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The news site of Evanston Township High School's student newspaper

The Evanstonian

The news site of Evanston Township High School's student newspaper

The Evanstonian

The news site of Evanston Township High School's student newspaper

The Evanstonian

Alexis Rogers

Alexis Rogers, Sports Feature Editor

By Alexis Rogers

Lane Tech ends girls soccer’s season in sectional semifinals for second year in a row

Alexis Rogers, Sports Editor May 22, 2024

Senior co-captain Jocelyn Leigh needed less than two minutes of the sectional semifinals to score her first goal—after a cross from freshman forward Alexandra Merriam, Leigh slipped a shot by Lane Tech’s...

1: Decades of displacement

1: Decades of displacement

Since Evanston's origins, Black Evanstonians have faced racist housing policies

Ross’ hat trick propels girls soccer to regional final victory

Alexis Rogers, Sports Editor May 20, 2024

After a decisive 9-0 win over Maine West in the regional semifinal to begin their playoff run, girls soccer seemed poised for success in the regional final. And success they had. Just ten minutes into...

Alexis Rogers | Four books that changed the way I think

Alexis Rogers | Four books that changed the way I think

Alexis Rogers, Sports Editor May 8, 2024

Great authors say that the best way to improve your writing is to read. As an elementary and middle schooler, I had no trouble following this advice; I read everywhere, all the time. My class reading logs,...

Retiring teachers reflect on time at ETHS: Liz Hartley

Retiring teachers reflect on time at ETHS: Liz Hartley

Alexis Rogers, Sports Editor May 8, 2024

Elizabeth Hartley is a woman of many hats. One—most familiar to the hundreds of students that have passed through her classroom—is for teaching. One is for farming. One is for interior design. One...

Victory over Deerfield earns girls soccer third consecutive conference title

Alexis Rogers, Sports Editor May 5, 2024

Senior co-captains Sydney Ross and Jocelyn Leigh are dynamite on the field. When the pair fans out on the front line, there’s little an opposing goalkeeper can do but brace for impact. On Thursday night,...

Trevians blow out boys baseball for the Kits’ second conference loss

Alexis Rogers and Eva Sondgeroth April 18, 2024

In the bottom of the fifth inning against New Trier Tuesday night, baseball’s prospects were as dull as the rainclouds rolling over the field. Down 5-1, the Kits were struggling to string together enough...

Girls soccer dominates Payton for fifth-straight victory

Alexis Rogers, Sports Editor April 5, 2024

In another explosive display of offensive prowess, the Kits took eight goals—while allowing none—to come out on top against Walter Payton College Prep (2-5) on Wednesday night. While facing sheets...

Four goals in 10 minutes propels girls soccer to third-consecutive shutout

Alexis Rogers, Sports Editor March 20, 2024

Within two minutes of play at Lazier Field on Tuesday night, sophomore Bridget Durkin found the back of the net for the Kits’ first goal against St. Ignatius Prep—and the Kits didn’t stop there....

Just blocks away from ETHS, Dance Center Evanston (DCE) is a space for people from every age to experience dance, whether through their structured pre-school-to-high-school Student Division, the Academy Program, teen classes, adult drop-in sessions, the boys program or any other option from an endless list of opportunities. However, for many students that take the strenuous route of pre-professional Academy levels, body standards in dance are hard to ignore.

Dance Center Evanston’s path to making dance accessible for everybody—and every body

Alexis Rogers, Sports Editor March 15, 2024

Six days a week, junior Kari Robinson heads to Studio5, changes her shoes, and takes to the dance floor for class. As she stretches at the barre or crosses the floor for a sequence, she builds strength,...

Head coach Stacy Salgado earned her 100th victory in the Kits' season-kickoff win over IC Catholic Prep.

Head coach Salgado earns 100th win in girls soccer’s season-opening shutout victory

Alexis Rogers, Sports Editor March 13, 2024

Girls soccer gave fans a first look at the 2024 Kits during their home opener against IC Catholic Prep—and the future is bright. With Sydney Ross, Jocelyn Leigh and Shea Lucas captaining a group of eight...

Senior Kailey Starks posted 18 points in Evanston's rout of Niles North on Monday.

Girls basketball trounces Vikings in opening round of playoffs

Alexis Rogers and Eva Sondgeroth February 13, 2024

Heading into the 2023-24 playoff run, head coach Brittanny Johnson knew not to take any game lightly. As the team battled back within the last few games of the regular season to secure a winning conference...

Evanston will kick off its playoff run against Niles North tonight at 6 p.m.

Breaking down girls basketball’s playoff path

Eva Sondgeroth and Alexis Rogers February 12, 2024

After two late-season conference wins and senior Zuri Ransom being healthy and fully back into Evanston’s lineup, girls’ basketball has their eyes set on a deep run heading into the IHSA Class 4A playoffs. Evanston...

Senior Kailey Starks took home 28 points to be the highest scorer of the 79-68 victory for the Kits.

[Photo] Girls basketball triumphs at New Trier in high-scoring contest to close conference play

Alexis Rogers, Eva Sondgeroth and Katelyn Brownlee February 3, 2024

Senior Kailey Starks took home 28 points to be the highest scorer of the 79-68 victory for the Kits.

Evanston players celebrate during their win over Deerfield, 71-23.

Starks reaches 1000 career points in Kits’ dominant win over Deerfield

Alexis Rogers and Eva Sondgeroth February 1, 2024

Senior Kailey Starks stepped up to the free throw line in the third quarter just one basket shy of scoring 1000 career points. After both attempts resulted unsuccessfully, the Kits recovered the rebound...

Starks leads Kits in victory against Warren, snapping 11-game losing streak

Starks leads Kits in victory against Warren, snapping 11-game losing streak

Alexis Rogers and Eva Sondgeroth January 29, 2024

Going into the second quarter Saturday afternoon, Evanston held onto a four-point lead. After eight minutes, they were up by 22.  “[Senior Kailey Starks] came up to me, and she said that she wasn’t...

Overtime loss to undefeated Maine South ends six-game winning streak for girls basketball

Alexis Rogers, Sports Editor December 16, 2023

Amidst a cacophony of foot-stomping from Maine South’s crowd, senior Zuri Ransom lined up for two foul shots with just nine seconds left in the fourth quarter. After netting both points, the Kits prematurely...

Underclassman starters debut in boys basketball loss to Carmel

Alexis Rogers, Sports Editor December 13, 2023

Beardsley Gymnasium saw fresh faces during the first half of Tuesday’s matchup with Carmel Catholic, with a roster of underclassmen—in addition to senior guard Brandon Watson—starting the game for...

After a tactical change to be more aggressive on offense, Evanston's backline was often left vulnerable in the second half of its semifinal against New Trier.

Sectional champ field hockey team ends playoff run with loss to top-ranked New Trier

Alexis Rogers, Sports Editor October 27, 2023

Thirty minutes into the state semifinal match against New Trier, field hockey was within one goal of the championship contest. A move to mobilize the offense gave the Kits greater possession in the second...

The boys are back in bald: ETHS’  hair-related team traditions

The boys are back in bald: ETHS’ hair-related team traditions

Alexis Rogers, Sports Editor October 20, 2023

In his first year as a varsity athlete, Sam Darer had to make several sacrifices. He parted with his after-school free time, his other activities, and most noticeably, his hair. When the ETHS boys soccer...

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Clark’s six goals help Kits trample Deerfield in sectional semifinal

Alexis Rogers, Sports Editor October 18, 2023

In the 2022 season, the Kits fell in the first round of field hockey playoffs. This Tuesday, a resounding shutout in sectional semifinals advanced the team past last year’s benchmark. Senior co-captain...

On Sept. 9, 12 ETHS badminton players faced off in the gym of Stevenson High School.

Wildkits ‘at the forefront’ of boys badminton

Alexis Rogers, Sports Editor September 22, 2023

On Sept. 9, 12 ETHS badminton players faced off in the gym of Stevenson High School. With sweeping volleys and rocketing smashes, the athletes traded shots with opponents and darted across the shining...

Senior Makayla Clark scored the game-winning goal for Evanston against St. Ignatius.

Clark secures win for field hockey in narrow matchup with St. Ignatius

Alexis Rogers, Sport Editor September 19, 2023

Going into a scoreless fourth quarter against St. Ignatius, the field hockey team went back to the basics. After 55 minutes of aggressive play didn’t result in a finish for either team, all it took was...

Field hockey’s fight against last year’s state champs proves ‘we can play with them’

Field hockey’s fight against last year’s state champs proves ‘we can play with them’

Alexis Rogers, Sports Feature Editor September 12, 2023

As the lights turned on and rain began to fall on New Trier’s freshman athletics field Monday night, the Kits remained locked in battle. Though the ball continued to hit the back of the net for its opponents,...

Underclassman talent keeps field hockey close against OPRF

Underclassman talent keeps field hockey close against OPRF

Alexis Rogers, Sports Feature Editor August 29, 2023

When freshman Maggie Bird stepped into the box during a penalty corner in the third quarter, the Kits were down on energy, time and points against Oak Park-River Forest. “We all were talking, and...

The Kit Pit, the student section at Lazier Field in front of which performs ETHS cheer.

Bring it on: ETHS cheer squad puts prep into its step

Alexis Rogers, Feature Sports Editor August 14, 2023

Always an exciting presence on the sidelines of Lazier, the cheer team continues to impress as they head into the season. This fall, cheerleaders return to the football field after a summer of training...

ETHS rowing trains for the upcoming season.

Rowing program enters second year at ETHS

Alexis Rogers, Feature Sports Editor August 14, 2023

Heading into their second year at ETHS, the rowing team aims to maintain momentum as they grow outreach and establish a solid foundation of understanding among their athletes. Head coach Luciana Ruiz spearheaded...

Photo courtesy of Patrick Osilaja

Patrick Osilaja

Alexis Rogers, Assistant Sports Editor May 11, 2023

A steadfast defender, midfielder and two-year Varsity player at ETHS, Patrick Osilaja is lending his soccer skills to Eastern Illinois University after graduation.  “My decision process was not easy,”...

Photo courtesy of Jordin Kadiri

Jordin Kadiri

Alexis Rogers, Assistant Sports Editor May 11, 2023

Next year, Jordin Kadiri will be taking her talents to DePaul University. The versatile Kadiri plays center and outside back, but really can play “everything but goalie.” A member of both FC United...

Matthew Davies

Alexis Rogers, Assistant Sports Editor May 11, 2023

Matthew Davies will continue his soccer and academic career at Greenville this fall, pursuing a major in business or economics and competing on the Division III field. He began playing at a young age. “My...

Adriana Merriam

Alexis Rogers, Assistant Sports Editor May 11, 2023

Adriana Merriam continues to dominate on and off the field, volunteering to coach and co-captaining this year’s varsity team. She began her career under the encouragement of her uncle, who plays for...

Ariel Kite plays goalkeeper during her junior season. (Photo courtesy of Ariel Kite.)

Girls soccer scores two goals in three minutes to shut out Trevians, remain undefeated at home

Alexis Rogers, Assistant Sports Editor April 26, 2023

Three minutes took the premier matchup between Evanston and New Trier from a nailbiter to a big victory for the Kits. After a pressure-filled first half that resulted in a 1-0 lead for ETHS, the girls...

Girls soccer takes conference victory against Glenbrook South, stays undefeated at home

Girls soccer takes conference victory against Glenbrook South, stays undefeated at home

Alexis Rogers, Assistant Sports Editor April 20, 2023

The Kits entered their second half against Glenbrook South with a 1-0 lead, and within one minute of play, had conceded a goal to tie the match—putting their undefeated home record at risk. Though the...

Art by Ahania Soni, Clara Gustafson

“You can just lie, most people do”: The rise of underage sports betting

Alexis Rogers, Assistant Sports Editor April 20, 2023

With its eye-catching graphics and fun, decorated leaderboards, the app Fliff is marketed as a risk-free sweepstakes game that relies on the gambling of “Fliff coins,” online tokens with no monetary...

Girls soccer takes down GBN, starts season with three consecutive wins

Alexis Rogers, Assistant Sports Editor March 22, 2023

Girls soccer was in a stalemate with Glenbrook North well into the second half until senior co-captain Adriana Merriam put her stamp on the contest. A soaring shot from Merriam flew past GBN’s keeper. In...

Opinion | Gender discrimination plagues athletes, even 50 years after Title IX

Alexis Rogers, Assistant Sports Editor March 15, 2023

Growing up as a girl in sports in the 21st-century, I have benefited unknowingly from Title IX my entire life. I ran cross country in middle school, played soccer, softball and swam, and I did it all with...

Soccer seniors share secrets for success

Alexis Rogers and Eva Sondgeroth March 15, 2023

The lights of Lazier shine on the 2023 roster as the girls soccer team once again takes the field. Prepared to fight for another top place in the state rankings, eight seniors taking on their fourth year...

Girls basketball ends year with blowout win in regional semifinal and loss in regional final

Alexis Rogers, Assistant Sports Editor February 16, 2023

After winning five out of six of their final games in the regular season, girls basketball went into the IHSA regional final with hard-fought momentum. Their 63-38 playoff victory against Niles West on...

Girls basketball celebrates fifty years of Title IX after loss to Hersey at E-Town Showdown

Girls basketball celebrates fifty years of Title IX after loss to Hersey at E-Town Showdown

Alexis Rogers, Assistant Sports Editor February 5, 2023

Over 100 female alumni, current athletes and future Kits gathered at the Welsh-Ryan arena during the third annual Etown Showdown. Their purpose: to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the federal...

One pin away: Boys wrestling loses tight Senior Night match

Alexis Rogers, Assistant Sports Editor January 28, 2023

Despite facing a deficit on Friday night after a few early defeats, boys wrestling mounted a comeback late. Ultimately, the push to close the gap fell short, as the Kits lost, 30-36, in their final...

Measuring up: the unique pressures on modern teen athletes

Measuring up: the unique pressures on modern teen athletes

Alexis Rogers, Assistant Sports Editor January 27, 2023

When asked what they wish adults knew about their experiences as high school athletes, students share common themes. Junior Aidan Thomson’s busy swimming schedule overflows into the rest of his life. “Understand...

Senior Sofia Rocca shoots free throw against Niles West, photo courtesy of Maya Valentine

Girls’ basketball emerges victorious in high-energy Senior Night game

Alexis Rogers, Assistant Sports Editor January 21, 2023

Breaking a four-game losing streak, girls basketball took home the win in its Senior Night game against Niles West, 53-30, on Friday. Securing an early lead, ETHS showcased superior teamwork, skill and...

Photo courtesy of Maya Valentine

Upset in regional final shuts door on long playoff run for boys soccer

Alexis Rogers and Owen Chiss November 14, 2022

While the Wildkits finished the regular season with a 12-5-2 record– capturing the second seed in the Glenbrook South Sectional– they were unable to advance past the regional finals following a 2-0...

Photo courtesy of Chris Livatino

On your marks, get set, row!

Alexis Rogers and Owen Chiss November 14, 2022

Rowing, the newest addition to ETHS’ roster of sports, has launched this fall, introducing 50 athletes to a traditionally exclusive sport with the intention of establishing diversity and inclusion from...

Boys soccer ends season with shutout loss in regional final

Alexis Rogers, Assistant Sports Editor October 22, 2022

While a blowout win against Maine South in the previous round of the IHSA playoffs showed promise for a boys soccer team hoping to go on to repeat as Regional champions, that dream came to an end on Saturday. The...

Field hockey nets second-ever goal against tough Trevians in loss

Field hockey nets second-ever goal against tough Trevians in loss

Alexis Rogers, Assistant Sports Editor October 10, 2022

As the field hockey program has taken strides in recent seasons, games against 2021 state champion New Trier have still been a struggle. This was the case on Monday night as well, as the Trevians proved...

Volleyball earns set against relentless Trevian attack

Volleyball earns set against relentless Trevian attack

Alexis Rogers and Eva Sondgeroth October 8, 2022

Girls volleyball fought tooth and nail to sour New Trier’s senior night, but ultimately came up a bit short. In a match that went to a conclusive third set, the Trevians wore the Kits down, winning...

Field hockey aims to stick it to its opponents

Alexis Rogers, Assistant Sports Editor September 23, 2022

The field hockey team kicked off its season with three games in August–a loss to both St. Ignatius and Glenbard West, and then a resounding 7-1 win against Lakes Community.  As a newly inaugurated...

Girls track fights the rain to secure school relay record at state meet

Alexis Rogers, Assistant Sports Editor August 15, 2022

The girls track team proved its talent and determination at the IHSA state championship meet this spring, where the squad brought home multiple medals and a team place of fourth. The particularly rainy...

Badminton smashes expectations, sends three girls to State

Alexis Rogers, Assistant Sports Editor August 15, 2022

The badminton team sent three seniors to state this spring: Catherine Hanson in singles and Ella Berkowitz and Lula Garfield as a doubles team. The athletes won two matches apiece before elimination on...

Courtesy of Aaron Martin

Aaron Martin

Alexis Rogers, Staff Writer May 12, 2022

Aaron Martin committed to Brown University early in his senior year, during a high school season in which he aided the Kits’ dominant performance. A standout athlete on the ETHS and Flying Fish swim...

Allison Lemmon

Allison Lemmon

Alexis Rogers, Staff Writer May 12, 2022

Before pursuing a field hockey career that would eventually carry over into her upcoming years at Colgate University, Allison Lemmon was a competitive gymnast and dancer. A back injury and dimming enthusiasm...

Courtesy of Tate Lucas

Tate Lucas

Alexis Rogers, Staff Writer May 12, 2022

One of 13 seniors on the girls soccer team, Tate Lucas will be headed to Denison University next fall to continue her soccer career. Notably, she will also be joining fellow Wildkit Sarah Sollinger in...

Brealyn Viamille

Alexis Rogers, Staff Writer May 12, 2022

After a four-year stint on ETHS’ Varsity soccer team, senior Brealyn Viamille is heading to Florida International University this fall to continue her academic and athletic careers. The switch-footed...

Courtesy of Sarah Sollinger

Sarah Sollinger

Alexis Rogers, Staff Writer May 12, 2022

Sarah Sollinger has been playing soccer since she was four years old, and she isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The soon-to-be ETHS graduate is heading to Denison University this fall, where she will...

Opinion | Evanston must protect young, female employees

Alexis Rogers, Staff Writer April 18, 2022

Trigger warning: This article references cases of sexual assault and harassment.  In the summer of 2020, over 50 female lifeguards and employees working at Evanston beaches submitted a petition alleging...

Badminton team emphasizes competitive spirit and togetherness

Alexis Rogers, Staff Writer March 18, 2022

The badminton team kicked off the season with a quad match against Lake Forest, Buffalo Grove, and Conant on March 14. Last year, badminton switched from its usual springtime season to winter, and strict...

Girls soccer sets goals with reliable and driven senior team

Alexis Rogers, Staff Writer March 18, 2022

After a season that closed with Evanston becoming 2021 Illinois High School Association Regional Champions, the girls soccer team aims to push themselves further into State playoffs, led by a strong group...

Boys swim & dive sweeps Loyola at season opener

Alexis Rogers, Assistant Sports Editor December 23, 2021

Reflecting upon their first victory against Loyola and looking ahead into the busy schedule boys swim & dive faces this winter, senior varsity swimmer and co-captain Aaron Martin believes that the...

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