This summer, TSL crossword constructor Adrianne Baik HM ’27 achieved a significant milestone in the world of puzzles, making her New York Times crossword debut on Friday, June 20.
Baik’s first appearance on the prestigious platform marks a major achievement, especially given the reputation of Friday puzzles, which are known for their complexity and often themeless structure.
Baik, who has been a regular contributor to TSL’s crossword section, entered The New York Times puzzle-making scene with a clean grid and tricky clues, earning praise from puzzle solvers in the comment section.
“Amazing debut,” a reader commented. “A fresh voice and a unique solving experience.”
Baik’s debut is further distinguished by the poignant dedication of the puzzle to her close friend, Arjun Vattipalli HM ’27, who passed away last fall. She shared that creating the puzzle served as a tribute to her friend’s memory, as well as a celebration of the bond they shared through their mutual love of puzzles.
“The fact that we could do puzzles together and I could talk about it with him and he was very much excited about it motivated me to keep making them,” Baik said. “I think when someone believes in you then it gives you the courage to keep trying.”
Her thoughtful tribute has resonated with readers, many of whom noted the emotion they felt after reading her constructor’s note.
“Today I solved my 500th puzzle in a row,” one reader wrote. “And there could be no better crossword for that occasion than this beautiful tribute to a singular friend.”
Baik’s journey to The New York Times began on campus, where she has been a dedicated puzzle maker for TSL. This past semester, she designed a variety of crosswords for 5C students. She also made her Los Angeles Times crossword debut on Dec. 29, 2024.
While Baik’s foray into crossword construction began as a personal hobby, her success speaks to a broader trend at Harvey Mudd College, where multiple students have made their mark publishing puzzles of their own.
“I also think it’s cool that Mudd, just in general, has a bunch of people into crosswords, like Akshay [Seetharam HM ’27], who also does the TSL crossword, and Aidan Deshong [HM ’28],” Baik said.
Deshong has previously published four crosswords in The New York Times, and Seetharam and Deshong have an upcoming collaborative puzzle due to be published soon.
Baik’s success in The New York Times is only the beginning. With more puzzles already in the works and one set to be published on Sunday (the most challenging day of the week for New York Times puzzlers), Sept. 21, Baik is looking forward to continuing to construct crosswords.
As for advice to other aspiring constructors, Baik encourages anyone with an interest to give it a try.
“You don’t have to be good at solving crosswords to make them,” she said. “I wouldn’t say it’s easy, but I would say that anyone can learn it.”
Want to try Adrianne’s puzzle? You can solve it here on The New York Times website (a subscription may be required).
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