Lauren Kuechenberg

Hi, I am from Munster, Indiana and a sophomore at IU. My major is Media Advertising and minor is Marketing.



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News Story

The Impact of NIL: Redefining College Athletes and The Athletic Landscape

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Impact of NIL: Redefining College Athletes and The Athletic Landscape

Media Contacts
Ethan Bonheur
Gabe Morrison
Lauren Kuechenberg

  With the NCAA’s 2021 decision allowing college athletes to profit off their name, image, and likeness (NIL), student-athletes nationwide have gained new opportunities and complex choices. No longer bound by NCAA restrictions on athlete compensation, students now weigh financial opportunities alongside traditional factors when choosing colleges. This has made NIL a critical factor in the recruitment process, with schools nationwide—particularly in states like Indiana—without comprehensive NIL laws. For Butler University’s D1 basketball player, Ryder Cate, deciding where to play college ball wasn’t just about finding the right coach or campus culture. The potential for NIL income had become a part of his college equation—a factor unimaginable a few years ago. Emily Bonchik, Chair of the Student Athletic Board at Indiana University, observes this shift firsthand. “High school athletes today are looking for a complete package in their college experience,” she explains. “They’re not only evaluating athletic facilities and academic programs; they’re also considering which schools have robust NIL support systems that can maximize their financial opportunities and brand-building potential.”

Ryder Cate poses for a photo during Butler’s media day. Cate is a freshman at Butler University where he plays basketball at the Division 1 level where he received many NIL opportunities

  NIL rights have transformed the college recruitment landscape, promoting high school athletes to consider not only where they can play well but also where they can earn well. This shift is particularly significant for athletes like Cate, who have the potential to leverage their talents and social media followings for financial gain. Dr. Galen Clavio, director of the National Sports Journalism Center at Indiana University, notes that NIL has fundamentally changed how athletes approach recruitment. “We are seeing athletes become more strategic in their choices.” He states, “For many, especially those from financially constructed backgrounds, NIL income is not just a bonus; it’s a necessity that can significantly impact their futures.

  In Indiana, the absence of specific NIL legislation until recently has presented challenges for the state’s schools in competing for top talent. While other states, like California and Texas, have enacted laws that promote NIL activities for athletes, Indiana has taken a more cautious approach. However, the Indiana University Athletic NIL Policy, updated in September 2023, provides a comprehensive framework for student-athletes to engage in NIL activities while following NCAA regulations. Bonchik describes IU’s proactive stance in addressing these challenges. “We’ve started initiatives to educate athletes about NIL and help them navigate the process,” she states. ”Understanding contracts and how to build a personal brand are critical skills for our athletes in this new environment. Bonchik highlights that Indiana University has been at the forefront of integrating NIL education into its athletic programs, ensuring that student-athletes are well-informed about their rights and opportunities. “It’s about empowering our athletes to make informed decisions,” she said. “We want them to take full advantage of the resources available to them.”

Dr. Clavio attends a Press Conference with media students. He discusses the impact NIL has on college athletes and universities. Photo: Emma Pierce

  The introduction of NIL rights has brought numerous opportunities for athletes, but it also creates challenges. According to an article from ESPN, while NIL has been a bonus for many athletes, concerns remain regarding equity and access. Some schools, particularly those with fewer resources, struggle to provide the same level of support as larger programs. This imbalance can create hurdles in recruitment, as athletes tend to gravitate toward schools with established NIL networks. Dr. Clavio elaborates on this issue: “The disparity in NIL resources can lead to uneven recruitment practices. Schools that can offer robust support systems and connections to local businesses have a significant advantage in attracting top talent.” This financial imbalance not only affects the athletes but also the competitive landscape of college sports, creating a situation where some programs are more likely to attract athletes based on their NIL capabilities.

Emily Bonchik is the chair on the Student Athletic Board at Indiana University. Bonchik is heavily involved with NIL and working with other members of the board to help make decisions that help benefit athletes at IU.

  In response to these changes, some universities are investing in resources to prepare their athletes for the complexities of NIL. This includes workshops, mentorship programs, and legal assistance for understanding contracts and negotiations. The Indiana University NIL initiative, which enlists law students to help navigate NIL agreements, exemplifies the university’s commitment to supporting its student athletes in this new landscape. Bouchik says, “Our goal is to ensure that athletes are not capitalizing on NIL opportunities but also able to balance these pursuits with their academic and athletic responsibilities.” The initiative has proven beneficial for many athletes, allowing them to focus on their sports and academics while simultaneously exploring their earning potential. Cate, reflecting on his experience at Butler University, states, “Knowing that the university supports us in understanding NIL was a huge factor in my decision. It makes a difference to have resources available to navigate this new terrain.” Cate emphasizes that athletes should not only seek financial gain but also prioritize personal growth and education. 

  As the NCAA continues to refine its approach to NIL and more states develop supportive legislation, the recruitment landscape will continue to evolve. Athletes will increasingly weigh financial opportunities alongside traditional factors such as coaching and academic programs. For Cate and his peers, the message is clear: the future of college sports is not just about playing games; it’s about building brands and securing financial futures. “We’re in a new era of college athletics,” Cate says. “NIL is a game changer, and it’s exciting to see how it will shape the future for athletes like me.” The NIL era represents an opportunity to not only compete at the highest level but also take charge of their financial destiness. As this continues to evolve, the potential for growth and empowerment within college sports has never been better, making it an exciting time for athletes.

We interviewed a variety of IU faculty and students to hear their thoughts on NIL. NIL has played a major role for college athletes for the past few years and now it has become more important than ever making it a popular topic of discussion.

 

References

ESPN. (2023). How NIL has impacted college sports: Balancing opportunities and challenges. ESPN. Retrieved October 2023.

Indiana University. (2023). IU athletic NIL policy: Guidance for student-athletes.

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Public Relations Story

APPLE CEO TIM COOK UNVEILS GROUNDBREAKING APPLE WATCH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts

Caitlin Givand (cgivand@iu.edu)

Lauren Kuechenberg (lkuechen@iu.edu)

Audrey Lash (aglash@iu.edu)

APPLE CEO TIM COOK UNVEILS GROUNDBREAKING APPLE WATCH

 

CUPERTINO, California, (Sept. 9, 2014)—Today, Apple released its newest piece of wearable technology, the Apple Watch. 

On Tuesday, Apple CEO Tim Cook unveiled Apple’s newest innovation, the Apple Watch, this
Tuesday in Cupertino, California, in front of thousands of excited Apple connoisseurs. The Apple Watch is the company’s first piece of wearable technology. It features a touch-screen face and applications proprietary to Apple, such as iMessage, personalized fitness tracking, and 8GB of storage.

Cook took the stage dressed in his signature casual attire, and as he appeared to be concluding the presentation, he regained the audience’s attention. “We have one more thing…,” said Cook. The crowd erupts as he begins to describe the illustrious new product. As he introduced the watch, he noted that it would be unique in this market. “We love to make technology more personal and allow our users to do things they never could have imagined,” said Cook. The audience applauded as the watch’s promotional video played for them. 

Albright watch
Albright is enjoying listening to apple music through her watch. Being able to change the song from her watch is her favorite feature.

 

 

As the video began to play, the crowd was excited to see a closer look at the watch’s careful design and versatility. The video emphasized how the watch can be customized, catering to a wide range of users—from fitness enthusiasts to fashion-forward consumers. 

The video’s simple aesthetic and bold contrast of the white background to the colorful and textured watch bands highlighted its innovative and captivating design. With interchangeable bands for activity and fashion, the watch is designed with the diverse category of Apple consumers in mind.  

After the video, Cook returned to the stage, noticeably excited, raising his fists as the crowd roared. He highlighted some of the watch’s most essential features, focusing on its precision and the ability to be tailored to individual user needs. “We set out to make the best watch in the world,” said Cook. He also emphasized the importance of the watch’s integration with the broader Apple ecosystem, ensuring seamless connectivity with users’ iPhones and other Apple devices.

The Apple Watch signifies a change in Apple’s product lineup and its vision for the future of wearable technology. The watch offers advanced features beyond just telling time. It allows users to stay connected, track their health and fitness, and interact with various apps, all from their wrists. The watch’s “Digital Crown,” a dial on the side of the watch, provides a way to interact with the device, enabling users to zoom, scroll, and select items on the screen without obstructing their view with their fingers, as the screen is available in a smaller 38mm face as well as a 42 mm face. 

 

College student on her watch.
Bears is trying to find her way through IUs campus. She uses the Maps on her GPS to find her classes.

 

In addition to its technical features, the Apple Watch offers users a highly personalized experience. Users can select watch faces and swap out bands for different occasions, ensuring that every detail of the Apple Watch can be customized to their liking. “It’s incredibly customizable, so you can find one that reflects your personal style and taste,” said Cook. 

The watch is completely customizable, with faces including Disney characters, the user’s photos, and various floral or simple patterns. 

Whether for working out, attending meetings, or going out for the evening, the Apple Watch offers a unique blend of functionality and style. One of the standout features of the Apple Watch is its focus on health and fitness. The watch is described as a “comprehensive health and fitness device,” with sensors that track the wearer’s heart rate, steps taken, calories burned, and more. Kevin Lynch, a key development team member, joined Cook on stage to demonstrate its innovative features. 

Lynch demonstrated the physical engineering of the watch and how to operate it using the digital crown and touch screen. With real-time feedback and detailed data, the Apple Watch empowers users to make healthier lifestyle choices and stay motivated to achieve their fitness goals. The watch’s fitness capabilities go beyond casual activity tracking. For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, the watch offers advanced features such as detailed workout tracking for various exercises, from running and cycling to swimming. The watch is also water-resistant, making it suitable for use in almost any environment. 

In addition to its health and fitness capabilities, the Apple Watch is designed to work seamlessly with the iPhone, providing users with easy access to important notifications, messages, and calls without taking their phone out of their pocket. The watch’s Taptic engine provides gentle taps to alert users to new notifications, while a glance at the wrist can reveal everything from incoming messages to calendar reminders.

 

Lynch shows off one of the many new features on the Apple Watch.

This video shows off the different styles of the watches and the many choices of lock screens and bands.

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