Hope Valenti

Hope Valenti '25 is a journalism major at Elon University. As a multimedia reporter for the Elon News Network, she focuses on lifestyle and sports columns. In her free time, Valenti can be found watching movies or listening to old music. After Elon, she plans on pursuing a career as a journalist. 

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Recent Articles

SPORTS 2/15/23 4:57pm

Elon pitcher reflects on his growth and goals for the upcoming season

By Hope Valenti

Sophomore left-handed pitcher Shea Sprague stares at the batter from the mound. Mumbling the lyrics to “Should’ve Ducked” by Lil Durk, he calms his restless mind. To him, the anticipation leading up to his first pitch is the best part of playing. 

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SPORTS 12/3/22 2:35pm

Elon University graduate students share connection beyond the court

By Hope Valenti

After each match, the Elon men’s basketball team leaves the game on the court, putting it in the back of their minds until the next practice. 

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NEWS 11/9/22 8:00am

As Supreme Court reconsiders importance of affirmative action, Elon University students worry for future of equal opportunities

By Hope Valenti

Checking the box labeled “African American” on her college applications was a proud moment for Uwera Izabayo – one where she was able to own her identity. She said she knew it would be a glaring part of the document, having a significant impact on the decision of the board. Now a sophomore at Elon, Izabayo considers herself lucky that she applied to colleges when she did. 

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NEWS 9/30/22 7:48am

Hispanic international students seek home away from home at Elon University

By Hope Valenti

Manuela Cornick Fernández knew what she wanted to do for a living when she was 9 years old. Growing up in Costa Rica, she said musical theater wasn’t mainstream. But as her parents tucked her into bed the night after taking her to see her first musical, “Cats,” she announced her dream to be a performer. 

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SPORTS 5/18/22 6:42pm

Elon University club brings skateboarding to the forefront

By Hope Valenti

Kai Whiteside is a freshman who found a love for skateboarding during the beginning of the pandemic. When he arrived at Elon, Whiteside began to bond with other students who shared his passion and formed a small community around skating.  

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NEWS 2/28/22 8:22am

Elon University students continue to express concerns over Yik Yak content

By Hope Valenti

Yik Yak originally launched in 2013, quickly gaining popularity among teens. Prior to its removal from the app store, Yik Yak had over 200 million users. But the app became a hub for cyberbullying, and was shut down in 2017. The rights to Yik Yak were procured by new developers in 2021, and now, the Yak is back.

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SPORTS 2/25/22 1:03pm

From dreamer to dancer: Elon University's only male dance team member

By Hope Valenti

As the buzzer sounds and halftime begins, the Elon University Flames take the floor. But among the myriad of pompoms and ponytails, one individual stands out from the rest — Cullen Zeno.  

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LIFESTYLE 2/9/22 9:00pm

Professors struggle to navigate the drawbacks of social media and demonstrate proper use

By Hope Valenti

Now a staple in today’s society, social media has grown from merely being a source of entertainment. With a presence in political and professional realms, it yields a great influence. As it expands into educational environments, social media presents drawbacks and benefits to be navigated by faculty and students alike.

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LIFESTYLE 12/28/21 4:47pm

BEST OF: Hair Salon

By Hope Valenti

Best Of is an annual publication by Elon News Network that surveys students, faculty, staff and the general community on their favorite dining, entertainment outlets, academics and more.     

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SPORTS 12/16/21 12:36pm

Istanbul to Elon University: International student reflects on her basketball journey

By Hope Valenti

Coming to Elon is an accomplishment that Elon University senior Duru Tasman holds in high regards, and one that she said made her journey worth it. The bold decision to study in another country, away from her family and home, was not an easy one — but one she said she stands by nonetheless.  

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SPORTS 10/24/21 9:14pm

Elon University women’s soccer team earns crucial CAA victory over Hofstra

By Hope Valenti

The Phoenix continue its chase to qualify for the CAA Tournament with a pair of road matches to close out the season, beginning with a crucial contest against James Madison on Oct. 28.   

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SPORTS 10/5/21 11:12am

Más que un juego: El camino de Carlos Marte al Beisbol de Elon

By Hope Valenti

De pie bajo las luces del Latham Baseball Park, el infielder Carlos Marte no pudo evitar reflexionar sobre cómo llegó allí. Desde los juegos de pelota en el jardín delantero en la República Dominicana hasta la NCAA, Marte acreditó su educación dominicana con la introducción del béisbol en su vida. Él ve su deporte como una manera de conectar más estrechamente con su cultura.

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SPORTS 10/5/21 11:12am

More than a game: Carlos Marte’s journey to Elon University baseball

By Hope Valenti

Standing under the lights of Latham Baseball Park, infielder Carlos Marte couldn’t help but reflect on how he got there. From front yard games of catch in the Dominican Republic to the NCAA, Marte credited his Dominican upbringing with introducing baseball into his life. He views his sport as a way of closer connecting with his culture. 

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SPORTS 9/18/21 11:48am

Elon’s women’s soccer team earns third straight shutout

By Hope Valenti

Elon University’s women’s soccer team defeated the Furman University Paladins 2-0 on Friday, Sept. 17 in its last non-conference match of the season. The Phoenix have now shut out its last three opponents. The team has not allowed a goal since its match on Sept. 5 against North Carolina State University. 

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SPORTS 9/4/21 7:57pm

New eSports lounge secures future of club eSports

By Hope Valenti

From a few students gaming from their dorms to now inducting over 300 members, Elon University’s eSports Club’s rapid growth inspired the development of a new meeting spot — the eSports Lounge. 

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