Mount Hood

Wolves strike six

Oct 15 2025 | Isaac Garcia | Sports Editor

It’s an exciting time in Monmouth after the Western women’s soccer team took care of business Oct. 4 against Northwest Nazarene, setting a new program record of six wins in a row. During this time, the Wolves have big wins against then #1 nationally ranked Colorado School of Mines and formerly #18 ranked Seattle Pacific respectively. Currently, the Wolves sit at #2 ranked in the GNAC and are looking to build on their momentum going forward. “Our team was really motivated by the fact that we didn’t perform as well as we’d like to and we knew last year we had a great defensive unit,” said head coach Kacey Bingham.  “It was really strong, and we knew that was going to be returning and I think big improvements have come from our attack. We’re seeing multiple girls score and be threatening and I think that’s been a huge change from last year.” 

Part of that change has been led by first-year forward Olivia Boger. Boger currently leads the team in goals scored, which speaks to her quick adjustment to a new level of competition and a high-quality team culture that allows new players to feel empowered to make immediate impacts. “It’s something that we actually talked a lot about last spring — the culture we wanted going into this year — and the girls spent a lot of time and energy creating a culture they wanted moving into this fall. I think part of that is making sure that we take care of the new players, and I think they made it a point to make the new players feel welcome and important and that they were going to be a big part of our success this year, so I think that stemmed from our captains,” said Coach Bingham. “And then Olivia came in really at a high level and I think she came in  understanding, one, how to take care of the ball, how to dribble the ball and then she’s just clinical in the final third. She knows how to go one-v-one, she knows how to serve the ball, she knows how to finish and she’s just come in and stepped up to the challenge.” 

One example of the Wolves’ many great leaders is senior team captain and defender Jada Foster. When asked how she’s improved as a leader since becoming a captain, Foster said, “I think the biggest thing for me has always been communication and just kind of stepping up. I know Kacey’s given me the opportunity to last fall and taking the winter and the spring to really just grow and just learn with my teammates and also just learn I’m going to make mistakes, but know that my team’s there for me, and I’m just going to push everybody, but also know that we’re family, and I love each and every one of them that works hard, and I know that we can do anything we put our minds to at the end of the day.” 

Foster scored a penalty kick in the 45th minute against Central Washington University, a match that ended in a 3-0 victory. It included a score by Ally Beavers from a penalty kick in the 51st minute and an 86th-minute goal from Katya Tercek, assisted by both Beavers and Maya Courtenay. The win tied the then-record five-game winning streak, setting up the record-breaking win against Northwest Nazarene two days later. 

As Coach Bingham mentioned, the defensive unit has also been strong, as they only allowed two goals through the duration of the streak. Senior goalkeeper Bella Lopez has recorded five clean sheets so far. 

Bingham also mentioned the seniors on the team as a group that has stepped up big time in the 2025 season. “There was a lot of girls in this senior group that were trying to have bigger roles last year that have stepped into really big roles this year, and we’re really proud of that group and how hard that they’ve worked and the resilience that they’ve shown over their time at Western Oregon. They’re perfect examples of what it is to come to a program and give it all and to genuinely put your time and effort into improving as an individual, but also helping your team improve and I think that’s the culture we want to set here.”

Students may not even know they’re missing out on critical moments at Western with the team’s latest win streak — and, if they do know, are likely going to regret it. They play a fun style of soccer and radiate a contagious, positive energy that shines through to everyone in the stands. “I think it’s been a lot, but in a good way, because I think a lot of the girls that came in new didn’t expect it to be this way,” said Foster. “We’ve brought in this standard that there’s so much fun to college soccer, but also we just love to be here and play the sport we love. So I think that’s been like the biggest thing, especially freshmen coming in. I love how they’re just so new and just want to experience the fun things like that.” Their next home game will be against Simon Fraser Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. on the Turf Field. Something to know about the team for new fans this season, according to Foster, is, “We definitely bring that competitive energy. We’re never going to be the ones to just get hit and stay on the ground. We’re always very loud.”

“This team can make big plays,” said Bingham. “On offense and defense, they never back away from the challenge, and they turn difficult moments into looking easy sometimes. I think that’s fun, and it’s just an exciting group to watch. It’s a very competitive group. So no matter who’s on the field, they’re always going to bring something special.” 

As of Oct. 14, the winning streak has come to a conclusion, but after the game against Simon Fraser, the Wolves will have five regular-season matches remaining, capping it off with a Senior Day celebration versus Montana State Billings Nov. 8. From there, they will look to qualify for the GNAC championships and put together a successful postseason run. 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

 LeBron retirement rumors

Oct 8 2025 | Isaac Garcia | Sports Editor

Much has been said over the years about LeBron James and his historic longevity. Drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, there is a significant portion of NBA fans who either cannot recall a time he was not in the NBA or weren’t even born when he was drafted. However, he obviously cannot play forever, and every year the questions and speculation have continued to grow. 

On Sept. 29, the Los Angeles Lakers held their session for NBA Media Day, a chance for players and coaches to come together in front of the media and field questions about the upcoming season. 

Of course, the question on many media members’ minds was whether LeBron James made any decisions over the summer about when he plans to retire. “I don’t know when the end is, but I know it’s a lot sooner than later,” he said. This aligns with recent statements he’s made on his future. Last summer, when asked about the possibility of him joining Team USA for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, like he did in Paris 2024, LeBron said, “No, I cannot see myself playing in Los Angeles,” but he continued, “I didn’t see myself playing in Paris 2024 either.” 

In June, LeBron exercised his player option, keeping him under contract for the upcoming season. It is worth noting that after this season, he will become a free agent, and as of Oct. 8, 2025, it is anyone’s guess if he will sign another contract or choose to retire. 

LeBron was also asked if he would wait to retire in order to play with his son, Bryce James, who is an incoming first-year guard for the University of Arizona and will be eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft. Fans may remember that LeBron had been quite vocal about wanting to play with his oldest son, LeBron “Bronny” James Jr., and was able to achieve that historic goal last season, becoming the first active father-son duo in NBA history. If he did stick around to play with Bryce James, it would be a testament to his already otherworldly longevity. 

But when it comes to delaying his retirement in order to make it happen, LeBron James said, “No, I’m not, I don’t know what his timeline is. He’s his own young man now. He’s down in Tucson. We’ll see what happens this year, next year, but he has his own timeline. I got my timeline, and I don’t know if they quite match. But we’ll see.” Despite being well past the age of what’s considered the “prime” of an NBA career, LeBron James has maintained a high quality of play. Last season, he finished sixth in MVP voting, made the All-NBA second team and averaged 24.4 points per game. 

Regardless of what LeBron James decides in the future, the Los Angeles Lakers and their fans will have an exciting season ahead of them. It will be their first full season with Luka Dončić as a member of the team after a shocking deadline trade with the Dallas Mavericks brought the superstar to the franchise, creating arguably the most talented duo in the league between Dončić and James. The Lakers will start their season against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors Oct. 21 in Los Angeles. 

 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

The road home

Damian Lillard holds Trail Blazers jersey in a hallway.

Oct 8 2025 | Isaac Garcia | Sports Editor

On Sept. 27, 2023, Portland Trail Blazers point guard and franchise legend Damian Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a deal that broke the hearts of Blazers fans who had embraced Lillard since he arrived in 2012. Earlier that offseason, Lillard had requested a trade with hopes of having a better opportunity to compete for an NBA championship. The Bucks, who were two years removed from winning a title with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the team, seemed to give Lillard the best chance he’d ever had to do it. 

Unfortunately, things didn’t go quite as planned. In the first season, internal struggles between Bucks players and the coaching staff kept the team from reaching its high expectations. In his second season with Milwaukee, Lillard was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and had to miss the final month of the regular season before returning just in time for the playoffs.

Unfortunately, in the fourth game of the Bucks’ first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, Lillard fell to the ground and immediately reached for his leg. Further examinations would reveal that Lillard had torn his Achilles tendon, a notoriously hard injury to recover from, especially for a player who would soon be 35. The Bucks would go on to lose the series, falling short of expectations again. With pressure mounting to keep the team’s championship window open just a crack, the Bucks decided to waive Damian Lillard and free up cap space in order to add Pacers center Myles Turner. 

From the outside looking in, it seemed as though Lillard’s career had hit rock bottom. He left Portland, the city that his family still called home and where he himself had spent most of his adult life, in search of the championship that had eluded him his entire career, only to come up short and be off the team two years later. Not to mention the long road he now had ahead of him to recover from his injury and begin playing again. 

However, in what might’ve been his career’s darkest moment, something familiar found him again. The Portland Trail Blazers, who had spent the past two seasons trying to rebuild the roster after trading Lillard, offered him a three-year $42 million deal that would allow him to spend his rehab in Portland, alongside his children and an organization that he knew so well. Upon the news that Lillard was returning to Portland, Blazers fans who were heartbroken to see him leave just two years earlier and had watched the Blazers go through the growing pains of the post-Lillard era, were completely re-energized. During his introductory press conference, Lillard said, “It never felt right, not being home.” Last month, the organization held a rally in Pioneer Courthouse Square celebrating Lillard’s return, and it was obvious how much happier both Lillard and Blazers fans have been with him back in Portland. “Just being back in this city, you know, has brought a different type of joy back to my life,” Lillard said while addressing the crowd of thousands at Pioneer Square. While he won’t play until next season, Lillard’s return has injected excitement into a fanbase that surely cannot wait to welcome him back to the Moda Center as a member of the home team.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Gender Disparity in Athletics: How Far Have We Come?

Written by:  Jaylin Hardin | Sports Editor, Libby Thoma | Staff Writer

Gender disparities are common in the world of sports. Female athletes are generally broadcasted less, paid less and pitted against others disparaged in the weight and size category. This problem is international and does seep its way into Western — although Western is better about these disparities than other schools and professional sports. 

One issue within the sports world is how limited professional sports teams have been for women. The first professional men’s sports league was Major League Baseball, founded in 1869, after the Civil War, with its first team being the Cincinnati Red Stockings — now the Boston Red Socks. The National Football League — NFL — followed suit in 1920. The United States eventually joined the Federation Internationale de Futbol and founded the National Basketball Association, known as FIFA and the NBA respectively, in 1930 and 1946.

Women’s sports, on the other hand, did not have the same starts or even advantages as their male counterparts did. For a period of time during the forties and fifties, there was the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which was created over concerns about Major League Baseball’s viewership during World War II. After this period, women’s golf became popular, and is currently the longest-running women’s professional sport — the first Women’s Professional Golf Association Tour started in the 1950s.

In June of 1972, Title IX was passed, which prohibited discrimination based on sex or gender. From this point on, women began to get a leg up in, not only education, but also athletics and other federally funded programs. Professional Tennis also became very popular among female athletes at this time.

It was not without its faults, however. Following the passing of Title IX, women still faced misogyny in athletics, as well as the struggle to establish their leagues. The Women’s NBA, Women’s FIFA, Pro-Softball and Volleyball leagues were not founded until the nineties, with many struggling to stay afloat throughout their history. 

Another issue in the professional sports world is that the women’s leagues are paid less than their male counterparts. For example, NBA players receive 50% of shared revenue from their teams and leagues, while WNBA players receive only 20%. In numbers, the average NBA player’s salary is $7.5 million a year. The average WNBA player’s salary? $116,000 a year. That’s a $7.3 million difference.

Further, discrimination is still strong against female athletes and their level of play and abilities. For collegiate softball, one of the most common sayings against the teams is, “450, dead center.” This refers to the differences in field size and pitching style in softball and how most men believe they could easily hit a home run off the softball pitchers.

Western’s sport disparities are minimal but still exist. Although Western seemingly handles any disparities well, they do not handle it perfectly. 

One thing Western excels in is its treatment of male and female athletes. Throughout interviews, female athletes report being treated well, an equal part of the athletic population and happy to be involved with the sports. 

“If there was inequity or inequality in treatment, I would know about it,” said Michael Gonzalez, the Student-Athlete Success Advisor. “Any problems, they come to me.”

Western also does a phenomenal job at broadcasting and advertising female sports — equally to male sports, if not more so. This is extremely important for funding, as advertising and broadcasting boost funding. 

According to Randi Lydum, the executive director of intercollegiate athletics, funding is distributed based on schedule and number of athletes and coaches on the team. Those with a more demanding schedule will receive more funding, while those who may travel less or have fewer athletes receive less funding. 

Scholarships are divided based on the NCA framework that gives the maximum of scholarships that Western can offer. “We try to make sure that the number of scholarships we’re giving… matches the percentage of student participation,” Lydum said. 

The school tries to ensure that female-dominated and male-dominated sports receive the same amount of scholarships, percentage-wise. Lydum states that they take equity in funding and scholarships seriously. Lydum also states that there haven’t been any actual complaints about the amount of funding from athletes or coaches to her directly. 

“…if there is a problem I want to get it figured out. Although Western does equality well, it is not done perfectly. An anonymous athlete states that “There should be changes in the budget according to which sports are more successful,” said Lydum. 

Western’s 2023 Budget Reports state that football received 14,282 in general admin overhead, with baseball and softball getting 6,290. Football gets 165,000 in travel with baseball and softball receiving 85,000, which is the most out of all the other sports. Football exceeds all other sports in recruiting, receiving 12,240 with the other sports getting 1,700–5,100 at most. 

It is easily seen how much of a discrepancy football funds receive in comparison to other sports. Why is that the case when football is easily not the top-performing program?

Football game outcomes are highly disappointing — losing eight of eleven games, with a winning percentage of .273. This is comparatively lower when compared to women’s soccer’s record of 8-5-6, with a winning percentage of .579, or even men’s soccer’s 11-3-3, .735. 

This may be a gender issue, or this may be an issue of putting money towards ‘needed’ costs rather than wins. 

Gender disparities have been found in athletics throughout history, dating back to the very beginning of these sports. It is extremely important to ensure gender equity in our athletics department to set an example for others, and although Western is more careful about equity than other colleges and professional sports, Western can continue to discuss equity. 

Contact the authors at ethoma23@mail.wou.edu or howlsports@wou.edu

Smith vs. James

April 9, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

In recent weeks, a high-profile beef has erupted between NBA superstar LeBron James and outspoken ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, capturing headlines worldwide. At the heart of the dispute is a larger conversation about media responsibility, family boundaries and the evolving relationship between athletes and those who cover them.
The confrontation began during a nationally televised game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks March 6, 2025. Cameras caught LeBron James walking over to Stephen A. Smith, who was seated courtside, to voice his displeasure with comments Smith had made about LeBron’s oldest son, Bronny James. Smith had previously criticized Bronny’s potential to succeed in the NBA, suggesting that he might not have made it this far without the weight of his father’s name. While not uncommon for Smith to provide the media with strong takes, this one clearly struck a personal chord with LeBron.
In the days following the game, Smith addressed the incident on ESPN’s “First Take,” explaining that LeBron James approached him to express his disappointment in how he had spoken about Bronny. Smith maintained that he was doing his job as a commentator but admitted that he understood why LeBron James, speaking as a father, would be upset. Smith also insisted that his criticism wasn’t personal and that he’s always respected James’ career.
James, however, wasn’t satisfied with that explanation. He later appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show,” where he stated that Smith had “missed the point entirely.” James emphasized that while he can handle criticism directed at himself, he draws the line when it comes to his children being scrutinized on national television — especially by someone with such a large platform. “There’s a difference between talking (about) basketball and talking about someone’s future or their worth as a person,” said James. “That’s not just analysis — that’s personal.”
This war of words quickly became a trending topic, drawing attention from other major sports figures. NBA legend and TNT Sports analyst Charles Barkley weighed in, criticizing both parties. Barkley called James a “bully” for confronting Smith during a live game but also labeled Smith’s response as “lame and weak.” According to Barkley, the entire feud distracts from the game itself and is a symptom of how media and sports personalities sometimes let their egos get in the way.
The situation also appears to have created internal drama at ESPN. Reports from The Sun suggest that producers and colleagues behind “First Take” are growing frustrated with Smith’s perceived egotism and the attention he brings to himself. While the controversy has boosted ratings, some at the network worry about the long-term impact on morale and public perception.

This isn’t the first time Smith and LeBron James have clashed, but this episode feels different due to the personal nature of the comments. It has sparked a larger conversation about where the line should be drawn in sports commentary, especially when it involves family members who are still finding their footing in professional sports.
In the end, this situation serves as a reminder that while athletes and analysts are part of the same ecosystem, mutual respect and boundaries always remain crucial.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

Beyond the name

April 9, 2025

Written by:  Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

Bronny James, the oldest son of NBA legend LeBron James, has been making huge strides in the NBA G League, showing off his talent and determination as he carves out his own path in professional basketball. Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers as the 55th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny’s journey has been marked by both challenges and notable achievements.​
Following a brief stint with the Lakers during the preseason, where he played limited minutes, Bronny James was assigned to the South Bay Lakers, the team’s G League affiliate, to gain more experience and further develop his skills. This move was strategic, allowing him to adapt to the professional level’s pace and physicality.​
James’ time in the G League has been impressive, with multiple performances that have silenced many critics. On Dec. 12, 2024, he scored a game-high 30 points against the Valley Suns, shooting 13 of 23 from the field. This game showcased his scoring ability and potential as a future NBA contributor.
Continuing his upward trajectory, James achieved a career-high 31 points Jan. 24, 2025, leading the South Bay Lakers to a 122-110 victory over the Rip City Remix. His performance included efficient shooting and proved that his confidence on the court was growing.
The pinnacle of his G League success came March 24, 2025, when James erupted for 39 points, along with seven rebounds, four assists and four steals, in a 122-118 win over the Santa Cruz Warriors. This performance not only set a new personal best, but also highlighted his high-level defense and all-around capabilities.
Over the course of the G League season, James has maintained impressive averages of 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.
Despite his achievements, James has still faced significant scrutiny, with some attributing his opportunities to his father’s influence. Addressing these criticisms, James stated, “People think I’m a f—ing robot,” expressing his individuality and dedication to his craft. He uses the negativity as motivation, focusing on continuous improvement and proving his worth on the court.

James’ performances have garnered attention from various basketball analysts and former players. Gilbert Arenas, a former NBA All-Star, suggested that with increased playing time, James could be a contender for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award.
While his future with the Lakers remains a topic of discussion, Bronny James’ dedication and growth in the G League have positioned him as a promising talent. With each game, James is not only honoring his family’s legacy but also building his own — one impressive performance at a time.

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu

The madness is underway

April 2, 2025

Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor

The 2025 NCAA men’s basketball tournament is in full swing, pulling in views from fans across the nation with its signature blend of unexpected upsets and standout performances. As teams battle for the national championship, the tournament showcases an array of talent and grit, with powerhouse programs living up to expectations and underdog teams defying the odds. With the journey to the Final Four well underway, the 2025 edition of March Madness is proving to be one to remember.
This year’s tournament has featured multiple No. 1 seeds, including the Houston Cougars, Florida Gators, Duke Blue Devils and Auburn Tigers. Each of these teams have dominated throughout their seasons, positioning themselves as favorites for the national title. The Houston Cougars, known for their lockdown defense, have proved to be one of the most disciplined teams in college basketball. Their ability to shut down opponents and control the tempo of games have been key factors in their success this season.
The Florida Gators have shown their ability to adapt to any playstyle, driving them to a deep run in the tournament. Their dynamic offense, combined with an aggressive defensive game plan, has made them an extremely tough matchup for any opponent. The Duke Blue Devils, under the guidance of head coach Jon Scheyer, have crafted a powerhouse of players. Headlined by freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, Duke has been able to balance young talent and depth, making them a dangerous team in the East Region. Auburn, led by senior forward and Naismith Player of the Year candidate Johni Broome, has dominated the paint and used their versatile guard play to run through opponents on their route to the Sweet 16.
Several players have already captured the national spotlight with their standout performances. Cooper Flagg, an 18-year-old sensation from Duke, delivered a historic performance in the second round against Arizona State, recording 30 points, six rebounds, seven assists and three blocks. His skill set and composure under pressure have shown scouts and fans alike his status as a top prospect for the 2025 NBA draft. Another standout performer has been Purdue’s Braden Smith, who has been one of the most consistent guards in the nation. As the Big Ten Player of the Year, Smith has been the main contributor to Purdue’s offense, finishing the season as the conference leader in assists and second in steals.
As the tournament advances into the Sweet 16 and beyond, the anticipation is building for tough matchups that will determine the path to the national championship. One of the most anticipated matchups was between the Auburn Tigers and Michigan State Spartans, where the Tigers secured a 70-64 victory over the Spartans. Also, the matchup between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Houston Cougars lived up to the hype, as the Houston Cougars edged out the Purdue Boilermakers 62-60.
The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament has also showcased a combination of exceptional talent and thrilling games, leading to a Final Four featuring UCLA, South Carolina, Texas and UConn. UCLA, making its inaugural Final Four appearance, has been led by center Lauren Betts, whose dominance in the paint has been a game-changer. Texas returns to this stage for the first time since 2003, with standout performances from Madison Booker. The defending champions, South Carolina under Coach Dawn Staley, continue to dominate the college scene, marking their fifth consecutive Final Four. UConn, led by arguably the best player in NCAA women’s basketball at the moment, Paige Bueckers, aims to end a nine-year championship drought, with Bueckers delivering remarkable games, including a 31-point game against Southern Cal.
As the dust settles and the Final Four draws near, the excitement of the March Madness tournament continues to build. With established powerhouses fighting to sustain their dominance and underdog teams refusing to back down, this year’s tournament embodies the spirit of college basketball. Fans across the country will remain glued to their screens until they are able to witness who will come out on top and cut down the nets in Phoenix. 

Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu