The Student News Site of St. Edward's University

Hilltop Views
The Student News Site of St. Edward's University

Hilltop Views
The Student News Site of St. Edward's University

Hilltop Views
Hailey Womack

Hailey Womack, News Editor

Hailey Womack is a senior majoring in English with a concentration in Creative Writing and a minor in Journalism and Digital Media. She’s an art lover and sports enthusiast who’s appreciative of the food and music culture of Austin, where she was raised. Womack looks forward to growing the student journalist community on St. Edward’s campus as her third semester as News Editor. When she isn’t reading or editing, she enjoys crocheting, playing basketball and playing various video games.

All content by Hailey Womack
Suzanne Collins’ “Sunrise on the Reaping” broke my heart in the best way possible. The series never fails to live up to my expectations.

REVIEW: The newest addition to The Hunger Games series is everything I wanted and more

Hailey Womack, News Editor
April 4, 2025
Bailey Featherstone pulls up for a mid range jump shot, one of her many of the night. She finished the game with a total of 15 points, but Janiah “J.P.” Perkins and Kiana Bennett were the scoring leaders, each putting up 16 points in the loss.

Second half scoring troubles cause women’s basketball to fall to Cameron University 79-65

Hailey Womack, News Editor
February 17, 2025
What happens to an NBA player who gave everything he had to a team, helped them reach the playoffs’ conference finals for the first time since their only championship title in 2011 and even carry them to an NBA finals appearance? For Luka Doncic, it means getting traded away in the middle of the night with no warning.

OPINION: Hey Dallas Mavericks, what are you even thinking?

Hailey Womack, News Editor
February 13, 2025
In an unanticipated move, Jerry Jones elected to hire offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer as the Cowboys’ head coach in a four-year contract. Jones, who acknowledged that Schotteheimer is known as a “career assistant,” backs his risky decision heavily.

The Cowboys’ head coach hire is shocking; let’s talk about it

Hailey Womack, News Editor
February 4, 2025
The speakers from the grand opening ceremony gathered around the navy blue ribbon as Fuentes prepared to cut it and officially open the school.

St. Edward’s ushers in new vision of university through opening of the School of Health Sciences

Lola Claire and Hailey Womack
February 3, 2025
Texas’ professional football teams, the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans, are officially done with their seasons following the Texans’ divisional round loss. With a lengthy off-season, both teams could look dramatically different by the start of the 2025-26 season.

OPINION: What are the next plays in Texas’ professional football?

Hailey Womack, News Editor
January 21, 2025
Each station had a printout of the rules for matches, and which stages to play on. Players were invited to bring their own controller of choice.

Esports hosts ‘Battle at the Hilltop’ tournament to engage campus community

Hailey Womack, News Editor
December 7, 2024
Gavino Ramos was a big playmaker for the team, generating shots and open attempts for his teammates. “(It was) definitely a good win, but definitely some things we need to clean up as well,” Ramos said. “Missed a lot of free throws, gave up too many layups, small things like that that kind of make the game closer than it should. But cleaning those up we'll be good down the road.”

Men’s basketball secures win in close home opener against Rockford University

Hailey Womack, News Editor
November 25, 2024
The women’s club basketball team poses after their first win of the season. “These girls come into practice and they work hard every single time,” Rae said. “They take their time out of their day outside of practice to work on their skills too, so they're not only coming to practice and working hard, but they're doing it on their own time too. They have a lot of dedication, they have commitment, and that's all I could ask for. They work really hard in practice. They help each other out. We're in practice, and if someone is struggling, whether it's a bad day or they just can't get a skill down, some of the other teammates are there to help 'em, pick 'em up, show 'em how to do it. We work as one unit and these girls have put in so much hard work, and even with just six of us, we have grown so much. And tonight we pulled off this win. And I think that it also wouldn't be fun without them. They have such great energy, especially in practice, keeping it lighthearted. We're always supporting each other, we're always making each other laugh, and it's just all making it worth it. And that's why I do this. That's why I want to manage the team, so that I can make the program possible for them to play.”

Women’s club basketball secures win in final home game of season

Hailey Womack, News Editor
November 13, 2024
Women’s basketball head coach J.J. Riehl reflected on this season coinciding with the 50th anniversary of women’s sports on the hilltop. “I think women's basketball and women's sports in general, but specifically women's basketball, there's a huge growth in the popularity in how many people are watching it and how many people are endorsing it and how many people are supporting it,” Riehl said. “I think it's just a huge, unbelievable time to be a part of women's basketball. I think all of that just comes back to an overwhelming sense of gratitude that I get to do this at a place that I truly love. And yeah, it's going to be a cool year. Lots of cool celebrations, lots of cool alums coming back throughout the year. I'm just excited, honestly, I'm excited to showcase our team… so proud of them, not just as basketball players, but as leaders and human beings. And so I couldn't be more proud to be the 50th year with this group. I think St. Ed's basketball is in great hands with them.”

PRESEASON: Women’s basketball gears up for historic 50th season of SEU women’s sports

Hailey Womack, News Editor
November 8, 2024
Alumni Gym was the destination for Casino Night. After getting a wristband, students got chips for betting that could be used at the end of the night for raffle prizes.

Students gamble night away during Homecoming’s Casino Night

Hailey Womack, News Editor
November 5, 2024
It’s a tough season for Cowboys fans. As the Dallas Cowboys’ record falls to 3-5, I think there are multiple things the team should address to become the powerhouse they should be.

OPINION: The Cowboys are spiraling, but not beyond fixing

Hailey Womack, News Editor
November 3, 2024
Sydney Carrigans holds the ball and looks upcourt while the team breaks NVC’s full court press. NVC’s head coach, pictured right of Carrigan, kept affirming his team to keep up the press throughout the game.

Scoring troubles continue in fourth game of women’s club basketball

Hailey Womack, News Editor
October 30, 2024
Sydney Carrigan takes an open three point shot attempt, one of her many of the night. She connected with one as the clock ran down in the first half.

Women’s club basketball falls to ACC in second game of the season

Hailey Womack, News Editor
October 16, 2024
Keith Dunn (center) and band kick off the festival with the first performance on the last day. Outer Heaven’s ambient lighting compelled viewers to remain fixated on his breathtaking performance of groovy blues.

Eastside Kings Festival showcases historic soul, gospel, jazz, blues music of East Austin

Hailey Womack and Raveena Devjee
October 7, 2024
At the beginning of the night, attendees were able to craft miniature versions of banned books.

Banned Books Bonanza at Munday Library aims to educate about book bans in a fun way

Hailey Womack, News Editor
October 3, 2024
Tony Zhong looks forward to developing not only the various Esports teams on campus, but strengthening a relationship with the student body. One of his initiatives is to host Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart tournaments in residence halls that students can take part in for fun and prizes. Esports will provide prizes, either esports gear, mics, headsets or Red Bulls- one of esports partnerships. “Get all of the residents, the students who are living on campus, involve them a little bit more,” Zhong said. “Of course, if you’re off campus, you can join as well, so kind of engaging the community in that aspect.”

St. Edward’s Esports scores new head coach Tony Zhong

Hailey Womack, News Editor
September 27, 2024
Channing Tatum as Slater King (left) and Naomi Ackie as Frida (right) are pictured at a dinner party scene during the movie. Zoë Kravitz not only directed, but produced and wrote the movie as well.

Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut ‘Blink Twice’ was bloody thrilling

Hailey Womack, News Editor
September 9, 2024
The men’s soccer team played an exhibition game against Huston-Tillotson University last Spring. The team begins their season this Fall with scrimmages and nonconference games in Mississipi.

Fall sports return with new athletes, coaching staff, goals

Hailey Womack, News Editor
August 27, 2024
Erica Zamora, director of the Office of Student Belonging and Inclusive Excellence (OSBIE), poses in front of their new welcome sign in the office. Zamora said the decal is meant to “evoke a sense of belonging” for any student – their home is on the hilltop.

Inclusive Symbols Task Force initiates gender-inclusive housing on campus

Hailey Womack, News Editor
August 27, 2024
Between the two games, Mauricio “Thresh” Pallares rewatches their first match against Newberry Esports on Twitch. You can find their past broadcasts of the Championship Playoff games on Twitch at @CollegeCoD.

COD in top six national rankings after win, loss amid national CCL playoffs

Hailey Womack, News Editor
April 22, 2024
The university's forensic science program has been working toward the American Academy of Forensic Science’s accreditation for a decade. Eight days before a scheduled site visit from the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission, the programs accreditation application was pulled after not receiving approval from the Board of Trustees as a next step in the process.

Students express worry, disappointment over halt in forensic science accreditation process

Hailey Womack, News Editor
April 19, 2024
The team celebrates with Head Coach Sterling Henderson after their win. “You know, Sterling gave me the opportunity to come here, been some of the best moments of my life, memories that I’ll remember forever,” Muccio said. “(I’m) glad I can do it for him.”

COD destroys Cumberland Esports in CCL grand finals to become regional champions

Hailey Womack, News Editor
April 13, 2024
The club sports dance team the Topperettes pose for a group picture. The group recently placed Second Runner-Up in Division II overall and First Runner-Up in the Hip-Hop category in their first competition in five years – and the first competition experience for many of the girls.

The Topperettes, St. Edward’s dance team, compete for first time in five years

Hailey Womack, News Editor
April 11, 2024
Morgan Grigsby’s “Adult Swim” welcomes you into the “Bodies Akin” exhibition. Grigsby’s inspiration behind the piece was Hans Holbein’s sixteenth century painting of Christ in the tomb, reimagined as himself during summertime. To find out more, check out his Instagram @morgangrigsbyart or his website morgangrigsby661.wixsite.com.

Contracommon’s “Bodies Akin” gallery highlights local artists’ takes on the art of the human figure

Hailey Womack, News Editor
April 1, 2024
Lucas “Ballah” Muccio smiles after winning their second match of the night, Search & Destroy.

Amid last minute rescheduling, COD pulls through in another win in CCL

Hailey Womack, News Editor
March 25, 2024
The St. Edward’s Call of Duty team wins yet another match, this time against Cal State Fullerton University. With the win, the Hilltoppers secured third place in the Division 1 Southeast section of the CCL, holding a 9-1 overall record.

COD sweeps Cal State Fullerton University’s esports in CXP league

Hailey Womack, News Editor
March 25, 2024
Is Kanye West the king of sampling or a musical vulture leeching from other artists’ work? With his controversies of copyright infringement surrounding the release of the album, I’d venture to say West believes he’s untouchable. My argument: just make a new beat.

OPINION: Kanye is the ultimate music “vulture”

Hailey Womack, News Editor
March 18, 2024
At the forefront of Austin City Hall, hundreds of protestors flocked as part of the Palestinian Youth Movement's 'March 2nd Millions March for Palestine' call to action. Multiple speakers took the steps across the span of a few hours, then the protest marched through downtown toward the Capitol.

Protesters gather at Austin City Hall to rally, march for ceasefire in Gaza

Hailey Womack and Zemira Recio
March 6, 2024
Although the team lost the overall match, it wasn’t a complete sweep. Hilltoppers either led or tied at one point in every round against Oklahoma Christian University.

Internal conflict, miscommunication result in COD’s first loss of the season in CXP

Hailey Womack, News Editor
March 4, 2024
Associate Professor of Social Work Adam McCormick, Ph.D, speaks to students at the protest on Feb. 27 outside of Ragsdale. Students protested for nearly eight hours on the university’s Seal in response to the Pride flag being removed from the campus coffee shop last semester.

Successive student-led protest calls for no confidence vote by faculty

Claire Lawrence and Hailey Womack
February 29, 2024
Team captain Johnny “Vanity” Albano had the second-most kills in playstyle Control, with 13 kills.

Call of Duty esports advances to 7-0 undefeated record in CCL

Hailey Womack, News Editor
February 29, 2024
Before and after every round, the team fistbumps each other as a pre-game ritual. David “Eons” Sauseda (left) and team captain Johnny “Vanity” Albano celebrate their final match win in Hardpoint.

In their second match of the night, COD esports wins in CCL against Keiser University

Hailey Womack, News Editor
February 15, 2024
David “Eons” Sauseda focuses on capturing kills. His skin, named War Horse, casts a red fiery blaze around him.

St. Edward’s Call of Duty team picks up another win in CCL against Nicholls University

Hailey Womack, News Editor
February 15, 2024
After falling to OCU 3-0, the team placed hope in the newly released Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Next semester, the game will shift to the newest edition for better gameplay.

Call of Duty esports team falls to Oklahoma Christian University in semifinals

Hailey Womack, Staff Writer
November 23, 2023
Team captain Johnny "Vanity" Albano made his return back to the game after a concussion medical leave. "Seeing him forced to sit out, for his own good ultimately, really bothered me since I know how competitive he is," teammate David "Eons" Sauseda said.

COD esports wins first match in playoffs against Purdue University Northwest

Hailey Womack, Staff Writer
November 16, 2023
Author and journalist Roxanna Asgarian signs copies of her book after having a panel with students. Asgarian recommends for student journalists to do as many breaking news stories as possible to get a "first responder experience" and overcome fears.

Kozmetsky Center hosts author, opens conversation on child-welfare systems

Hailey Womack, Staff Writer
November 16, 2023
The boats are 16 feet in size, made from flat sheets of wood. There are five total boats, with one being named 'Float your Goat.'

Environmental science students to test launch scratch-made boats

Hailey Womack, Staff Writer
November 10, 2023
In the historic downtown of Lockhart, the Caldwell County Courthouse was initially completed in 1894. It got a historic restoration completed in early 2000.

[Photo] Following smoke signals to Texas Monthly’s 14th annual BBQ Festival in Lockhart, TX

Emma Sutton, Staff Reporter
November 9, 2023
SEU men's basketball player Gavino Ramos travels the court with possession of the ball. UT Dallas Comets players scramble to apply defense.

GAME DAY: Men’s basketball wins first exhibition game 128-53

Hailey Womack, Staff Writer
October 31, 2023
The team is focused on winning the playoffs starting in November. “To be honest, regular season has never been a problem for the team, so usually eyes are always set on playoffs from the beginning. We want to win the tournament,” Mauricio “Thresh” Pallares said.

GAME DAY: Esports’ Call of Duty team’s regular season ends in last-minute forfeit

Hailey Womack, Staff Writer
October 23, 2023
Students gather to view various dry food products placed throughout the pantry on shelves. The Huddle tends to have heavy foot traffic throughout the entire day.

The Huddle hosts relocated food pantry, addresses food insecurity on campus

Hailey Womack, Staff Writer
October 17, 2023
Lucas Muccio, known by "Ballah", usually is the only player to wear hoodies while he plays. "[It] makes me comfortable and more locked in, also it's cold down there so helps with that," he said.

GAME DAY: Amidst injury, COD Esports wins against Texas A&M International University

Hailey Womack, Staff Writer
October 16, 2023
The Esports' Call of Duty teams huddles together with their fists in the center, showing support for one another.

GAME DAY: Esports’ COD team clenches another victory before playoffs

Hailey Womack, Staff Writer
October 10, 2023
Mauricio Pallares (left), David Sauseda, Johnny Albano, and Lucas Muccio are all smiles after their win. Their playoff berth sets off in two weeks against Texas A&M University.

GAME DAY: Esports’ COD team bounces back in win against Carolina University

Hailey Womack, Staff Writer
October 2, 2023
Debates for the 2023-2024 elections were held in the Jones Auditorium and allowed for candidates to speak on their campaign and plan for if they are elected.

SGA debates showcase candidates, their initiatives

Hailey Womack, Staff Writer
September 26, 2023
The esports team set up shop in their second room on campus where they played three matches against Oklahoma Christian University.

Call of Duty esports team shrugs off defeat against Oklahoma Christian University

Hailey Womack, Staff Writer
September 25, 2023
ELECTIONS: An inside look at presidential candidate Luis Rios

ELECTIONS: An inside look at presidential candidate Luis Rios

Hailey Womack, Staff Writer
September 24, 2023
Blues Artist from all over the nation such as Harold McMillan, Matthew Robinson, Terry "Harmonica" Bean and Stan Mosley (left to right) join Eddie Stout (center) in the celebration of blues, rhythm and jazz at the 11th annual Eastside Kings Festival.

Eastside Kings Festival fosters community through historic musicology

Kennady Basdekis-Morin, Sienna Wight, Colby Fountain, and Hailey Womack
September 21, 2023
Some courses allow students to use generative AI to help with assignments while other courses strictly forbid any use of AI.

New generative AI policies arrive on campus

Hailey Womack, Staff Writer
September 19, 2023
8 Passengers was a family channel that originated on YouTube dedicated to showcasing life as a big family. However, recent developments have caused people to questions the parents and their ethics, resorting in legal action after their youngest son escaped from their property with signs of abuse.

OPINION: 8 Passengers proves danger of “family channels”

Hailey Womack, Staff Writer
September 19, 2023
St. Edward's and Travis Heights students gather in the Recreation and Athletics Center.

Women’s basketball team mentors students from Travis Heights for another year

Hailey Womack, Staff Writer
September 18, 2023
A snapshot of the clay animation featured in Cornew's second short film.

Senior screening showcases an array of short films from photography majors

Hailey Womack, Reporter
April 4, 2023
The 2023 Super Bowl was broadcasted on Feb. 12, where Rhianna performed at the halftime show.

RECAP: KC Chiefs win the 2023 Super Bowl, Rhianna performs at halftime

Hailey Womack, Reporter
February 21, 2023
A tree which once stood upright outside Johnson Brooks William South blocks the two lanes of Moody Drive days after a winter freeze blew through Austin.

Fallen trees litter campus grounds, to be repurposed for SFS community garden

Hailey Womack, Reporter
February 21, 2023
Students gather outside Ragsdale to protest the expansion of I-35 through a "Student Day of Action", hosted by ReThink35. The protest was brought to campus from ReThink35 intern and St. Edward's sophomore Max Heimlich-McQuarters.

ReThink35’s “Youth Day of Action” invites students to protest I-35 expansion plans on campus

Sienna Wight and Hailey Womack
February 20, 2023
Houston officials estimated 50,000 fans attended Travis Scott's performance, Astroworld, in Houston, Texas on Nov. 5.

Astroworld concert in Houston results in 10 deaths because of inadequate security

Hailey Womack, Reporter
November 30, 2021
Load More Stories