I never thought I’d be writing a goodbye to The Alligator.
Everything — good and bad — comes to an end. My relationship with this paper was messy. It chewed me up and spat me out. It built me up and broke me down. And honestly, it’ll take time before I can fully process what this place meant to me.
There were some incredible moments: Seeing my name in print for the first time, getting to travel all around the country and the chaotic, but memorable, print nights.
But it wasn’t perfect.
I was let go in Fall 2024, and as much as I wish I could erase that chapter, it ended up being the catalyst for everything that followed.
I took a much-needed break the following Spring. I spent hours reflecting on what I could’ve done better — really coming to terms with my shortcomings and figuring out who I wanted to be, not just as a writer, but as a person.
I don’t know why they took a chance on me, but I owe everything to Delia Rose Sauer and Bailey Diem for hiring me as assistant sports editor a semester later. Without you two, I wouldn’t be the person I am now.
Since then, I’ve put my heart and soul into trying to better this paper and build up our desk. I’ve worked with some amazing people, and every writer on the sports staff has shown me pieces of themselves. To all of you — and to anyone who hopes to join The Alligator one day — keep writing, keep reading, keep chasing stories. This field needs people who care.
Journalism is a privilege. Sure, the industry isn’t what it used to be. But there will always be stories worth telling, people who deserve to be heard and truth that needs a voice.
Before I finish my goodbye, I need to thank the people who shaped my journey.
Kyle Bumpers — thank you for being my first sports editor. Your first editor always matters the most, and you helped me see that sports writing is more than takes and opinions. I still don’t know why you thought my women’s tennis gamers were good, but covering baseball the next semester changed everything for me.
Jackson Castellano — I didn’t appreciate it at the time, but you pushing me was exactly what I needed. You were right about so much more than I realized.
Max Bernstein — I deal with a lot of your shenanigans, but thank you for always showing up and being yourself. I can be intense about work, and you always brought energy to the newsroom, the press boxes, everywhere. You’re going to do great things, and I truly believe that.
To my desk:
Curan Ahern — thank you for listening, improving and never shying away from criticism. You’re one of the most genuine people I’ve met.
Ava DiCecca — thank you for showing up, giving everything and proving yourself every single day. This industry will only benefit from your existence.
And to the rest of the staff — Adrian Carmona, Isis Snow, Brooke Bastedo, Paul Hof-Mahoney, Nicole Lopez, Daniela Ortiz, Hunter DeLauder, Jeffrey Serber, Riley Orovitz and Mandy Roman — thank you for trusting me, for letting me edit your stories and for being part of this desk.
Sophia Bailly — even if your sports edits were funny, they always brought a smile to my face. Your energy was truly unique, and I’m so glad we got close in our final semester:
Zoey Thomas — Winter Park forever (OTP!!!). It’s crazy our paths crossed again here, and I can’t wait to see where you go. I wish you the best of luck as editor-in-chief.
Alissa Gary — I don’t know how you did it, but you always found ways to elevate our coverage and let our desk use its voice. You always, always, always rose to the occasion, and I’m so excited to see you grow as a reporter and as a person. Your work, and the work of Sophia and Zoey, might have gone unnoticed by our readers, but I always appreciated your insight. You were the heartbeat of our newsroom, and I owe everything to you three.
And to the peer editors who made me fall back in love with this office — Shaine Davi(d)son, Megan Howard, Noah Lantor, Pristine Thai, Vera Lucia Pappaterra, Sara James Ranta, Juliana DeFilippo, Maria Avlonitis, Corey Fiske and Sydney Johnson — there was never a dull moment with you all. You’re incredibly talented and even better people.
The Alligator isn’t perfect. Not everyone will have an outstanding experience here. But I hope I helped build something positive that will outlive me and carry on with everyone who walks through these doors in the future.
Every day is an Alligator day.
Luke is The Alligator's Sports Editor and is a senior sports journalism student. In his free time, he enjoys playing with his cat named Pete and going down a rabbit hole of niche professional athletes (shoutout Charles Sims).
