Ana Rivera

Seniors named semifinalists in NFL’s sports analytics competition

The NFL Big Data Bowl attracts thousands of participants annually. Sponsored by the NFL, the competition provides player tracking data and challenges participants to develop insights to inform real-world football decision-making. This year’s competition focused on pre-snap movement — how players move before the ball is snapped and its impact on gameplay. The competition took place virtually from Oct. 10, 2024 to Jan. 1, 2025.

Basketball game marks first-ever Rice Athletics Spanish broadcast

Rice took a historic step by launching its first-ever Spanish-language broadcast for the men’s basketball game against Tulane University Jan. 25. This milestone event, held as part of ‘Latin Day,’  marked an effort to engage Houston’s Spanish-speaking community and make Rice Athletics more accessible.

Veloci Running celebrates a successful launch party

Cross country runner Tyler Strothman hosted an official launch party for his shoe brand Veloci Running Thursday, Jan. 16. The party at Axelrad Beer Garden in Midtown was both a product debut and a celebration of the journey that brought the brand to life. With friends, runners and customers gathering from across Rice and the greater Houston running scene, Strothman said the night highlighted not just the success of the brand, but the people who made it possible.

Owls prepare for midseason meet with championship mindset

As the swim team reaches the midpoint of their season, the Owls are focused on refining their approach, embracing a culture of accountability and pushing themselves to excel at the AAC Championships and NCAA competitions, according to senior swimmer Arielle Hayon. 

Women’s cross country achieves breakthrough third-place finish

The Rice women’s cross country team has made significant strides this season, improving from a sixth-place finish at the 2023 American Athletic Conference Cross Country Championship to third place this past weekend. Women’s cross country head coach Jim Bevan said he attributes the success to the dedication of returning athletes and new talent.

Men’s cross country struggles at AAC, eyes regional comeback

The Rice Owls men’s cross country team finished in eighth place in the 2024 American Athletic Conference Cross Country Championships Nov. 1 in Wichita, Kansas, with 215 points. Runners said unexpected challenges left the team grappling to meet pre-race expectations.

Faith Hutchins makes her mark during final season

Faith Hutchins, Rice soccer’s graduate goalkeeper, said that she has built her success around one key philosophy: Pressure is a privilege. It’s a mindset that has driven her through a standout season for the Owls. 

Rice diving makes a comeback with new talent, high hopes

After a 30-year hiatus, Rice’s diving program is back. The program is spearheaded by three-time Olympian Gabi Chereches, who represented Romania, and two divers. 

Athletes reflect on identity during Latine Heritage Month

Racing toward innovation: Veloci Running takes off

Tyler Strothman’s passion for running began with a one-mile race in fifth grade. The event set the foundation for a lifelong connection to the sport; he hasn’t stopped running since. Rather than competition or personal records, a sense of camaraderie and connection led him to run at the Division I level, he said.