Sydney Jordan

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News Story

What was thought to be the jackpot for all collegiate athletes, is actually riddled with gender and team inconsistencies

By Sydney Jordan, Etta Rockman, Natalie Byer 

BLOOMINGTON, IN (Nov. 5, 2024)

Dating back to the start of July 2021, collegiate athletes have been able to monetize their name, image, and likeness. This is better known as NIL, which has changed the game for some athletes, but not all. It has been just over 3 years since the decision was made to allow athletes to profit off themselves, and we are starting to see the effects of this change across all teams. The differences NIL has made for male and female athletes are contrasting, and while some teams are flourishing from NIL deals, others have felt no difference since this change was made. The truth of the matter is that the majority of athletes are not reaping the benefits of NIL. Specifically when looking at women’s teams, if you’re not Caitlyn Clark or Livvy Dunne, NIL may not be making the significant impacts on female collegiate athletes we thought it was. 

Dr. Galen Clavio, the director of the National Sports Journalism Center at Indiana University Bloomington, shared how NIL has given some of the power back to the students. He shares that “athletes do have market value, do have compensatory value, and are able to leverage those rights and those opportunities as they choose where they go to school or stay at school.”

Professor Galen Clavio standing looking intensely at a press conference
Galen Clavio answers a students question referring to NIL. His position at the media school where he runs the Sports Media division, allows for his extensive knowledge on the subject. Photo taken by Kenzie Vitale

Prior to 2021, athletes were unable to make money through 3rd parties or get paid to play their sport through universities. This new chapter of collegiate athletics allows student athletes to make money off of what already feels like a full-time job, as well as the ability to have a head start post-graduation. However, there seems to be some inconsistencies between the male and female athletes. While Dr. Clavio claimed that “NIL has opened doors for a lot of female athletes in general,” female athletes at Indiana University Bloomington seem to feel differently.

Our first interview subject can be recognized as an active member of the Indiana University RedSteppers Dance team. Her name is Natalie Winzenread. Natalie details her disappointment in regards to these gender and sport disparities. Over the course of her college career, she’s noticed that male athletes in more prominent sports benefit far more from NIL than she and her teammates have and will post-graduation. She shares that her older brother is on the baseball team at Southern Indiana University and unlike her, has profited as an athlete. As a young female athlete at IU, surrounded by successful male athletes that reap the perks of NIL, along with an older brother attending another school that does as well, she feels she is at a disadvantage, and rightfully so. Natalie explains her perspective further; “Not having NIL is kind of defeating sometimes because it’s given to other people that work just as hard as us.”

Young woman on the Indiana University Dance Team- The RedSteppers, cheering at College Game Day
Natalie Winzenread interacts with the crowd at an Indiana University football game with ESPN College Gameday. During this production there were many talks on NIL and its effect on the football players, but no mention to women’s sports. Photo taken by Sydney Jordan

Contrary to Dr. Clavios’ point about NIL “opening doors” for female athletes, Natalie believes that NIL will leave no impact on her future, bad or good. When asked how she thinks NIL will affect her post-grad, if at all, she responds “I don’t think it (NIL) will affect me because we don’t have access to it being on the dance team.” Natalie has yet to be informed of any future NIL related opportunities, but remains consistent in her sport, putting in the same effort nonetheless. 

Our second interviewee, known as Chase Boyer, is a member of the Indiana University women’s tennis team. Chase entered collegiate athletics unaware of the possible opportunities and benefits NIL had to offer, but has still yet to experience much of them herself. Chase describes her athletic schedule as “having a job and getting zero money.”

a young woman on the tennis team smiling
Chase Boyer, a star tennis player at Indiana University, smiles as she speaks upon the one NIL deal she has received. Although this is her first deal, she is proud of herself for getting the recognition she deserves. Photo taken by Sydney Jordan

Keeping this in mind, NIL seems like the perfect opportunity to profit off of your performance and brand image as a way to celebrate the tireless commitment and dedication put forth. However, like previously noted by Natalie, it does not impact all athletes in the same regard. When asked if Chase believes NIL has had any influence on her team’s culture, she responds, “For my team personally, I don’t think NIL has impacted our culture. We are all pretty happy for each other when we get these deals since we (women’s tennis) don’t get nearly as much.” She goes on to indicate that she would assume NIL impacts other sports teams cultures at IU, such as football. Because the women’s tennis team isn’t as recognized for their performance or sport in general, she doesn’t have much insider knowledge. NIL deals favor higher-profile, typically male-dominated sports.

NIL is a popularity contest, and favors only the most prominent teams and individual athletes. Sadly, not all collegiate athletes have felt the impact personally. For female athletes like Natalie and Chase, the promises of NIL have yet to be fulfilled. As NIL continues to expand, the necessary questions pertaining to gender disparities and inclusivity must be asked. College athletes deserve to be celebrated for their tremendous devotion to their craft, regardless of their sport or gender. It’s more important now than ever before to bridge these gaps and present athletes with equal opportunities to jumpstart their NIL careers, and benefit them after graduation.

On Friday, October 18th, those walking on Kirkwood were asked about NIL and its effect on college athletes. Several of these people noted the negative effects over the positive ones, mentioning the inequalities within who gets what NIL deals based on sport and gender. 

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Public Relations Story

Apple unveils the release of new product- The Apple Watch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contracts
Sydney Jordan
Peyton Cripe
Grace Selesky

CUPERTINO, California (Sept. 9, 2014) – Tim Cook, famously known as the CEO of Apple, unveiled the release of the groundbreaking new product, the Apple Watch on Tuesday, in Cupertino California.

In Southern California, Apple hosted their annual product release convention where they surprised the audience by not only launching a new IPhone, but also launching the first generation Apple Watch as well. A standing ovation arose when Cook unveiled the watch by coming on stage wearing the new product after a high tech presentation. Looking proud of his accomplishment, Cook continued to explain the Apple Watch’s capabilities and new features, never seen in a smart watch before.

This new product is presented as a more portable and versatile version of a smart phone, its advantage being it’s right on your wrist. Cook touched on the Apple Watch’s phone-like capabilities, such as phone calling, texting, fitness tracking, and customizable appearance. The Apple Watch allows customers to now keep track of their steps and make fitness goals, making for more accurate data than an Iphone would provide. Customers can also customize their watches to their own liking and taste. These Apple Watches have a removable watch band making for even more options on how to make this product your own and more personalized.

Woman wearing new Apple Watch as she works out in the gym
Personal Fitness and Wellness instructor, Rachel Miller, uses her Apple Watch on a daily basis to measure her heart rate, track steps, and monitor her workouts.

Not only this, but Apple has developed a smaller watch band to fit all possible wrist sizes. The most emphasized feature in this presentation, however, is the brand new user interface Apple introduced. They have now added more functionality to the dial or ‘digital crown’ on the side of the watch to be able to zoom in and out on photos, scroll through messages or lists, and to return the user back to the home page when pressed. It also is equipped with software that senses when you raise your arm and turns on the watch. All of these unique features add to the excitement of the upcoming release of the watch.

Cook not only spoke on the watch’s functions but also the wearability and comfortability as well. “Now, Apple Watch is made to be worn, and it can be worn all day, for any occasion. It’s as much about personal technology as it is about style and taste.” Cook said during the release event. Apple emphasized and encouraged their users to not only wear their watch for any event they may have, but also to personalize every aspect of it.

Young girl in the library shown wearing her watch on a daily basis
Student Aisling Zarate wears her Apple Watch to keep track of time for her classes throughout the day. Zarate has reminders set to stay organized without depending on her phone.

Much like an IPhone, you can change the lockscreen of the Apple Watch and even switch it to a live wallpaper, exhibiting movement and one’s own personal taste. Cook continued to exhibit a multitude of different watch band styles and designs so that everyone can find one in their own style. Apple continued to display this new device by having Cook wear it for his entire presentation. They also displayed multiple photos and videos on the screen of people going about their lives with their watch on. There was everything from users working out, to playing with their children, showcasing the function diversity that it can provide.

The first generation Apple Watch will be released in early 2015, with expectations of high demand for the new smart product. They will be sold in Apple stores around the country and in select countries around the globe. The starting price for this new piece of technology begins at only $349. Cook closed his presentation by exclaiming his excitement and his thoughts on this new device. “It is something functional yet incredibly beautiful. It empowers people and enriches their lives. Apple watch is the most personal device Apple has ever created.” Cook said as his final closing statement. Excitement only seemed to grow as the event concluded, leaving audience members to wait in anticipation for the upcoming release of the Apple Watch.

The newest Apple Product, The Apple Watch, presents its seamless design and aesthetic looking features. This watch will be available next spring and from the crowds reaction it’s in high demand.

Cook shows the audience the newest feature called “digital touch” allowing customers to feel more connected with those in their contact lists. He demonstrates connecting with Jeff Bezos and places importance on how this is an Apple Watch exclusive feature.

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