St. Louis City SC announced an exclusive ticket offer available for college students starting on March 30. Students with an active slu.edu email address are eligible to sign up to join their email list for last-minute drop deals for first-team regular season matches. The drop tickets are $25 plus fees, and put students in the heartbeat of the stadium, the North end. 

Vice president of ticket sales & service at St. Louis City SC, Edmound Elzy, said the exclusive offer aims to bring in more college aged fans.

“We understand there are a lot of people that are coming to matches luckily, but when that happens, it pushes the price up, and it’s not necessarily a price that a college student can afford.” Elzy said. “The fans of the future are people like [college students].” 

Elzy said that the robust support for this offer was evident immediately. St. Louis City SC’s business intelligence department confirms that over 1,300 students have signed up for the exclusive ticket deal so far. The program has drawn many local students, but has seen interest from students all over the country. 

“When we first launched, we had over a thousand students sign up right away,” Elzy said. 

This upcoming May, Energizer Park plans to host matches for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This is an in-season tournament where USA soccer teams from different levels compete against each other. Elzy said that “this will be another opportunity for us to have some affordable ticket pricing.” 

The $25 drop tickets are located on the loud and vibrant North End of the stadium where the explosive fan base wave their flags. 

“This plan was to give [students] access to the match a little bit easier, and also put them in a section that is exciting and fun,” Elzy said.

Students will receive ticket drop options in their email, if available, 24 hours before the start of the upcoming match. 

St. Louis City SC announced an exclusive ticket offer available for college students starting on March 30. Students with an active slu.edu email address are eligible to sign up to join their email list for last-minute drop deals for first-team regular season matches. The drop tickets are $25 plus fees, and put students in the heartbeat of the stadium, the North end. 

Vice president of ticket sales & service at St. Louis City SC, Edmound Elzy, said the exclusive offer aims to bring in more college aged fans.

“We understand there are a lot of people that are coming to matches luckily, but when that happens, it pushes the price up, and it’s not necessarily a price that a college student can afford.” Elzy said. “The fans of the future are people like [college students].” 

Elzy said that the robust support for this offer was evident immediately. St. Louis City SC’s business intelligence department confirms that over 1,300 students have signed up for the exclusive ticket deal so far. The program has drawn many local students, but has seen interest from students all over the country. 

“When we first launched, we had over a thousand students sign up right away,” Elzy said. 

This upcoming May, Energizer Park plans to host matches for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This is an in-season tournament where USA soccer teams from different levels compete against each other. Elzy said that “this will be another opportunity for us to have some affordable ticket pricing.” 

The $25 drop tickets are located on the loud and vibrant North End of the stadium where the explosive fan base wave their flags. 

“This plan was to give [students] access to the match a little bit easier, and also put them in a section that is exciting and fun,” Elzy said.

Students will receive ticket drop options in their email, if available, 24 hours before the start of the upcoming match. 

St. Louis City SC announced an exclusive ticket offer available for college students starting on March 30. Students with an active slu.edu email address are eligible to sign up to join their email list for last-minute drop deals for first-team regular season matches. The drop tickets are $25 plus fees, and put students in the heartbeat of the stadium, the North end. 

Vice president of ticket sales & service at St. Louis City SC, Edmound Elzy, said the exclusive offer aims to bring in more college aged fans.

“We understand there are a lot of people that are coming to matches luckily, but when that happens, it pushes the price up, and it’s not necessarily a price that a college student can afford.” Elzy said. “The fans of the future are people like [college students].” 

Elzy said that the robust support for this offer was evident immediately. St. Louis City SC’s business intelligence department confirms that over 1,300 students have signed up for the exclusive ticket deal so far. The program has drawn many local students, but has seen interest from students all over the country. 

“When we first launched, we had over a thousand students sign up right away,” Elzy said. 

This upcoming May, Energizer Park plans to host matches for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This is an in-season tournament where USA soccer teams from different levels compete against each other. Elzy said that “this will be another opportunity for us to have some affordable ticket pricing.” 

The $25 drop tickets are located on the loud and vibrant North End of the stadium where the explosive fan base wave their flags. 

“This plan was to give [students] access to the match a little bit easier, and also put them in a section that is exciting and fun,” Elzy said.

Students will receive ticket drop options in their email, if available, 24 hours before the start of the upcoming match. 

This January, Top Tier Lessons expanded into Saint Louis with a mission to grow the culture of sports within the community. Top Tier Lessons connects college student athletes with parents looking for sports lessons for their young kids. The organization is becoming widespread, with programs established near the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, DePaul, Northwestern, Loyola of Chicago, and now, Saint Louis University.

Saint Louis University’s own, Jayden Kouadio, serves as Top Tier Lesson’s new Saint Louis Campus Director. In his role, he organizes instruction between collegiate student athletes and youths. Kouadio, originally from O’Fallon, Missouri is a senior on the Billikens Track and Field team. He participates in triple and high jump events.

“[The main goal] is to always make sure the kids are having a valuable, fun experience,” Kouadio said.

Through Top Tier Lessons, collegiate student athletes are provided with the opportunity to grow the game they love. And for the kids, they are given valuable instruction as well as an athletic mentor.

“We want to serve our student athletes and we also want to serve the kids, too,” Kouadio said.

This upcoming spring, Saint Louis’ Top Tier Lessons plans to continue growing, especially in its soccer presence. Taking advantage of Saint Louis’ robust soccer community, on Feb. 23 Top Tier Lessons will host a Soccer Clinic on SLU’s Intramural Field. There are also soccer clinics scheduled in Brentwood during March and April. 

In addition to soccer, Top Tier Lessons plans to host a sand volleyball tournament in Brentwood in March and April, as well as a basketball clinic at Webster Groves Recreation Complex on Feb. 23.

A total of 24 million people watched the NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2024. In the same year, the men’s championship had an average of 18.7 million viewers. 

On Jan. 15 at the NCAA Convention, it was decided that, for the first time, women’s basketball teams will be paid for their participation in the NCAA’s postseason tournament, commonly known as ‘March Madness.’ 

Men’s teams have been compensated for their NCAA tournament participation for years. Men’s teams have been paid ‘performance units,’ which represent revenue, for every game they have played in the NCAA tournament according to the Olympics.

With this monumental decision, female teams now function under the same pay structures their male counterparts benefit from. Starting this year, a performance unit with a fund total of $15 million will be distributed to women’s teams that participate in the March Madness tournament. The biggest long-term profit will be awarded to the Final Four contenders. 

According to the Olympics, a women’s team that reaches the Final Four this year could bring its conference up to $1.26 million over the next three years. Come this March, women’s and men’s teams alike will set off to compete on the big stage, being compensated along the way. By universalizing pay structures between women’s and men’s teams, the NCAA is recognizing the growth and success of the female game.

In July 2021, the NCAA implemented Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) policies, allowing collegiate student athletes to receive compensation for how they are commercially represented.

Three years later, in December 2024, Nike announced their partnership with women’s basketball icon Paige Bueckers, making her the first collegiate athlete to design and launch her own Nike Player Edition basketball shoe.

Currently in her fourth year at the University of Connecticut (UConn), Bueckers is no stranger to making history. In her four seasons with the UConn Huskies, the distinguished guard has managed to average 19.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. Her outstanding play has earned her All-American honors from the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, the Associated Press and the U.S. Basketball Writers Association respectively in 2024.

Now, Bueckers is using her NIL rights to further propel her career. Together, Bueckers and Nike created the G.T. Hustle 3’s: a shoe designed to “help you thrive in crunch time.” With a highly cushioned insole, the shoe is meant to support player stamina. Bueckers was able to include personal elements, making the shoe truly her own. 

On an Instagram post announcing the collaboration, Bueckers expresses gratitude and excitement for this unique opportunity. “From the PB Bucket design to the text bubble from my dad to the colorway, every part of this shoe aligns with the player and person I am.”

A graphic on the right heel text reads “Buckets” representing a clever play on Bueckers’s surname. On the left heel, a motivational text message from Bueckers’ dad, one he sends her before every game, is displayed, “Be You, Be Great.”

Nike and Bueckers engineered the G.T. Hustle 3 with female athletes at the forefront, aiming to further elevate the women’s game. “The creation of the G.T. Hustle 3 was led by women from the start, with female athletes comprising more than 90% of those involved in the silhouette’s testing and development.” This collaboration comes at a time when the 2023 WNBA season saw its highest viewership in 21 years, signaling the growing recognition and appreciation for women’s sports. 

Bueckers has made an immense impact on the sports industry in the wake of NIL. Bueckers’ collaboration with Nike in making G.T. Hustle 3’s is a testament to her influence and solidifies her legacy. 

This April, following her final season with the UConn Huskies, Bueckers is expected to be the number one pick in the WNBA Draft.

In July 2021, the NCAA implemented Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) policies, allowing collegiate student athletes to receive compensation for how they are commercially represented.

Three years later, in December 2024, Nike announced their partnership with women’s basketball icon Paige Bueckers, making her the first collegiate athlete to design and launch her own Nike Player Edition basketball shoe.

Currently in her fourth year at the University of Connecticut (UConn), Bueckers is no stranger to making history. In her four seasons with the UConn Huskies, the distinguished guard has managed to average 19.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. Her outstanding play has earned her All-American honors from the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, the Associated Press and the U.S. Basketball Writers Association respectively in 2024.

Now, Bueckers is using her NIL rights to further propel her career. Together, Bueckers and Nike created the G.T. Hustle 3’s: a shoe designed to “help you thrive in crunch time.” With a highly cushioned insole, the shoe is meant to support player stamina. Bueckers was able to include personal elements, making the shoe truly her own. 

On an Instagram post announcing the collaboration, Bueckers expresses gratitude and excitement for this unique opportunity. “From the PB Bucket design to the text bubble from my dad to the colorway, every part of this shoe aligns with the player and person I am.”

A graphic on the right heel text reads “Buckets” representing a clever play on Bueckers’s surname. On the left heel, a motivational text message from Bueckers’ dad, one he sends her before every game, is displayed, “Be You, Be Great.”

Nike and Bueckers engineered the G.T. Hustle 3 with female athletes at the forefront, aiming to further elevate the women’s game. “The creation of the G.T. Hustle 3 was led by women from the start, with female athletes comprising more than 90% of those involved in the silhouette’s testing and development.” This collaboration comes at a time when the 2023 WNBA season saw its highest viewership in 21 years, signaling the growing recognition and appreciation for women’s sports. 

Bueckers has made an immense impact on the sports industry in the wake of NIL. Bueckers’ collaboration with Nike in making G.T. Hustle 3’s is a testament to her influence and solidifies her legacy. 

This April, following her final season with the UConn Huskies, Bueckers is expected to be the number one pick in the WNBA Draft.

In the spring of 2023, TruFusion Foundry opened its doors less than a mile from Saint Louis University’s main campus. TruFusion is a wellness destination with a mission to make St. Louis a happier and healthier city to live. 

The studio has four dynamic rooms, each tailored to provide a range of fitness experiences. The Foundry location houses several knowledgeable instructors who guide workouts, providing modifications and challenges throughout. TruFusion classes combine yoga, pilates, cycling, HIIT, bootcamp, boxing and more to elicit a diverse workout journey.

The convenient location of TruFusion Foundry allows them to cater directly to SLU students. Many students take advantage of the proximity. In an interview with The University News, TruFusion Foundry explains their gratitude for SLU’s already established community and its place in it. 

“We knew that the foundation that was already on SLU’s campus would be at the core of the community we wanted to create in the city of St. Louis.” Since their grand opening almost two years ago, TruFusion is appreciative that their proximity allowed for their seamless integration into the SLU network. “We are grateful to have become part of the SLU community!” 

TruFusion Foundry’s mission and impact extend beyond the studio. In addition to promoting health and wellness, one of their main priorities is to positively contribute to the greater St. Louis Community. As an organization, they believe the cultivation of community is essential in improving the city as a whole. “If as a city, we want to help attract people to move back to the City, we strongly believe that giving city residents a ‘happy place’ is a critical factor of making our city an even better place to live …”

All in all, TruFusion provides a positive workout experience right in SLU’s backyard. Their versatile offerings and valuable instruction cultivate a larger sense of community. 

TruFusion said in an interview with the UNews, “Whether it’s Pilates, Bootcamp, Circuit, HIIT, Yoga, Cycle, Boxing, or more, coming together as a group, with incredible instructors, an energetic Vibe, beat-pumping music and the most amazing uplifting community, it’s nearly impossible for our members to walk out of a class without a bigger smile on their face than they had before they came in!”  

SLU Men’s Rugby is one of the oldest, and most successful, club sports at Saint Louis University. Established in 1957, the SLU Men’s Rugby team’s mission has been to uphold the Jesuit tradition of the University, while growing top-level athletes and leaders. This past fall, the SLU men’s rugby squad was ranked #12 nationally and undefeated in the DII Gateway Conference. The men won their conference’s title for the second year in a row, and plan to compete for a national title in the coming weeks. 

The men’s success can be attributed to many things: hard work, talent, and arguably the most important, sound culture.

Senior center, Anthony Cova, fondly describes his experience on SLU’s rugby team. “I [feel] really included and at home…I [feel] that I [am] valued…,” Cova said. The brotherhood of the crew positively influences the team culture on and off the field. Cova further describes the culture of the men’s rugby team by explaining that they are fueled by competition and growth. 

“Everyone challenges each other to be the best on and off the field, always learning knowledge about the game and some friendly banter here and there,” Cova said.

 Cova also explained that he believes each athlete is individually valued and rugby provides an opportunity for comradery despite possible individual differences. 

“We want everyone to know they hold a place in the club because anyone can bring value, with or without rugby experience,” Cova said.

Now, the rugby team looks forward to the possibility of competing for the national championship title in December. 

“We have our eyes on the prize but have a tough team to face…I’m really confident in our ability to pull through, and make a statement,” Cova said.

 The Billikens compete in the Sweet 16 contest on  Nov. 22 at Emerson Central Fields in Forest Park against The University of Northern Iowa. If they come out victorious, they advance to the Elite 8 competition, set to take place on Nov. 24.

Looking forward to the spring semester, SLU men’s rugby plans to kick off their sevens season, hoping for the opportunity to compete for another national championship. SLU Rugby is also looking to add a women’s program, if you are interested in getting involved, contact cova.cova@slu.edu and morgan.berryhill@slu.edu.

For decades, Saint Louis University’s Cheer and Dance teams have rallied Billiken fans together and embodied what it means to exhibit school spirit. Their dedication to supporting Billiken athletics has advanced SLU’s athletic programs, allowing them to excel. Though SLU cheer and dance function as separate entities, they share a united goal: to amplify school spirit. 

SLU cheer and dance is dedicated to honing their squad’s skills. With practice sessions three times a week, each lasting two hours, SLU’s spirit squads put in a committed effort. SLU cheer and dance highly prioritizes the advancement of their athletes. According to SLU Cheer and Dance the program, “focuses on helping spirit squad members grow in their talents, while teaching responsibility, teamwork, and discipline…” 

SLU’s cheer squad is led by head coach, Grace Schultz. Schultz, a former Billiken cheerleader herself, was named as leader of the program after being a volunteer assistant coach for the 2022-23 season. In 2022, when Schultz was announced as head of the program, she said it was “a dream come true.”

In an interview with the University News, cheerleading senior Brandon Truong detailed some of his favorite parts of being a cheerleader at SLU. One moment he highlighted was cheering at the 2023 Women’s Basketball A-10 Conference Championship – where the women’s basketball Billikens earned their first conference title. 

“I love being a part of the local community and contributing to the game day atmosphere. Watching them play and witnessing the moment where they lifted that trophy was an incredible experience to be a part of,” Truong said.

For Truong, cheering is bigger than just the performance of chants and stunts. He says, “Cheering is something I put real meaning into… it’s about bringing everyone else into the spirit of the game.”

Morgan Maglente, a senior, has been a member of SLU’s dance team since her freshman year. Upon her arrival at SLU, Maglente was especially pleased with the level of commitment required of SLU’s dance team saying, “What I loved about the SLU dance program is that we didn’t compete.” 

In pursuing a degree in physical therapy, Maglente knew that her school workload would be demanding. This flexibility of not traveling to competitions allows for Maglente, and SLU dancers alike, to pursue multiple opportunities concurrently.

In reflecting on her experience as a dancer, Maglente mentions that in general, “dance is not recognized enough for its duality as an art and sport…Our role is to promote school spirit within the university, but we don’t just stand and look pretty…we are strong and lift, we run and have good cardiovascular endurance, and we smile all the way through it with a pound of makeup on.”

 Maglente explained that over her past four years at SLU, she feels that the dance team has received positive recognition for their hard work. This seems to be the experience of other members of SLU’s spirit squads. 

Truong agreed with Maglente saying, “I believe SLU athletics does a great job supporting us.” He continued saying that each year, the teams have felt more and more supported. Anna Burns, a junior on the dance team, agreed with Maglente saying, “The staff is always willing to help us whenever we need it.” 

SLU’s cheer and dance teams play a pivotal role in elevating the energy of fans and spectators at SLU athletic competitions. Their hard work and dedication to not only their own skills, but also the promotion of school spirit, is noteworthy. SLU’s spirit squads consistently enrich the spirit of SLU athletics and will continue to do so for years to come.