Walker was injured in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks and did not play in the NBA Finals against the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Walker recently averaged 11.6 points, 2.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game during the 2025-26 season for Indiana.

Shooting guard Quentin Grimes was one of the first Cougars to earn an All-American honor since 1999 and helped lead the team to the Final Four in 2021.

He was also selected as an AAC tournament MVP after scoring 21 points against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the final match of the tournament. Grimes was drafted twenty-fifth overall by the New York Knicks in the 2021 draft and now plays for the Philadelphia 76ers.

He has averaged 13.4 points, 3.3 assists and 3.6 rebounds during the 2025-26 season. He is currently competing with his team in the 2026 NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics.

All these players are prime examples of how Coach Sampson and company’s system unlocks the potential within. The grit and grind culture of the Houston Cougars instills a never-give-up mentality within those who endure and embrace it. This is why the 2026 motto of “Built by Houston” so aptly captures the spirit of the program.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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"Built by Houston: Cougars gone pro" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston Infielder Bethany Aguilar slides into third base during the bottom of the fourth inning during the series final against University of Centeral Flordia on March 29, 2026 in Houston | Payton Gaskill/The Cougar

Cougar softball (20-31, 3-21 Big 12) appeared in Tucson, Arizona, from April 24 to April 26 for the team’s final regular-season series against the No. 20 University of Arizona Wildcats. 

Arizona (34-13, 15-6 Big 12) overcame Houston 9-1 in the weekend opener. The Wildcats held an early five-run lead, extended in the second by homers from sophomore Addison Duke and senior Sydney Stewart. Junior Reagan Shockley and Stewart put up two runs for Arizona in the first inning.

Junior Makenna Mitchell recorded the Cougars’ lone run with her 18th homer, the fourth-best in program history and 50th recorded hit of the season in the top of the third. Arizona secured four runs in the bottom of the fourth, signaling a run-rule to end the game. 

April 25 was the second game of the series, where the Cougars fell 8-0. Freshman Wildcat Rylie Holder held Houston to three hits recorded by Mitchell and sophomores Ariel Redmond and Madox Mitchael.

Arizona tallied eight runs in four innings and gained a five-run advantage by the bottom of the third. Houston was unable to recover after Arizona scored three more runs in the bottom of the fourth.

The final game of Houston’s regular season was played on April 26, with the series ultimately being won by Arizona with a score of 15-4.

Houston fought to improve and secured four runs in the series-closing game, coming out strong in the first with a two-run homer from sophomore Maddie Hartley, making her the second player in program history to record 20 or more home runs in one season.

The Wildcats responded by scoring five runs due to home runs by junior Tele Jennings, senior Grace Jenkins and Stewart. Arizona also scored five runs in the second and third innings; however, neither team scored in the fourth.

In the bottom of the fifth, an RBI from Mitchael allowed Redmond to score from third base. Hartley scored the final run with an RBI from senior Kylei Griffin.

History was made in the final game, as Hartley’s homer solidified this year’s Cougars with the second-most home runs in a single season in program history with a total of 70, coming in behind the 2008 UH softball team. 

Finishing their season with a 20-31 record, Houston softball prepares for an offseason of hard work to get back in the winning column next year.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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"Wildcat Trouble: Arizona sweeps Houston in final series of the season" was originally posted on The Cougar

Hailey Nguyen/The Cougar

During the second and third weeks in April, music festival season opens up with the internet’s favorite event: Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Located in the middle of the desert in Indio, California, Coachella manages to ignite interest worldwide. 

The festival lineup features artists from many genres, attracting people from all walks of life. Coachella is also known for the unique and interesting fashion choices festival-goers wear and for an aesthetic that is unrivaled among festivals. They also host art exhibitions that often feature vibrant colors and unusual elements or artistry, like the iconic rainbow tower and Ferris wheel. 

Coachella’s aesthetic is visually appealing and whimsical, which is why it gains so much traction each year. It brings music, art, fashion and culture together in one place for two weekends. But for a festival that prides itself on being a place for everyone to celebrate music and art, it now seems to be for only major brands, influencers and celebrities. 

There is so much media coverage for the festival that in weekend one alone, it earned $870 million in media impact value. Videos created by influencers or celebrities across major social media platforms caught everyone’s attention. But is it still entertainment, or has it become a marketing opportunity?

Bieberchella

The most talked-about videos from Coachella this year centered on Justin Bieber’s headlining performance. Since he hasn’t performed for a U.S. audience since his 2022 tour, the excitement surrounding his return was even greater. The moment was quickly dubbed “Bieberchella,” with fans online expressing envy of those who were able to experience it in person.

The most appealing part of his performance was his setlist, which featured many of his older hits, including “Baby,” “Beauty and a Beat” and “Never Say Never.” The set brought back Bieber Fever and a wave of nostalgia, especially for longtime fans at the festival and those watching from home, who felt they were reliving those moments.

Nostalgia took center stage when Sabrina Carpenter brought out Madonna as a surprise guest during her set. The queen of pop performed some of her biggest hits, including “Vogue” and “Like a Prayer.”

Aside from the headliners, Coachella is also filled with high-energy, iconic and stylish moments, making it easy to consume all this content and get caught up in the excitement. However, those nostalgic and envious feelings are coming through a screen, carefully curated to show only the best parts of the experience.

The reality of Coachella

In reality, Coachella is far less accessible for most people. Camping conditions can be difficult, with long lines for porta-potties, dirty showers, limited sleeping space in cars or small campsites and extremely expensive food and drinks. 

The glamorous parts of Coachella are mostly showcased by influencers or celebrities who were either sent by a brand deal or paid an insane amount for said accommodations. 

Beyond that, the cost of attending alone puts it out of reach for many. Between tickets, travel, outfits and accommodations, the total price quickly adds up. The festival has evolved into a brand-curated, influencer-driven spectacle that often hides the sweaty, expensive and chaotic reality experienced by the people in the background of those TikToks and Instagram posts.

Much of the traction and excitement around Coachella is also somewhat parasocial in nature. People consume the content and feel a sense of satisfaction, almost as if they are there themselves, even while many are struggling to earn a living wage. 

Coachella becomes another example of how easily society can be distracted by celebrity culture, pulling attention away from what is happening in the real world. As prices in the United States continue to rise, the obsession with a festival that has increasingly become accessible mainly to the wealthy only highlights that disconnect.

Coachella was originally created to give fans an amazing experience. It was one of a kind compared to other music festivals. The art displayed each year is supposed to be in some way connected to the environment and human interaction. It was supposed to be an experience attainable by everyone; however, it has gone too far out of touch. 

The incredible music performances and the exceptional art displays will probably never change at Coachella, but they are, sadly, becoming little more than marketing tools. The culture is slipping away. If brands continue to capitalize on it, Coachella will never be within reach for the average person. It will have to be consumed on a screen while the world falls apart around them. 

Opinion@thedailycougar.com

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"In case you had Coachella FOMO" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston sprint runner Madison Sweezer takes off for a sprint during an NCAA college track meet on Friday, April 17, 2026 in Houston, Texas. | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar

From April 23-25, the Houston Cougars split up to compete in three meets at three different locations. Some traveled to Philadelphia for the Penn Relays, while some went to Waco for the Michael Johnson Invitational. Others competed in the third meet, the J. Fred Duckett Twilight event in Houston, Texas.

Philadelphia’s Penn Relays

The Penn Relays stretched over a course of three days beginning on April 23. At the Penn Relays, Houston notched its first-ranked finish on the second day.

The Cougars were represented by freshman Micah Washington, freshman Sean Aigboboh, junior Jaelyn Reeves-Lile and graduate Trey East III in the men’s 4×200-meter relay race. They placed third with a time of 1:21.98 in the Championship of America final.

On the final day of the competition, Houston pulled off three third-place finishes on a chilly, wet day in the City of Brotherly Love.

Freshman Alexa Smothers had a third-place finish with a time of 11.98 in the women’s 100-meter race. Senior Louie Hinchliffe placed third in the men’s 100-meter event with a time of 10.40.

Finally, in the men’s 4×400-meter relay team consisting of freshman Dominic Harper, sophomore Damarien Jacobs, sophomore King Taylor and East III placed third with a time of 3:37.07.

Michael Johnson Invitational

The Michael Johnson Invitational began on April 24 and was a two-day event. Graduate Canaan Wharry was victorious in the men’s discus with a mark of 52.08m. His victory was the only first-place finish for the Cougars. 

Senior Zaeda Houff placed second at the podium in the women’s hammer throw. In the same event for the men, redshirt sophomore Ty Lott placed third. Houff recorded a mark of 54.16, while Lott posted a mark of 63.56m.

On the last day in Waco, freshman Shieana Hall won the women’s triple jump event with a mark of 13.34m (4.1m/s). Overall, Hall recorded five jumps over 13 meters (43 ft), with the victory coming on her last attempt. S

enior Anthony Trucks came in second place in the men’s 110-meter hurdles at the same meet with a wind-aided time of 13.60.

J. Fred Duckett Twilight meet

The J. Fred Duckett Twilight meet at Rice was a one-day event held on April 25, the same day the other two events concluded. The Cougars took home eight total victories in various categories at the meet.

In the men’s events, freshman Zachary Miller placed first in the 1500-meter race with a time of 3:43.02, while sophomore Remay Abraha placed third with a mark of 3:44.60. Freshman Elijah Hernandez also placed third in the 400-meter event with a mark of 47.65m.

In the shot-put event, Cordell Nwokeji was able to bring in a first-place victory with a mark of 19.03m. Sophomore Noah Hanson placed second in the 110 hurdles with a mark of 14.19. In the discus competition, Wharry made it to the podium again with a third-place finish and a new mark of 54.73m.

Next, in the women’s events, freshman Zyon Alston placed first in the 100-meter event with a mark of 11.54. Alston also placed first in the 200-m event with a mark of 23.76.

In the 400-meter race, freshman Mallory McLemore placed first with a mark of 58.86 while freshman Destiney Verdin placed third with her own mark of 59.55.

Senior Ali Mack won the 100 hurdles event with a first-place finish of 14.18. In the pole vault competition, freshman Arianna Peroni placed first with a mark of 4.05m while sophomore Nicole Prall finished third with a mark of 3.80m.

Freshman Saphina Stanley was the last first-place finisher with a mark of 12.29m in the triple jump. Sophomore Stephanie Ume-Ezeoke finished second in the same event with a mark of 12.06m.

Overall, the Cougars did well in all three meets leading into Senior Day at the Cameron Burrell Invitational. This event takes place on April 30, back home at the Carl Lewis International Campus.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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"Full speed ahead: Houston track triple header" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston assistant coach Kyle Cheesebrough talks to Houston pitcher Caleb Kimble (25) during an NCAA baseball game against the University of Texas Longhorns, Tuesday, March 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. | Matthew Guzman/The Cougar

The Houston Cougars entered the series with just four conference wins all season. That figure would remain the same after the weekend series against the TCU Horned Frogs in Fort Worth from April 24-26.

Game 1: Multi-home run game from Climie not enough in opener

Despite senior infielder Cade Climie’s two-home run day, the rest of the Cougars found just three more hits in the 8-3 loss against the Horned Frogs. This was Climie’s 50th career multi-hit game, as five of six home runs this season have come on the road.

The loss was given to sophomore right-hander Kendall Hoffman after he allowed six runs off eight hits in six innings. He also struck out a season-high seven batters.

Although the Cougars scored first for the 25th time this season, five unanswered runs gave TCU a 5-1 lead going into the sixth.

Climie’s second dinger cut the lead to 5-2 before another three TCU runs put the game out of reach. Senior infielder Antonelli Savattere tacked on Houston’s final run in the ninth.

Sophomore catcher Nolan Traeger went 3 for 4 with a home run, while junior infielder Jack Bell led TCU in RBI with his three-run shot.

The win was awarded to sophomore right-hander Trever Baumler as he allowed just two earned runs and three hits in 5.2 innings.

Game 2: Late-game TCU barrage gives Houston series loss

After leading 2-1 going into the bottom of the eighth, Houston gave up three runs in the inning and lost 4-2.

Junior outfielder Chase Brunson and freshman catcher Brady Dallimore smacked doubles in the eighth to get the Cougars claws out of TCU’s back.

Despite earning eight hits as a team, Houston went 0-14 with runners on base. Climie and sophomore infielder Jackson LaLima connected for solo home runs in the contest.

Senior left-handed pitcher Ryne Rodriguez was given the loss after he allowed the three runs and walked two batters in 2.1 innings.

Brunson led the Horned Frogs with two RBI and senior infielder Preston Gamster launched a home run. Starting freshman pitcher Lance Davis threw seven innings of two-run ball while striking out five batters.

Game 3: Mid-game TCU explosion gives way for sweep of Houston

Over the third and fourth innings, 10 runs put the Horned Frogs firmly in control of the finale and the series, as they beat the Cougars 14-2.

After leading by one going into the third, Dallimore connected for a two-out, three RBI double to kickstart the avalanche. Bell added one more off a RBI triple to score Dallimore.

After TCU scored more RBI than stars in the Texas sky, Bell connected for his sixth home run of the season to score two more. Sophomore two-way player Cole Eaton tacked on one more run to cap the Horned Frogs’ scoring.

Houston was able to make a slight dent in the lead in the seventh when freshman catcher Mikey Vanderheyden scored on a passed ball. Sophomore infielder Justin Cherrington then brought home freshman outfielder Will Van Wie on a sacrifice fly for the final run of the game.

Junior pitcher Richie Roman was given the loss as he made his first start since February, allowing five earned runs and struck out three batters in 2 2/3 innings. Junior outfielder Tre Broussard led the Cougars offensively by going 2 for 3 at the plate. 

Bell went 4-of-4 at the plate with a homer and four RBI for TCU as Dallimore led the Horned Frogs with six RBI. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Zack James earned the win as he went five innings of no-run ball and struck out two batters.

Next, the 18-24 Cougars will take on the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks on April 28 at 4 p.m. in Nacogdoches.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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"Cougars swept in weekend conference series against TCU" was originally posted on The Cougar

Nina To/The Cougar

The Trump administration announced new H-1B visa rules in September 2025, including a $100,000 fee for H-1B specialty occupation workers currently outside the U.S.

These rule changes will affect the estimated 10% of the UH student population that are international as they seek to join the workforce. These students will not only have to break into one of the toughest job markets since COVID-19 but also need to find an employer willing to sponsor their visas.

One international PhD candidate in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, who has asked to remain anonymous over concerns about their visa, fears that the new rules will bar them from being able to apply to jobs.

“After I graduate from graduate school, I will need an H-1B visa to get a job,” the PhD candidate said. “My biggest concern is that visa issues might prevent me from getting a job even if I receive an offer, or that I might not even be able to apply in the first place because of visa restrictions.”

Other students have experienced similar fear and trepidation. Another PhD student from Europe is staying in school even longer just to buy themselves time in the U.S. The student chose to remain anonymous over fears that the new rules will bar them from being able to apply to jobs.

“Before all this, I had a clear plan,” the PhD student said. “I came here with the intention of building a career and a life in the U.S. after graduating, but there is so much uncertainty right now that I have started considering options I never thought about before, like pursuing more school just to buy time and stability.”

Both students experience an anxiety that haunts their everyday life. The PhD student describes it as a quiet anxiety that is always lingering, especially when dealing with public officials. The PhD candidate has not returned home since September, as they are worried they would be stranded there and not allowed to return to continue their studies.

Both students fear that with the ever-changing visa environment, their hard work in the last couple of years will amount to nothing if they are forced to return to their home countries without completing their degree.

Despite the difficulties and worries they face, the two students said that one thing has helped them through these hard times is friendship.

“Many international students come to study abroad alone without their families, so we often have to deal with various problems by ourselves,” the PhD candidate said. “On top of that, the fear of possibly being deported due to visa issues, along with heightened concerns about future employment, creates significant psychological stress. In times like this, having even one or two friends who look out for me makes me feel truly grateful.”

The PhD student has similarly expressed gratitude for the support of friends.

“It means more than I can say to feel seen and not alone in this,” the PhD student said. “I’d want people to know that these gestures matter.”

news@thedailycougar.com

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"‘Before all this, I had a clear plan:’ Students raise concern amidst rising H-1B visa uncertainities" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston celebrates with outfielder Irvin Weems III (5) after his successful run during an NCAA baseball game on Sunday, May 3, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston broke away from a three-game losing streak after its home game against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on May 6, winning 10-1.

Houston came out swinging in the first inning, scoring its first run by a double from senior infielder Cade Climie, that allowed junior outfielder Tre Broussard to take off and score from first base. Houston added another run in the third inning on a score by senior infielder Tyler Cox. 

In the top of the fifth, junior infielder Max Towchik, who holds a slug percentage of .444 for the 2026 season, capped off the first and only run of the game for A&M with his third home run of the season. Houston responded with two runs in the bottom of the inning and four runs in the sixth, with one of those six runs from freshman infielder Blake Fields’s home run.

The game-ending score of 10-1 was set in the bottom of the seventh after both red-shirt sophomore outfielder and first baseman Xavier Perez and senior infielder Savaterre Antonelli scored off of wild pitches. The game ended two empty innings later and Houston had secured the win.

Houston is set to get right back into conference play with its next Big 12 series from May 8 to May 10 against Arizona in Tucson. 

sports@thedailycougar.com

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"Islanders left stranded: Houston beats A&M Corpus Christi" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston tennis team celebrating senior Gabriela Cortes’ score after her second round of singles of an NCAA tennis match against Missouri State on Sunday March 29, 2026, in Houston, Texas. | Luis Diego Gonzalez/The Cougar

The Houston tennis team went into their 2026 season with grit after a devastating 2025 season. Under Houston’s second season under coach Katarina Adamovic, the Cougars felt a string of determination going on to the courts. The Cougars opened with a nine non-conference match win streak, the best season opener since 1990.  

Even though the Cougars lost the first round in the Big 12 Championship Tournament against the Texas Tech Red Raiders, the season was filled with resilience. The Cougars finished 17-6 overall and 8-5 in the Big 12 conference. 

Houston opened the conference season with back-to-back wins. However, the first weekend away, the Cougars suffered two losses, followed by a home match loss against the Red Raiders. 

The Cougars, with an undeniable shutout mentality, closed out thirteen matches overall and two in conference with 4-0. The force of nature was spread all throughout the players and three stood out. 

Houston senior Sophie Schouten, took the court with speed. Her forehand took her to a 17-1 overall and 7-0 in conference singles. Schouten, always being the first to complete her singles matches, only dropped a total of two sets out of 37 sets played, setting a 94.6% set win rate. The Cougar held her end for the season. 

Houston junior Valeriia Krokhotina paced her opponents and threaded with tempo. The Cougar posted 14-1 overall and 5-1 in conference singles. Krokhotina rose mid-season from fourth to third in the singles ranking for the Cougars, after determining matches early in a set. She dropped only 4 sets out of 33 played, for an 87.9% set win rate. Krokhotina’s consistent rallies took control of most matches and settled winners when needed. 

Junior Petja Drame showcased skillful play from the beginning. Drame ended the season 10-5 overall and 4-1 in conference singles. Her powerful and precise serves held service games.

If Drame wasn’t one of the first Cougars to close out a match she was the one to clinch it. Gaining the ultimate win for Houston, Drame dropped ten sets out of the 31 played, setting a 67.7% set win rate. 

To understand the depth of Coach Adamovic’s team’s motivation, the synergy between the players is on the doubles courts. Houston senior Chems Doha Zeghlouli and Schouten synchronized tactical play became the backbone of the Cougars’ early lead in matches.

The pair went 13-6 overall and 5-2 in conference doubles. Zeghlouli and Schouten’s strong defense at net helped them dominate 55% of the games for the season. The doubles pair’s highest rank for the season was 82 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) on Feb 19. 

With the season over, Houston now faces a period of transition as they say goodbye to four graduating seniors: Elizaveta Morozova, Gabriela Cortes, Schouten and Zeghlouli. They led Houston to its most successful season in over three decades. 

Under Coach Adamovic, Houston continues to prove they can compete at the highest level in the Big 12 and continue their “shutout mentality.”

sports@thedailycougar.com

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"Shutout mentality: Cougar tennis 2026 season recap" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston catcher Savanna Luther eyeing to bat during the bottom of fourth inning of an NCAA softball game against Arizona State, on Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Houston, Texas. | Luis Diego Gonzalez/The Cougar

Houston heads out west to face  No.20 Arizona on April 24-26, who holds the home advantage 23-4 and conference advantage 12-6, for their next conference series.

Player highlights

Houston makes their presence on the mound with junior pitcher Gigi Solis who only had one wild pitch the entire season and 20 strikeouts.

Sophomore pitcher/infielder Maddie Hartley is out on the bases with 32 runs and a .341 batting average.

Arizona exhibits senior utility Grace Jenkins, who prior to transferring to Arizona was named BIG EAST player of the year at UConn. At Arizona this season Jenkins has 24 runs and a .310 batting average.

Sophomore catcher/utility Emma Kavanagh shows her skill on the field and home plate with 13 putouts and a .317 batting average.

Houston hopes to end their last series of the season with a win and break free of their current six-game loss streak while Arizona comes off their last defeat against OSU.

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"Big Cat showdown preview: Houston takes on Arizona" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston outfielder Tre Broussard (3) successfully takes first base during an NCAA baseball game against the University of Texas Longhorns, Tuesday, March 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. | Matthew Guzman/The Cougar

Houston sets out for Fort Worth for their next conference series against Texas Christian University from April 24-26. 

Both teams are coming off wins after Houston beat Rice in their Silver Glove Series game and TCU on a three-game win streak, beating Baylor twice and Dallas Baptist University.

Player highlights

Houston brings junior catcher Riley Jackson, who gave the Cougars the win in the Silver Glove Series off a game-winning home run. He sports 261 putouts, 20 assists, and a .989 fielding percentage this season, showing his strength on the field.

Junior outfielder and Silver Glove Series Co-MVP, Tre Broussard, holds 20 runs and a .306 batting average for the season. 

TCU holds right-handed pitcher Tommy LaPour with his 3.60 G-ERA and two runs scored this season.

Sophomore outfielder Sawyer Strosnider holds 41 hits across the season and nine stolen bases.

TCU has home advantage with a home win score of 16-5 compared to Houston’s 7-12. Both teams are very close in away game scores, with Houston at 6-7 and TCU at 7-8.

TCU has the advantage with their 10-8 conference record while playing at home for the upcoming series.

Houston will follow up their series against TCU by traveling to Nacogdoches to face off against Stephen F Austin University and TCU will go against UT Arlington in Fort Worth.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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"Houston tours the Stockyards: UH vs TCU preview" was originally posted on The Cougar

Eddie Ducote/ The Cougar

Walking into my cousin’s house, I noticed the lack of color in her home decor. Gray walls, a light gray couch and even a white Christmas tree with light gold ornaments.

As shocked as I was, I wasn’t surprised, because she’s a millennial. This gray decor phenomenon has become a trend in her generation, known as “millennial gray.” 

Millennials are categorized as individuals born between 1981 and 1996. They grew up around distinct color trends that are still talked about to this day. In the 1980s, bright colors like neon pink and yellow were popular, while the 1990s brought cooler tones like red and brown. 

The appeal of gray

Growing up around cool, grunge tones, one might think millennials would aim for a bright color palette by the time they got to decorate their own space.

However, many millennials grew tired of their childhood homes’ color palette, and with the rise of minimalism in the early 2010s, gray became the modern color choice.

“Millennial gray” first became a phrase in the mid-2010s. One of the many factors was the surplus of Home & Garden Television shows that renovated older homes into modern, minimalist spaces. Since then, gray has become the defining color trend of the 2010s and remains popular among millennials.

Millennials were also drawn to this gray aesthetic because of the world they entered as adults. Facing a housing crisis, a recession and climate anxiety, they gravitated toward something calm, and gray offered exactly that. Having a neutral and uncluttered home can bring stability in a chaotic world. 

This makes gray an easy choice for creating a modern, fresh-looking space while also maintaining the simplicity that millennials strive for.

Gen Z is bringing color back

As Gen Z moves into their first apartments and homes, their color choices are bold and varied. Gen Z has embraced maximalism in many forms, with popular trends such as “cottagecore” bringing whimsical vibes with shades of green and wood accents. Apartments are covered in quirky wall art, feature accent walls in every room and have basic appliances in every color of the rainbow. 

Gen Z is a creative and expressive generation. As a Gen Zer, I always felt like I could express myself however I wanted in my space. I tried to show that in my choice of room decor. My friends growing up all had colorful, fun wall colors like pink, purple and turquoise. So, is that why we continue to stay colorful?

Part of the reason Gen Z loves to express themselves in color is social media. Gen Z is the first generation to grow up with Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest, where people can showcase their style and creativity to the world. Many of my friends have Pinterest boards for fashion, room decor and living space inspiration, and the color combinations are endless. 

The future of decor trends

A light gray coffee table paired with a gray suede couch is the “millennial blueprint” of home decor. It attracts them with its simplicity and can create a cool, calm environment.

Warm, yellow lighting shining into a living room filled with various colorful pillows on a red couch can make a 20-year-old feel right at home.

Although millennials get hate for decorating dull, decorating our own spaces allows us to be authentic and creative. There’s never a “right” color swatch for your living room, or a certain couch color you have to have. Interior design is meant to be expressive and telling; each generation should be able to explore it.

opinion@thedailycougar.com

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"The death of Millennial gray" was originally posted on The Cougar