As the academic year winds down, we’re wrapping up one of the final installments of our Ranger Spotlight series.
It’s only fitting that we close out the year by highlighting one of The Acorn’s own: Eva Esqueda (‘26), a standout student-athlete whose impact on campus spans from the fencing strip to the newsroom.
Drew’s student-athletes are known for their ability to balance competition, academics and leadership; few exemplify that better than Esqueda, an extraordinary and dedicated member of the fencing team and one of The Acorn’s rising editors.
Currently serving as the managing editor and news editor, Esqueda is set to become the Acorn’s next editor-in-chief beginning next semester. With a sharp mind for news writing and an equally sharp sabre, she brings passion and poise to every role she steps into.
A media and communications major with minors in French, film and American studies, Esqueda’s campus involvement is as impressive as her fencing record.
She currently serves as a community advisor for Baldwin Hall, a second-year Action Scholar, a Baldwin Honors student and a creative voice on Drew’s WMNJ The Forest radio station through podcasts such as “Playlist of Our Lives” and “The Threevengers.” She previously served as the social media manager for L’Association Francophone, the French Club.
Her fencing journey has shaped much of her college experience. Esqueda began fencing foil in seventh grade, but during high school she pivoted to varsity golf after taking a break from fencing due to the pandemic. Once at Drew, she was determined to return to the sport—this time as a sabre.
“I love sabre and the squad that I’m on. Although I’m not that experienced of a fencer and have only been doing sabre for two years, I have qualified for Regionals twice!” said Esqueda.
She is set to serve as a team captain on the fencing team next year, a reflection of her commitment and leadership.
One of her favorite memories as a Ranger came this January, when the fencing team traveled to Greece.
“I not only got to try so many good foods and explore plenty of historical and cultural sites, but I was also able to form closer bonds with my teammates,” said Esqueda. “Plus, we got to meet and fence with some locals! It was definitely a one-of-a-kind experience.”
Her academic and professional milestones are equally noteworthy. The summer before her New York Semester on Media and Communications, Esqueda interned with Warner Bros. Animation, where she worked in creative affairs reviewing scripts, pitching stories and sitting in on production meetings.
“I loved going into such a bustling city that’s the hub for so many industries and having the opportunity to speak to professionals who work in the fields I hope to go into,” said Esqueda.
Esqueda will return to Warner Bros. this summer to intern with the DC Comics Animation and Audio team.
Among her many courses at Drew, one that stood out was History of Rock and Roll with Professor Carter.
“Carter’s teaching style is phenomenal, and he really knows how to make the already exciting subject material even more enjoyable. I loved getting to listen to some of my favorite songs and discover in what context they were produced,” said Esqueda.
She credits her student-athlete experience with helping her grow in unexpected ways.
“I think being a student-athlete has helped me gain the obvious skills: time management, confidence, leadership capabilities. But as someone who is extremely introverted, I’m really happy that I’ve been able to find a team of people who also double as my friends,” said Esqueda. “It’s nice to know that we all support each other and can look out for one another.”
With plans to write an honors thesis next year and graduate a year ahead of schedule in spring 2026, Esqueda continues to lead by example—whether she’s editing headlines, studying scripts or preparing for her next bout.
As she steps into her role as both a captain on the fencing team and editor-in-chief, there’s no doubt she will continue to leave a lasting legacy on Drew’s campus.
If you would like to nominate another student-athlete to be featured in next semester’s issues, please send their name to theacorn+sports@drew.edu.
Benjamin Castro is a senior double majoring in marketing and business.
