Vivian Ferreri



Projects by vferreri

Club Sports Keep Dreams Alive for College Students

By Preston Andrews, Emma Silverman, Ava Epply and Vivian Ferrari

BLOOMINGTON, IND (April 3, 2025)

On a cold, rainy Bloomington day, a group of students gathers along the Woodlawn track. This type of day would be described as “Nasty.” Yet, the students gather anyway. Geared with sticks and elbow pads, they partake in a two-hour practice in the less-than-desirable elements. None of the students are being paid, they are doing it all by choice, and they are doing it, for the love of the game.

Only 7% of athletes will play college sports, and only 2% will play Division One. Club sports keep dreams alive for college students; they provide a safe and fun outlet to not only continue to play the sport they love but to embrace a new community and smooth the transition to college.

Claire Macabee, a Freshman from Indianapolis, first heard of the club lacrosse team through a friend from her hometown, and instantly saw it as a fit, for her transition to college.

Unlike most clubs, however, club sports teams are not always welcome to all. Macabee and almost ninety other freshmen had to go through a tryout process, with just ten making the team.

“Everyone at the tryout played in high school all four years; Lacrosse varies in popularity based on the region in the U.S. Although it was tough to make the team, it is probably a little less competitive,” Macabee said in an interview.

Claire Macabee shadows a teammate at practice. Lacrosse, like hockey, often can lead to several welts.

Macabee is correct, the popularity of Lacrosse on the East Coast, nearly doubles that of the Midwest.

As a club Lacrosse athlete, Macabee noticed some differences between High School and Club Lacrosse.

“The biggest difference for me is the availability with practices and games; sometimes you have classes and projects that you just cannot miss,” she said.

This is yet another reason why club sports are so popular among students. Even at the smallest levels of college sports, Athlete sometimes comes before the student in the term “Student Athlete”. As a club sport participant, flexibility is not only provided but encouraged. The Indiana Club Lacrosse team, for example, carries a roster of 45 players, with the assumption that scheduling conflicts will arise.

So, who is in charge of such a large group of girls? Who is there to give advice on strategy, and to organize practice?

IU Club Lacrosse does not have a Coach, but rather a President. Macabee claims that the Hoosiers as one of the few club programs in the country without a Coach. Although this is completely different than what all players experienced in high school, and a majority of their Lacrosse lives, Macabee and the rest of the roster, do not always see it as a bad thing.

“We are captain-led, which means we rely on our Seniors and our one Sophomore captain.”

But how does student leadership work so effectively?

“I am sure a lot of people who played high school sports can relate to this, but it can be challenging with a coach, especially for girls because coaches can be very demanding, but if someone on your team is technically the coach, they understand where you are coming from and the challenges you face as a player.”

Two Hoosier defenders look to stop a throw-in. Scoring chances are few and far between in Lacrosse.

Just like the rest of us, these athletes seek advice from people who have been in their shoes. Macabee sighted the fact that the Seniors run the show. With that leadership structure in place, it allows full transparency among players and makes sure that everyone feels included not only in practices but off the field as well, something Macabee sights as key in her college transition.

“Last semester, we went to Nashville, Chicago, and Dayton, Ohio, this semester, we are going to Milwaukee, and we are going to Ohio State next week.”

When asked which trip was her favorite, Macabee’s answer did not come as a surprise.

“There are a ton of amazing memories, but the best memory I have is Nashville. Nashville is a very fun city, and to be in Nashville downtown was a very fun and exciting moment; especially as a Freshman, in my first semester to be with a bunch of girls of all different ages in such a fun place, that is my best memory.”

Do trips to Nashville, and other trips across the Midwest justify the cold, rainy, miserable practices for Macabee and other student-athletes? Sure, but that is not all that goes into it. Club sports at Indiana give athletes who otherwise would have to give up on the game they love and have played since they were young, a few more precious years with the sport; and are a fun, creative outlet, for students to make friends, and play sports, and what could be better than that?

 

 

Staying Ahead of the Times: Apple Watch is a New Level of Connection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 9, 2014

Media Contacts

Vivian Ferreri vferreri@iu.edu

Sylvia Sasse ssasse1414@gmail.com

Devin Murphy devohnine@gmail.com

Apple Introduces the Revolutionary Apple Watch: A Stylish, Smart, and Personal Way to Stay Connected

CUPERTINO, California (September 9th 2014), Apple CEO Tim Cook introduced the world to the Apple Watch, a new device designed to improve life. This small, stylish watch does more than just tell time. It helps you stay in touch, track your health, and organize your day, all from your wrist.

“Apple Watch is the most personal device we’ve ever created,” Cook said. “It’s designed to be with you every moment of the day, keeping you connected and helping you live better.”

Apple has changed the way people use technology. The iPod (2001) made it easy to carry any song in your pocket. The iPhone (2007) put a phone, camera, and computer all in one. The iPad (2010) created a new way to browse the web, read, and watch videos. Now, this new device brings the same level of innovation, quality, and seamless integration to a watch that fits perfectly into daily life.

Philip, a 27 year old fitness enthusiast checks his heart rate after his daily run. The Apple Watch’s health resources helped Philip prepare for his latest marathon, where he ran his fastest time yet.

The Apple Watch has a bright screen and a special button called the Digital Crown that makes scrolling and selecting simple. You can customize how it looks by choosing different watch faces and changing the band to match your style. The watch comes in three models: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition. Just like previous phones, the Apple watch allows calls, texts, and notifications without pulling out your phone. The watch buzzes on your wrist to let you know you have a message. You can also send fun messages, like drawings or even your heartbeat, to friends and family. 

The Apple Watch isn’t just smart; it also helps you stay healthy. It has an Activity app that reminds you to move throughout the day and tracks how much exercise you get. It also has a heart rate sensor that lets you see how active you are. Whether you’re going for a walk or

Luke, a 24 year old server uses the stopwatch feature on his iPhone to ensure he prepares a customer’s espresso in a timely fashion. Restaurant rules prevented Luke from having access to his phone but the Apple Watch helped him monitor important text messages in a professional environment.

 just for a quick jog, the Apple Watch can help you reach your fitness goals. The watch encourages a more active lifestyle by providing reminders to stand up, move around, and close your activity rings, making it a great product for those trying to get more active.

“We designed the Apple Watch to be more than a timepiece. It’s a tool to help you live a healthier, more active life,” said Jony Ive, Apple’s Chief Design Officer. “It seamlessly blends technology and personal well-being in a way that is both functional and beautiful.”

The Apple Watch runs on a special system called watchOS, which is made just for the watch. It includes features like Glances, which show you things like the weather or your calendar, and Force Touch. Force Touch lets the watch tell the difference between a tap and a press, giving you more control. With the simple raise of a wrist, you can check their messages, view upcoming appointments, or control their music. The interface is intuitive, making it easy to navigate and use, even for those new to wearable technology.

The watch also comes with built-in apps, like Apple Pay, which lets you pay at stores 

Doug, a 50 year old veteran bartender, chats with customers. He liked the durability of the Apple Watch in a hectic environment and the fact it allowed him to communicate crucial information to management without leaving the bar.

just by holding your wrist near the register. Maps on the watch even give you directions with a tap on your wrist when it’s time to turn. The ability to use Apple Pay means you can leave your wallet at home and still make purchases securely. With voice commands through Siri, the Apple Watch allows users to stay productive without needing to pull out their phones.

Apple Watch comes in different materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, and even 18-karat gold. There are also many different bands, from sporty rubber to elegant leather and metal, so you can make the watch truly your own. Every detail of the Apple Watch has been crafted with care to ensure it not only looks good but feels comfortable on the wrist. The variety of styles ensures that there is a perfect match for every personality and lifestyle, making it more than just a piece of technology—it’s a fashion statement.

“We wanted the Apple Watch to be something personal, something that fits your life,” said Apple’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Jeff Williams. “It’s more than just a device—it’s a reflection of you.”

Apple Watch will be available in early 2015, starting at $349. As more developers create apps for the watch, it will become even more useful. With more apps, the Apple Watch will continue to grow, offering new features and services over time. The combination of health tracking, communication tools, and seamless integration with the iPhone makes it one of the most advanced wearables on the market.

Tim Cook explains the intricacies of Apple Computer Inc.’s latest device, the apple watch. Cook announced the release of this product September 9 at the Flint Center at De Anza College in Cupertino, California

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