Jordan Shane



Projects by Jordan Shane

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 Announces ‘New’ Apple Watch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Apple Announces ‘New’ Apple Watch

Media Contacts
Brady Owen
Lauren Wainwright
Jordan Shane

CUPERTINO, California (Sept. 9, 2024) – Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook revealed the new Apple Watch, the first wearable device in its catalogue, with a sleek design for personalization features.

 Groundbreaking and innovative, the reveal at the Flint Center left the audience in awe with the new standard set for personalization, health tracking, and seamless connectivity all from the wrist. Following the reveal of the iPhone 6 and representing the company’s first entry into wearable technology, As the lights dimmed in the Flint Center for the Performing Arts, an air of anticipation filled the room. The crowd, composed of journalists, tech enthusiasts, and Apple loyalists, murmured with excitement as the massive screen on stage flickered to life. Moments later, Apple CEO Tim Cook walked onto the stage, smiling as he prepared to introduce Apple’s next groundbreaking innovation. 

Apple Watch is available currently in three different collections: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition. Each designed to adapt to different lifestyles, the watches come with a retina display built for its Force Touch and Digital Crown features. Aesthetics and functionality are synchronized for the best possible creation.

Teacher uses watch in class to keep track of time
A math professor at IU admires her Apple Watch for its sleek design and comfortable fit. She uses her watch in class everyday to keep track of time, and class discussions.


Apple Watch has four different pillars of its product. The Sport Band, The Leather Loop, and the Handcrafted Leather Modern Buckle, and the Stainless Steel Link bracelet. “We thought not only of the function,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “but the way it looked.”

“With a design that connects with the wearer at an intimate level. The Sport Band is made from a tough, durable, sweat- and chemical-resistant high-performance elastomer. The Leather Loop comes in a soft quilted leather that conceals magnets for fastening and adjustment. The supple, handcrafted Leather Modern Buckle closes with a solid metal clasp. And the Stainless Steel Link Bracelet has a slim deployment clasp that is contained within a 2.6mm band.”

Fitness Tracking is taken to a new frontier with the applications that the Apple Watch incentivizes. Experiencing technology with this is engaging and rewards progress spent on personal goals.


“Apple builds great products that enrich people’s lives.” Said Tim Cooks. “And arguably, we can take that to a whole new level with Apple Watch.”
“If you’re just someone who wants to be a bit more active, or maybe you just want to track what you’re doing during the day, or perhaps you exercise regularly, or even if you’re a very serious athlete. The Fitness app monitors all of your activity and movement throughout the day. The Workout app allows you to set specific goals for specific types of workouts like cycling or running,”

Student tracks exercise
An IU student checks her Apple Watch to track her exercise for the day. She uses the watch everyday to set exercise goals for herself.

The Activity Rings feature provides users with a visual snapshot of their daily activity, while the Fitness app is offering personalized structure for everyday exercise tracking. No matter the level of intensity the variety of activities will be monitored and managed with engagement of the wearer.

Kevin Lynch, Apple’s Vince President of Technology, demonstrated Apple Watch’s ability to track workouts, and monitor heart rate, also further exemplifying how seamlessly it syncs and interacts with the iPhone.

The announcement was met with magnetic attention, enthusiastic applause, and success in moments of hilarity. The revolution was being televised, and all attendees were highlighting the potential catalyst of this invention to change wearable technology. Technology journalists and analysts were very quick to praise the device’s mix with the iPhone that they also had announced a new product to, and noted its unique blend of fashion and function.
Cook closed the event with a declaration:
“Apple Watch is not just a new product. It’s a new way to experience technology.”

Tim Cook talks about important features and the wearable design of the Apple Watch. 

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