Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Emily Autumn Velasquez

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Editor-in-chief

Emily Autumn Velasquez is the Editor in Chief for the Prospector. She is a senior, majoring in multimedia journalism with a minor in rhetoric writing at the University of Texas at El Paso. She is also a freelance photographer/videographer with hopes of continuing a career in sports journalism when she graduates in December.

All content by Emily Autumn Velasquez
Paving out the playoff picture after week 12

Paving out the playoff picture after week 12

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Editor-in-Chief November 29, 2022

Editor’s note:  This is the third of a three-part series on the NFL standings.  The National Football League season consists of 18 weeks of tough football, upsets and intense games. We are officially two thirds of the way through the season and the...

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Parting ways with The Prospector

Parting ways with The Prospector

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Editor-in-Chief November 29, 2022

The day of saying goodbye to the University of Texas at El Paso has come and it is never one that I thought I would dread, at least not for the reasons I currently do. Sure, everyone fears the idea of starting a new career or forging a new path, but...

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Playoff contenders and draft pick defenders

Playoff contenders and draft pick defenders

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Editor-in-Chief November 17, 2022

Editor’s note: This is the second part of a three-part series on the NFL standings. As we are just past the halfway point of the National Football League season, it is time to provide a mid-season analysis and see which teams are looking like playoff...

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Mr. and Ms. Texas Western, multimedia journalism senior Lorenzo Leyva and kinesiology senior Kaitlyn Bradham, walk out to greet the crowd in attendance of the homecoming game on Oct. 29.

A glimpse of Masquerade

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Editor-in-Chief November 1, 2022

Homecoming is an annual tradition that involves uniting distinguished alumni and students on campus to celebrate the university.   The slate of events kicked off Oct. 21 with the annual homecoming pageant where students got to participate in a competition...

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Explaining the rush of football over basketball

Explaining the rush of football over basketball

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Editor-in-Chief November 1, 2022

Football has been around for a very long time and there is a reason for that. It has been one of my favorite pastimes for the past ten years of my life, and when I say that I mean it to be more of an addiction than anything. I got into football when...

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The NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative helps bring awareness to different forms of cancer and collaborates with the American Cancer Society. Photo courtesy of NFL Crucial Catch.

Intercepting cancer in the NFL

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Editor-in-Chief November 1, 2022

The month of October in the National Football League (NFL) is a time to bring awareness to different forms of cancer through its Crucial Catch initiative, with the idea being to bring awareness and “intercept cancer.”  October used to be when...

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The journey of navigating my mental health

The journey of navigating my mental health

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Editor-in-Chief September 29, 2022

Mental health is such an important thing for everyone to prioritize in their lives, but that is not something I learned right away.  I come from a family where mental health was not always something to talk about. My family always described it as...

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Perks of working on campus

Perks of working on campus

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Editor-in-Chief September 20, 2022

There are so many students at the university, but I feel as if many incoming students do not understand the perks of working on campus... I certainly did not. I have said it before, but I will say it again for the sake of this being the career issue,...

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Coffee lover  compares competing Starbucks

Coffee lover compares competing Starbucks

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Editor-in-Chief September 20, 2022

As a working full-time college student, I tend to need caffeine to get through my long days on campus, and my go to since I was in seventh grade has been Starbucks. I would even go as far as calling myself a Starbucks connoisseur considering I have been...

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From shopping vintage shirts to yummy snacks, supporters from all over El Paso came out to see the grand opening of the Lowbrow Palace.

Lowbrow Palace opens new and improved venue

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Editor-in-Chief September 6, 2022

Lowbrow Palace is a live music venue that held its grand opening of its new and improved location in Central El Paso at 1006 Texas Ave. Sept. 2-4 by hosting different events to commemorate its 11-year anniversary.   The Lowbrow Palace kicked off its...

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Time to talk NFL football

Time to talk NFL football

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Editor-in-Chief September 6, 2022

Editor’s note: This is the first of a three-part series on the NFL standings.  After an offseason full of major moves, an exciting draft and a revealing preseason, the 2022-2023 National Football League season is sure to be one full of surprises...

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Only one case of monkeypox has been reported by the City of El Paso Public Health Department as of Aug. 12. The rare disease can be spread through direct contact according to the CDC. Photo courtesy of NIAID/Wikipedia Commons

Monkeypox: What you need to know

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Editor-in-Chief August 24, 2022

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is aiming to raise awareness of the disease as there has been a recent spike in cases across the United...

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Paving new paths at The Prospector

Paving new paths at The Prospector

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Editor-in-Chief August 23, 2022

Navigating college is anything but easy. It is a constant game of search, both literally and figuratively, whether that consists of searching for what classes to take or searching for friendships that will last a lifetime. Luckily for me, my search...

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Courtesy of official Marvel website.

‘Thor: Love & Thunder’ reflects the journey of finding yourself

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Editor-in-Chief July 12, 2022

Editor’s note: this review contains no spoilers.  Marvel is halfway through phase four after the release of “Thor: Love & Thunder.” The movie is the sixth film to be released since the ending of the Infinity Saga and does not disappoint...

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Local pop artist Josh Galindo goes on stage for the first time in his career as he performs both released and unreleased songs.

Rain won’t stop the El Paso Zoo from Rockin’

Itzel Giron and Emily Autumn Velasquez July 5, 2022

Long lines formed outside the first ever Rock n’ Roar event, hosted by The El Paso Zoo Society, Saturday, July 2, at the El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano Drive. Despite the chance of rain, attendees lined up outside the gates with their tickets as the vendors...

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Photo courtesy of UTEP Dinner Theatre.

UTEP fills July with events

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Editor-in-Chief June 30, 2022

UTEP has prepared plenty of events for students, faculty, alumni, and the El Paso community to enjoy throughout the month of July as they are looking for ways to spend their summer. Below you will find what is happening, when and where throughout the...

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16th annual Pridefest “Show me your disco” kicks off

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Editor-in-Chief June 23, 2022

The 16th annual Pridefest “Show me your disco” kicked off June 18, 801 S. Ochoa St.in El Paso to celebrate Pride month. The celebration included vendors, food trucks, DJs, performances from artists and drag queens, as well as local vendors and food...

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Amazon Prime turned the trilogy The Summer I Turned Pretty into a series about a coming of age romance that premiered June 17.

‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ is a summer hit

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Editor-in-Chief June 23, 2022

Editor’s Note: this review contains no spoilers.  Amazon Prime decided to turn the young adult trilogy “The Summer I Turned Pretty” by New York Times Best-selling author Jenny Han into a seven-episode series that premiered June 17. The series...

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Space ranger Buzz Lightyear is back on the big screen as his origin story is finally revealed in Lightyear, which was released June 17. Lightyear was Pixars first film to be released exclusively in theaters since COVID-19.

Buzz Lightyear is back on the big screen

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Editor-in-Chief June 22, 2022

So many people loved him when he was simply a toy on Pixar’s Toy Story, but many were skeptical of an origin movie focused on Buzz Lightyear. The stakes were high for this movie due to “Lightyear” being the first Pixar movie to be released exclusively...

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Golden State Warriors defeat Boston Celtics to win NBA Finals

Golden State Warriors defeat Boston Celtics to win NBA Finals

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Editor-in-Chief June 20, 2022

After struggling to make playoffs for two years in a row, the Golden State Warriors rallied to beat the Boston Celtics in game 6, June 16 at TD Garden to win their fourth NBA title since 2015 with a final score of 103-90. While it did not need to go to...

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The folkloric ballet show their support at the pride festival.

El Paso continues celebrating Pride month

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Editor-in-Chief June 13, 2022

Pride month has been celebrated by the sun city through events like the Locomotive pride night June 4 and the “Grow with Us” farmer’s market that was hosted June 11. However, El Paso still has several events lined up to celebrate ranging from parades,...

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From left to right: sophmore guard Katia Gallegos, junior forward Tydus Verhoeven, sophomore wide receiver Jacob Cowing, junior guard Destiny Thurman, junior guard Souley Boum. Photos courtesy of UTEP Athletics.

UTEP says farewell to student athletes

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor May 4, 2022

Every year several athletes are added to the rosters here at UTEP, and expected to perform to the best of their ability. But what can also be seen is athletes leaving to pursue opportunities outside of UTEP by entering the transfer portal. Sophomore...

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Glory Road, 2006

Sport films reinvent the cinema game

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor April 19, 2022

Movies and sports are immensely popular among the public, but when the two are combined, blockbuster films are made. Some of the most talked-about movies in history are movies that are based on a sport. “Rocky” a 1976 film that was inspired by...

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UTEP alumnus and current running back for the Green Bay Packers Aaron Jones visiting his hometown during a UTEP football game.

Playing in style in and out of the game

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor April 6, 2022

Athletes have plenty of rituals to help get them in the zone, but before the game even starts, athletes will take advantage of being in the spotlight and dress to impress. Being able to express themselves through their fashion choices is an opportunity...

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The challenges of being a woman in sports

The challenges of being a woman in sports

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor March 23, 2022

While there have been a lot of steps in the right direction for women being accepted into sports, there is still a lot of room for both improvement and change. Sports journalism is an industry that needs to see more change as it is a male-dominated field....

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Prioritizing the mental health of student athletes

Prioritizing the mental health of student athletes

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor March 9, 2022

Everyone talks about the toll being an athlete takes on the body, but what isn’t talked about enough is the toll it takes on the mind.  Student athletes are constantly expected to perform at the highest level possible while also acing all their...

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Olympics raises racial double standard

Olympics raises racial double standard

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor March 3, 2022

There are plenty of double standards that are set for people due to gender, race, or sexual preference. During this Olympic season we saw a case of double standards that could not be overlooked and needs immediate attention to see change.  Sha’Carri...

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Photo courtesy of NFL

Rams rally to defeat Bengals in Super Bowl LVI

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor February 14, 2022

The Los Angeles Rams went on to win its second Super Bowl Feb. 13 after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in Super Bowl 56 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.  For the second straight year, the Rams have joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers...

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The women’s basketball team lost 60-48 against Marshall University at the Cam Henderson Center Feb. 13.

Miners miscues lead to loss at Marshall

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor February 13, 2022

The Miners struggled to get a rhythm going on Feb. 13 when the UTEP women’s basketball team (13-10, 5-8 Conference USA) traveled to take on Marshall (12-10, 7-6 C-USA) at the Cam Henderson Center in Huntington, West Virginia where they suffered a 60-48...

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UTEP sports spring into season

UTEP sports spring into season

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor February 5, 2022

With the 2022 spring semester kicking off, there are plenty of sports coming into play. Basketball is in conference play, and rifle is looking to wrap up their season. However, there are some sports at the beginning of their seasons such as tennis...

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Photo courtesy of NFL

Super Bowl LVI: Burrow set to face Stafford

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor January 31, 2022

On Sunday Jan. 30, both the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams beat their opponents in the AFC and NFC Championship games to advance to Super Bowl LVI, which will be played at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at SoFi stadium in Inglewood, California.   Bengals...

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Wide receiver Kalil Pimpleton catches a pass against Washington State at the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl on Dec. 31, 2021.

Central Michigan runs past Washington State in Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor January 1, 2022

The 88th annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl took place on Friday Dec. 31 at 10 a.m. in El Paso, Texas where the Central Michigan Chippewas (9-4) took on the Washington State Cougars (7-6) where Central Michigan came out victorious with a final score...

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The UTEP volleyball team celebrates with UTEP President Heather Willson after winning against Webster State at UTEP Dec. 7 at Memorial Gym.

UTEP beats Weber State to advance to NIVC Final Four

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor December 8, 2021

On Tuesday night UTEP (24-7) came out victorious over Weber State (22-10) in the National Invitational Volleyball Championship Quarterfinals after a three-hour marathon that consisted of five sets in front of a packed house.  The scores consisted...

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Freshman wide receiver Khalil Warfield cheers with fans and players on the sidelines after a touchdown during the football game against Rice University at the Sun Bowl on Nov. 20.

Miner football awaits bowl game

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor December 1, 2021

The UTEP Miners had a historic season that consisted of breaking many records and surpassing the expectations of many. They finished their regular season with a record of 7-4 and went 4-4 in Conference USA.   UTEP finished .500 or better...

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Khalil Warfield cheers with fans and players on the sidelines after a touchdown during the football game against Rice University on Nov. 20.

UTEP Miners rally past Rice Owls

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor November 21, 2021

On Saturday afternoon, the Miners (7-4, 4-3 Conference USA) managed to rally past Rice (3-8, 2-5 C-USA) to secure their seventh win on the season with a final score of 38-28 and end their three-game losing streak.   The Miners have recorded...

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Guard Katia Gallegos dribbles past a NAU defender on Nov. 20, 2021, at the Don Haskins center.
Photo by: Ruben R. Ramirez

UTEP defeats NAU to remain undefeated

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor November 21, 2021

On Saturday night, the UTEP women’s basketball team (4-0) defeated NAU (1-3) at the Don Haskins Center to remain unbeaten after a final score of 72-62.   Sophomore guard Katia Gallegos led the team with a season-high of 19 points, and sophomore...

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Gavin Hardison runs the ball against UNT on Nov.13, 2021, at Apogee Stadium  
Photo by: Ivan P. Aguirre

Miners fall to Mean Green

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor November 14, 2021

The UTEP Miners (6-4, 3-3 Conference USA) traveled to North Texas (4-6, 3-3 C-USA) to face the Mean Green on Saturday, Nov. 13, where they faced a heartbreaking loss.  UTEP is currently 2-3 on the road this season and is on a three-game losing...

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UTEP Wins Battle of I-10, on Nov. 10. Photo credit: Ruben Ramirez

UTEP secures sweep against NMSU on the season

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor November 11, 2021

The UTEP volleyball team (20-6, 8-4 Conference USA) finished off their regular season Wednesday, Nov. 10 against New Mexico State University (18-8, 9-4) with a win after five sets.   This is the first time UTEP is 2-0 on the season against...

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Outside Hitter Paulina Perez Rosas bumps the ball during the game against the University of Alabama at Birmingham on Oct.22.

Miners secure No.2 Seed in West bracket after sweeping North Texas

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor November 8, 2021

The UTEP volleyball team (19-6, 8-4 Conference USA) swept North Texas (15-11, 7-5 C-USA) on Saturday and Sunday to secure the number 2 seed on the West Bracket for the C-USA Championship at Memorial Gym.   The Miners beat North Texas by sweeping...

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UTEP Mens basketball new head coach Joe Golding during practice on Oct. 27.

Men’s basketball shoots for the top

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor November 2, 2021

The UTEP men’s basketball team has been putting in a lot of hard work in preparation for the upcoming season that officially kicks off on Nov. 9 with the help of their new head coach Joe Golding.   Golding was recently at Abilene Christian University...

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Guard Kathia Gallegos calls out a play during practice on Oct. 28.

Women’s basketball all in for the win

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor November 2, 2021

The women’s basketball team has been putting in plenty of work this offseason to prepare for their upcoming season that officially begins Nov. 7 under the guidance of head coach Kevin Baker.  “We’ve done a lot of things, and it’s really helped...

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Defensive specialist Alyssa Sianez bumps the ball during the game against the University of Alabama at Birmingham on Oct. 22, 2021.

Miners battle the Blazers

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor October 24, 2021

The UTEP Miners (16-5, 5-3 Conference USA) took on the UAB Blazers (9-11, 4-4 C-USA) at Memorial Gym over the weekend. The Miners came up short in five sets against the Blazers on Friday evening, but managed to sweep the Blazers in three sets Saturday...

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Deoin Hankins runs the ball through the LA Tech defense on October 16, 2021.

Miners bulldoze past the Bulldogs

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor October 17, 2021

The UTEP Miners improved to (6-1, 3-0 C-USA) after beating the LA Tech Bulldogs Saturday night at the Sun Bowl. This win makes the Miners 3-0 in Conference USA play for only the second time ever and 6-1 for the first time since 2005.   This...

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The UTEP Volleyball team notched a second straight sweep against Louisiana Tech  3-0 at Memorial Gym Saturday afternoon. 
Photo credit: Ace Acosta

UTEP Miners sweep Louisiana Tech for first conference win

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor October 11, 2021

The UTEP Miners volleyball team (13-4, 2-2 C-USA) swept Louisiana Tech (6-14, 0-6 C-USA) over the weekend to bring in their first conference wins of the season.  The Miners had two home matches against Louisiana Tech that took place at Memorial...

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Jacob Peterson, a Center for the Dallas Stars makes a pass against the Arizona Coyotes on October 3, 2021

Dallas Stars deliver Arizona’s their first loss

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor October 4, 2021

The Arizona Coyotes (3-0-1) traveled to El Paso to take on the Dallas Stars (1-1-2) on Oct. 3 in the Kraft Hockeyville USA preseason matchup. This game took place at the El Paso County Events Center where the Dallas Stars managed to come out with...

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Prospector File Photo/Gabriella Velasquez

Kraft Hockeyville USA NHL preseason game

Emily Autumn Velasquez, Sports Editor September 29, 2021

The Arizona Coyotes take on the Dallas Stars at the El Paso County Events Center 7 p.m., Oct. 3for the Kraft Hockeyville USA NHL preseason game. This game was originally supposed to be played in 2020 but was delayed a year due to the pandemic. El...

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Emily Autumn Velasquez