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Athletics

Bulldogs Make Noise Nationally, Fall Just Short in ITA Championship

Athletics /

By David Tayau Tennessee Wesleyan University’s men’s tennis team is off to a blazing start this season, quickly making a name for itself on the national stage. The season began in January with conditioning sessions as the Bulldogs worked to get back in shape. Tennessee Wesleyan opened its schedule Jan. 28 with a dominant 7-0 road victory against Emory in Georgia. The Bulldogs continued their winning ways against Cumberland, Kentucky, 6-1. The matchup consisted of three doubles matches and six singles matches. The No. 3 men’s tennis team went on the road to face the Emory University Eagles, an NCAA Division III opponent, who is ranked No. 6. Tennessee Wesleyan fell in a close one 4-3. Emory went ahead first, winning the doubles point. Agustin Gaia and Maceo Simpson were victorious in the No. 3 doubles match 6-3. In the singles matches, David Leon, Asier Pascual and Chanon Phunsawat won respective matches. Leon (6-2, 7-5) won the No. 3 singles, Pascual (6-2, 6-4) won the No. 4 match, and Phunsawat (7-6, [8-6], 6-1) won the No. 6 singles. Following the match, Tennessee Wesleyan moved to 3-1 on the season. The national office announced the first regular season poll for men’s tennis, and after opening at No. 3 in the preseason rankings, Tennessee Wesleyan maintained its spot in the 2026 NAIA Men’s Tennis Coaches’ Top 25 Poll. The Bulldogs earned 279 voting points and remained the highest ranked team in the Appalachian Athletic Conference. Tennessee Wesleyan sits with a 3-2 record overall with a win over No. 8 University of the Cumberlands and the other wins against Emory University, one of the top teams in NCAA Division III. On Feb. 13, the Bulldogs won 4-0 against Lindsey Wilson in a home game. They followed it up with a 4-1 win on Feb. 14 against Keizer. On Feb. 15, It was a battle throughout, but No. 3 @twu_tennis was not able to turn the score in their favor, falling in the championship match of the 2026 ITA NAIA Men’s Team Indoor Championships 4-1 against No. 2 Georgia Gwinnett College. The Bulldogs finished as the runner-up after a hard fought battle. Tennessee Wesleyan finished the season just short of its ultimate goal, but the Bulldogs will regroup and return next year determined to capture the championship. Edited by Hunter Cookston. Photo by Dakota Caldwell

Community

New Coffee Shop in Town: Drip Kitchen and Coffee

Community /

By Emarie Bailey Athens, Tennessee welcomes a new restaurant, Drip Kitchen and Coffee. In 2021, Drip Kitchen and Coffee first opened in Dayton, Tennessee with owners Grant Van Meter and Zack Van Meter, who are brothers, and their business partner Dylan Palermino. Drip Kitchen and Coffee opened, February 12, 2026, as a new local restaurant and hang out spot close to campus. Drip is located at 698 Decatur Pike. Drip’s parking lot is spacious; however, business has been booming since they first opened. Along with the plentiful parking, there is a drive-thru with minimal wait times. Leading up to the front door is an open area filled with outdoor furniture, rocking chairs, and a fireplace. Music plays softly from speakers posted on the brick pillars holding up the cover for the outside area. This is a perfect place to spend time with friends or just relax with a nutritious drink or snack from inside. The inside has a welcoming atmosphere decorated with unique light fixtures and comfortable furniture, making it feel like walking into your own home. The faint smell of coffee roast lingered in the air coupled with the gentle warmth of the lighting, creating a tranquil experience. Much like the parking lot, the inside is very spacious and able to hold up to 90 people. Returning customers, Katy and Alana, said they first came to Drip Kitchen and Coffee when they were in Dayton. They were attracted to the vast variety of food and drinks. “Because of the atmosphere and the spacious layout, we come [to the Dayton location] all the time and I’m able to homeschool my daughter,” said Katy. Alana, who is homeschooled, enjoys coming here to do her schoolwork, believing it as peaceful despite the lively and busy environment. When ordering from their healthy and organic menu, you will be greeted by the delightful staff who are willing to make your experience the best it can be. “We really want people to feel very connected whenever they come in, and feel like they were greeted kindly, that they are welcomed here, and that we want them to be here,” said co-owner Grant Van Meter. Grant Van Meter believes customer appreciation is what sets Drip Kitchen and Coffee apart from other coffee shops in the Athens area. Drip also serves more than just coffee: organic fruit smoothies, affordable breakfast and lunch choices, and plenty more cleverly named options. The rustic, yet modern, appearance brought a piece of Tennessee into this restaurant, and the kind people as well. It feels like home. As for Tennessee Wesleyan students, one of the owners expressed gratefully that “we are here for you guys. We want you all to use this space to its utmost extent. That is precisely the reason why we came to Athens, to give you all and whoever it is a space where they feel welcomed and feel like they can hang out for however long they need to.” “That is a guarantee, anyone who walks through the doors will be treated kindly every time.” For more information, check out their website. Interview by Ash Johnson

Student Life

TWU Multimedia Journalism students explore the history of online gaming and its impact on communication

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By Emma Stratton Multimedia Journalism students at Tennessee Wesleyan University are studying the impact ofonline video games to better understand how they affect their community. In the fast-paced world we live in today, people are constantly looking for ways to unwind,escape, and relax from the daily grind. Some turn to yoga or sports, while some find peace indrawing or music. Others find relaxation in digital forms, such as online video games. Online video games, such as Arc Raiders and Fortnite, are a popular choice for many groups.The connection available globally through these games has caused a drastic change in the waypeople communicate daily. However, video games did not always exist online. Video games could be defined as digital, interactive activities that are structured with rules andfeedback, involving a specific goal. They are played for enjoyment, education, or competitionwith the use of skill, strategy, and luck. The first video game, Tennis for Two, was created in 1958 by William Higinbotham. Eventually,video games evolved into an opportunity to play online with strangers from around the world,starting in the 1970s. The game Empire (1973) is said to be the first online game developed fromthe University of Illinois’s PLATO computer-based teaching system. This game allowed “severalplayers (up to eight) to compete against one another on separate screens.” (Harmon, 2022). By the 1980s, players on consoles such as Atari were able to link their consoles to each other.However, online gaming really took off in the 1990s with the rise of internet and local areanetworks. This allowed users to play together without being in the same area, examples being“Doom (1993) and Quake (1996)” (Harmon, 2022). In the early 2000s, online gaming became a more interactive and accessible hobby with “gameslike RuneScape and World of Warcraft [bringing] millions of players together in immersiveonline environments.” (Harmon, 2022). There are multiple genres of online video games with examples including PVP (Player versusPlayer), MMO’s (Massive Multiplayer Online games), PVE (Player versus Everyone), FPS(First-Person Shooters), and Survival. Each genre is focused on using strategy and skills to adaptand survive in a digital world that is filled with players from around the globe, or nation,depending on your servers. Communication methods include tools such as in-game text and voice chat. There are also freecommunication apps, such as Discord, that allow users to join gaming communities and meetother gamers. These communication platforms allow players of all ages, genders, and ethnicities tocommunicate with one another. While this connectivity can be positive, it can also harbornegativity due to the anonymous role-playing aspect many of these games allow. Source Harmon, A. (2022). Online gaming: Sports and leisure: Research starters: EBSCO research.EBSCO. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/sports-and-leisure/online-gaming

Uncategorized

TWU Battles Rival Bryan in Men’s and Women’s Basketball Doubleheader

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By Cole Vance Women’s Basketball Coming into Saturday’s matchup, the Lady Bulldogs held a 3–2 record and stood 2–1 in conference play. The team had started to find its rhythm in recent outings. After winning their previous games, they aimed to extend that momentum on Saturday vs conference rival Bryan college.   The Lady Bulldogs started strong, taking a 15–13 lead into the end of the first quarter. The second quarter proved costly for the Bulldogs, who went cold and shot only 3-of-10 as Bryan outscored them 26–7. At the break, the Lady Bulldogs faced a 39–22 deficit. Led by freshman guard Camryn Brown’s nine-point third quarter, the Bulldogs clawed their way back into the game and cut the deficit to five heading into the fourth. But the rally stalled, and Bryan pulled away late to earn a 74–62 victory.   The Lady Bulldogs will look to bounce back in their next contest, hosting Johnson University on Tuesday, November 25.  Men’s Basketball  Saturday’s matchup with Bryan marked the home opener for the TWU men’s basketball team. Entering the game at 4–2 overall and 3–0 in conference play and riding a four-game winning streak, the Bulldogs looked to keep their momentum rolling.   TWU controlled much of the first half behind balanced guard play, as senior Charles Neverdon and junior reserve Sohn McGee each chipped in eight points. The Bulldogs carried a 34–29 advantage into the break. The second half turned into a back-and-forth battle. With 29 seconds remaining and TWU clinging to a one-possession lead, senior guard Reshaun Hampton stepped to the line and sank both free throws to extend the advantage to five. Hampton’s 12 second-half points, along with senior guard Stratton Lovvorn’s 10, proved just enough for the Bulldogs to hold on, securing a 76–71 victory over Bryan.  The men’s basketball team is off to a hot start and currently sits tied for first place in the Appalachian Athletic Conference at 4–0. The Bulldogs will look to keep their momentum going at home on Tuesday, November 25 at 7:30 p.m., when they host conference foe Johnson University.    Co-Writer: Josephine Zeoli Graphics & Photos: Jayla Lowe  Highlight Video: Kamaurian Frierson Edited: Niko Marinacci & Lucas Grana

Uncategorized

Women’s Soccer Conference Tournament Recap

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By Rob Gordon This podcast episode features a Tennessee Wesleyan University Women’s Soccer player reflecting on the team’s conference tournament run and their preparation for the NAIA National Tournament. The episode focuses on confidence, strategy, teamwork, and the emotions that come with high-level competition. It also shows how team culture and mental preparation play a major role in postseason success.  The player begins by explaining how the team ended the regular season strong. Big wins late in the season helped build momentum going into the conference tournament (0:20–0:29). Even though Truett McConnell was undefeated going into the final, TWU felt confident based on how they had been playing (0:44–0:57).  She describes the championship win as exciting and surprising, especially because TWU controlled the match and beat a team that hadn’t lost at home since 2023 (1:07–1:26). Their game plan was to start fast, apply pressure immediately, and keep TMU out of rhythm (1:27–1:48).  Looking ahead to nationals, the player says the team feels more confident than ever and ready to test themselves on a bigger stage (1:55–2:30). She defines a successful national tournament run as going as far as possible and competing at their highest level (2:39–2:56).  Key Quotes  ● “We had a strong end to the season, and that built our momentum.”  ● “The championship win shocked a lot of people because we dominated a team that never loses at home.”  ● “We’re confident heading into nationals and ready to show what we can do.”  The player’s reflections show that postseason success comes from confidence, preparation, and emotional strength. TWU’s game plan against TMU, attacking early and applying pressure, highlights how teams must adjust and think strategically in big games. Emotionally, the championship win gave the players a boost that they used as motivation instead of distraction.  The player also shows a mature mindset by defining success not only as winning, but as competing to their full potential. This connects to sports psychology ideas about confidence, team belief, and staying focused on the process, not just the outcome.  The episode relates to topics like sports communication, leadership, and mental preparation. It shows how teams use communication to stay focused, build culture, and maintain confidence. It also ties into class discussions about strategy, teamwork, and how athletes create meaning from big moments.  This podcast gives a clear look at the mindset and preparation behind TWU Women’s Soccer’s postseason success. Their momentum, detailed game plan, and strong team culture played a major role in their championship win and their confidence going into nationals. Overall, the episode shows how a focused mindset and strong teamwork help athletes perform at their best. Interview by Kevin CampbellVideo by David BallenillaAudio by Julien WithrowPhoto by Jakov KusanovicEditoral Assistance by Olivia Miller 

Athletics

Volleyball Season Insights with Coach Kylie Whaley

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By Jakov Kusanovic The Bulldog Beat interviews Coach Kylie Whaley about the impressive turnaround of the TWU women’s volleyball program and their historic success in 2025. Under her leadership, the team has reached a new level, earning their 20th win of the season, which makes them the winningest volleyball team in the history of the university. Coach Whaley highlights the hard work, culture change, and determination that helped the players achieve this milestone and bring new energy to the program. Audio by Daveion SmithVideo Production by Julien WithrowInterview by Kamaurian Frierson and Josephine ZeoliVideo Editing by Kevin CampbellEdited by Niko MarinacciPhoto by Niko Marinacci

Athletics

Women’s Soccer Road to Success

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By Jayla Lowe As the Lady Bulldogs prepare for their upcoming Conference Championship, reporters Cole Vance and Jesse Tatum-Stewart sat down with the team’s newcomers, sophomore Lisa Schon and freshman Caitlin Bleeker to reflect on the team’s performance this season. Throughout the conversation, the players shared insight into the team’s journey for success. The interview consisted of the teams overall performance this season and their upcoming goals in winning yet another title. Schon, a sophomore from Friedrichshafen, Germany, is also known for her talents in track and field. Despite joining the team as a walk-on this season, she has quickly proven that she can be versatile while embracing the challenges in her newfound passion for soccer. Schon has endured it all in her first year on the team but showcases determination. Meanwhile, Bleeker, a freshman from Sydney, Australia, has had a seemingly flawless transition into her collegiate debut. She reflects on her first year on the team and discusses the team’s preparation they partake in on games-days. As the interview came to an end, the first year duo closed the interview by giving a meaningful message to the fans. With many new talented additions such as Schon and Bleeker, the Lady Bulldogs are looking to make a mark as they join the race to win their third consecutive conference championship. Note: since interview recording, the Lady Bulldogs captured the AAC Tournament Championship. Interviewers: Cole Vance and Jesse Tatum-StewartAudio: Rob GordonVideo Production: Olivia MillerResearch: David BallenillaPhoto by: Lucas Grana

Student Life

Are You Smarter than a bulldog?

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By Roni Bailey ​​On Thursday, October 2, Tennessee Wesleyan University hosted its annual Open House, welcoming prospective students to campus and offering tours and information sessions. To their surprise, our communication studies department and students organized a podcast segment that included a Jeopardy-style game called “Are You Smarter Than a Bulldog?” This event brought together current Bulldogs and prospective students for a fun, interactive experience.​  The event was held in Reece Hall, where the Communication Department is located. Prospective students were invited to test their general knowledge against current students in a lighthearted trivia game. Questions ranged from word and math problems to Disney lore and everything in between. The room was filled with laughter and cheers as participants competed to see who really knew more—the future Bulldogs or the current ones.  The event embodied the welcoming and vibrant spirit of Tennessee Wesleyan University by combining humor, teamwork, and determination. The “Are You Smarter Than a Bulldog?” game show transformed the open house into an unforgettable experience for both visitors and current students. It allowed everyone to engage in a fun atmosphere, fostering connections and excitement about the university.  ​​Tank Montgomery, the campus event coordinator, shared his hopes and expectations for the upcoming event. He said that he wants prospective students to experience what it’s like to be at Tennessee Wesleyan and to be part of the Communication Department. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the admissions and academic departments, noting that everyone shares the common goal of attracting students and that the community operates like a family.  ​JJ Hulet, a communications professor, explained how the event helps prospective students grasp what studying communications entails at the institution. He stated that studying communications at Tennessee Wesleyan is a combination of theory and practice. He highlighted that for those interested in learning how to use the tools that create the media they consume and understanding the “why” behind that media, Tennessee Wesleyan is the right choice. The event served as a creative platform to showcase all that the communication department has to offer. Through hands-on learning, current and prospective students took on roles involving recording, sound, and hosting duties, allowing them to adapt to challenges much like they would in a real broadcast environment.​ 

Athletics

Tennessee Wesleyan Women’s Golf Wins Pioneers Fall Invitational

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Cherokee National Golf CourseGaffney, S.C.October 13, 2025 By Julien Withrow The TWU women’s golf team competed in a two-day tournament against five other teams, including Maryville, Spartanburg MC, Montreat, Bluefield, and Florida College. The bulldogs finished the tournament with awards for team performance as well as individual performances. As a team, the bulldogs finished in first place, winning the tournament. Over two rounds, the bulldogs shot +124, which ensured the first-place finish over second-place Maryville, who shot +141. Rounding out the top three is Spartanburg MC, shooting +158 through the two rounds. Individually, the bulldogs had the standout performer of the tournament, Maisie Hassall, finish in first place, shooting 14 over par through two rounds. Also finishing in the top ten, Ashlynn Guy shot 28 over par to secure sixth place. Additionally, the bulldogs had June Greene and Cadie Prater finish in the top 20, shooting +36 and +46, respectively. In an exclusive interview with the individual winner of the Pioneers Fall Invitational, Maisie Hassall, journalist Kevin Campbell found out several key factors to this bulldog’s success and her overall experience of playing golf for TWU. First, Hassall described that since beginning college golf, the part of her game that improved the most is her mental game. This strong mental game is pertinent to what she identifies as her greatest strength on the course- driving and fairway woods. Furthermore, she detailed that her favorite memory from this semester has been playing against one of her best friends, who plays for Point University. After being asked which tournament she is most excited to play in for the upcoming spring season, Hassall answered that she is looking forward to playing Governors again in the spring for conference. The bulldogs’ dominant showing at the Pioneers Fall Invitational sets a positive tone in preparation for the spring. Having four top 20 finishers in a tournament is a good sign to indicate a high likelihood of success in the future, especially towards challenging for the conference championship. Photos by Olivia MillerInterview by Kevin Campbell