As my time at The Oracle comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the stories that have stuck with me the most.

Looking back at my work, there are three instances I can say defined my one year as a sports writer.

These stories go beyond the headlines, and instead capture the essence of what journalism means to me.

No. 3: Sammie Puisis’s statement game

Sammie Puisis is one of the all-time greats in USF women’s basketball history. When she went down in the 2023-24 season with a knee injury, I anxiously awaited her return.

Fortunately for me, I was in attendance for her second game back from injury when the Bulls faced Mount St. Mary’s on Nov. 7.

Related: USF’s Jose Fernandez sets record, Puisis shines in women’s basketball win

That night, Puisis recorded 25 points and also tied her career high of seven 3-pointers made.

As she started to heat up during the game, it made me think of the journey it took for her to be back in this moment.

Reporting on her comeback reminded me how much athletes sacrifice just to get back on the court. 

No. 2: Volleyball’s regular season crown

In my time at The Oracle, the 2024-25 USF volleyball team was the best program I covered.

No matter who the opponent was, the Bulls came to play. A defining example of its grit was the upset victory over No. 10 Florida on Sept. 6.

The team was full of talent, highlighted by stars like junior outside hitter Maria Clara Andrade. 

She led the team in kills and was named the American Athletic Conference player of the year.

In every interview, head coach Jolene Shepardson, Andrade and her teammates emphasized their goal of winning the AAC.

The accomplishment would be specifically dear to Shepardson, who was part of the last Bulls team to capture the title in 2002

So when the time came to achieve their goal, I was excited to be in attendance – a narrative I’d been following all season reached its zenith.

USF dominated in its championship-clinching match, with a 3-0 sweep over UAB on Feb. 21.

Seeing the emotion as players became overwhelmed with joy has remained ingrained in my mind.

On that day, I got to document history and witness a legacy in real time.

 No. 1: The softball game I didn’t expect to love

The most memorable story I covered wasn’t a dramatic upset win or a nail-biting finish.

It was a lopsided USF softball loss to Wisconsin on a chilling February night. 

The Badgers scored run after run, outclassing the Bulls from the first inning.

I sat in the bleachers next to The Oracle’s Multimedia Editor Camille Grall, both shivering and disappointed at the product on the field.

As someone from Miami, I was more focused on how to stay warm than how to write my lede.

However, between innings, I got a new perspective on the night. 

I looked around and saw families bundled in blankets, players still giving it their all and coaches barking instructions despite the one-sided score.

Suddenly, the story wasn’t the game itself, but the atmosphere around it.

This midseason game reminded me why I wanted to become a journalist.

Some days will be long, some will be hard, everything won’t always be ideal.

When these days come, I’ll be prepared, as there will always be a story to tell.

These moments didn’t just fill a byline – they filled my purpose. I’ll always be grateful to The Oracle for igniting the fuel in my passion.