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Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Sofia Sierra

Sofia Sierra, Sports Editor

Sofia is a senior studying multimedia journalism with a minor in creative writing. She is the sports editor at The Prospector. This summer, she completed her first internship with El Paso Matters, a nonprofit newsroom in the city. After graduation, she hopes to work outside of El Paso to continue to grow as a writer.

All content by Sofia Sierra
UTEP defeats Liberty with a commanding performance, moving on to the C-USA semifinals.

UTEP volleyball exits C-USA tournament in the semifinals

Sofia Sierra, Sports Editor November 26, 2024
After a much-anticipated Conference-USA (CUSA) tournament, UTEP volleyball fell after a tough battle to New Mexico State University in the semifinals.
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Members of UTEP CARE want to destigmatize domestic violence through the resource fair and help victims take the first steps in handling the situation.

UTEP CARE hosts annual resource fair to support victims of domestic violence

Sofia Sierra, Sports Editor November 7, 2024
October is nationally recognized as domestic violence awareness month. The month is meant to advocate for those who are survivors of domestic violence.
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Locomotive FC fans bode farewell to two franchise legends.

El Paso Locomotive finish final home game with bittersweet goodbye to Yuma and Borelli

Sofia Sierra, Sports Editor October 26, 2024
As the Locomotive wraps up its 2024 season, the team’s final home game said farewell to two players, Yuma and Eder Borelli. The two veteran players had been with the program for over five years, making an impact on the Locomotive since their inductions. 
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Photo courtesy of Flickr Images.

Amid winless football record, UTEP makes the move to Mountain West

Sofia Sierra, Sports Editor October 21, 2024
In a sudden turn of events, UTEP accepted Mountain West Conference’s invitation to join, a conference realignment that will impact UTEP athletics for years to come. On Oct. 1, the university announced they will be exiting Conference USA (C-USA), one they had been a part of for nearly 20 years.
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Defender Ashlee Mora in possession of the ball against Middle Tennessee State University.

UTEP women’s soccer falls to Middle Tennessee

Sofia Sierra, Sports Editor October 16, 2024
Editor’s note: This recap is not the most recent game for UTEP women’s soccer.
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El Paso County propositions total nearly $325 million dollars.

El Paso County bond propositions on the 2024 ballot

Sofia Sierra, Sports Editor October 10, 2024
The Nov. 5 election will give El Pasoans the opportunity to vote on a collection of propositions and races that will have an impact on the future, both locally and nationally.
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Carlos Callejo’s “Our History” mural was originally completed in 1995, it tells the history of El Paso, with over 50 historical figures.

“Our History” mural receives new AR features so guests can take a virtual walk-through history

Sofia Sierra, Sports Editor September 13, 2024
Carlos Callejo’s “Our History” mural, located at the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse, is getting an augmented reality feature, after more than 20 years of its unveiling. With help from Augment El Paso, the mural can be viewed from a new perspective, with animations of the historical figures and educational segments.
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Sofia Sierra is the sports editor for The Prospector.

In the middle of my journalism metamorphosis

Sofia Sierra, Sports Editor September 11, 2024
Being young and having little experience, the concept of what a journalist really is still new to me. Although one thing I know for certain is that I enjoy telling other people’s stories.
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Coach Scotty Walden nods, watching the Miners take an early first-quarter lead during the first home game of the season on Sept. 7, 2024.

Era of Coach Walden, what the newest UTEP football Head Coach hopes to bring to the program

Sofia Sierra, Sports Editor September 10, 2024
The Walden era is in full swing for UTEP’s 2024 football season. While the Miners have faced two losses so far, Walden hopes to bring a new enthusiastic look to the program.
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Dionne Mack, El Paso’s City Manager, at her desk at City Hall ready to start business.

El Paso’s new City Manager Dionne Mack looking to create new job opportunities, and striving for a better relationship with El Pasoans

Sofia Sierra, Sports Editor September 6, 2024
Previous Deputy City Manager, Dionne Mack has swiftly taken her seat in her new position as city manager on Sept. 3. Here’s what she has to say about the city’s relationship with UTEP.
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At EPCC Valle Verde’s Writing Center, free Narcan is available for students and community members.

EPCC distributes Narcan on all campuses to help spread awareness of the opioid crisis

Sofia Sierra, Sports Editor September 5, 2024
As overdose deaths continue to rise in the county, EPCC is making an effort to stop the rising trend. Narcan, the drug used to reverse an opioid overdose, is now available on all EPCC campuses for free.
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On July 15, the El Paso County Commissioners Court held a meeting, which covered a wide variety of subjects including "The Sun Bowl Uplift" project.

[Photo] Where do we get the 99 million? An update to the proposed “Sun Bowl Uplift”

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor July 16, 2024

On July 15, the El Paso County Commissioners Court held a meeting, which covered a wide variety of subjects including "The Sun Bowl Uplift" project.

As a part of the NSO tour, new students can discover the different student-led organizations on campus.

Incoming Miners have futures as bright as gold

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor July 5, 2024

New faces are strolling the campus as New Student Orientation (NSO) is underway in the summer months at UTEP. New students are getting a slice of what it’s like to be a Miner by doing tours, learning about student organizations, and registering for...

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Photo courtesy of Flickr. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump went head to head on June 27, 2024.

Presidential Debate Roundup: Will there be another debate?

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor June 28, 2024

As the 2024 presidential election nears, former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden stood on their podiums to address questions that all United States voters are asking. From internal and external affairs, to speaking about the faults...

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Midfielder Miguel Vásquez receives the pass of the ball.

The Borderland welcomes Club America for a historic friendly match

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor June 27, 2024

After becoming two-time champions of Liga MX, Club America played their first pre-season game against FC Juárez. The reigning champions came to the Sun Bowl Stadium for the first time on June 23 to play an international friendly match, where they greeted...

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Photo courtesy of UTEP Newsfeed. UTEP President Heather Wilson and Texas Tech President Richard Lange welcome the class of 2024 MedFuture Cohort.

New joint program is guiding the future for health care students

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor June 26, 2024

Endless academic opportunities continue to flow into the El Paso community. One of the most recent is the MedFuture Cohort, a partnership between UTEP and Texas Tech El Paso. MedFuture Cohort allows for recent high school graduates to attend UTEP under...

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Display in the San Jacinto Plaza, celebrating the month of June which is recognized as pride month.

El Paso is shining with the colors of the rainbow

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor June 17, 2024

Nationally, June is the month to celebrate love, and the many different forms it comes in. With the Franklin Mountain star gleaming with the colors of the rainbow, pride month in the borderland celebrates the LGTBQ+ community in El Paso. Throughout...

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Meet the newly student-elected SGA members

Meet the newly student-elected SGA members

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor May 14, 2024

As the spring semester comes to a close, UTEP’s Student Government Association (SGA) announced their new representatives for the upcoming school year. Students cast their ballots on April 17 and 18 to help decide who will be the new team of student...

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Contributing authors to “Migrant 915,” senior students Diego Trujillo, Kacie Lino and Briana Lopez.

Students eyes, students lives: Life on the border

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor April 30, 2024

Although El Paso has been making national headlines about “continuous border problems,” the people in the city can agree it has many aspects that go unnoticed. Frequently labelled as a ‘migrant city,’ El Paso’s proximity to Ciudad Juárez allows...

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President Andrea Núñez, Senator-at-large Isabella Molina, and Collegiate Senator of Liberal Arts Regina Reza want you to vote in the SGA elections.

SGA needs your vote

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor April 16, 2024

One of the core attributes of a college’s success is the students’ input. However, with thousands of students enrolled, some students can feel like their views and voices get lost. That is where UTEP’s Student Government Association (SGA) steps...

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Recently, the Zoological society, a non-profit organization in El Paso that raises funds and provides volunteers for the El Paso Zoo, lost its long-time contract with the city.

UP ‘ROAR’: City ends relationship with El Paso Zoological Society

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor April 3, 2024

The El Paso Zoo may be facing major changes in the upcoming months after the city’s decision to end its partnership with the El Paso Zoological Society. The city called it quits with the non-profit Feb 26., ending a partnership that has been active...

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Marta Romeu Chen, balances her time between the classroom and the golf course.

From heels to a helmet: The female engineer

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor March 20, 2024

From unwanted judgment to discrimination, women scientists in STEM (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics) are becoming the leading domination. Eight years ago, the odds of seeing a woman in a STEM workforce was 21 percent according to STEM...

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The first-ever photograph of the Yellow-crested Helmetshrike, or Prionops alberti, was taken during a recent expedition led by UTEP scientists. Photo courtesy of Matty Brady/The University of Texas at El Paso.

The not-so-lost Yellow-crested Helmetshrike

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor March 14, 2024

Through the dense, foggy forests of Itombwe, Massif, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, two UTEP scientists traversed the mountain ranges to find different species.   Scientists Michael Harvey, Ph.D., and Eli Greenbaum, Ph.D., told The Prospector...

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Jonathan Vasquez is a junior at UTEP.

Students with disabilities continue to defy the odds at UTEP

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor March 13, 2024

At first, a study abroad trip to Spain seemed unlikely to graduate student Mikaela Reyes as she was diagnosed with Lupus at 16-years-old. Lupus is a disease where her immune system attacks organs and tissue causing inflammation. Because of this, Reyes...

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Students are met with long lines at the border after a long day of classes.

Life in between two countries

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor March 11, 2024

Itzel Ayala crosses the bridge to Ciudad Juárez, Mexico every Friday to visit family. She says traveling by car can take anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours. To Ayala, crossing can sometimes be exhausting because of how travel times fluctuate. This...

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Some say that refineries such as the Marathon refinery on 212 N Clark Dr, can have a negative effect on air quality.

Is that clouds or smog?

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor March 1, 2024

There is one thing many residents have in common, seeing El Paso’s sky slowly becoming a bit foggier. In 2022, the American Lung Association reported 40 days of unsafe levels of ozone in the city, making the greenhouse gas emission problem persistent....

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Candidates display signs as part of their election run.

El Paso needs your vote for the primary election

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter February 28, 2024

Campaign signs have popped up around El Paso neighborhoods indicating primary election season is here. Primary elections are popular for some El Pasoans. In the November 2020 federal election, 267,215 ballots were cast. Three years later, in the November...

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Miguel Romero's sisters making a memorial to their brother.

Remembering Miguel Romero

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter February 27, 2024

White balloons flew high above Horizon High School to commemorate the life of Miguel Romero on Feb. 13 as the community gathered in HHS’s gym to celebrate Romero’s life. The 17-year-old passed away earlier in the month after being hit by a drunk driver...

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UTEP’s Black Student Union, goal is to educate and celebrate African American culture.

Black Student Union makes UTEP feel like home

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter February 22, 2024

Moving to El Paso to attend UTEP can be a culture shock to many students. With a majority Hispanic population, some students of different ethnicities can have trouble settling in. However, there are many organizations that can help them feel at home,...

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A ring held with a promise.

Impress your boo with something to do for Valentines

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter February 15, 2024

Struggling to find a place to take a date on this Valentine’s Day? UTEP students shared where their go-to spots are. From restaurants to horse-back riding, there are plenty of different options that accomplish having a fun time with a significant other.  Getting...

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Along with cardio, eating fruits such as blueberries, cranberries and strawberries can help promote heart health and help with cholesterol.

Running towards a healthy heart

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter February 13, 2024

While the heart may be filled with love, it can also be filled with cholesterol. The El Paso County Public Health reported in 2021, heart diseases were the leading cause of death, with 1,372 lives lost. Not only are heart diseases a prominent issue in...

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In order to qualify for the paydirt program, you must be a Texas resident and have completed a FASFA by March 15.

UTEP continues to prove they are one of the most affordable colleges in Texas

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter February 7, 2024

UTEP’s Paydirt Promise Program hopes to calm students’ worries of not being able to afford college. UTEP says they are committed to staying true to their mission statement of, “Make exceptional, affordable education accessible to anyone with the...

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Dallas Cowboys fans are one of the many sports team's fans that experience the disappointment of their team going home after a playoff loss.

When football teams crash, jerseys are trashed

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter February 2, 2024

A team loss is always disheartening for football fans. As the 2023-24 NFL season will soon come to an end, many teams took tough losses that prevented them from reaching Super Bowl LVIII. Although fans of the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit...

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Puff, puff, pass...on vaping

Puff, puff, pass…on vaping

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter February 1, 2024

It may be hard to believe that root-beer, bubble gum, banana, etc. are harming people under 21. At first it may seem harmless, but these are the most common vape flavors that are being sold to minors.    Nicotine is a stimulant that triggers adrenaline,...

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Aneley Queen, a book full of heads; a necessity when you’re an English major.

Whether near or far, writers adore El Paso

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter January 23, 2024

Talent continues to flow from El Paso, allowing people to become as big of a star as the one on Franklin Mountains. From this collection of stars are several writers. Whether they were born here, or recently moved to El Paso, the city has had a tremendous...

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Filling his basket, Nicholas Sanchez preps for the big Super Bowl weekend with eagerness and excitement.  

Unpredictable as El Paso weather: The NFL Playoffs

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter January 19, 2024

Beginning in September of last year, the National Football League broadcasted the fierce competition between teams trying to lock in their position for Super Bowl LVIII. The 2024 NFL season has given 32 teams a chance to either shine or wither. With the...

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Initially becoming available on Dec. 31, the 2024 FASFA form has been met with many issues.

A ‘simpler’ FAFSA

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter January 18, 2024

Families across the border are filling out their 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for their upcoming semesters of college.   Families say numerous bills accumulate quickly from school, like books, transportation, tuition,...

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Voting for El Paso mayor candidates will be Nov. 5.

District 2 Runoff Election: What you need to know

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter January 17, 2024

Citizens who live in Central El Paso known as District 2, will soon have a new representative. District 2 Rep. Alexsandra Annello resigned to run for Texas House District 77, opening the door for another hopeful candidate. Veronica Carbajal and Joshua...

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“Esfera Cuántica Tlahtolli” in front of Fox Fine Arts.

UTEP Fox Fine Arts Building woes

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter January 16, 2024

One of the most recognizable buildings on UTEP campus, the Fox Fine Arts building, home to many fine arts students. The building, famous for its frequent concerts, has been facing cosmetic problems created by a water leak. While this does not pose a health...

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Students who live on campus have all expenses from housing included in their tuition.

Where accessibility and affordability meet: UTEP housing

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter December 7, 2023

Some people say a place to call home is an essential part of pursuing an education. One’s definition of home may be a comfortable bed, a place to decompress, or a place to gather with the people closest to them. Whatever it may be, home can contribute...

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Guard Zid Powell attempts to shoot a scoring basket.

UTEP Men’s basketball starts the season 3-0 after a win against UCSB

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter December 1, 2023

Editor’s Note: This recap is not the most recent game for the UTEP Miners Men’s Basketball. With the UTEP Miners 2023 basketball season underway, the Don Haskins Stadium has been lively due to the crowd’s energy. Filled with silence…’The...

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Miner Dash is one of the annual events UTEP hosts during homecoming week which wrapped up Nov. 4.

Hoco: Miss the season

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter November 9, 2023

As the weather gets colder, campus spirit warms the hearts of students. Homecoming week has brought events that gave students and alumni the opportunity to show their UTEP pride.   Celebrations were in full effect this year, to revamp the campus...

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Social media is being used as a “news station” for issues such as the Israel and Palestine conflict. Photo courtesy of Ted Eytan

Are we watching the world diminish from our phone screens?

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter November 6, 2023

Social media is often looked as the microphone to voice opinions. Currently, apps are drowning with raw footage of wars, protests, etc. exposing the harsh reality of the world. At times, the overwhelming amount of vicious news can sometimes discourage...

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Running Back Torrance Burgess Jr. runs across the field after catching the ball.

UTEP homecoming spirit keeps energy high in loss against the WKU Hilltoppers

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter November 5, 2023

Events, tailgates and pep rallies hyped up UTEP’s homecoming game against West Kentucky University (WKU) Hilltoppers (5-4). Unfortunately for the Miners, this game handed the team a loss, slimming the chance to participate in a post season bowl game.  First...

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The UTEP Miners won 37-34 against Sam Houston in Huntsville, Texas Wednesday, Oct. 25. Photo courtesy of UTEP Athletics

Victory far from home: UTEP takes win against SHU

Sofia Sierra, Staff Reporter November 5, 2023

Editor’s note: This sports brief was written prior to Saturday's loss to Western Kentucky University.  The UTEP football team (3-6, 2-3 C-USA) edged out the Sam Houston University Bearkats (SHU) (0-8, 0-5 C-USA) on the road Wednesday, Oct. 25. Facing...

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UTEP’s homecoming theme will be neon which will be incorporated in their upcoming events such as the “Glow with the Flow” art contest which will be happening Oct. 9. Photo courtesy of the Prospector archive

Celebrate homecoming week with a neon-bright smile

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter October 12, 2023

As homecoming nears, UTEP finds itself preparing to illuminate the campus with glowing spirit as they prepare to welcome back alumni, Golden Graduates and kick off the celebration during the week of Oct. 29, –Nov. 4, Neon-themed traditions and events...

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(From left to right) Malvina Muñoz, Alani Del La Cruz, and Victoria Muñoz dance to the song “La Llorona” at REL Washington Elementary School.

The flourishing tradition: Baile Folklórico

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter October 12, 2023

Like a butterfly in flight, the fluttering movement of a folklórico dress gives enchanting performances for one to remember. In addition to the music, folklórico performances are admired by people of all ethnicities. The fusion of both Mexican and American...

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[Video] ‘But Here We Are:’ Foo Fighters in awe of El Paso

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter October 11, 2023

The strum of a guitar can open a gate full of memories to come flooding back. To many, the Foo Fighters have brought unforgettable experiences since the ‘90s, creating a sense of nostalgia today. So when they arrived to the Suncity to play at the Don...

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Dr. El-Gendy teaching and explaining the nature of his magnetic experiment to his students.

A look inside UTEP physicists’ groundbreaking discoveries

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter September 27, 2023

Computers, magnets, and quantum physics. Some may wonder how these three topics relate. Until most recently, the three were combined by UTEP physicists who reported the creation of a new magnet that works more efficiently than quantum computing.  This...

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1.08billion monthly users open up TikTok to this screen.

Risk it or Rec it: Possible scam to millions

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter September 21, 2023

Littered on social media are a variety of different shopping apps. Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook, etc. have been infiltrated by major discounted, Amazon-like apps such as Temu, Wish, Shien and now Tik Tok Shop. “30%-99% off entire store,” “Free Shipping...

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The El Paso Roller Derby comes together to pose for a photo.

El Paso Roller Derby’s fierce sport brings a community together

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter September 14, 2023

Though stress from a sport outweighs the enjoyment, players of the El Paso Roller Derby Team (EPRD) let the good times roll. Although the sport is fierce, players have found a family within the team. One of the redeeming qualities of the EPRD family is...

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UTEP football players headed back to the sidelines mid celebration after scoring a touchdown.

Football finds ‘Miner Magic’ in win over Incarnate Word Cardinals

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter September 4, 2023

“Miner Magic” ignited a throwback spirit throughout the Sun Bowl Stadium Saturday night. As the Miners looked to embody the unstoppable 1988 era for UTEP football, the team’s optimism allowed them to win the first home game of the season. To...

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UTEP’s risk of accreditation loss has been revealed to be caused by a ‘clerical’ error.

Will UTEP keep its accreditation?

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter August 29, 2023

An ominous cloud shadows the reputation of UTEP as it recently became at risk of losing its accreditation. Thousands of students await the unknown, as the degree they are working hard for could lose its validation. University officials referred to the...

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As the fall semester is nearing, students should research and take advantage of companies such as Allstate, Door Dash, Apple, Converse, Penske, and many others that can help save money.

‘Back to School’ season ending the summer with a splash

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter August 11, 2023

The summer fantasy ends for elementary students once they see the ‘Back to School’ signs. In their eyes, pool days, eating ice cream for lunch, and sleeping whenever is stripped away once these signs appear in stores.   While it fills younger...

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The new football gloves display Paydirt Pete.

Not a checkmark in sight

Sofia Sierra, Contributor July 27, 2023

Optimal gear is required for an optimal game. An athlete’s gear is arguably one deciding factor on whether they will perform well in a game. The versatility of sportswear allows different sports to indulge in the products these brands have to offer....

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Held every third Sunday of the month from April to November, is the San Elizario Art Market where many recognized painters can display their work. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

San Elizario Art Market: A deep dive into an ocean of artists

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter July 21, 2023

While it was credited as the ‘Best Historic Small Town’ by USA Today readers, many seem to overlook San Elizario, Texas. Passing Main Street, visitors can learn about history dating back to the 1500s through Los Portales Museum and the Old County...

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The El Paso Chihuahua’s scored a win against the Las Vegas Aviator’s July 5.  Photo courtesy of Ken Lund/ Wikipedia Commons

Take me out to the ball game: Chihuahuas vs Aviators

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter July 12, 2023

The atmosphere of a baseball game is desired by many in this triple-degree weather. Refreshing lemonade and popcorn can be enjoyed by families at Southwest University Park. The energetic Andy Imfeld often raises spirits throughout the innings, playing...

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The Museum is located on 1521 San Elizario Rd, San Elizario, TX and is open Tuesday through Sunday.

Los Portales Museum & Information Center: The hidden historical gem

Sofia Sierra, Contributor/Reporter July 7, 2023

History books often praise El Paso and surrounding areas for the historical impact they had dating back to the 1500’s. Unfortunately, even with this significance, few residents know how much their city has impacted history. Los Portales Museum &...

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