Homecoming Royalty

Congratulations to the 2026 Homecoming Court! Two individuals will be crowned your Homecoming Wildcats at the Homecoming football game on Saturday, October 10.

Northwestern’s Homecoming Royalty is a cherished tradition that dates back to the 1930s, when students nominate graduating seniors who represent the best of what Northwestern has to offer. The student Homecoming co-chairs select the court from the nominated students. Court members represent a variety of majors, student activities, interests, and experiences. The undergraduate student body will be eligible to vote to select two members of this group to be the Homecoming Wildcats.

Meet the 2026 Homecoming Court:

Lyric Benford

(she/her)

Hey Northwestern! I’m Lyric Benford, a dual degree student in journalism and social policy in pursuit of a legal career. I’m from Palos Hills, Illinois, where I have two dogs and ten chickens. In my free time, I enjoy exercising, thrifting, trying new restaurants, and adding music to my playlists.     

I’m someone who leads with empathy and believes that the most meaningful work happens in selfless service to others. At Northwestern, I’ve had the honor of being part of the reactivation line of the Gamma Chi chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, where I serve as secretary. Alongside my sisters, I’ve engaged in service across Evanston and Chicago, from winter clothing drives for unhoused residents to preparing hot meals at Hilda's Place shelter. I have been a member of the Black Pre-Law Association since my freshman year. Now, as president, I connect Black students interested in law with mentorship, resources, and community. During my sophomore year as a DeBerry Civic Scholar, I deepened my commitment to community-rooted leadership through weekly volunteering at A Just Harvest, alongside studying race, power, and public policy. 

As a first-generation college student and a Black and Latina woman, I hope my presence on the Homecoming Court honors the resilience of students who carry the weight of representation every day. I am grateful to Northwestern for the woman it has helped me become, the lifelong friendships I’ve built here, and the endless opportunities I’ve been afforded. 

Sofia Best 

(she/her)

Hello everybody! My name is Sofia Best, and I hail from Morris, Illinois, home of the famous Grundy County Corn Festival. I am a Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences student majoring in sociology and Spanish with a minor in theatre. I am passionate about leadership and community building. 

I have had the honor of serving as the president of the Northwestern chapter of Chi Omega. This sorority has helped me find a home here at Northwestern, and I am continuously grateful that my sisters chose me to lead them. I have also had the pleasure of serving as a member educator and community service director. While being a part of Greek life is not for everyone, after a stressful freshman fall, having these ladies in my life has made all the difference during my Northwestern experience. 

Northwestern has allowed me to pursue my passion for community building through participation in Rural and Small Towns NU, an organization that I joined at its inception. From serving on admissions panels to helping lead our famous “Guide to the CTA,” this organization has allowed me to give back and build community with those who have also made the challenging transition from rural community life to Northwestern University. I love being able to pass along the knowledge I have gained in this club to others. 

Additionally, I have been able to fit some iconic Northwestern activities into my schedule, such as Dance Marathon, guarding the Rock, and Dale Duro Latin Dance Company. With such a huge number of varied opportunities at this amazing university, I love finding ways to support my Northwestern community as I have been supported by it. 

I am so excited about being able to show my Purple Pride as a member of the 2026 Homecoming Court. Thank you for this opportunity and Go ’Cats!

Megan Delande

(she/her)

Hi! My name is Megan Delande, and I’m from Louisville, Kentucky. I am majoring in neuroscience with minors in classics and global health studies at the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. As a pre-medical student, I hope to become a physician who cultivates trust, connection, and community through compassionate care. 

At Northwestern, I love being involved across campus and connecting with others through leadership, service, and the arts. I am a member of Purple Crayon Players, a student theatre organization that produces full-scale performances for young audiences in the Evanston and Chicago communities, and I am also an active member of the Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern. In addition, I have served in several leadership roles within my sorority, Chi Omega. Passionate about building the Wildcat community, I currently serve as a family coordinator for the Family Ambassador program and as a campus tour guide. 

Outside of academics and campus involvement, I enjoy attending sporting events, especially Bears, Blackhawks, White Sox, and, of course, Wildcat games. I also love attending Northwestern performing arts productions. In my free time, you can usually find me walking along the Lakefill, watching movies, or enjoying an iced coffee. 

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities Northwestern has provided me to grow, explore my passions, and learn alongside such curious and inspiring people. Go ’Cats! 

Paula E. Fregene

(she/her)

My name is Paula E. Fregene, and I am a senior at Northwestern, majoring in computer science at the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences with a minor in machine learning and data science in the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science. My hometown is Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, but I was originally born in Nigeria and raised in the US. I am very active on campus, serving as a residential assistant supporting students in the dorms, a peer mentor guiding students in computer science courses such as CS 380, a research assistant involved in academic projects, and as co-president of DISC NU, a coding-based campus club. I also lead a small group at Ignite Christian Fellowship and have previously participated in the Family Ambassador cohort, helping incoming students. If you ever run into me on campus, don’t be afraid to say “hi” and introduce yourself. I absolutely love community and getting to know each other. I truly believe innermost beauty outshines outermost, yet everyone is still beautiful in a unique way! A fun fact about me is that I have been learning Spanish and Chinese for over 12 years (close to advanced level), and I also picked up a bit of Korean during the summer of 2024 at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea!  

Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez

(he/him)

¡Hola, todos! I’m Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez, a proud first-generation Mexican American student hailing from the great cities of Aurora, Colorado, and Valparaíso, Zacatecas, México. Proud to represent the incredible hub that is the Medill School of Journalism, specifically as a double major in journalism and Latina/o studies with a minor in political science. If you couldn’t tell by the way I dress, I have a deep love and passion for arts and entertainment reporting, specifically in the fashion beat. Needless to say, it would be a dream to work for a fashion magazine while continuing to bring new perspectives into the picture. You’ve probably encountered my work at The Daily Northwestern, seen me passing out the latest issue of STITCH magazine at Norris, foster community amongst Latino/a journalists under the National Association of Hispanic Journalists at Northwestern, give back to the community alongside Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) or talk pop culture with almost anyone on campus. 

Despite the fact that it feels like I lived many lives at Northwestern, I’ve truly enjoyed every moment in and out of the classroom. From having no journalism experience and exploring incredible opportunities across the University to meeting some of my closest friends on Medill’s JOURney’s Japan trip and here in Evanston, I can truly say that this experience couldn’t be replicated anywhere else. Attending New York Fashion Week, interviewing passionate individuals, and recently welcoming new Wildcats to Medill hold special places in my heart.

Outside of campus, I am an assistant speech and debate coach for my former high school team, RISE Speech and Debate, and work with Chicago-based streetwear brand Gente Fina. When time allows, you will definitely catch me eating in Pilsen or Little Village, thrifting for hours in Wicker Park, immersing myself in live music near Chinatown, or engaging with fashion content online. 

Matthew Jamil

(he/him)

Hey Northwestern community! My name is Matthew Jamil, and I’m from Sterling Heights, Michigan, a place I proudly rep as a Midwesterner through and through. I’m in the School of Education and Social Policy studying social policy and history, which means I’m in SESP, the smallest school on campus but definitely the mightiest, and I will stand by that. On campus, I’m an Evans Scholar, part of a community of former golf caddies who spent their summers in high school carrying golf bags. I also serve on the board of directors for Wildcat Welcome as the director for SESP. Outside of that, I spend a lot of my time exploring Chicago and Evanston. I love hopping on random train lines, getting off at different stops, and trying new coffee shops. Some of my best days come from having no plan and just seeing where I end up. I’m always down to try new food, meet new people, and have long conversations that go completely off track. I really value community, good energy, and making the most of every experience, and I’m excited to keep doing that with the Northwestern community. 

Annie Kopp

(she/her)

Hi! My name is Annie Kopp, and I am originally from Phoenix, Arizona. I am a student in the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science studying biomedical engineering on the pre-med track with a minor in theatre. At Northwestern, I am involved in the Biomedical Engineering Society (BME), currently serving as co-social chair, where I help plan events that foster connection within the BME community, and having previously served as internal president and publicity chair. I also serve as project development chair for the McCormick Student Advisory Board. In my sorority, Delta Delta Delta, I have served as director of risk management and wellness and director of academic excellence, supporting member well-being and promoting a culture of academic success. Beyond these roles, I enjoy connecting with the Northwestern community as a family ambassador during Wildcat Welcome and as a campus tour guide, helping new students, families, and prospective Wildcats feel at home! Outside of campus, I volunteer with Accord Hospice and Youth & Opportunity United, where I engage with hospice patients and their families and tutor elementary school students. In my free time, I love traveling, exploring Chicago, singing karaoke with friends, hiking, and discovering new music. Go ’Cats!

Makayla Potter

(she/her)

Hi everyone! I’m Makayla Potter, a journalism and political science major from Detroit, Michigan. I’m passionate about bringing people together and fostering environments where everyone feels valued and supported. At Northwestern, I’ve had the honor of serving as a member on the Northwestern University Cheer Team for four consecutive years, helping promote school spirit and volunteering in the Evanston community. I’ve also been a leader at Team IMPACT, where children facing serious or chronic illnesses get connected with the Cheer Team and create long-term and supportive relationships. 

Outside of campus, I volunteer at Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois in Evanston. I work as a meal packer and office volunteer, helping older adults and homebound community members have access to nutritious meals. This nonprofit organization helps combat food insecurity and provides social interactions for those who may otherwise feel isolated. Through this work, I’ve seen how consistent support and small moments of connection can make a meaningful difference in people’s daily lives.

I’ve proudly represented Northwestern on the TODAY Show twice: once as a first-year on the Cheer Team supporting the men’s basketball team during March Madness, and again as a third-year supporting Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications alum Sheinelle Jones on her first day as co-host of TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle. Both of these opportunities allowed me to represent Northwestern on a national stage and celebrate the community that has shaped my college experience. 

I love being a Northwestern Wildcat and the community I’ve found and built here! 

Victoria Ryan

(she/her)

Hi! My name is Victoria Ryan, and I was born and raised right across the lake in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I am a Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications student studying journalism, political science, and integrated marketing communications. On campus, I spend most of my time at the Northwestern News Network (NNN). I joined NNN my first week on campus and have held a variety of roles, including most recently, news director. Being a part of this tight-knit and supportive community has been the highlight of my college experience.  

As an avid ’Cats sports fan, I was the marketing director of Northwestern Wildside. I also enjoy running, playing tennis, trying new coffee shops, and being outdoors. 

My driving force is my passion for sharing stories and connecting audiences. I plan on working in local broadcast news after graduation, with the long-term goal of becoming a political correspondent for a news network.  

As I say in all of my Medill ambassador tours, the people are truly what make this place special, and I’m so thankful to be part of the Wildcat community. Go ’Cats! 

Bianca Umaña-Taylor

(she/her)

Hello! My name is Bianca, and I am originally from Massachusetts but have lived in Arizona, Colombia, Washington, DC, and now, Illinois. I am in the School of Education and Social Policy majoring in social policy and minoring in legal studies. On campus, I am a resident assistant, as well as the co-president of Northwestern's pre-law fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta. Off campus, I am an academic tutor for Books and Breakfast, a nonprofit that supports elementary students in the Evanston public schools. I love trying new foods, exploring the city, and am usually up for any activity thrown my way! As a transfer student, I am especially enthusiastic about Northwestern and have a ton of Purple Pride. Go ’Cats!