College

Uws Mens Tennis Champs
College, Sports

UWS Men’s Tennis Battles Back to Win UMAC Championship

This is the UWS Men's Tennis teams first UMAC Championship Title.
Cam Derr,

  MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.– The UWS Men’s Tennis team won it’s first conference championship today at Baseline Tennis Center. The Yellowjackets came back from a 3-1 deficit against Northwestern. Jace Gilbertson and Jacob Zacharias, won their final two matches to bring home the title, ultimately beating Northwestern 5-4. With the win, the UWS Men’s Tennis team gets an automatic berth to…
College, Sports

UWS Softball Falls to Bethany Lutheran in UMAC Championship

Yellowjackets were just one game shy of the school single season record.
Cam Derr,

  SUPERIOR, Wis.- After winning the UMAC regular season out right for the first time in program history, the UWS softball team was granted the No. 1 seed going into the conference tournament. The Yellowjackets fell early in this weekends tournament, losing game one to Minnesota Morris. The team would rebound with two wins against Northwestern and Minnesota Morris to…

Umd Softball
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Season Ends at NSIC Tournament for UMD Softball Team

UMD finishes the year with an overall record of 39-16.
Sam Ali,

ROCHESTER, Minn. – The UMD softball team defeated Southwest Minnesota State 1-0 to avoid elimination from the NSIC tournament. But a loss to Minnesota State Mankato in the following game 3-2 ended the season for the Bulldogs. UMD finishes the year with an overall record of 39-16. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

S
College, Sports

UW-Superior Softball Earns Back-to-Back Wins to Advance to UMAC Championship Game

The Yellowjackets advance to the UMAC championship game to face Bethany Lutheran as they will need two wins over the Vikings to punch their ticket to the NCAA tournament.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After dropping its UMAC tournament opener, the UW-Superior softball team defeated Northwestern 3-1 and Minnesota Morris 9-1 Friday afternoon at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex. The Yellowjackets advance to the UMAC championship game to face Bethany Lutheran as they will need two wins over the Vikings to punch their ticket to the NCAA tournament. First pitch in…

Kora Forsline
College, High School, Sports

Mesabi East’s Kora Forsline Signs NLI for St. Cloud State Women’s Basketball

Forsline wrapped up her high school career scoring over 1,000 points and becoming the program's all-time leader in rebounds.
Sam Ali,

AURORA, Minn. – Mesabi East’s Kora Forsline has signed her National Letter of Intent to join the St. Cloud State women’s basketball team. Forsline wrapped up her high school career scoring over 1,000 points and becoming the program’s all-time leader in rebounds. Forsline played five sports in high school, but basketball was always her favorite, especially within her family. “My…

Niko Rexine
College, Sports

Minnesota Wilderness Forward Niko Rexine Named Midwest Division Rookie of the Year

Rexine also earned All-Rookie First Team honors after leading his team in assists with 44 and points with 61.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Minnesota Wilderness forward Niko Rexine has been named NAHL Midwest Division Rookie of the Year. He also earned All-Rookie First Team honors after leading his team in assists with 44 and points with 61. This week, Rexine was taken in the third round of the USHL Phase II Draft by the Muskegon Lumberjacks. He is also committed…

Uws Softball
College, Sports

UW-Superior Softball Drops UMAC Playoff Opener to Minnesota Morris

The Yellowjackets move on to face Northwestern Friday morning to try and dig out of the bottom of the bracket.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Minnesota Morris scored two runs in the fifth inning as they held on to beat UW-Superior 2-0 in the opener of the UMAC softball tournament Thursday afternoon. The Yellowjackets move on to face Northwestern Friday morning to try and dig out of the bottom of the bracket. Categories: College, Sports

Kuhlman
Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Former UMD Men’s Hockey Captain, Esko Native Karson Kuhlman Named to U.S. Men’s National Team

The IIHF world championships will begin next Friday in Finland.
Sam Ali,

COLRADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Former UMD men’s hockey captain Karson Kuhlman has been named to the U.S. men’s national roster that will compete at the IIHF men’s world championships. The Esko native has split time this season in the NHL with the Boston Bruins and the Seattle Kraken. This past weekend, Kuhlman played in his 100th career NHL game. The…

Wilderness Hockey
College, Sports

Resiliency Continues to Show During Playoff Run for Minnesota Wilderness

The Wilderness will head back to Alaska to now face the Anchorage Wolverines, a team they took two of three from during the regular season.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Back in December, the Minnesota Wilderness dropped nine games in a row. And just when they were written off by the rest of the league, they rallied in the second half of the season to clinch a playoff spot. Last week, the Wilderness lost the first two games of their series against division champs Fairbanks. And when…

Umd Bmse Camp
Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Fun and Games for Kids at UMD BMSE’s Sports Camp

The BMSE group says it hopes to make the camp a regular event moving forward.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Public Schools Stadium was the place to be Wednesday for kids to get outside and enjoy the weather with their favorite UMD Bulldogs. The Black Men Serving Excellence group hosted a special sports camp at Denfeld High School. The event was free to the public and featured several activities including football, soccer and tug of war. Organizers…

Bella Scaia
College, High School, Sports

Hibbing’s Bella Scaia Signs NLI for St. Catherine Volleyball, Softball

Scaia was a four-year varsity player on the Bluejackets volleyball team, appearing in every set of every match in the past three years.
Sam Ali,

HIBBING, Minn. – Wednesday morning, Hibbing’s Bella Scaia signed her National Letter of Intent to join the volleyball and softball teams at St. Catherine University. Scaia says she plans to major in nursing, which will keep her extra busy while playing two sports at the college level. “I’m very excited, but it’s definitely going to be a challenge. A little…

Ryan Thomsche
College, High School, Sports

Cloquet’s Ryan Tomsche Commits to UWS Men’s Soccer Team

Tomsche captained the Lumberjacks to their second-ever section title and first since 2011.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – This week, Cloquet’s Ryan Tomsche put pen to paper on his commitment to join the UW-Superior men’s soccer team. This past fall, the center midfielder anchored CEC’s first line of defense for a squad that had a goals against average against under one. Tomsche also captained the Lumberjacks to their second-ever section title and first since 2011….

Pionk
College, High School, Sports

Hermantown’s Aaron Pionk Selected in First Round of USHL Phase II Draft

Pionk currently skates for the Minnesota Wilderness and is fourth on the team among defenseman in points.
Sam Ali,

CHICAGO, Ill. – The USHL held its Phase II Draft Wednesday afternoon. And with the fourth overall pick, Waterloo selected Hermantown native Aaron Pionk. Other selections include a pair of Grand Rapids teammates as Hunter Bischoff went in the fourth roun to Youngstown and Ren Morque was a ninth-round selection for Sioux City. Also, Eveleth native Will Troutwine was taken…

Uws Tennis
College, Sports

UWS Men’s Tennis Captures First Outright UMAC Regular Season Title in Program History

The Yellowjackets will open the UMAC tournament taking on fourth-seeded Minnesota Morris in the semi-finals on Friday
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UW-Superior men’s tennis team made some major history this past weekend. The Yellowjackets wrapped up their regular season schedule going undefeated in the UMAC and winning their first outright conference title in program history. And the team hopes to keep the good times rolling in the UMAC tournament this weekend. “You know, it was right from…

R
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Baseball Sweeps Southwest Minnesota State in Home Finale

The Bulldogs will close out their regular season with a three-game road series against Bemidji State.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD baseball team would score seven runs in third inning to get the win over Southwest Minnesota State 10-7 Tuesday afternoon at Wade Stadium. And in Game 2, the Bulldogs knocked off the Mustangs 8-6 to sweep the doubleheader. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Umdsportscamp
Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD BMSE Student Group to Host Free Sports Camp at Public Schools Stadium

The camp is open to boys and girls ages K through 8th grade and there is no need to register in advance.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Throughout the year, UMD hosts several camps, whether it’s with the women’s basketball team or the football team. And later this week, the Bulldogs will host another one with a special goal. A free sports camp will take place this Wednesday at Denfeld High School’s Public Schools Stadium. The event is hosted by the UMD Black Men…

Duluth Fc
College, Sports

Duluth FC Footballers Put Pen to Paper on Signing Day

The Bluegreens will open their season this Saturday on the road against Joy Athletic.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Monday afternoon, Duluth FC held a special signing day at St. Luke’s to welcome the players for this upcoming season. The roster is filled with players from all over the world, including a handful of footballers from last year’s squad. When asked for reasons why they decided to come back, their love for the fanbase was near…

Css Baseball
College, Sports

St. Scholastica Baseball Celebrates Senior Day with Sweep Over St. Olaf

The Saints will be back in action Tuesday afternoon with a road doubleheader against Gustavus Adolphus.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Senior Day, the St. Scholastica baseball team earned a home sweep over St. Olaf 3-0 in Game 1 and 4-3 in Game 2 Monday afternoon at Wade Stadium. The Saints will be back in action Tuesday afternoon with a road doubleheader against Gustavus Adolphus. Categories: College, Sports

Ryden Donovan
College, Sports

Former Duluth East Hockey Standout Ryder Donovan Transfers from Wisconsin to Vermont

Donovan spent the past three seasons with the Badgers, totaling 12 points in 88 games.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth East hockey star Ryder Donovan is transferring from Wisconsin to Vermont. The forward confirmed the move on his Twitter account. Donovan spent the past three seasons with the Badgers, totaling 12 points in 88 games. The 21-year-old will have two more years of eligibility with the Catamounts with the extra year due to the pandemic….

Jordyn Thomas
College, Northern Star, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Northern Star: Jordyn Thomas

Thomas is a 5th year senior, a captain and VP of the Green Bandana Project.
Cam Derr,

DULUTH, Minn.– Jordyn Thomas is a superstar on the softball field, holding the all-time home run record at UMD. But, when Covid struck in 2020, ending her season along with athletes across the country, Thomas was granted a fifth year of eligibility. “I kind of just made the decision that you only get so many years of playing the sport…

College, Sports

UMD Baseball Jumps Ahead in Series Against Minot State

They will continue the series versus the Beavers tomorrow at 10am at Wade Stadium.
Cam Derr,

DULUTH, Minn.– The Bulldogs fell behind early in Game One, but the bats came alive late. UMD pulls out the come from behind win against Minot State 7-6. In Game Two of the doubleheader, the Bulldogs rally in the eighth to win 3-2. They will continue the series versus the Beavers tomorrow at 10am at Wade Stadium. Categories: College, Sports

Uws Highlights
College, Sports

UWS Baseball Defeats North Central to Sweep the Series

Next up, UWS travels to Northland on Tuesday.
Cam Derr,

SUPERIOR, Wisc.–UWS scored 34 unanswered runs during the first two games Friday and Saturday. The Yellowjackets bats stayed hot as they complete the series sweep against the Rams this afternoon, 17-10. Next up, UWS travels to Northland on Tuesday. Categories: College, Sports

Asdasdasdasd
College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

St. Scholastica Holds Dedication Ceremony for Dan Seeler Entry Hall

The space will feature the new CSS Athletics Hall of Fame Wall, which includes Seeler's name from 2013.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday, St. Scholastica held a special dedication ceremony for the new Dan Seeler Entry Hall in the Burns Wellness Commons named after the former CSS soccer and hockey player. Seeler played for the Saints from 1978 to 1982. The space will feature the new CSS Athletics Hall of Fame Wall, which includes Seeler’s name from 2013. “The…

Coaches Corner
Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Coaches Corner: Melissa Fracker

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the UW-Superior softball team.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from UW-Superior softball coach Melissa Fracker as the Yellowjackets will wrap up their regular season this weekend. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Cloquet Signings
College, High School, Sports

Four Cloquet Lumberjacks Sign National Letters of Intent

The Lumberjacks hosted the athletes friends, family and teammates to celebrate their commitments.
Cam Derr,

CLOQUET, Minn.– Today, four Lumberjacks put pen to paper on their college commitments. Maddie Young signed on to continue her basketball career at St. Catherine University, which means she won’t be too far from home. “I’m just ready for some change I think. I think change is good and I’m really excited to kind of move to a different location…

Koyk
Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Former UMD, CSS Defenseman Brenden Kotyk Named Head Coach of South Carolina Stingrays

Kotyk led the team to a 10-8 record which included a season-best five-game win streak and victories in seven of their final nine games.
Sam Ali,

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – This week, the ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays named former UMD and St. Scholastica men’s hockey player Brenden Kotyk their new head coach. The 30-year-old took over as interim head coach back in early March and since then, he led the team to a 10-8 record which included a season-best five-game win streak and victories in seven…

Uwsbase
College, Sports

UW-Superior Baseball Rallies to Sweep Doubleheader Against Northland College

The Yellowjackets won the first game of the doubleheader after being down six runs in the first inning.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Northland College would jump out to a 6-0 in the first inning, but the UW-Superior baseball team would rally to send the game into extras and go on to win 9-8 in 11 innings Tuesday afternoon at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex. And in Game 2, the Yellowjackets would get the win over the Lumberjacks 9-3 to…

Cole Css
College, High School, Sports

Grand Rapids/Greenway’s Kenzie Cole Signs NLI for St. Scholastica Women’s Hockey Team

Cole was a finalist for the Minnesota Senior Goalie of the Year Award this past season.
Sam Ali,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Grand Rapids/Greenway goalie Kenzie Cole signed her National Letter of Intent Monday to join the St. Scholastica women’s hockey team. Cole says she was in contact with a few schools, but she only toured one of them: CSS. And a lot of that had to do with wanting to check out her future head coach, Julianne…

Uwssoftbal
College, Sports

UW-Superior Softball Team Splits Doubleheader Against Northwestern in UMAC Title Game Re-Match

The Yellowjackets improve to 13-3 in the UMAC, which puts them tied in first place with Bethany Lutheran.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Freshman Zoe Thomson homered in the third inning as the UW-Superior softball team knocked off Northwestern 7-1 Monday afternoon at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex. In Game 2 of the doubleheader, the Eagles would split the series with an 11-7 win over the Yellowjackets. Categories: College, Sports

Umd Sb Sf
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Big Day at the Plate Helps UMD Softball Sweep Sioux Falls on Senior Day

In addition to alumni and senior day, it was also Mandy Matula Day, as the Bulldogs honored former UMD softball player who was killed in 2013 in an act of domestic violence.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – A 8-0 win in five innings in game one and a walk-off 7-6 win in eight innings in game two gave the Minnesota Duluth softball team the doubleheader sweep of Sioux Falls on Sunday afternoon on senior day. The Bulldogs scored all eight runs of the first game in the fifth inning to seal the walk-off win….

Css Sb Split
College, Sports

St. Scholastica Softball Rallies to Earn Doubleheader Split with Macalester

Aislind Dail led the way going 2-for-3 with two home runs and 5 RBI. 
Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After dropping game one 10-0, a big offensive showing in game two helped the St. Scholastica softball team earn the 15-7 win over Macalester to split Sunday’s doubleheader. After falling behind in the first inning of game two, the Saints rallied to score four in the bottom of the inning, then took the lead in the second…

Northern Star
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Jack Perala

Jack Perala stays busy playing baseball, studying to become a bio-chemistry professor and practicing the tuba for his next concert.
Cam Derr,

DULUTH, Minn.– Jack Perala is not your typical college student. In fact, one might wonder just how he gets anything done. A junior captain on the baseball team, a bio-chemistry major and a member of the CSS band. While Perala brings a big arm to the Saints pitching staff, “I really enjoyed playing tee ball from the beginning, around the…

Umd Spring Game
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Football Team Embraces Cold Temps for Annual Spring Game

The Bulldogs await their season opener this fall, which is set for September 1st at home against Southwest Minnesota State.
Cam Derr,

DULUTH, Minn.– After four weeks of practices, the UMD football team took the field for their annual spring game, as family and friends gathered at Malosky Stadium. The practices leading up to the spring game have been spotty at best, due to unpredictable weather this past month. “We’ve done practiced in the snow, sleet, rain, had some practices on the…

Dostal
College, High School, Sports

Cloquet’s Marina Dostal Commits to UW-Superior Tennis Team

Dostal was an all-conference selection in singles competition for the Lumberjacks.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – It’s official as Cloquet’s Marina Dostal signed her National Letter of Intent Friday, deciding to continue her education and tennis career close to home at UW-Superior. Dostal was an all-conference selection in singles competition for the Lumberjacks. “I’m excited, for like, new opportunities and to be with a new team and coaches. I’m glad that the team…

Austin Defoe
College, High School, Sports

Ashland’s Austin Defoe Signs NLI for Concordia Moorhead Wrestling Team

In his time as an Oredocker, Defoe finished with an overall record of 124-21.
Sam Ali,

ASHLAND, Wis. – This week, Ashland’s Austin Defoe has signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Concordia College wrestling team. In his time as an Oredocker, Defoe finished with an overall record of 124-21. He has qualified for the state tournament twice, taking third and fifth place. He is also a three-time regional champion and received all-conference honors…

Umd Softball
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Softball Debuts at #10 in NCAA Central Region Rankings

The Bulldogs are currently 29-12 on the season, including 14-6 in the NSIC.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD softball team comes in at #10 in the first NCAA Central Region rankings. The Bulldogs are currently 29-12 on the season, including 14-6 in the NSIC. UMD was schedule to host Southwest Minnesota State Saturday, but that doubleheader has been moved to Monday due to weather. Bulldogs will still host Sioux Falls Sunday for Senior…

Css Softball
College, Sports

St. Scholastica Softball Team Splits Doubleheader Against Saint Mary’s

Olivia Howe and Grace Hadlich each recorded 3 RBI in Game 1 and 2, respectively.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – In a high-scoring MIAC affair, the St. Scholastica softball team held on to beat Saint Mary’s 14-10 in the Game 1 of their doubleheader Thursday afternoon at Saints Field. And in Game 2, the Cardinals would come out on top of the Saints 10-7 to split the doubleheader.   Categories: College, Sports

Umd Baseball
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Baseball Team Drops Home Doubleheader to Minnesota Crookston

The Bulldogs will be back in action Friday as they travel to face Northern State in a three-game series. 
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Senior Tosten Mann would hit a home run in the second game of the doubleheader, but the UMD baseball team would drop both games as Minnesota Crookston wins 5-2 and 10-5 Thursday afternoon at Wade Stadium. The Bulldogs will be back in action Friday as they travel to face Northern State in a three-game series. Categories: College,…

Haley Zembo
College, High School, Sports

Superior’s Haley Zembo Announces Commitment to Winona State Softball Team

As a sophomore, she struck out 130 batters and finished with an earned run average under one.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week, Superior’s Haley Zembo announced on Twitter that she has committed to joining the Winona State softball team. In her only appearance this season, the junior finished with 10 strikeouts in a win over Cloquet last week. As a sophomore, Zembo struck out 130 batters and finished with an earned run average under one. Categories: College,…

Michael Lau
College, High School, Sports

Hermantown’s Michael Lau Signs NLI for Augsburg Football Team

Lau says he plans to remain at the quarterback position when he joins the Auggies this fall.
Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Wednesday afternoon, Hermantown’s Michael Lau signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Augsburg football team. Lau is a multi-athlete for the Hawks, which includes helping the boys basketball team capture the Section 7AAA championship. But he says he always preferred the gridiron over the hardwood. “I always liked football as a kid. Growing up with…

Umd Football
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Football Team Set for Annual Spring Game at Malosky Stadium

The UMD spring game is set to kickoff at 5:30 p.m. at Malosky Stadium.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This Friday, the UMD football team will host its annual spring game. The Bulldogs took advantage of Tuesday’s weather as they wrap up the fourth and final week of spring practices. And despite the snowy disruptions, the team says it was a very productive month of work as they get back into the swing of things. “Spring…

Kidd
College, High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Jake Kidd

For this weeks Northern Star, we hear from one of the newest additions to the Duluth FC soccer team.
Cam Derr,

SUPERIOR, Wisc.– Superior’s Jake Kidd is a few weeks away from graduating from Superior high school. Kidd wrapped up his soccer career, last fall as one of the all-time leading scorers, not only for the Spartans, but also in the state. Kidd became one of only 13 players in Wisconsin boys soccer history to score over 100 career goals. Kidd…

Uws Baseball
College, Sports

UW-Superior Baseball Edges Minnesota Morris for Fourth Win in Past Five Games

Ryan Rodriguez went seven strong innings, allowing just three runs on eight hits and struck out four.
Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Ryan Rodriguez went seven strong innings, allowing just three runs on eight hits and struck out four to help the UW-Superior softball team get the 4-3 win over Minnesota Morris. Offensively, the Yellowjackets were led by Bryce Flanagan who went 2-for-4 on the day and scored once. UWS has now won four of its last five games…

Umdsoftball
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Softball Splits With Upper Iowa, Baseball Swept by University of Mary

The UMD softball bats came alive to earn a doubleheader split, while the UMD baseball team couldn't complete a late road rally.
Claudia Chakamian,

FAYETTE, Iowa – The Minnesota Duluth softball bats came alive on Saturday, as the Bulldogs took game one 10-1 at Upper Iowa but the Peacocks won game two 14-6 to split the doubleheader. Jordyn Thomas led the way with grand slam and five RBI on the day. Lauren Dixon allowed just one run on four hits in five innings of…

Green Bandana
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD’s Green Bandana Project, Campus Police Announce Partnership to Increase Mental Health Awareness

All UMD squad cars will feature decals with the Green Bandana Project's logo as both groups look to reduce the stigma of talking about mental health.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Earlier this year, UMD’s Green Bandana Project, which brings awareness to the mental health of student athletes, was give the Award of Excellence from the NCAA. And the group’s work never stops as this week, they announced a special on-campus partnership. The Green Bandana Project is teaming up with the UMD Police Department to increase its message…

Emma Soderberg
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Emma Soderberg to Return for Fifth Year with UMD Women’s Hockey Team

Soderberg wrapped up her senior season earning Goalie of the Month honors for march from the Hockey Commissioners Association, thanks to her stellar run in the NCAA tournament.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD senior goaltender Emma Soderberg has notified the women’s hockey team that she will be returning next season for her fifth year with the program. Soderberg says at first, she was unsure about coming back. But the team’s loss in the national title game definitely influenced her decision after she had some conversations with her family, as…