by Chris Sama ’27 on February 12, 2026

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Athlete of the Week

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The athlete of the week is Jason Edwards ’G26, who made his return against DePaul University on Saturday, Feb. 8. The Friars desperately needed a true point guard to run the offense and struggled without Edwards’ presence. It was unclear whether he would return at all for the rest of the Friars’ season, but fortunately, he is back and playing extremely well. He scored 25 points on efficient shooting, going five for eight from three and eight for13 from the field overall. He also had two assists and four rebounds, which is especially impressive considering his role as a guard.

On the season, Edwards is averaging 17.6 points, three rebounds and 3.2 assists on 43.9 field goal percentage, showing his efficiency. He has an extremely quick release that, despite his size,  allows him to get shots up from anywhere, even with defenders closing him out. He is also extremely quick and drives to the basket well. The Friars need him if they want any chance at winning the Big East Tournament, let alone making it to March Madness, as he is their only true point guard. Before joining the Friars in the Big East, Edwards played at Vanderbilt University, where he averaged 17.0 points, 1.3 assists, and two rebounds. He made the All-SEC Third team and scored in double figures in 29 of 31 games. He has shown significant improvement in his passing game from his time at North Texas University to Providence College, going from a 1.4 assist average to 3.2.

Without Edwards’ impact, PCwas playing noticeably worse; it felt like something was missing. While the Friars have a great back court consisting of talented players like Stefan Vaaks ’29, Jaylin Sellers ’26G, and Jamier Jones ’29, none of them fit the point guard role; they function better as shooting guards or small forwards. It’s clear from the games where he was present that Edwards was recruited by coach Kim English to run the offense and be a leader on the court.

by Sarah Wolff ’28 and Dorothée Durivage ’28 on February 12, 2026

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Sports

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Kawhi Leonard

There were more than just a few snubs in the initial 2026 National Basketball Association All-Star Game roster. However, Kawhi Leonard’s absence was one that gained the most attention, so much so that he was later added to the roster as a corrective measure for the new format. I do recognize this reform, as
key players like James Harden have been left completely off the list. Still, to not include a player
like Leonard in the initial voting process was absurd. He has had arguably the best statistical season
of his career, and for coaches to find that other Western Conference players were better equipped
for the challenge felt unfair. This was a decision that many basketball fans, analysts, and even 
Los Angeles Clippers’ head coach Tyronn Lue have called out. As the first half of the 2025–2026 season comes to a close, Leonard has undoubtedly proved himself. He is currently averaging a career-high 28 points per game (No. 7 in the NBA), with 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.1 steals (No. 2 in the NBA). These numbers are tangible evidence that not only make him one of the best league performers, but also place him on par with, or even better than, the players who were initially selected. There were two key points that critics of the voting highlighted. First, amidst all the players not initially selected for the game, Leonard’s scoring average was the highest. It’s the first time in NBA history that someone with his averages has not been selected for the team. Second, despite being out a few games due to injury, Leonard was actually on the court more than several selected All-Stars. For example, Damian Lillard is participating in the 3-point contest, although he hasn’t played a minute this season. Among all NBA fan communities, Leonard was no doubt one of the most deserving All-Stars, disregarding any sort of fame narrative. Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue publicly expressed his dismay about this decision, saying, “But Kawhi, I think, to me, the last six weeks has been the best player in the NBA. Like you said, 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from three, and 90 percent from the free throw line, averaging 28 points per game, and what he’s done to bring his team out of the hole. We started 6–21 and to be where we’re at today, it was just tough to see.” Lue’s attitude was shared by many fans and commentators, many of whom felt that Leonard’s greatness was overlooked to secure legacy picks such as LeBron James. As I mentioned, Leonard was not initially selected through the traditional voting process, but was later added to the All-Star player pool by Adam Silver, commissioner of the NBA commissioner.. So what does this mean? Does a player performing at an All-Star level not get the chance to be recognized until the league steps in? Leonard was an obvious pick for the 2026 All-Star game, and his snub is the blueprint example of how reputation and relationships may matter just as much as performance in the league.
– Sarah Wolff ’28
Sports Staff

Michael Porter, Jr.

Brooklyn Nets player Michael Porter, Jr. was snubbed from a spot on this year’s National Basketball Association All-Star Team. 27-year-old Porter is having his best personal season to date, which led many to think that he might be deserving of his first spot on the All-Star roster this year. However, no Nets players were selected to be a part of this year’s team, which is surprising considering the Eastern Conference votes. Porter was ranked No. 9 in fan votes and No. 10 by both players and the media. Ultimately, NBA coaches also decided not to name Porter as a reserve, which may be the most shocking choice of all considering his season so far. Porter is leading the team in terms of points, averaging 25 per game. After starting 48 games this season, he has started the most out of any player on the Nets. This season, Porter has also been averaging 7.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 47.4 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three-point range. His best month of the season was in December when he averaged 28.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Sadly, Porter’s performance since then has not been as stellar. Since the new year, he is down to averaging 23.6 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, which could not have helped his chances of making it to the All-Star game. After hearing that he did not make the roster, Porter, who has been a very important player in the Nets’ rebuild this season, said, “I thought I had a chance, for sure. But I knew it was out of my control. I know the record probably plays a part in it, even though there’s guys that are in there that don’t have the most amazing record.”. His reaction shows that he was a deserving athlete for this year’s All-Star game, making his absence even more surprising. 
– Dorothée Durivage ’28
Sports Staff

by Andrew Vines ’29 on February 12, 2026

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Sports Shorts

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Men’s Basketball 
The men’s basketball team hosted two Big East opponents this week: Butler University and DePaul University. On Wednesday night, Feb. 4, the Friars hosted Butler in a close game. Butler’s Finley Bizjack sent the game to overtime with two missed free throws. Nilavan Daniels ’28 hit a big three that helped push the game to double overtime, where the Friars ultimately pulled away to win 97–87. Jaylin Sellers ’26G led the way with 36 points. Jason Edwards ’26G made his return Saturday, Feb. 7, against DePaul and led all scorers with 25 points. The Friars controlled this game from start to finish, winning 90–72. The next home game is a 1:00 p.m. tip-off on Saturday, Feb. 14 against St. John’s University. 

Men’s Ice Hockey 
The men’s ice hockey team extended its winning streak to nine in a row this week. The weekend started off at the University of New Hampshire on Friday, Feb. 6. The Friars went down one goal early, but responded with six unanswered goals. Will Elger ’28 led the way with two goals. Hudson Malinoski ’27, Aleksi Kivioja ’28, Tanner Adams ’27, and Logan Sawyer ’28 all scored one. The Friars returned to a home crowd Saturday night, Feb. 7, to take on the University of Vermont. The Friars once again won 6–1. Kivioja led the way with two goals, and Malinoski, Donovan McCoy ’29, John Mustard ’28, and Clint Levens ’27 all had one. The Friars are atop the Hockey East Conference by eight points. Northeastern University comes to town on Friday, Feb. 13, and Saturday, Feb. 14. 

Women’s Basketball 
The Friars played three games in the last week. They ended January with a 62–57 home loss to St. John’s University on Jan. 31. On Wednesday, Feb. 4, they traveled to Marquette University, where they suffered a 78–61 loss. On Sunday, Feb. 8, the Xavier University Musketeers came to Alumni Hall. After the first quarter, the score was 17–11, and the Friars didn’t look back from there. The Friars played a great game, outrebounding Xavier 42–28. Sabou Gueye ’G26 led the way with a career high of 29 points, going 13/23 from the field. She didn’t just control the game on the offensive side of the ball—defensively, she had five steals, leading the way to a Friar victory. 

Men’s Lacrosse 
Friday, Feb. 6, the men’s lacrosse team hosted in-state rival Bryant University on Chapey Field. At the end of the first quarter, the Friars were trailing 3–2, but by halftime the tides had turned, and the Friars were up 7–6. The Friars would ultimately advance to 2–0 with a 16–11 victory over the Bulldogs. Rhett Chambers ’27 and Richie Joseph ’26 both had four goals. Sam Brezell ’28 and Matt Lazzaro ’27 each had a hat trick. Chris Matia ’28 and Chris Jaskiewski ’28 rounded out the scoring, each adding a goal in the Friars win. The Friars next home game is Saturday, Feb. 21, against Brown University after an away game on Saturday, Feb.14, at Harvard University. 

by Dr. Christine Earley on February 12, 2026

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Opinion

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As leaders of the Providence College School of Business, we read the Feb. 5 opinion piece, “Concerns About Alleged AI Usage at PC’s Business School,” in The Cowl, and we feel compelled to respond.

Academic integrity is the bedrock of our institution; without it, the value of a PC degree is diminished for every student and all alumni. We wish to state, unequivocally, that the School of Business does not tolerate academic dishonesty in any form, and we consider the allegations with the gravity they deserve.

Upholding the standard of excellence that defines a Friar education is a collective responsibility. It is a commitment that must be shared by administrators, faculty, staff, and the students themselves. To that end, we wish to remind the community of the expectations set forth in the PC academic catalog, as cited by the student handbook:

“Students are expected to understand this policy and to exercise diligence in following it. They are to take credit only for work that they have completed through their own efforts within the guidelines established by the instructor. When aware of an instance of academic misconduct, students are expected to notify the instructor, department chair, or the appropriate school dean, depending on where the academic department or program offering the course is housed. In their notification, students may choose whether or not to reveal the name of the person committing the violation.”

We expect the highest level of enforcement of college policy from each member of the PC community. However, we can only act when we are properly informed of these matters. We are committed to a culture where integrity is not an option, but a requirement.

It is important for students to understand that specific issues of cheating are managed through a formal, comprehensive investigation, and, when appropriate, a disciplinary process under the leadership of the Office of Academic Affairs. This process ensures that allegations are investigated thoroughly and that justice is administered fairly and consistently for each member of our community. Even though this process does not reside with us, we firmly believe in the process and understand our responsibility to ensure that it is followed effectively.

In response to the ever-evolving landscape of technology, such as generative AI, we have taken proactive measures to uphold the integrity of our assessments. Our goal is to ensure that every student is truly meeting the learning objectives of our courses and programs. While some may argue for a universal return to specific modalities—and while pencil-and-paper exams remain a personal preference for many of us—we must recognize that such methods may not always be the most effective way to measure mastery in every discipline or situation.

Furthermore, we must address the practicalities of technology-based enforcement. Currently, lockdown browser licenses are limited due to significant costs and are still undergoing evaluation for effectiveness by the School of Business faculty. As such, those browsers are not a universal tool for enforcement. However, we continue to evaluate all available resources to safeguard our curriculum and assessments.

We are a community built on mutual respect and the pursuit of Veritas. Our doors remain open to students, faculty, and staff who wish to share feedback, concerns, or innovative ideas regarding navigating these ever-evolving integrity challenges.

Additionally, in the coming weeks and months, we will be hosting open listening sessions to hear from the community. Moreover, the School of Business will be administering its regular climate assessment survey. We encourage your participation in these opportunities, as we welcome your comments and suggestions.

The best path forward is through collaboration and a shared commitment to progress. We believe in our students, and we expect them to believe in the value of their own honest work.

Sincerely,
Dr. Christine Earley
Interim Dean, Providence College School of Business
Professor of Accountancy
Joseph A. Gemma ’75
Senior Associate Dean, Providence College School of Business
Assistant Professor of Management

by Maria Mantini ’26 on February 12, 2026

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Opinion - Entertainment & Society

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What is the true meaning of Valentine’s Day? Depending on your relationship status, your answer will probably be something along the lines of romance or capitalism. However, what is the commonality between both of those responses? Chocolate!

Starting in mid-January, you can’t walk into any CVS without seeing shelves decked out in red and pink. There is box after red heart-shaped box of Valentine’s Day chocolate, benefiting both love and profit margins. Some have big bows on the front while others have little stuffed animals attached, but whether you are buying the chocolates for your significant other or to show yourself a little self-love, skip the displays in the front of the store.

The truth is, when it comes to chocolate, quality matters. We’ve all felt the disappointment of biting into a piece of chocolate that tastes like straight sugar with a dash of cacao. Just as you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, do not judge chocolates by their box. Some chocolate manufacturers are using glitter and pictures of Snoopy to distract you from the fact that their product only vaguely resembles the taste of chocolate.

If you want a quality treat to enjoy, I suggest walking a little deeper into the store. Brands like Lindt and Ghirardelli are famous for a reason. Their boxes may not have any cartoon characters or bonus gifts attached, but why should they? Their products speak for themselves.

I can guarantee your valentine will be far more won over by a high-quality piece of chocolate than one that tastes like a sugar packet with a mini teddy bear taped to the front. Not to mention, better brands usually have assortments of chocolates with different fillings, creating a better flavor experience and further proving to your valentine that you know them.

So, this Valentine’s Day, when you go looking for the right gift to win over your Development of Western Civilization crush or to snack on while watching terrible rom-coms, skip over the boxes with Hello Kitty’s face on them and go straight for the Godiva!

by Kaelynd Brouillette ’29 on February 12, 2026

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Opinion - Campus

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I vividly remember being on campus for First Day in Friartown, listening to Dean Sears give an introduction speech. He spoke to us about how Providence College, in general, is a place of love, where many find their forever person. That moment stuck with me more than expected, and it put an expectation into my mind that the same thing would happen to me. I was hopeful, but realistic, and open to the idea of a relationship. It turns out that Dean Sears was not wrong. Not only did I meet my boyfriend here, but I have come to know quite a few people who found their significant others at PC. I had the realization that this experience is far from rare, and, in fact, it is very likely that one finds their future spouse, or has some sort of romantic relationship, during their time at college. 

According to The Knot, about 15 percent of people find their husband or wife in college. This makes sense, as the structure of a college campus creates an environment where you are forced to meet and talk to new people. Factors such as physical proximity, shared routines and classes, and constant interaction act as catalysts for relationships to bud, leading to many long-term relationships and marriages beginning in college or early adulthood. This is especially true at PC. With tight-knit social circles, a small campus, and familiar faces anywhere, it is almost difficult to imagine that you are not going to meet someone with whom you could see a future. At a school like PC, these structural factors are reinforced by something deeper, as research suggests that students at religious institutions are even more likely to form relationships that lead to marriage.

PC is a Catholic institution, meaning that many who choose to attend this school share the same moral framework, with an emphasis on community and values. According to the Institute for Family Studies, almost all 25 of the colleges with the highest marriage rates among fellow students were religious institutions, and in general, those at religious institutions are more likely to find their partner in college. This idea definitely shows up on our campus, as there are so many serious relationships here, as well as people dating with intention, even if it is casually at first. Although PC does not feel rigid or traditional, Catholic values can still shape relationships, as we see on our campus.

Every story has a flip side, too. It is not a complete reality to say that everyone here is looking for a long-term relationship at all times, and it is important to acknowledge that PC has an abundant and established so-called hookup culture, which I believe goes hand-in-hand with going-out culture. With parties and going out every weekend, hookup culture is bound to spread rapidly and take full effect on campus. But, hookup culture can exist alongside long-term relationships, sometimes involving the same people at different times through their four years at college. It can also lead to confusion between casual and serious intentions. There is almost an underlying pressure to participate in hookup culture, even if it does not align with your personal values, which can build a sense of fear of missing out or feeling like you’re not doing college right. Nonetheless, for some, hookups are freeing, but for others, they can feel isolating or emotionally draining. Overall, PC’s dating culture isn’t one thing; it’s more layered and contradictory. 

I now view Dean Sears’ words with more nuance than before, as I have experienced dating culture here for myself. Love at PC is not guaranteed, but connection definitely is. No matter who you are, you will find your people here and find space for experimentation and commitment to exist and help us reflect on who we are. What makes love on this campus unique is not its certainty, but its environment—one that encourages connection while allowing students to define relationships on their own terms.

by Georgina Gamble ’29 on February 12, 2026

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Opinion - Entertainment & Society

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For my whole life, the sheer mention of Feb. 14 caused me to eye-roll. I eye-rolled at everything: the edible arrangements, the heartfelt Instagram stories, the capitalism of it all—I even held bitterness towards the heart-shaped Reeses, even though we all know they taste better than the normal ones. 

To me, Valentine’s Day was a weak attempt at making what is arguably one of the worst, depressing months of the year a little brighter. That attempt only seems (literally) profitable for the roughly 70 percent of the American population who are in a relationship. For the rest of us—the other 30 percent—Cupid forces the seasonal depression a bit deeper into our hearts each year, as we find ourselves in the aisle of CVS buying red and pink bags of Reeses that will be eaten all alone. 

But, I urge caution on those who feel too comfortable hating on Valentine’s Day— Cupid’s arrow can strike hard. And when it does, it is quite the wake-up call. 

I am on the other side of (what feels like) the war now, joining the 70 percent. Feb. 14 feels a bit different from this angle: less of a gut punch, and more of a really exciting obligation.

Going into my first Valentine’s Day as a girlfriend, I can say with sincerity that this holiday isn’t just every candy company’s payday. I reflect on my elementary years, where my valentines were my classmates. We exchanged tiny, flimsy cards and conversation hearts, amongst a plethora of other candies. I remember it feeling like Halloween in the middle of February. I was so excited the night before as I got to fill out each and every card for all 20-something of my friends, signing each one off with a heart or a smiley face—and delivering them to my classmates with a grin and a lollipop picked to their liking. 

I think fondly of the years when I would come home from school to flowers and a box of chocolates from my dad. They were always fancy ones that he picked up on his commute home from the city—and they were always delicious, too. 

I realize now that I never actually had a bad Valentine’s Day in my life, just not the commercialized one that everyone strives for. 

There are so many types of love in the world, and so much of all of it. Valentine’s Day should be harnessed as an excuse to spoil the people you love, or at least hug them a little harder. The chocolates and public professions of love are great, but I think it can easily be considered a much more special holiday than that. No matter how much you think you hate Cupid, I think it’s important to spread joy on the dreaded holiday, for everyone’s sake. Call your grandma if that’s what it takes, or compliment a stranger.

Embrace the sappiness—besides, there’s always discounted candy the next day. 

by Grace Pappadellis ’29 on February 12, 2026

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Portfolio - Poetry

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I used to walk for a long time,
before I knew of swiftness.
I was not familiar with the plan I could possess,
where these new, lithe strides could lead. 

A developed cognizance for the satisfaction,
discomfort, strenuity, contemplative hours.
I ache for the slow grind, but I move quicker than expected.
All the strain, the choice to fly instead of merely flutter,

It does me well.
I can appreciate the flap of thoughtful wings,
walking will stay in the ambit of my movement.
Nothing will exert me, like the twist of my torso, the reliant trace of my eager
bounds.

I run now because walking could never suffice,
I’ll always control this, 
the distance, my legs slicing across the pavement, scooping out my insides,
I tumble along, I trust myself wholly.

To run is to have the privilege of feeling complete,
even when you are overcome by the thrumming,
riotous uphills,
you’ll always meet the downhill, you’ll be relieved,

But you’ll trust, she’s forever there.
To run is to know the harmonious end,
singing and surging through your red-hot ears.

by Grace Pappadellis ’29 on February 5, 2026

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Opinion - Entertainment & Society

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You are an intentional being whether you like it or not. Even in your subconscious mind, you act based on what you value most. You practice, you perfect, you frantically seek gratification—success originating from what you truly want to succeed at. The goal to master something you love is an immense goal, something humans don’t always let themselves achieve. You can work tirelessly, aiming to rise to the standard you have set for yourself—pure flawlessness—and the realization that perfection is nearly impossible only makes you strive for it with more alacrity. You want to achieve this perfection because you love what you are doing, you care about it, and you want your achievements to reflect who you are to the world. To hold something in high esteem is to devote time and effort, passion and energy. Therefore, the outcome always matters to us; even when your success is obvious and bountiful, it may not be enough to satisfy you. 

I believe people have a tendency to ignore their own accomplishments when they’ve set high, sometimes unrealistic, standards for themselves. They love what they do so vehemently that their ability to recognize that they have attained what they once sought for is diluted by perfectionism. There is an addicting zeal conjured from a relentless love. 

My contention is not rooted in any specific psychological study, but in experience of my own. Throughout the past couple of years, I developed a strong love for running. Although I did other sports when I was younger, running was not an activity integrated into my athletic life, never mind my daily routine. The more running I do, the better trained I am, and I am more apt to want to get even better—push my own limits—because that particular feeling of accomplishment is irreplaceable to me. I can’t say that my success is linear; in fact, the lethargy and time commitment that comes with daily running and training can hinder my mindset and overall consideration of myself. Not every run is the same  and such a fluctuating sport can make it difficult to track how much running I should be doing, how to fuel, when to sleep, when to go harder, or when to take a momentary rest. However, I’ve grown to love all parts of it. I’ve found the satisfying soreness to be proof of my progress, proof of my dedication. Even when the peak feeling of running is hard to reach at all times, I know it is getting easier, courtesy of my longstanding efforts and ongoing love. 

You will never be able to master what you love most because you will always be doing what you love most—it is your priority. To continue to do something is to get better at it, even when you are forced to take two steps back before getting to that new and improved place.  Instead of getting stuck in the mindset that your successes will never be enough, you must relish in the process leading to success, experiencing the significant accomplishments, and also acknowledging the ones that seem trivial. When you love something, and you work at it, completely “mastering” this activity is not feasible. However, you have mastered something less tangible, that being indisputable love so personal to you that only you can understand it. You should feel accomplished with that in itself.

by Olivia Gleason '26 on February 5, 2026

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Opinion

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Hello Cowl readers, happy February! I hope everyone is staying warm despite the biting cold days we’ve been having and the copious amount of snow that seems as if it will never go away. As a student living in off-campus housing this year, I’ve been witnessing the city of Providence’s snow cleanup job firsthand for the past week, and I have my frustrations. For several days after the storm, I was unable to drive my car safely out of my driveway as my street still had several inches of compacted snow on it. Even as I am writing this ed column, my two-lane street is still more or less a one-way street because of how much snow still persists past the sidewalks, and each time I drive my car on it, my wheels become impacted with slushy snow. I completely understand that this was the biggest storm Providence has faced in years, and I am so grateful to the workers who go out to clean up the streets. However, I believe that the city could have done a much better job at organizing its resources to get this done more quickly, and for that, I am left feeling frustrated with the city’s mayor and other political officials. 

This got me thinking about how healthy it is to have qualms with your representatives. This storm left me questioning if more could have been done to keep residents safe and get them back to their usual routines. In today’s incredibly polarized political climate, I think it has become a widespread norm for individuals to turn a blind eye when a political figure they support does something they might disagree with or that frustrates them. We see it daily with Republican members of Congress who refuse to speak even the smallest ill of the President, we see it on the news and in interviews, and we see it in our daily political conversations. In short, much political discourse has been reduced to either supporting a politician completely or not at all. 

I think that such an approach to politics is incredibly unproductive. Our democratic system was built to include several checks on its representatives, to make them at the will of the voice of the people. Instead, today, many individuals cannot think to admit it when a politician of their party messes up or promotes a policy that they disagree with. To do this is perceived to be a betrayal of their entire party and system of beliefs, when in reality, it is nothing of the sort. Disagreeing occasionally with a politician you generally support is necessary to democracy, and it is necessary to bring about positive political change. Without such disagreement, without such pressure from the citizenry, politicians have nothing to hold them accountable—no matter what they do, they know that their base will offer them blind support. 

In short, I was frustrated with Providence this past week, but this doesn’t mean I have betrayed them or my own political affiliations. Taking issue with your representatives once in a while—or even all the time—just means that you care enough to demand better from them for a better society. Holding them accountable, especially when you generally support them, is an act of civic responsibility. We must be willing to participate in thoughtful criticism, to voice frustration along with praise, if we want to get the most from politics.