Our 2013-2014 Squad!
Coaches
 Director of Forensics |
Peter Pober (Director of Forensics and Distinguished Service Professor) is proud to continue the legacy of GMU forensics started in 1971 by Margaret Duffner and propelled by Bruce Manchester and Sheryl Friedley. Entering his 37th year in the forensic arts, Peterhas been privileged to coach more than 50 individual and team national champions at both the high school and college levels. He has been awarded the Texas Intercollegiate Forensic Association Coach of the Year, the Texas Speech Communication Educator of the Year, the American Forensic Association District III Distinguished Service Award, the L.E. Norton Forensic Educator Award, and the American Forensic Association National Distinguished Service Award. He is the National Chair of the American Forensic Association National Individual Events Tournament. He is Professor of Communication at GMU. His students mean the world to him and he is honored to call so many of them across the country his dear friends.
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 Assistant Director of Forensics 
1st Year Graduate Assistant
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Jeremy Hodgson (Assistant Director of Forensics) is delighted to be a part of the Mason family! Jeremy grew up in Canton, OH and went to Perry High School. He competed in H.S. forensics for 3 years in the events of Duet Acting, Oratorical, and Original Oratory. Jeremy then attended the University of Akron, Ohio for his B.A. in Education and then on to Fairfax, VA for his graduate degree here at George Mason University in Communication. Jeremy is entering his 17th year of forensics. He was also recognized as GMU’s 2011 Basic Course Instructor of the Year in Communication. Jeremy feels so honored to be back and ready for an amazing 43rd Season! Mickey Cox received his B. A. in History and M.A. in Communication from George Mason University and spent four years as a member of the Forensics team. He is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Communication, and cannot wait to continue coaching such an amazing group of students. Starting his 8th season with Mason Forensics, he will be coaching DI and Info. Nick Cox is a first-year coach on the George Mason Team. He received his B.S. in Global Community Health from George Mason, during which time he was proud to be a member of the team. Flattered to be welcomed back, Nick is pumped to coach two of his favorite events: Poetry and Persuasion. This is sure to be an exciting year with overflowing fun. |
2nd Year Graduate Assistant
2nd Year Graduate Assistant
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Kate DeNardi is so excited to be starting another year with her Mason family. An alumna of the team, Kate is thrilled to be entering her 2nd year of graduate work in Communication. She is so excited to be able to give back to a team that gave her so much and can't wait to coach After Dinner Speaking and Impromptu this year. Joseph Dineen is one year away from earning his M.A. in Political Science. For the second year in a row, he will be coaching Extemp and Informative. A native of Stamford, Connecticut, Joe received his B.A. in International Relations in 2011 from Saint Joseph's University. To work alongside the same people he competed against every weekend for four years is a blessing, and he is so very excited for the coming year. |
 2nd Year Graduate Assistant  1st Year Graduate Assistant |
Andrew Eilola is a second year graduate student from Minnesota where he received his Bachelor's Degree from Concordia College in Communication and Sociology. He could not be more ecstatic to be joining the George Mason Forensics Team legacy for another year! He is pursuing his M.A. in Communication and will be coaching Persuasion and POI this year. California native Jimmy Gomez is a first year graduate student at George Mason University. Along with working towards his masters in Communication, Jimmy will be coaching Prose and After Dinner Speaking for GMU's Forensics team. He is excited to be a part of the Mason Legacy. And he has one thing to say: "You better work!" |
2nd year Graduate Assistant
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Sam Hopkins is in his second year in hot pursuit of his MA in Communication. Sam is thrilled to be coaching POI and Prose, further exploring argumentation, perspective, and the narrative form. Sam could not be more appreciative of the opportunities the GMU Forensics Team have offered him and hopes to help his students exceed their goals. He enjoys the work of Bret Hart, Kevin Moffett, and Aaron Boudreaux. |
1st Year Graduate Assistant
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Brennan “Sparky” Morris is a first year Graduate Assistant, advising student-practitioners of Impromptu Speaking and Communication Analysis. He is studying political science. After seven years of competitive speech during both secondary school and college, Brennan is thrilled to continue contributing to the forensics community. |
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Danielle Ohrenberger recently graduated from George Mason with a B.A in Communication, a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Nonprofit Studies. She is currently working at a local nonprofit in Reston, VA. Originally from the ever-perfect Plymouth Massachusetts, Danielle is wicked excited to be back coaching with her beautifully talented Mason family! Home is where the heart is, and her heart is in Fairfax. She is so excited to coach DI and Duo this year with her amazing family! |
1st Year Graduate Assistant
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Harrison Postler received his BA in 2013 from the University of Northern Iowa and is excited to pursue his MA at George Mason University. This year, he will coach After Dinner Speaking, Impromptu and life. He is excited to fully cross the coach threshold in his eleventh year in forensics. |
1st Year Graduate Assistant
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Rob Warchol is returning to the GMU Forensics Team for his 5th year, this time, entering as a Graduate Assistant Coach in Extemp and Informative speaking. After completing his B.A. in Government and International Politics this past Spring, Rob is looking complete his M.A. in Middle East and Islamic Studies. He continues to be blessed by being surrounded by so many talented people who never hesitate to call Rob part of their family. |
Students
"Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose." Eric Taylor, Friday Night Lights
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Name: Sam Abney (Tournament Director)
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ Year: Sophomore Favorite Events: CA, Duo Samuel Abney is super pumped to be returning to Mason for another amazing year of forensics! Though far from his native Phoenix, he could not feel more at home with his forensics family. Sam is majoring in Communication with minors in Electronic Journalism and Legal Studies. He hopes his contributions in forensics will help to impact communities beyond the George Mason campus. GMU You Know! |
"Great stories happen to those who can tell them."-Ira Glass
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Name: Landry Ayres (Co-Webmaster)
Hometown: Grapevine, Texas Year: Junior Favorite Events: Prose Landry hails from the glorious red dirt of the Lone Star State. He's a Communication major with a concentration in Media Production, and is also pursuing a minor in Electronic Journalism. He wants eventually work in public radio due to his love for This American Life. He also loves guacamole, Tom Petty, and chicken fried steak. GMU Forensics is his second family and he could not be more excited to join the team for its 43rd season. He lives by the motto, "wash your hands, work hard, and be nice to people." |
 "The best part about feeling invincible is forgetting that you are."- Brian Ellis  “In life, you have to learn that you are enough. If you learn how to be enough and accept it, then you can unlock all your potential” –Somaly Mam 
“I seldom end up where I wanted to go, but almost always end up where I needed to be.” - Douglas Adams.
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Name: Sachi Barstein (Historian)
Hometown: Jupiter, FL Year: Senior Favorite Events: Info, CA, Duo Sachi Barstein is a Senior on the George Mason University forensics team and is very excited for another great year. She is a Communications major with a minor in Religious Studies. Sachi has dabbled in all three genres and loves the challenges it brings. She is also Historian which means she gets to take dah pwetty pictures and documents all the fun we have! The past three years have been incredible and she can not wait to be ending her speech career with such an amazing family! Let's make History together. Name: Michelle Bennett (Co-Webmaster)
Hometown: Randolph, NJ Year: Sophomore Favorite Events: POI, Prose, ADS Michelle, a sophomore, is proud to call New Jersey her birthplace. She is majoring in Communication with a concentration in Persuasive/Political comm and minoring in Government. Although originally an interper she has fallen deeply in love with public address, and hopes to continue the sordid affair this year. Her points are three fold: First, her favorite pastime is tweeting the stuff her Mom says. Second, she has irrational crushes on Steve Buscemi, Alexander Hamilton, and Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap Supreme. And finally, the way to her heart is through The Newsroom, puns, or being Molly Hoke. She loves GMU and all who inhabit it. Name: Ian Birdwell Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia Year: Junior Favorite Events: Extemp,Info Ian is excited to spend another amazing year with the Mason team. Ian is Majoring in Government and International Politics, with a concentration in International Relations and Comparative Politics in addition to double Minors in German and European Studies. Ian plans on competing in LP and PA over this year. Outside of the speech world and his Mason family, Ian enjoys almost all forms of outdoor activity from sailing the Chesapeake to hiking in the Blue Ridge. He is excited to rejoin his family and looks forward to another amazing year in Mason Forensics! |
“Inside us there is a word we cannot pronounce, and that is who we are.” – Anthony Marra
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Name: Emma Bleker
Hometown: Austin, Texas Year: Freshman Favorite Events: DI, Duo, Poetry Emma Bleker is an incoming freshman originally from Austin, Texas who is absolutely thrilled to join the Mason family this upcoming year! She plans to compete in Interp and cannot wait to learn from the number of talented students and coaches she is surrounded by. Outside of forensics, Emma enjoys poetry, theatre, reading, and all kinds of music. She could not be more excited to join the Mason Legacy!! |
 "The marks humans leave are too often scars." - John Green 
A word is not a crystal, transparent and unchanged; it is the skin of a living thought and may vary greatly in color and content according to the circumstances and time in which it is used." -Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
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Name: Colton Croft Hometown: Houston, Texas Year: Freshman Favorite Events: Poetry, DI Colton Croft is ecstatic to be joining the George Mason Forensics Team. He hails from Houston, Texas and will be majoring in communications with a concentration in public relations. He enjoys snuggling up in bed with a good book, watching movies, and eating. He's more than ready to bring on the next four years with lots of Mason pride and passion. Name: Sean Cummings (Secretary) Hometown: Natick, MA Year: Junior Favorite Events: POI, Duo, ADS Sean Cummings is a junior majoring in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Legal Studies. He hails from the beautiful state of Massachusetts and could not be more excited to begin his third year with the GMU Family! When not practicing his page turns for his progrums, he enjoys watching movies, talking about Meryl Streep, dancing FOSSE, and singing along to Broadway Cast Recordings. He considers himself so lucky to be surrounded by such talented and loving people. |
 "Don't set goals you know you can reach. Set goals you know you
can't reach, then celebrate wildly when you succeed in achieving what you absolutely knew was impossible." |
Name: Zack Dittami
Hometown: Worchester, MA Year: Sophomore Favorite Events: Poetry, POI, DI Zack hails from the treacherous streets of Worcester, Massachusetts. He is a communication major with a concentration in PR and a minor in business. His passions include poetry, Beyoncé, and Chipotle. He cannot wait for an incredible year ahead with his forensics family. |
 "Thomas Edison's last words were 'It's very beautiful over there.' I don't know where there is but I know it's somewhere and I hope it's beautiful." - John Green |
Name: Zach Eisenstein (Co-Captain)
Hometown: Plymouth, MA Year: Senior Favorite Events: Poetry Zach Eisenstein is a senior co-captain from Plymouth, Massachusetts; a town filled with the best tourist attractions like the Pilgrims, a rock marked “1620," and Danielle Ohrenberger. Give him a burrito from Chipotle and he will weep (with joy). Outside of forensics, Zach enjoys food, fun, poetry, party planning, and spontaneous adventure. Following an incredible three years with his beloved Mason family, Zach cannot wait for the fun-filled times of his fourth and final forensic year. |
 "I love my team." -Drake |
Name: Colby Hankey (Co-Captain)
Hometown: Orlando, FL Year: Senior Favorite Events: Duo, Poetry, ADS, Prose Colby Hankey is a returning for his 4th year on the GMU Forensics team and cannot wait for the spectacular adventures and amazing memories that will be made throughout his Senior year. Working on a degree in Public Health, Law, and Wellness, Colby loves learning about public health in our society. Colby cannot wait to start performing and share his messages to the Forensics community as well as see his friends from around the nation. In his free time he can be found jamming, producing, and mixing tunes as DJ CH∆NKEY. He also loves just bolby’n around. |
 “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.”
- Kurt Vonnegut |
Name: Rachel Hanon
Hometown: Baltimore, MD Year: Freshman Favorite Events: DI, Prose, POI Rachel Hanon, an incoming freshman double majoring in Global Affairs and Economics, is beyond ecstatic to be a part of the Mason Forensics family! Although she was mainly an interp competitor in high school, she looks forward to diving into the world of PA this year. Her mom, Lynn, is her best friend, her pup Stella is a diva, and her favorite pastime is going to Target and shopping in the $1 section. In her spare time she can be found singing Mezzo Soprano Arias, watching boatloads of Netflix, or dissecting befuddling Faulkner novels. She is so thrilled to become a part of The Legacy. |
 You can't be everything you want to be before your time." -Billy Joel |
Name: Molly Hoke (Team Librarian)
Hometown: Hamlin, WV Year: Sophomore Favorite Events: DI, Duo, ADS Molly Hoke is a sophomore who hails from the majestic hills of wild and wonderful West Virginia. She is majoring in Communication with aspirations of becoming a broadcast journalist. In her free time you'll find her jamming out to The Beatles, eating chinese food, or watching a fantastic movie. Wanna strike up a conversation? Comment on a good movie (Pulp Fiction is a good place to start). Her life's work is to tell the world of her love for MIchelle Bennett. Molly is more than ecstatic to begin her second year with a wonderful family. |
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There's no point in being a damn fool about it.- W.C. Fields
“To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.”- Winston Churchill
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Name: Jasjot Jaggi
Hometown: Kapurthala, India Year: Junior Favorite Events: Persuasion, ADS Jasjot Jaggi, better known as Avi, is a junior on the team this year. He is currently pursuing a double major in Government/International politics and Economics, with a minor in Global Affairs. Throughout his 12 years of schooling, he went to 11 different schools, across 4 different states, and two different countries. He is glad to finally return to a permanent home at George Mason University. He could not be more excited to embark on a new journey with The Legacy. Name: Sammy Jordan
Hometown: Salina, KS Year: Freshman Favorite Events: Prose, Poetry We're not in Kansas anymore. Sammy Jordan is a ambiguous caucasian female and freshman on the team majoring economics and minoring in the beautiful language of Russian. Her many talents include pretending to interact with inanimate objects, making toast and does an impeccable impersonation of Donnie from 'The Wild Thornberrys." She will be starting her collegiate forensic career with her true loves poetry and prose and will taste PA when the time has come. She is ecstatic to be part of the George mason team and family! |
 “The real reason that we can’t have the Ten Commandments in a courthouse: You cannot post “Thou shalt not steal,” “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” and “Thou shalt not lie” in a building full of lawyers, judges, and politicians. It creates a hostile work environment.” -George Carlin |
Name: Aditya Komanduri (Limited Prep Captain)
Hometown: Sterling, VA Year: Sophomore Favorite Events: Extemp, Duo, POI Aditya Komanduri, more commonly known as AK, is incredibly excited to start his Sophomore year on the GMU Forensics Team! He’s majoring in Government and International Politics, with hopes of going to graduate school in either Law or Business. He feels extremely blessed to be Limited Preparation Captain for the 2013-2014 year. AK considers himself a fanboy of John Mayer, Maroon 5, and any movie or TV show with Kiefer Sutherland in it. He’s incredibly excited for an amazing year with his 2nd family. GMU, YOU KNOW! |
 "Always be yourself... unless you can be a unicorn. Always be a unicorn." 
"MY WHOLE LIFE IS THUNDER." - Jenna Maroney, 30 Rock
"Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total; of all those acts will be written the history of this generation."
- Robert Kennedy
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Name: Marina Langley
Hometown: Jefferson, GA Year: Freshman Favorite Events: Prose, Poetry Marina Langley is a freshman majoring in Criminology. Her hobbies include playing Pokemon, reading fantasy novels, hanging with her magical Big Sam, petting cats, wishing cats could talk, and watching cat videos. She excels at making cat noises, being awkward, and finding people's belly buttons. When Marina was little she wanted to be a horse, but now she's excited for her next few years at Mason (where she now hopes to work as a human). Name: Nathan Leys Hometown: Des Moines, IA Year: Freshman Favorite Events: Extemp, CA, ADS Nathan is super pumped to be continuing his forensic career at George Mason! He is majoring in Global Affairs, or Spanish, or Mandarin, or International Security, or something, as part of his quest to become an international man of mystery who lives with his cats. Nathan's hobbies include substituting Google Scholar for love, pretending to enjoy exercise, and Aaron Sorkin. Name: Kate Loving Hometown: Houston, Texas Year: Freshman Favorite Events: DI, Duo, POI, ADS Kate Loving, is an incoming freshman to the George Mason Forensics team and could not be more excited to join "The Legacy!" She is majoring in Government and International Politics. She competed in interp events all through high school, but is very excited at the idea of trying out PA events this year. She loves her dogs more than anything in the world, and in her spare time she can be found watching HBO or reading the newest Kathy Reichs novel. She cannot wait for her adventures on the Mason team to begin, and is ready for a great year! |
“I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.” -Martha Washington
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Name: Desirae Luna
Hometown: Redlands, CA Year: Sophmore Favorite Events: Persuasion, Info Desirae Luna is originally from Redlands California but wanted to pursue her studies near the D.C. area. She is majoring in Government & International Politics and minoring in Electronic Journalism at George Mason University. Des is extreamly excited for this Forensics season and cannot wait to witness all the amazing and inspirational up and coming performances. |
 “I expected better of two creatures
who were given minds: if not
that you would actually care for each other
at least that you would understand
grief is distributed between you, among all your kind.” - Louise Gluck |
Name: Amelia Martin
Hometown: Des Moines, IA Year: Senior Favorite Events: EXT, POI Amelia is super pumped to top off her forensics career with some amazing people this year! Amelia is a civil engineering major, but please please please don't ask her to replace Michael Scott as team techie. She'll crunch the numbers for you, but keep any and all electrical cords away from her. When Amelia isn't doing speech or studying, she's probably snacking on popcorn, sunbathing, or singing way too loud. GMU! You know! |
 “We do what we're here for.” |
Name: Alexandria Murru
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL Year: Senior Favorite Event: CA, POI Alexandria is a senior at GMU and is so excited to spend her last year with this awesome team and the most epic senior class. She comes from the magical land of narnia where she enjoys mac and cheese and showing her friends how to break it down. In her occasional down time you can find her lurking around Hogwarts. |
 "I'll say things that are serious and put them in a joke form so people can enjoy them. We laugh to keep from crying." -Kanye West |
Name: Steven Perlamuter (Tournament Director)
Hometown: Manalapan, NJ Year: Sophomore Favorite Events: DI, Duo, Prose Steven is so thrilled to be entering his second year on the GMU forensics team! He is a global affairs major and deeply enjoys Mad Men, carrot cake, and Lana Del Rey. Steven cannot wait for the season to begin and is incredibly excited to see the journey that awaits him and the rest of his Mason family this upcoming season. |
 “When your heart is broken, you plant seeds in the cracks and pray for rain.”- Andrea Gibson |
Name: Jenny Questell
Hometown: Southern Pines, NC Year: Senior Favorite Events: Info, DI, ADS Jenny Questell loves real talk and a spontaneous adventure. A true Southern Belle at heart, she believes there’s nothing quite like a well-themed brunch. She loves cooking, listening to slam poetry, and getting engrossed in a good television series. Stay tuned for some interp and public address coming out this year. To win her over, simply drop a line about a Matt Bell short story or attending the Renaissance Faire. Jenny can’t wait for her final year talking about important things. Much love to her dedicated coaches and teammates who keep things real. |
 "I said to the sun, tell me about the Big Bang.
The sun said, 'It hurts to become.'"-Andrea Gibson |
Name: Pablo Ramirez
Hometown: Colombia/Bethesda, MD Year: Freshman Favorite Events: ADS, Impromptu Pablo Ramirez really had no clue how much his life would change when he joined the Forensics community as a scrawny, little high school freshman. While he is now a scrawny, little undeclared college freshman, he is so very excited that he is not only attending George Mason, but also that he's part of this fantastic family from the start. When not hibernating, Pablo will usually be reading, surfing the web for an unhealthy amount of time, reading or writing, or simply having a swell time. He cannot wait to see what the year has in store for him! |
 "Believe you are beautiful. Believe someone out there will find you. Believe in something bigger than your problems and you will be saved." - Max Bemis |
Name: Jess Rauchberg
Hometown: Randolph, NJ Year: Freshman Favorite Event: Prose Originally hailing from the Dirty Jerz, Jess is excited to make a new home in Fairfax! She is a Conflict Analysis and Resolution major with a focus in Community Conflict, and aspires to one day solve other people's problems for them. When not speeching, Jess can be found honing her inner old Jewish lady, and enjoying the finer things in life- PBS, iced chai lattes, Mad Men, and avocados. She is so grateful to be part of the Mason Family and cannot wait to see what the year has in store! |
 "The best why to predict the future is to invent it" -Alan Kay |
Name: Tanner Terrell
Hometown: Grapevine, TX Year: Freshman Favorite Events: DI, Prose, Duo Tanner Terrell is an incoming freshman on the George Mason Forensics Team. Tanner attended Grapevine High School in the Lone Star State where he has lived his entire life. He is extremely excited to make the jump from Texas to Virginia to continue his love for speech. Tanner is thrilled to be a part of such a talented and welcoming team. He is excited to see the success of the team in the years to come! This "lady" killer is pumped for the 2013-2014 season! |
 "It's not trashy to have character." - Jenny Questell |
Name: Jon Tyree Hometown: Plymouth, Indiana Year: Senior Favorite Event: DI Jon is a senior at GMU, and originally hails from the cornfields of Indiana. He is super stoked for his last year! When not working on school or speech work, you can usually find him jamming out and bolbying around with DJ Chankey. |
 "It is far better to live like a lion for a day than to live like a jackal for a hundred years." -Tipu Sultan |
Name: Azka Usmani Hometown: Springfield, VA Year: Junior Favorite Events: Persuasion Born and raised in Pakistan, moved to states in 2008. Speech and debate has been an essential part of my life. My first speech was an informative in grade 2. Currently a Junior, going towards the medical route. Working on persuasive speech, Dramatic interp and extemporaneous. Extremely excited and blessed to start a new journey with Masons Forensics Legacy. |
 “No.” –Rosa Parks |
Name: Tyler Watkins Hometown: Lynchburg, Va Year: Junior Favorite Events: ADS, Prose, Poetry, Duo Tyler Watkins is a rising Junior and is super-duper excited to start his third year on Mason’s team. His favorite activities include throwing shade and reading the house down. He also likes band! This future lawyer has no trouble with using his voice and can’t wait to share his messages with the nation. |
“The words “I Promise” and “Forever” begged me not to use them, but sometimes I don’t listen to God.”
- Buddy Wakefield
“There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but Nature more.”
-Lord Byron
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Name: Bria Woodyard
Hometown: Alexandria, VA Year: Junior Favorite Events: Poetry, CA Bria Woodyard is venturing into her junior year and is so happy to in her third year on the team. Majoring in environmental and sustainability studies with a minor in technical theatre, Bria's one busy bee. She competes in all three genres, while her heart always lies in poetry. Bria is so thankful for everything being a part of this team has taught her. She can't wait to share all her knowledge and keep learning this year with her spectacular little, Emma and continue the legacy GMU stands for. Name: Kathryn Zamorski
Hometown: Salem, VA Year: Junior Favorite events: Prose, Poetry Kathryn is from Salem, Va, but has recently been calling Charlottesville home. She will be majoring in Biology, hopefully with a minor in music. Some of her favorite things include playing her guitar, hiking, running, and anything involving being near the water. She is so excited to be joining the family! It's been a long time coming- since her junior year of high school! She is so stoked to finally be here! |
