Why I Built Hype & Honor

I’m Alex, Miami University Class of 2016, and I have always loved sports. Anyone in my family or friend group could tell you that, usually before making fun of me for how seriously I take them.

When I was at Miami, though, there was a real negative connotation around caring about Miami athletics. Sometimes, even wearing Miami gear could earn you a joke. Like plenty of college students, I was impressionable. I let the attitude around me affect how openly I supported the school and its teams.

Of all the decisions I made at Miami, that may be the one I regret most.

The connection never really left. In recent years, I found myself watching Miami football and men’s basketball closely again, regardless of how much my family enjoyed poking fun at me for it.

This also feels like the perfect time to come back. Miami football has reached three consecutive MAC Championship Games. Men’s basketball followed a record-setting 25-win season with an undefeated 31–0 regular season and a return to the NCAA Tournament. The investment, energy, and belief around Miami athletics feel different. The tide is turning.

What still seemed to be missing was an independent place for Miami fans to read thoughtful, opinionated coverage. I wanted something built by a fan, for fans, with its own voice. Eventually, I stopped wondering why that place didn’t exist and decided to build it myself.

That became Hype & Honor.

The Hype is the belief. My natural voice is probably equal parts overly optimistic and thoughtful, and I want this publication to reflect the fun of genuinely believing in your teams.

The Honor is the responsibility to be honest. Belief should be the default posture, but it can never replace evidence. Miami deserves coverage that celebrates what is being built while still taking the games, players, coaches, and readers seriously.

I have about a decade of loud Miami fandom to make up for.

This site is where I start.