Who wouldn’t want to attend this celebration?
It’s that time of year again. Summer is in full swing, and the warmth of the sun evokes happiness for many and relief for others in Chicagoland who are finally receiving a respite from the bitter cold.
It’s also time for the Fourth of July: a day of fun, fireworks, grilling, swimming or whatever else seems suitable on a hot summer’s day. But what would an Independence Day celebration look like if everyone involved was part of Northwestern athletics?
It’s the question you’ve been asking yourself for years. Well, maybe not. But let’s get into it anyway.
The Host: Madison Taylor
Beyond her incredible talents on the lacrosse field, Taylor is as well-regarded of a teammate as any other athlete at NU. As the primary centerpiece of a championship-contending team, Taylor knows how to win, and she knows how to put her fellow players in good spots to succeed while having fun along the way. It’s hard to imagine someone who gains more enjoyment out of playing a sport at such a high level, and that kind of passion for lacrosse is something that’d easily translate to a fun-loving Fourth atmosphere. To maximize the number of athletes coming to this event, Taylor is the best choice.
The Baseball Game Organizers: Crawford Wade and Lauren Boyd
A baseball game is a staple of many a Fourth celebration, so would we really be surprised if two of the most locked-in pitchers from 2025 decided to plan an outing to a day game at Wrigley Field? Both Wade and Boyd are as passionate about the diamond as anyone, and their game-preparation skills would certainly suit them well in the role of planning tickets, buying tickets, distributing tickets, planning parking and ensuring everyone has maximum fun. Plus, who wouldn’t want to go to a baseball game and get ballpark food on the Fourth?
The Grill Maestro: Kelly Amonte Hiller
Amonte Hiller is an architect on the lacrosse sidelines, with the ability to recruit, make in-game adjustments and maximize the talents of all of her players. She’s a players coach through and through, the embodiment of Northwestern athletic success over the last couple of decades.
Such coaching precision would surely translate to an incredible grilling extravaganza on the Fourth of July. Medium-rare burger? You’ve got it. Vegan hot dogs? We can definitely make it happen. Relish as a topping? A true abomination (in the author’s eyes), but that’s a reluctant yes. No matter what, The Architect would not disappoint.
The Fireworks Lover: Keenan Fitzmorris
Few NU athletes have shown a raw, unadulterated passion for the school quite like Fitzmorris, a crowd favorite who had plenty of flashy moments during his lone season in Evanston. Fitzmorris’ excitement while playing the game of basketball always shined through, and his role as a team player and fighter undoubtedly made the ‘Cats better this season. Also, he actually high-fived event speaker Steve Carell at graduation this year.
No, really. How cool is that?
(Told you so).
Anyway, it’s very plausible that Fitzmorris’ passion for fireworks on the court could correspond to a passion for fireworks in the sky. He’d be more than ready with the iconic Fourth of July sunglasses, backyard fireworks and plans for the perfect spot to watch the big show on the lake. Don’t be late!
The 4v4 Pool Basketball Champs: Xavior Gray, Matt Nicholson, Ty Berry, Casey Harter
Dreams of a perfect, idealized Fourth of July celebration can’t come without a backyard pool and a pool basketball hoop. At a party full of athletes, someone might need to organize a “King of the Court” system to make sure everyone has a chance to play.
As anyone who’s played competitive pool basketball knows, it’s a whole different game when it’s away from the hardwood. Fouls are almost non-existent (sorry, SGA), and physicality and dunks (with the occasional three-ball) are the tactics that win games for your teams.
That said, a squad of offensive tackle Gray, center Nicholson and guards Berry and Harter should provide the perfect balance of every necessary attribute. And no, it doesn’t matter that Gray doesn’t play basketball. At 6’8” and 340 pounds, don’t even think about trying to go for a rebound against the incoming Liberty transfer.
The Lawn-Chair Guy: Brooks Barnhizer
Lawn-chair guy may not be Captain Brooks’ role by choice, as we all know he’d highly consider jumping into some pool basketball games given his competitive spirit. However, it’s quite possible Barnhizer would be the Man of the Hour at this party given his recent NBA Draft selection by the Oklahoma City Thunder. It’s not often you see a player make history like Barnhizer did just a few days ago, and many players would surely want to extend congratulations and hear all about the experience. And that’s not to mention the many good times in Evanston that Barnhizer can reminisce about while looking forward to his bright future.
The Cornhole GOAT: Lauren Boyd
You really thought I wouldn’t pick Boyd again for this one just because I already picked her once? While it’s hard to know for sure which NU sport produces the best cornhole players, Boyd’s control and finesse with her arm on the softball diamond makes her the obvious choice here. Put Boyd in a 2v2 alongside anybody else, and it’s instantly over for anyone who dares to make a challenge.