On Wednesday afternoon, the University Student Union (USU) Pride Center hosted “Cottage Conversations & Crafts” in collaboration with the Queer Studies and English departments as a way for students to unwind and find community as the semester nears its close.

The event was themed around the 2025 mega-popular sports romance TV show “Heated Rivalry,” which was based on a book under the same name written by Rachel Reid. The show saw massive success in the early part of 2026, resulting in the two stars serving as official torchbearers in the Winter Olympic Games in January.

Students had the opportunity to connect with their peers through “Heated Rivalry” themed bingo with the opportunity to win prizes, a craft corner with friendship bracelets and pennant flags and a chance to snag cupcakes, Coca-Cola and ginger ale.

The first bingo winner, graduating senior Adelia Palma, decided to attend the event despite only seeing a few episodes of the show. They expressed how the Pride Center in general offers opportunities to connect with strangers over shared interests, which to them, is crucial to building community.

“Especially with school coming to an end, finals and these big projects being due, it’s a nice break to have these events,” Palma said. “I’m very grateful for the Pride Center. I love it here so much.”

While the event was themed around “Heated Rivalry,” all students were welcome to participate in games, crafts and community bonding. Professors Stephanie Lim and Amanda Harrison of the Queer Studies and English departments created the event in hopes of offering students a comfortable place to take a break.

“This was definitely a more casual, social type thing, which I think is super important, particularly at the end of the semester,” Harrison said. “We really want to do more community events where people can just talk to each other.”

Students across all grade levels, faculty and staff members — even non-student “Heated Rivalry” fans — attended the event. According to Harrison, merging pop culture with in-person events allows attendees to really take something out of the media they consume and foster connections in person.

Sophomore Emily Barrios attended the event with long-time friend Daisy Para. Barrios expressed feeling nervous to make connections with other fans, but felt excited to attend the event and discuss the series she loves. She explained how unique it is to be able to connect with like-minded fans at the event as opposed to online.

“These events just foster community. It’s one thing to talk to people online, but when you meet in person it’s another form of connection that’s really different,” Barrios said. “Sometimes talking online can be scary, so it’s important to foster that connection in person.”

Harrison will be teaching a “Heated Rivalry” themed class, ENGL 421HR, in the fall semester to further discuss the show’s impact in queer culture and media, and further community events are posted to the Pride Center calendar.