The Baylor Lariat

This week we bring you more on Baylor’s Vice President and Provost stepping down. And we take you to downtown Waco for the Texas Food Truck Showdown. In sports, tennis is competing in the Big 12 tournament. All that and more on Lariat TV News. See you then.

By Marissa Essenburg | Sports Writer Baylor women’s basketball standout Bella Fontleroy is taking the next step in her career, signing a training camp contract with the Atlanta Dream, the team announced Wednesday night. A cornerstone of head coach Nicki Collen’s program, Fontleroy leaves Waco as one of Baylor’s most reliable two-way players in recent years.

By Jeffrey Cohen | Sports Writer A year ago, Baylor stepped into Lupton Stadium in Fort Worthas underdogs against then-No. 23 TCU. The Horned Frogs took care of business as expected in the first two games. A sweep would be an all-too-familiar sight for the Bears, but they took charge in game three with a four-run third inning to go up 4-1.

By Marissa Essenburg | Sports Writer Consistency doesn’t always grab headlines, but for Baylor special teams, it might be the unit’s greatest strength heading into the 2026 season. While other position groups continue to shuffle pieces during spring ball, the Bears’ special teams unit is leaning on something far more reliable — a veteran core anchored by senior punter Palmer Williams, whose emergence as a leader has set the tone early.

By Aarah Sardesai | Intern Highlighting early learning, family support and community involvement, United Way of Waco’s annual Week of the Young Child is giving Baylor students the opportunity to reflect on what it means for a city to uplift its youngest residents. April 11–17 was officially designated the Week of the Young Child in Waco and McLennan County by the Waco City Council and the County Commissioners Court, dedicating the week to raising awareness and advocating for early learning.

By Zainab Richardson | Staff Writer For pre-med students, one exam looms larger than any other. The Medical College Admissions Test, or MCAT, is a non-negotiable requirement for admission to most medical schools. The ideal timeline for taking the MCAT comes after completing all necessary classes, while leaving enough time to retake it if needed. If students don’t plan on taking a gap year after college, the ideal time is late junior year of undergrad, according to Shemmassain Academic Consulting.

By Kalena Reynolds | Arts & Life Editor Graduation’s approaching, which means it’s the perfect time to prioritize going out with your friends. Here’s a list of upcoming local events, perfect for hanging with your friends or for a solo venture. Mark Chesnutt | April 17 | 8:30-11:30 p.m. | The Backyard Bar Stage and Grill, 511 S. Eighth St. | $31.65 | Gather your friends and head to The Backyard for a night of sonic fun.

By Julian Higuera | Reporter From graded baseball cards to toys of all eras, Collect ‘Em Again is a sports card store located at 930 Austin Ave. Their location reopened its doors in August with a new name and face. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 12-5 p.m. The shop offers a variety of collectibles tailored for everyone, from kids to adults looking to take a trip down memory lane.

By Alexandra Brewer | Arts & Life Writer A small coin carried a big meaning last week at the Veterans of Baylor Coining Ceremony. The event recognized mentorship, service and the relationships that have shaped Baylor’s student veteran community. The coining ceremony is a military tradition in which challenge coins are given as symbols of recognition, belonging and appreciation. The coins are used across all branches of the U.S. military.

By Mia Martinez | Reporter The idea of “closure” is often framed as necessary to move on from certain situations. Breakups, unresolved conflicts, changes in career paths and personal challenges can push students to seek answers to the unknown in search of an emotional resolution. I realized this during my freshman year of college when a close friendship ended along with my first relationship. My questions went unanswered, and actions spoke louder than words. Over time, distance turned into silence.