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The student voice of Washington State University since 1895

The Daily Evergreen
WSU Winter Session ad
The student voice of Washington State University since 1895

The Daily Evergreen
WSU Winter Session ad
The student voice of Washington State University since 1895

The Daily Evergreen
Sam Taylor, Evergreen managing editor, fall 2023

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor

Sam is a senior multimedia journalism major from Lacey, Washington and the sports editor for spring 2024. He was the sports editor for the 2022-23 school year and managing editor for the summer and fall 2023. He plays the trumpet in the Cougar Marching Band, loves sports and has worked at the Evergreen since fall 2021.

All content by SAM TAYLOR
Alan Shibley fouls a ball off the ground and straight into his helmet, April 26, in Pullman, Wash.

WSU baseball drops final game of the season 10-4 to ranked Oregon

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
May 21, 2024
Connor Wilford throwing a pitch in the snow against Rhode Island, March 2, in Pullman, Wash.

Oregon Ducks score seven in eighth inning to beat WSU 8-4

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
May 21, 2024
WSU pitcher Grant Taylor looks to throw a pitch at an NCAA Baseball Game against Santa Clara April 22, 2023. Pullman, Wash.

Taylor climbs Cougar record books, Kramer reaches base four times in WSU loss

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
May 17, 2024
Then-freshman infielder Kyle Manzardo waits for an incoming pitch, March 28, 2019.

Pro Cougs Tracker: Manzardo’s debut, roast of Tom Brady

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
May 15, 2024
Kyle Russell lasers a ball toward the left side of the infield for a lineout, March 3, in Pullman, Wash.

Cougar baseball drops Senior Day rubber match to USC, 10-3

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
May 13, 2024
Connor Wilford exits the game in the 2nd inning against Stanford, May 20, in Pullman, Wash.

Bats, bullpen fail to back Wilford’s quality start

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
May 12, 2024
Hayden Stinchfield and Sam Taylor at a Seahawks game, December 31, 2023, at Lumen Field in Seattle. Courtesy of Sam Taylor

Letter from the Editors: Sports Sports Sports!!!

HAYDEN STINCHFIELD and SAM TAYLOR
May 1, 2024
Hayden Stinchhfield, Joey Famularo and their dog Addie. Courtesy of Bobby Kleeberger.

Hayden Stinchfield ‘argumentative, funny and generous’

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
May 1, 2024
WSU guard Charlisse Leger-Walker (5) dribbles around UCLA guard Camryn Brown (35) during the second half of an NCAA collegiate basketball game, Feb. 11. 2022

Charlisse Leger-Walker commits to UCLA

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
April 27, 2024
USC showers Catherine Park, the 2024 Pac-12 Women's Golf individual champion with water, April 23 at Palouse Ridge Golf Club in Pullman.

[Photo] Stanford wins final Pac-12 Tournament, Park sets individual record

LEVI COOVERT, Evergreen sports co-editor
April 24, 2024
Quarterback Gardner Minshew II smiles for photos after fans storm the field following the Cougars victory over Oregon on Oct. 20 at Martin Stadium.

TAYLOR: Welcome home Gardner Minshew

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
April 24, 2024
WSU infielder Kyle Russell sprints toward home plate during an NCAA collegiate baseball game against Utah, April 1, at Bailey-Brayton Field.

Kyle Russell dazzles in Cougar comeback attempt, but Cougs cave, lose 9-7

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
April 20, 2024
WSU center Bella Murekatete jumps for a layup during an NCAA basketball game against UCLA, Jan. 22. 2023 in Beasley Colisuem.

Bella Murekatete earns WNBA opportunity

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
April 16, 2024
Max Hartman hits a ball toward the sky against Cal, April 12, in Pullman, Wash.

WSU baseball, swimming join Mountain West

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
April 16, 2024
The snow delays the first home game of the 2024 WSU baseball season, March 1, in Pullman, Wash.

Some highs, lots of lows, nonetheless WSU baseball controls its destiny

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
April 15, 2024
Duke Brotherton and Jacob Morrow meet on the mount after Brotherton allow the first man on base, March 3, in Pullman, Wash.

Cougs allow 17 hits in 8-2 Sunday loss, get swept by Cal

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
April 15, 2024
Grant Taylor pitching against Cal, April 12, in Pullman, Wash.

Cougs respond “too little, too late” drop series opener to Cal 4-3

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
April 13, 2024
Kamie Ethridge points to the crowd after the Cougs took down Toledo in the third round of the WBIT, March 29, in Pullman, Wash.

Kamie Ethridge signs contract extension through 2029–30 season

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
April 11, 2024
Astera Tuhina dribbles and stares at the shot clock as the Cougs set up an offensive set, March 29, in Pullman, Wash.

Cougar women end season in Indiana

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
April 3, 2024
Isaac Jones paced the Cougs with 20 points and 10 rebounds during an NCAA basketball game between WSU men's basketball and UW, March 7 in Pullman, Wash.

WSU Athletic Communications excels under bright lights of March Madness

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
April 3, 2024
Charlisse Leger-Walker shows love to the crowd after the team won big, Nov. 29, in Pullman, Wash.

Charlisse Leger-Walker enters transfer portal

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
April 3, 2024
Bella Murekatete shoots from the top of the key to the Cougs a lead in the waning seconds of the game, March 29, in Pullman, Wash.

Murekatete’s final game in Beasley one to remember, WSU women’s hoops wins 63-61

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
April 2, 2024
WSU center Bella Murekatete celebrates “tea time” during an NCAA women’s basketball game against Arizona, Jan. 21, 2024, in Pullman, Wash.

‘A privilege to be able to watch your team this time of year,’ WSU women host Toledo in WBIT

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
March 27, 2024
After six year at WSU, Pat Chun leaves Pullman for Seattle, AD job at Washington.

Pat Chun leaves WSU to become UW Athletic Director

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
March 26, 2024
Beyonce Bea getting the offensive rebound, March 24 in Pullman, Wash.

WSU women score 30 in fourth quarter, advance to WBIT quarterfinals

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
March 23, 2024
Isaac Jones hypes up the crowd as Jaylen Wells and Oscar Cluff walk away after WSU scored in the final minute of WSU men's basketball's 78-69 win over Colorado, Jan. 27 in Pullman, Wash.

‘A lot of names are made in March’ WSU Cougars ready for the spotlight

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
March 21, 2024
Head coach Kamie Ethridge rallied the troops for a 71-61 win over Oregon on senior night, Feb. 25, in Pullman, Wash.

Cougar women’s basketball qualifies for WBIT

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
March 20, 2024
WSU senior right-hander Duke Brotherton pitches in WSU baseball's 7-6 loss to Utah, March 10 in Pullman, Wash.

Cougs walk 13 times, score 12 times, win once in Los Angeles

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
March 16, 2024
Joey Kramer takes a deep breath prior to his at-bat, March 3, in Pullman, Wash.

Cougar baseball wins big in Riverside, 11-3

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
March 15, 2024
Max Hartman collected two hits against the Utah Utes, but was called out between first and second base when he passed the runner at first after hitting a home run. His hit is reflected in the box score as a two-RBI single. March 9 in Pullman, Wash.

Base running mistake costs Cougars game two versus Utah

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
March 15, 2024
Grant Taylor throws a pitch during his 4.0 innings of work against Rhode Island, March 3, in Pullman, Wash.

WSU baseball beats Utah 7-1 behind Taylor’s strong outing

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
March 15, 2024
Oscar Cluff tries to pass the ball to Myles Rice in WSU's 74-68 loss to UW, March 7 in Pullman, Wash.

Myles Rice scored 8 points and grabbed five rebounds in WSU's 74-68 loss to UW, March 7 in Pullman, Wash.

The UW Huskies beat the WSU Cougars in the Apple Cup March 7 in Pullman, Wash.

A season-high 9,311 people were at Beasley Colsieum for the Apple Cup. It was the largest on-campus crowd for a college basketball game in the state of Washington during the 2023–24 season. March 7 in Pullman, Wash.

WSU senior forward Andrej Jakimovski walks off the court during the Apple Cup. Jakimovski was nursing a shoulder injury he sustained the prior weekend and was attempting to battle through it on senior night with his family in attendance. He missed each of his four 3-point attempts. WSU men's basketball lost the Apple Cup to UW March 7 in Pullman, Wash.

[Photo] WSU drops season finale to UW

HAYDEN STINCHFIELD, Evergreen sports co-editor
March 10, 2024
UW graduate forward Keion Brooks Jr. posted 22 points in the Apple Cup, an NCAA basketball game between WSU men's basketball and UW, March 7 in Pullman, Wash.

Freshman Rueben Chinyelu played nine minutes in the Apple Cup, an NCAA basketball game between WSU men's basketball and UW, March 7 in Pullman, Wash.

[Photo] Cougs advance in Vegas, fail to reach championship

March 18, 2024
WSU senior forward Andrej Jakimovski guards UW graduate forward Keion Brooks Jr. during the Apple Cup, an NCAA basketball game between WSU men's basketball and UW, March 7 in Pullman, Wash.

UW graduate guard Paul Mulcahy protests a call while WSU junior forward Jaylen Wells and Coug fans look on during an NCAA basketball game between WSU men's basketball and UW, March 7 in Pullman, Wash.

WSU head coach Kyle Smith and his staff and bench look on as the Cougs battle the Huskies in the Apple Cup, an NCAA basketball game between WSU men's basketball and UW, March 7 in Pullman, Wash.

WSU senior forward Isaac Jones shoots a free throw during an NCAA basketball game between WSU men's basketball and UW, March 7 in Pullman, Wash.

WSU senior forward Andrej Jakimovski greets freshman Spencer Mahoney during starting lineup introductions prior to an NCAA basketball game between WSU men's basketball and UW, March 7 in Pullman, Wash.

WSU football head coach Jake Dickert cheers on the Cougs while sitting courtside during the Apple Cup, an NCAA basketball game between WSU men's basketball and UW, March 7 in Pullman, Wash.

Kymany Houinsou and Isaiah Watts dance after picking up a huge win over Arizona, Jan. 13, in Pullman, Wash.

‘Off the court, we’re the most connected we’ve ever been’

SAM TAYLOR and BRANDON WILLMAN
March 7, 2024
WSU center Bella Murekatete rises for a layup against Texas A&M Commerce, Nov. 29, in Pullman, Wash.

WSU women’s hoops tips off Pac-12 Tournament versus Cal

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
March 6, 2024
WSU guard Astera Tuhina shoots for three during an NCAA women's basketball game against Oregon State, Feb. 23, 2024, in Pullman, Wash.

WSU women’s hoops upset No. 13 Colorado

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
March 3, 2024
The snow delays the first home game of the 2024 WSU baseball season, March 1, in Pullman, Wash.

WSU baseball home opener delayed to Saturday

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
March 2, 2024
Kyra Gardner shoots form the corner as Oregon's Grace Vanslooten closes out, Feb. 25, in Pullman, Wash.

Gardner shows out, Cougs cannot overcome early deficit, lose to No. 18 Utah

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
March 2, 2024
WSU forward Jaylen Wells and guard Isiah Watts celebrate after winning a game of bump during ZzuMania, Nov. 3, 2023, in Pullman, Wash.

Meet America’s Team: the Washington State Cougars

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 29, 2024
Sarah Miller selects all of the music that the Cougar Marching Band plays in the stands on football gamedays. Courtesy Sarah Miller

‘Immediately irreplaceable,’ Sarah Miller leads WSU pep bands

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 29, 2024
WSU infielder Kyle Russell dives for home plate during an NCAA collegiate baseball game against Utah, April 1, at Bailey-Brayton Field.

Cougars hold Horned Frogs to flame, drop match in 12-inning classic

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 28, 2024
WSU infielder Kyle Russell sprints toward home plate during an NCAA collegiate baseball game against Utah, April 1, at Bailey-Brayton Field.

Cougs comeback to haunt Big 12’s Kansas in Round Rock Tournament, win 5-4

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 26, 2024
Bella Murekatete celebrating a fourth quarter WSU basket, Feb. 25, in Pullman, Wash.

Cougars send seniors off right, beat Oregon 71-61

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 25, 2024
Bella Murekatete lowers her shoulder after contact and before rising up for a shot attempt against Oregon State, Feb. 23, in Pullman, Wash.

Cougars contend with No. 9 Oregon State, fall late 65-52

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 23, 2024
Charlisse Leger-Walker shows love to the crowd after the team won big, Nov. 29, in Pullman, Wash.

WAZZU WEEKLY: David Vs. Goliath in Tuscon tonight, Leger-Walker’s legacy

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 22, 2024
Charlisse Leger-Walker is all smiles after drawing a foul on her drive to the basket, Nov. 9, in Pullman, Wash.

Charlisse Leger-Walker’s legacy: ‘She makes other people better’

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 22, 2024
The Pac-12 Champions 2022–23 women's basketball team were honored ahead of the new team's bout with Gonzaga, Nov. 9, in Pullman, Wash.

WSU women’s basketball to recognize six seniors Sunday

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 22, 2024
Forward Isaac Jones screams in celebration after scoring during an NCAA men's basketball game against Cal, Feb. 15, 2024, in Pullman, Wash.

Wazzu Weekly: Men’s basketball ranked for first time since 2008, baseball opens season with series win

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 21, 2024
University of Southern California wide reciever Drake London (15) catches a pass while Washington State University defensive back Jaylen Watson (0) attempts to tackle him during the second half of a college football game, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Pullman, WA.

PRO COUGS TRACKER: Watson wins back-to-back Super Bowls, Minshew makes Pro Bowl

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 21, 2024
WSU guard Tara Wallack looks for a pass during an NCAA women’s basketball game against Arizona, Jan. 21, 2024, in Pullman, Wash.

Wazzu wins without Leger-Walker for first time behind Wallack’s career day

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 19, 2024
Eleonora Villa looking for a lane to make a pass to Bella Murekatete in the post, Feb. 2, in Pullman, Wash.

WSU hits rock bottom, begins to climb out of canyon in Grand Canyon state

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 19, 2024
Connor Wilford exits the game in the 2nd inning against Stanford, May 20, in Pullman, Wash.

Wilford wows as Cougars split Saturday doubleheader with Utah Tech

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 18, 2024
Pedestrians walk by as WSU police closes Stadium Way near Beasley Coliseum due to a diesel spill, Feb. 15, 2024, in Pullman, Wash.

Stadium Way opens after Diesel spill cleanup

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 15, 2024
Rueben Chinyelu high-fives a WSU student after WSU men's basketball's 78-69 win over Colorado, Jan. 27 in Pullman, Wash.

‘They get hype, I get hype,’ How WSU students are changing the culture around WSU basketball

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 15, 2024
Tara Wallack shoots from range as Cal's head coach shouts directions, Feb. 9, in Pullman, Wash.

Cougars seek to break four-game skid in Arizona

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 15, 2024
Taylor Swift has grown the game by going to the game.

Taylor Swift: The NFL’s Anti-Hero

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 11, 2024
WSU AD Pat Chun will serve on the 2025 College Football Playoff Selection Committee.

WSU Athletic Director Pat Chun joins College Football Playoff Selection Committee

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 10, 2024
Tara Wallack driving in to the lane from the right wing, Feb. 9, in Pullman, Wash.

‘We started the game with the wrong mindset’; WSU loses to Cal 66-59

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 10, 2024
WSU guard Astera Tuhina launches and makes a half-time buzzer-beater during an NCAA women's basketball game against Utah, Feb. 4, 2024, in Pullman, Wash.

Cougars host Cal, No. 6 Stanford and college basketball’s winningest coach

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 8, 2024
SPOKANE, WA - MARCH 28, 2011: Head Coach Tara VanDerveer, Stanford Women's Basketball vs Gonzaga, NCAA West Regional Finals at the Spokane Arena on March 28, 2011. Courtesy Don Feria, Stanfordphoto.com

Tara VanDerveer returns to the Palouse as the winningest coach in college basketball history

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 8, 2024
WSU guard Astera Tuhina launches and makes a half-time buzzer-beater during an NCAA women's basketball game against Utah, Feb. 4, 2024, in Pullman, Wash.

Cougs come up short against No. 20 Utah in second game without Leger-Walker

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 4, 2024
WSU women’s basketball player Charlisse Leger-Walker reacts in shock to a call during an NCAA women's basketball game against Colorado, Feb. 2, 2024, in Pullman, Wash.

WSU women’s basketball drops first game without Charlisse Leger-Walker to No. 6 Colorado

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
February 4, 2024
Kyle Smith meets with his coaching staff during WSU men's basketball's 78-69 win over Colorado, Jan. 27 in Pullman, Wash.

WSU students, including Matti TennEy high five Cougar players, including Rueben Chinyelu after WSU men's basketball's 78-69 win over Colorado, Jan. 27 in Pullman, Wash.

Oscar Cluff watches the ball during WSU men's basketball's 78-69 win over Colorado, Jan. 27 in Pullman, Wash.

Butch leads WSU students in the "GO COUGS" chant during WSU men's basketball's 78-69 win over Colorado, Jan. 27 in Pullman, Wash.

A WSU student pretends to hand the referee his glasses during WSU men's basketball's 78-69 win over Colorado, Jan. 27 in Pullman, Wash.

Isaiah Watts, Parker Gerrits, Kymany Houinsou and members of the WSU bench celebrate a Cougar basket during WSU men's basketball's 78-69 win over Colorado, Jan. 27 in Pullman, Wash.

WSU students celebrate a big play during WSU men's basketball's 78-69 win over Colorado, Jan. 27 in Pullman, Wash.

Cody Williams shoots a free throw as WSU forward Andrej Jakimovski looks on during WSU men's basketball's 78-69 win over Colorado, Jan. 27 in Pullman, Wash.

Kyle Smith celebrates a play during WSU men's basketball's 78-69 win over Colorado, Jan. 27 in Pullman, Wash.

WSU forward Jaylen Wells leaps for the ball as guard Myles Rice looks on during WSU men's basketball's 78-69 win over Colorado, Jan. 27 in Pullman, Wash.

Kyle Smith gestures to his team as Andrej Jakimovski guards Colorado during WSU men's basketball's 78-69 win over Colorado, Jan. 27 in Pullman, Wash.

Matti Tenney yells at Colorado as they are introduced at a WSU men's basketball game, Jan. 27 in Pullman, Wash.

Charlisse Leger-Walker shows off her bling, Nov. 9, in Pullman, Wash.

Charlisse Leger-Walker out for season with knee injury

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
January 31, 2024
WSU guard Charlisse Leger-Walker drives to the basket during an NCAA women’s basketball game against Arizona State, Jan. 19, 2024, in Pullman, Wash.

Wazzu upsets No. 2 UCLA in Pauley Pavillion

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
January 31, 2024
WSU guard and forward Beyonce Bea tries to keep the ball away from an Arizona State defender during an NCAA women's basketball game, Jan. 19, 2024, in Pullman, Wash.

Cougs to challenge Pac-12 stars in Hollywood

SAM TAYLOR, Evergreen sports co-editor
January 24, 2024
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