NStar Articles

November 12, 2022 had already been a long and exciting day for the USNA club karate team, Navy Karate, at the American Kyokushin International Tournament in Holley, New York. Then-President, Midshipman LTJG Larah Alberto, stepped onto the mat for her last fight of the night. She faced an exceedingly tough opponent, a woman who had just prevailed over Alberto’s fellow teammate, and now the fight was intense, rising to a crescendo of heavy body blows on both sides. As current Navy Karate Vice President Dylan Steidley tells it, “Then out of the corner of the room, someone from the audience yelled "Go Navy!" Larah kicked it (literally) into high gear, throwing a flurry of solid strikes and kicks in quick succession with considerable power, pushing her opponent out of the ring, and winning the fight.”

Get ready to experience Macbeth in all its tragic glory. On April 22nd and 23rd, the talented USNA Masqueraders will summon from their depths the immortal words of William Shakespeare, whose birthday happens to be celebrated April 23rd (in the year of 1564). Though written many centuries ago, Shakespeare’s words still inspire, entertain and move audiences around the world, teaching us to treasure some of life’s most important gifts. 

We’re a small band of brothers and sisters. Just 1,200 USNA midshipmen are accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy each year, and a bit over 1,000 of us will graduate four years later. We’re a hardy lot, accustomed to long hours and late nights, tough physical training sessions and hard leadership lessons. While we enter as plebes, we leave as commissioned naval leaders, ready and equipped to help protect our country and preserve its freedoms. Along the way as midshipmen (and as midshipgoat) for our four years here, we learn what it takes to survive and thrive. We also learn the tips and tricks that get us there.