Tessa Hoffman

My name is Tessa Hoffman, I am from Minnetonka, MN and I am a sophomore at IU studying media advertising.



Projects by Tessa Hoffman

News Story

Here For The Wrong Reasons? NIL Ruling May Affect Where College Athletes Choose to Play.

By Ty Horvath, Tessa Hoffman and Jillian Bamberger

BLOOMINGTON, IN (Nov. 5, 2024)

NIL – Name, image, and likeness. These are three words that have taken college athletic viewpoints by storm. College athletes making millions from their names have sparked a new conversation about college athletics in the coming years.

Starting in 2021, NIL has given student-athletes that extra leap to embrace their full potential and make a name for themselves. The impact these players can make might change the world of college sports forever. Is NIL changing college sports in a good way, or is this changing in a way that starts the downfall of college athletics? Giving student-athletes so many opportunities to grasp their childhood dreams is possible through NIL. The name on a fan’s back, the image of who they are, and the athlete’s likeness. That’s the goal. Some goals have ups, and most goals have downs. Is NIL taking a toll on athletes? Does NIL play a massive role in choosing a college? NIL has a goal, and with goals come all sorts of conversations and views on whether this goal is achievable.

Matt Bergman enjoys the view on the terrace at Glacier Marketing Group. Bergman works directly with athletes, finding them NIL opportunities.

Building brand relationships through NIL is one of the more significant components of achieving the name, image, and likeness goal for college athletes. Speaking with Matt Bergman, a social media and brand partnership analyst for college athletes through NIL, “Most athletes during the season are pretty hard to stay on top of consistently, some of them take more of an interest towards NIL, but most of them are locking in on the season.” Bergman said. College students can make a name for themselves at such a young age, and money is a part of it. Some athletes may discover a greedy side in them and let money determine the path they decide to take.

NIL itself has made a significant impact on college sports and academics. Whether or not a school offers more money, credible sources make it known that the money aspect of NIL might not be as crucial to the athlete as the entire public thinks. The name, image, and likeness are possible through an athlete’s skill level and how they succeed in the sports realm. While putting NIL opportunities into question for athletes, the money can only happen with that work ethic and person that an athlete would build themselves up to be. Athletes choosing to go based on money more than the academic and athletic part in a university could quickly find themselves in the wrong university and possibly ruin their chances in a career in doing what they love.

Dylan Zouber steps onto the field at Huntington Bank Stadium. Zouber is an offensive line student assistant who works closely with the Gopher football team professionally and socially.

Love of the sport is a massive part of the NIL discussion. Dylan Zouber, an offensive line intern for the University of Minnesota football team, also discussed this: “If you’re doing it (playing college sports), why not do it at the highest level that you possibly can?” Zouber said. Playing sports at the Division One level takes a certain amount of passion to achieve a position on a college sports team. Zouber believes that the sport develops the player, and NIL develops the person. Both combined to develop a career. “NIL is the least thing that they (college athletes) are worried about. They love the game and money isn’t really something that they are looking for (at the University of Minnesota).” Zouber said.

As of 2024, compared to 2021, college athletes have different viewpoints of NIL, whether they choose a college based on best fit or simply…money.

Dr. Galen Clavio, the Director of the National Sports Journalism Center at IU, speaks to a room of curious minds. He shares his knowledge of NIL.

This leads to the point of NIL as a whole. Dr. Galen Clavio, a sports media professor at Indiana University, finds it easy to conclude that he knows the name of the game. “Name, image, and likeness is rapidly becoming more and more misunderstood,” Clavio said. This gives the impression that NIL is still new and hard to understand. Society has so many different viewpoints on it, and if it’s as good as everyone claims, it to be. “Its always presented as an either-or. We can either be in practice or focusing on NIL. That’s not really how it works.” Clavio said. Student-athletes that are connected to NIL learn to balance both. The public views that athletes aren’t ready to manage money along with what they contribute to a sport. Clavio backs this up by saying that everyone thinks athletes are incapable of doing these things when simply that’s not true. NIL opportunities affect college athletes, just not as much as the public might think.

Higher-level athletic programs, such as Alabama, Ohio State, and Georgia, are very attractive universities to student-athletes during recruitment. With NIL introduced, the student might have a new way of thinking when choosing schools. Is money a factor? Is playing time a factor? Students may ask themselves, “Is this school for me?” These are all new questions that NIL has brought student-athletes while making their college decision.

Athletes are now ready to make big plays throughout their careers. With it being so new, new conversations change about it every day, and so does NIL. Name, image, and likeness might change the course of the recruitment process, but college athletics have adapted to many things before. Athletes are ready to take NIL head-on and see what it has to offer.


Real people share their views on NIL. In Downtown Bloomington, multiple voices speak their mind. 

 

 

 

 

 

Public Relations Story

Tim Cook Reveals Brand New Apple Product

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:
Sidda Benckart- Photographer
Caroline McCarthy-Writer
Tessa Hoffman-Editor

CUPERTINO, California (Sept 9, 2014) – Just this past week, following the introduction of the long-awaited iPhone 6, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the unexpected release of the Apple Watch. This groundbreaking release has kicked off the company’s first piece of wearable technology. “Apple Watch helps you live a better day,” said Cook during the unveiling. This new device is designed to allow users to lead more active lives by integrating technology to track workouts, heart rate, and steps. Not only are fitness enthusiasts satisfied, but everyday users are satisfied as well. The Apple Watch is equipped with powerful tools allowing users to set personal wellness goals and track their physical activity levels in real time. There is no doubt that the data is highly reliable. Tim Cook explains that the Apple Watch is highly accurate and displays exact time within plus or minus fifty milliseconds. This precision is thanks to the synchronization of the universal time standard, now users are ensured to have the most accurate data from the comfort of their wrist.

Women working while using her Apple Watch.
A working woman listens to Pandora with her Apple Watch while typing. The Apple Watch allowed her and others to stream many platforms hands-free.

For the first time in technology history, Apple Watch users have access to advanced tracking software, which allows them to monitor their steps, miles traveled, and even calories burned. It is officially easier than ever to master fitness goals. Whether Apple Watch users are swimming, dancing, or cycling, the built-in heart rate detector allows for continuous readings which enables users to alter their workouts to best suit their heart and workout desires. Not only can users alter their workouts themselves, but they can also tune into the tailored feedback with just a click. The Apple Watch sends encouraging metrics, pushing users to explore different workouts and physical activity thresholds. The Apple Watch is dedicated to far more than just physical health, however. The watch promotes overall health, too, including mental well-being. Periodically the watch will send messages reminding users to breathe, stand, relax. Tim Cook emphasized the need to prioritize both physical and mental health. “This is a very important area for me,” Cook said. “And a very important area for Apple.” Apple believes it is crucial to foster habits that encourage a balanced lifestyle to cultivate an overall healthier life. This new product is the most personal device that Apple has ever innovated.

Women tying shoe with Apple Watch
Woman stoped to tie her shoe during a workout while wearing an Apple Watch. The Apple Watch allowed her to track health and fitness needs such as BPM, calories, and activity levels.

The customizable watch face and detachable bands allow users to express their personal style like they design their iPhones with cases and accessories. The seamless integration with iPhone technology allows users to receive all of the notifications from their phone on their wrist—calls, texts, social media notifications, all right on your person. Apple is dedicated to ensuring that everyone can stay connected, even on the go. This new standard for technology is about to change the world.  Technology that is both stylish and functional, compact but complex. In this time, the importance of personal health and fitness is gaining traction like never before. This watch represents the next era of Apple’s mission to support customers through their products. The design is suitable for just about any occasion, from workouts to class to a dinner with friends. The watch has something you need in every situation. The Apple Watch will be available to order very soon. Tune into their site this April 10, 2015, to get your name on the pre-order list. Look at the wide range of colors, bands, and accessories available to continue the personalized experience. We are confident that every user will be more than satisfied with this new design. Without a doubt, this launch reaffirms customers that Apple is working to serve them with the highest standard of technology that complements their lives. “We think people are going to love to use Apple Watch, and they are going to love to wear it,” Cook said as he finished the Apple Watch unveiling and described when users could purchase this product. 

Apple CEO Tim Cook discussed the importance of health. The Apple Watch and its fitness features helped anyone, from the average person to an Olympic athlete, easily track activity. 

Tim Cook revealed the new Apple product, Apple Watch. Cook highlighted the new world of Apple with the convenience of precise time right on your wrist. 

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