Archie Messinger



Projects by Archie Messinger

Journalism Story

Exploring Indiana University Women’s Club Volleyball: Madi Graves and Lally Coleman Share Team Insights

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Exploring Indiana University Women’s Club Volleyball: Madi Graves and Lally Coleman Share Team Insights

Media Contacts
Olivia Weiss
Jordan Shane
Archie Messinger

BLOOMINGTON, Indiana (March 28, 2025) — Shining through the suffocating heat of the gym is the sound of volleyballs slapping off hands and the overall intensity that resonates in every corner. The sounds dominate the gym as players like Madi Graves and Lally Coleman move through every serve, their focus unwavering. In front of us, the view isn’t just practice—it’s where camaraderie and competition merge into a powerful force.

There was not a single second where you couldn’t hear a volleyball slap off a hand or hit the floor. Not a single moment when the obnoxious yellow of the gym wasn’t screaming in your eyes. Every serve mattered as Madi and Lally demonstrated leadership skills, setting an example for the less experienced players.

The Women’s Club Volleyball team at IU offers a unique balance of competition and social connection. It allows students to compete while maintaining a flexible schedule. The team is perfect for students looking for a rewarding university experience since it lets members create close bonds with only two weekly practices and three tournaments each semester.

That does not mean these athletes aren’t on their A game, however.

Madi Graves, a sophomore at IU, has loved the game since middle school. She grew up in a volleyball family and brings her passion, expertise, and leadership to the court.

Madi Graves, one of the most experienced players, brings a wealth of knowledge to the court.

Madi’s parents played volleyball in high school, and her brothers play at the University of Pepperdine in Malibu. Her journey began in 7th grade when she played recreationally and gradually began toward competitive play in high school and club volleyball. “Volleyball just means a lot to my family; it always has.” She stated.

The practice felt like it ended as quickly as it sprung. The team only had two huddles and spent the whole time running through their maneuvers. Madi’s background in the sport, combined with the unique flexibility of the club team, makes it the perfect fit for her. “If it’s something you want to be a part of, it’s not something that requires complete dedication.” Madi notes. “It’s very lowkey.”

The key to the team’s success is the structure of the association. “When I decided to come to a big school and not pursue a Divison 1 career in athletics I wanted to just maybe tryout for the club volleyball team and just meet a couple new people…” Madi explains. “The number one benefit for me has been the people I’ve met. I met three of my closest friends through this team.”

While Mally’s journey was a smooth offshoot from her history in the sport, Lally Coleman found her own path through unexpected plans.

Lally Coleman, sophomore on the team, unexpectedly tried out for the team. Though she hadn’t played in a year, Lally’s experience with the team came as product of the team’s welcoming environment, where athletic and friendship development come together.

For Lally Coleman, a sophomore from Chicago, honing her volleyball skills has meant less to her than building the friendships that she has with the team. Initially, Lally was not too interested in trying out. “I was convinced to go try out just a couple of hours before I actually went to the gym, and I hadn’t touched a volleyball in a year,” she smiles. “I thought it would be a fun night of just getting some reps in after not playing for a while, but I ended up making the team—and I’m so grateful for all of the friendships that I made in the past two years.”

The friendships she’s formed have been the highlight of her experience. “It’s been such a great vibe.”

“I think Indiana has put in a great system to support the club teams,” Lally says. “I think we’re in the top 5 of all the club teams, so we get to pick a good early gym time and we get a decent budget.”

Outside of practice, the team hosts events like hotroom yoga and food pantry service, raising awareness for IU’s club sports.

Lally is grateful for the tools and assistance IU offers its club teams. “We compete for allocation points every semester.” The club also takes part in other service activities that promote support and fundraising for its initiatives.

The team is now preparing for the ultimate challenge: nationals in Phoenix, which explains the quick and intense practice session. “I’m so excited to compete at nationals with the team. We’re traveling with the men’s team, too, and we’re hoping to get some wins this year,” says Lally. Though the team didn’t travel to nationals last year, they are ready to face tougher competition and build on their momentum.

For Madi and Lally, the Women’s Club Volleyball team has been more than just an athletic outlet. It is an avenue for one’s passion to be shared amongst friends. As Madi reflects, “Such a unique opportunity that I wouldn’t have a chance to have if I didn’t try out that one day.”

Madi and Lally talk in depth about their experience on the Women’s Club Volleyball Team.

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Public Relations Story

Apple Reveals the Apple Watch- A Huge Leap in Wearable Technology

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

Media Contacts
Archie Messinger
messingermess@gmail.com

Phoebe Hyun
phhyun@iu.edu

Taylor Waterman
twaterm@iu.edu

Apple Reveals the Apple Watch- A Huge Leap in Wearable Technology 

Cupertino, CA-  Today, in front of a massive crowd Apple’s CEO Tim Cook revealed the “next chapter in Apple’s story” the Apple Watch. With this enormous unraveling, Apple instantly set a new standard for wearable technology. During the big reveal, Tim Cook demonstrated how the Apple Watch is designed to seamlessly integrate with everyday life. It provides a powerful, intuitive, and stylish device that enhances how users communicate, track their health, and interact with the world. “Apple Watch is the most personal device we’ve ever created,” said Cook. “It reimagines what a watch can do, connecting technology with people in a way that feels natural and essential.” According to Tim Cook, this new innovative device is intended for everyday use with features that assist in communication, and health tracking as well as a plethora of other day-to-day uses. In addition, Apple’s new device has applications that assist with navigation and give users discreet messages when they receive messages. The Apple Watch has a range of adjustable bands and materials, such as 18-karat gold, stainless steel, and aluminum. The device also offers the option of interchangeable bands that allow for personalization, offering a variety of styles, including the Milanese Loop, Leather Loop, and Sport Band. This attention to detail demonstrates Apple’s keen marketing tactics and Apple to keep users fascinated.

Young Woman Using Apple Watch during studies.
Kassidy Allen, a student at IU, is referencing her new Apple Watch while planning her week in Ballantine Hall.

The Apple Watch isn’t just a timepiece but a comprehensive health and fitness tool that can help you track and control your health while attaining your fitness goals. “Apple Watch motivates people to live a healthier life,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Operations. “It provides the kind of insights and encouragement that were previously only available through dedicated fitness devices. By flicking your wrist, one can send and receive messages, make calls, and receive notifications thanks to the device’s seamless integration with the iPhone. Also, Siri is implemented within the watch, providing voice-activated support for tasks like using Apple Maps for navigation, creating reminders, and checking the weather. Many Apple devices such as iPhones and Macs easily pair with the Apple Watch, forming a connection that improves convenience, and productivity. Early in 2015, the Apple Watch will be on sale for $349. To accommodate varying tastes and lifestyles, it will be available in three collections: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition. Security and safety are a major priority with Apple’s new innovative device. The device’s “Tap to pay” or Apple Pay capabilities allow secure, contactless payments directly from the wrist while requiring biometric authentication for enhanced protection as well as other security methods. The Apple Watches contactless payment capabilities are a major step in the future of digital transactions as well as the future of secure payments. 

Woman using Smartwatch.
Jennifer Blotkamp ,a professor at Bloomington, uses her Apple watch to check when her class starts. She is preparing for her next lecture.

The Apple Watch has many partners such as Nike, Twitter, and American Airlines, showcasing the diversity of Apple Watch in various industries. Many institutes can utilize the Apple watch to make a plethora of tasks more affordable and effortless.  From fitness tracking to travel and social networking, the Apple Watch can use its many applications to assist working people in accomplishing their career goals and aspirations.  The new Apple Watch is a bold step forward in technology for a variety of reasons such as advancements in navigation, healthcare, fitness, and communication. The introduction of the Apple Watch demonstrates Apple’s dedication to innovation and pushing the limits of what technology can accomplish to improve daily living.  The Apple watch will surely revolutionize the industry and possibly the way humans interact with each other in the future. Apple’s position as one of the most significant tech corporations globally has been cemented by its unrelenting pursuit of innovation, and the reveal of the innovative Apple Watch proves this even further.

Tim Cook unveils exciting surprise during the Apple event in Cupertino California. What was originally supposed to be an event about the new iPhone, turned into a thrilling reveal of Apple’s latest product, the Apple Watch. 

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