Put the Phones Down
Have you ever wondered why you feel alone, even when surrounded by many people? You’re not alone. Paul Carron, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy in the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core, is exploring why it’s so common for people to feel “profound loneliness.”
Carron gained interest in this month during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, after having taught online, he noticed a disconnect within his students.
In an article from Baylor, Carron stated, “We default to our devices. We default to distraction. Students often do not realize how isolated their habits have become until they step away from them.”
In his classroom today, Carron helps students disconnect from their screens through small, intentional practices – such as walks without phones or music, writing gratitude letters, and media fasts.
A Sweet Season
One of Baylor soccer’s most memorable seasons came to an end on Sunday, November 23, when the Bears fell 2-1 against Ohio State during the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16. Baylor finished 14-5-4 overall, 7-3-1 in the Big 12 – making this the second-best finish in program history.
Only six Baylor teams have won more games in 30 years, and only the 2017-18 Elite Eight squads have gone further.
Earlier this week, it was announced that head coach Michelle Lenard’s contract has been extended. Lenard joined the team after her 14-year career at Dallas Baptist University, where she went 201-77-25 overall.
The Bears also landed three standouts on the United Soccer Coaches All-Midwest Region team. Midfielder Tyler Isgrig, goalkeeper Azul Alvarez, and defender Hallie Augustyn. Isgrig led the Bears with 28 points on 10 goals and eight assists. Alvarez posted up 12 clean sheets with the back line, averaging 0.82 with 97 saves: the eighth most in program history. Augustyn was a big contributor to the team that allowed only 119 shots on goal across 23 games.
A Decade of Digs
No.22 Baylor volleyball has secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the 10th year in a row. Head coach Ryan McGuyre has left the best decade in the program’s history.
In a press release, McGuyre said, “We want to compete with joy, that’s who we are. That was our mindset last week to finish the conference, and that’s our mindset this week, to compete with great joy.”
This year’s group features standout contributions from both veterans and newcomers, helping Baylor close the season with momentum and positioning the team for another strong postseason.
Freshman outside hitter Ksenia Rakhmanchik tops the team with 323 kills, the second-most by a freshman in the Bears’ history. Freshman libero Morgan Madison serves as the cornerstone of the defense with 361 digs. While veteran middle blocker Gabrielle Essix leads with 123 blocks, and setter Harley Kreck’s with 836 assists.
High Hopes for Next Season
Baylor football ended the 2025 season 5-7 overall, 3-6 overall, leaving fans questioning what comes next. On November 21st, President Linda Livingstone announced that head coach Dave Aranda’s contract was extended for a seventh season, signaling confidence in his leadership.
Baylor has since lost three 4-star recruits, resulting in 12 players being added for the 2026 season. Baylor’s ranking has dropped to No.79; despite this, Aranda remains hopeful. Aranda stated about the 12-player class, “What they bring is an energy, an exuberance, a want to get after it, and an excitement.”
A Fresh Start
‘Tis the season… basketball season that is! With the football season wrapped up, Baylor men’s basketball is showing us high standards with a refreshed roster.
Redshirt sophomore guard Cameron Carr earned his first Big 12 accolade, being named to the Big 12’s weekly Starting Five. Carr scored 65 points in Baylor’s 2-1 appearance in the Players Era Tournament. Carr is eighth in the nation and second in the Big 12 in points per game, holding a .552 three-point shooting leads the Big 12 and ranks sixth in the nation.
In their most recent win in the Holiday Hoops over Sacramento State 110-88, Tuesday night at Foster Pavilion, marking the most points since 2022.
