By Gracie Helfrich, Makenna King and Sayje Jaffe 

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (April 3, 2025).

Indiana University constantly sees thousands of students make their way through undergrad tracks. Students enroll, take classes, switch majors, find internships, and graduate (sooner or later). Indiana University sees this pattern time and time again. It is more than common. 

Contrary to this pattern, something less than common can be found within Freshman Matt Trzaskus; that something is passion. “My passion for performance started when I was really young. I really liked Star Wars and I wanted to be a Jedi. And I figured out very quickly that Jedi aren’t real, but actors are.” Trzaskus said.

This passion for performance is also seen in Freshman Jaxon Brown. Brown is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree of fine arts, focusing in cinematic arts at Indiana University. Yet, Brown’s passion for performance has faced obstacles. 

“I definitely prefer performing, but I don’t really give many chances to. So, I’m like behind the scenes.” Brown said. He hopes to have more opportunities in the future.

This interest in performance is something Brown also discovered at a young age, similar to Trzaskus. “I think 13 [years old] was the first time that I watched a film where I was like, I want to do that.” Brown said. The film discussed here was Back to the Future. 

Yet, Trzaskus discovered his love for theater at an even younger age. He recalls third grade to be the year where his interest began, encouraging him to join school-lead theatre groups. He states, “I started really doing it [theater] in middle school and I’m still doing it [theater], which is kind of surprising to me, but it’s just as exciting.” 

Trzaskus is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree of arts focusing in theater drama and english at Indiana University. He is a member of Boy in the Bubble Comedy Group, who most recently produced the show Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind; additionally, Trzaskus is currently performing in a production of Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegrut. 

As he pursues a double major while simultaneously devoting himself to multiple productions at once, time management has become an ongoing struggle. “It is a constant uphill battle with time,” said Trzaskus. 

“I’ll really admit I undertake a lot of things because like my mom told me that if you always say yes, you won’t ever miss an opportunity,” explained Trzaskus, “However, I’ve learned very quickly that eventually you do have to start saying no.” 

This endeavor with time management is a hardship that not only Trzaskus has faced in his pursuit of theater education, but it is also something Brown experiences, where, “I think there are little moments when I release something [film] and I’m like, ‘oh, this is great.’ But then it’s like, for me, it’s immediately on to the next. So, I don’t really sit in it that often. So I guess it’s like the little moments of doing so,” said Brown. 

This struggle is something that Trzaskus has met with motivation found in theater itself. “It’s [theater] a huge time commitment. You’re like at the end of your you’re like, I’m done. Like I maybe never want to do a show again. And then everyone walks out to you and tells you what the show meant to them or what this work you’ve created; I write as well, what it meant to them and if it made them feel something, whether that was ‘Oh my gosh, that was so funny’ or ‘Oh my gosh, you made me cry’ or ‘That was shocking’”, said Trzaskus, “Like the rawness of human reaction is something that only arts can, like, pull out in the way that they do. And each time you get that experience, whether it’s someone laughing at your joke or crying at your line delivery, it’s like for me, it’s like addicting.” 

Brown finds his motivation through career aspirations. “I want to make it [performance] a career.” Brown said.

In conjunction with finding motivation through career aspirations, Brown also finds motivation within those who inspire him. Brown is inspired by musician, artist and comedian, Donald Glover. 

“He [Donald Glover] does whatever he wants, really. And I want to be able to do that creatively and still make money, you know.” Brown said.

Both Trzaskus and Brown are students who stand out within the pattern of students who enroll, take classes, switch majors, find internships, and graduate (sooner or later). They stand out because of their passion for performance, and their constant diligence.

Matt Trzaskus guides viewers through his  theater journey to showcase the dedication it takes for success. He acts in the play, “Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind”, and hopes to share his talent with the world. 

By: Mary Majeski, Brendan Brown and Jack Reilly

BLOOMINGTON, IN (April. 3, 2025)- There is more to the Indiana Women’s Club Lacrosse team than just winning games or scoring goals on the field. It’s all about the community that these close-knit athletes have created, and the amount of support on and off the field they show each other. The group thrives on a supportive environment where players support one another and celebrate every accomplishment. No matter how small, from team workouts to tournament road trips and making memories they are there for each other. The IU Women’s Club Lacrosse team has created an atmosphere that goes far beyond the game itself through respect, hard work, and a shared passion for lacrosse, which shows how being a part of a team is more than just winning. 

“The lacrosse team has just been an unbelievably welcoming place” says sophomore player Ella Duvdevani. “Since the moment I joined the team, every single girl whether they were trying out or were already on the team wanted to talk to you, wanted to get to know you, and everyone was genuinely interested in your story and about your life.”

For many players the Indiana Women’s Club lacrosse team has been  a second family, an escape from everyday challenges and a high school sport that continues to be loved years later. continuum of the sport they loved playing in high school. No matter what level skills one has, the team welcomes them with open arms. Sophomore player Leena Campagna stated, “I remember being a scared little freshman walking to tryouts from my dorm, and I remember seeing the field and being so intimidated because I saw older girls. Looking back on it now, it was extremely hilarious that I was even scared in the first place because those seniors are nothing short of amazing girls that are always welcoming and caring ever since the first time I stepped foot on the field.”

The culture of the team is based on that sense of togetherness. The upperclassmen take pride in bringing  new players under their wing in order to create an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of skill level, has a role on the team .

The Indiana Women’s Club Lacrosse Team harps on  the importance of having fun while still maintaining a competitive edge. Energy-filled practices and tournament road trips turn into great  memories for players on and off the field. Through the relationships created on the team players are finding themselves growing as people. Ella Duvdevani stated “I love all the friendships I have made and just learned a lot more about myself and learned how to manage my time when being on a team because you really need to be there for them, and they also rely on you to show you and show out.” 

“I also learned a lot of resilience and it has taught me a lot about myself personally. Growing up and having them through college as an escape from real life. I can go, play, have fun and have a great time and leave worries behind.”

The team provides many players with an opportunity to escape everyday stress and obligations.  Around their teammates they are able to decompress and concentrate on what they love. Players gain life skills like time management, teamwork, and perseverance in addition to their on-field abilities through the gift of  enjoyment and commitment that this game offers. 

Beyond the game, the team’s bonds provide a solid support network that supports  athletes in overcoming college obstacles.

Leena Campagna touches upon these obstacles more in her interview. She stated “We do not get the best time slot, and this past winter I was practicing until eleven thirty at night and wouldn’t get home until midnight.” The duality of being an athlete in college is truly shown through these girls as their athletics have them balancing their coursework, social wellbeing and personal well being. The team manages to work together despite their hectic schedules, supporting one another on and off the field.

The Indiana Women’s Club Lacrosse team is committed to creating a friendly atmosphere where players may succeed on and off the field as it grows in the next few years. The team demonstrates that lacrosse is more than just a game—it’s a family—through work, perseverance, and camaraderie. Teammates, Ella Duvdevani and Leena Campagna, embody what it means to be more than just athletes, as are the other members of the IU Women’s Club Lacrosse team. They are friends, leaders, and students who help each other through every setback and victory. Their commitment to the game and to one another has created a culture that goes well beyond the lacrosse field. The team’s foundation of inclusivity, resiliency, and unwavering  support is growing along with it, which is evidence of the strength of collaboration and the relationships that result from it.

By Ella Blake, Noah Ablove and Lilianna Castaneda

BLOOMINGTON, IND. (Apr. 3, 2025)— With every leap, IU dancers exude passion that lives on well beyond the stage.

At Indiana University, collegiate dancers are more than their skill set and talent. They are their passion, energy, connection and raw emotion.

Dance is beautiful, but not just an art form. For performers, like Belle Matson, and fellow dancer and choreographer Keilyan Bryant, dance is their identity. Their art is their passion, their means of expression, and their happy place. Through their unique experiences, we’ve opened a door to the world of dance, and have come to know just how much dance has shaped them into the performers, students, and people they are today. Each performer has a different story, and a different journey. Speaking with both Belle and Keilyan has shown us that although each path is different, the reward is always great.

“Take the opportunity, do the opportunity,” said Matson, “because the reward is so high.”

When speaking to Belle, it was surprising to find out that she claimed not to be the best dancer throughout her formative years, and although she was never front and center, she was more than eager to learn. Beginning as a competitive dancer, her transition to her current collegiate style was challenging. Because of her passion for her art, she studied any available material, went to every class possible, and rehearsed religiously to achieve the level of skill she currently possesses. She spoke on the importance of saying yes, and taking every chance that comes your way. Matson is a prime example for those aspiring to dance, or take on any kind of challenge,  emphasizing that hard work propels you farther than natural talent ever could. Seizing the moment is what led to her great success.

Moments later, briefly sitting down with Bryant, he revealed why dance is important to him, and what it truly means to go out and perform. He best described his career as big effort, and a big smile to match.

“To me, it’s always like a big smile, and putting your best foot forward,” Bryant revealed.

Being a choreographer, as well as a stage performer requires the ability to see his craft from multiple perspectives, which is not an easy feat. He claimed his motivation to create routines,  is actually what he hears when the performances are done. He makes his fellow dancers feel alive. His reward is the impact he makes on his peers, and having knowledge of his craft, as well as experience, it means the world to him when his pieces create a sense of growth and freedom for his dancers.

These two remarkable individuals make up just one part of the IU dance community, and hearing from Belle once again, it seems community is an understatement. Matson, to wrap, really honed in on her fellow dancers always having each other’s back. The IU dance community is a family.

With each performance, and with every dance, Matson, Bryant, and dancers everywhere will continue to discover, nourish, and express parts of themselves that itch to be unleashed. Collegiate dance is a stepping stone to a successful and fulfilling future for these creative minds. Dance is not only an art, but a lifestyle.

By Elise Sensabaugh, John Doyle and Laila Baluk

BLOOMINGTON, IN (April 3, 2025)

In the basement of a Bloomington home, surrounded by cords, amps and holiday lights, four IU students found something rare: a collective harmony of creative expression. 

It is not just musical harmony, but one formed when four like-minded students came together at the perfect moment. After meeting in a jazz ensemble and house party, New Semantics was born into what they described as a “DIY Indie Band,” formed from a real connection and the need to create an exciting outlet for its members and fans. New Semantics is a refreshing return to authenticity in a musical generation that feels artificial and overproduced. Their sound is pieced together with spontaneous beats and organic flow, fueled by their wish to be unique, unlike other bands. Their music moves and breathes as they try to create music that means something. “I knew a few good guys who wanted to get together,” says Rocco Fugate, the band’s frontman and guitarist. “All the songs come to life here when we all get together, that’s the magic.” 

This band creation came from making something out of nothing, overcoming challenges, and using each person’s skill set to become one. Their first show, held in a makeshift venue in their own rehearsal space and band member’s home, drew a much larger crowd than expected. They had an excellent turnout, and the crowd had a great time overall. Jack Buinicki, a New Semantics base player, said he felt “it went splendid” while smiling ear to ear. Buinicki met Fugate in an all-campus jazz combo at Indiana University and then decided to play alongside him during winter break.  Despite being full-time IU students with hectic schedules, they continue to find time to make the band succeed. Buinicki admits scheduling is challenging, but said “[they] have gotten good at communicating to schedule things, and [they] are pretty on top of those things.” Buinicki’s passion for music started when he was 11 years old while he played viola in his school’s orchestra. He didn’t pick up the base until his senior year of high school and missed the passion of playing with a collective. Now, he and the rest of the New Semantics have found their place, not just in followers or fame but as part of something greater.

New Semantics gets a thrill from creating unique pieces as a team, which makes this band stand out the most as a listener. The band’s name came from a heated conversation about language and meaning between two members. Fugate originally pitched Turpentine Cheese Wheel and Connor’s Secret Girlfriend as their band name. These options served more as inside jokes among the group and didn’t welcome their audience as much as they wanted them to. His friends were on board, but eventually, someone threw out  “Semantics” and it stuck. Because “Semantics” was taken on Spotify, the group decided to throw “New” in front of it, which fields their band’s goal of creating a revived meaning to their style- music, words, and how they connect as a collective. 

Redefining meaning is built into everything this band continues to work towards. Their sound consists of a blend of a Modest Mouse style, a rock band, and classic indie rock. Buinicki admitted that “it’s a little bit of country, too.” They aren’t easily categorized, but that is a part of the point they are making. They’re carving out a space in the music world for something different that doesn’t fit into just one category. 

The collaborative energy they hold is what makes their performances matter. Their debut was only a few weeks ago, and as they continue to build their sound, they will face challenges in navigating and combining everyone’s unique skills and ideas. New Semantics had an unexpectedly exciting first performance and experienced an electric connection between the other two bands, Daytripper and Real Peak. It faded away the struggles of student life and became an essential moment in continuing to build their band. They were able to hold their first gig when they asked around other local bands and found the best place to launch their passion. Fugate has experience playing for another band, and the New Semantic’s lead guitarist Maxwell Woehler offered their practice space and made it happen. 

New Semantics has two more performances on the calendar- April 11th and 25th- as they begin planning their next move for the summer. This band is the kind of brand that is ever-evolving each day. They’re imperfect and unsure but use this to curate the perfect sound and team. New Semantics is redefining it in the world of music that often feels only focused in one direction, making their music worth listening to. They are unknowingly creating a message for artists that it’s freeing to create something imperfect, something entirely new. 

https://youtu.be/Yde34lPBAec?si=ZVoBFMXP7qpyZSH

By Elle Schuermann, Jordan Brown and Justin Hecimovich

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (April 3rd, 2025)

The music blasts through the speakers and the IU RedSteppers hit every beat with perfect energy and rhythm. Their crimson and cream outfits unite as one as they move in sync, perfecting their routine and electrifying the sold-out Memorial Stadium on a Saturday afternoon. Every turn, jump, and step isn’t just about the physical move itself, but rather the passion behind them.

For two of these dancers, it’s more than just practice. It’s their life.

Roommates and best friends Jenna Handlan and Jenna Fricke have spent a lot of time together dancing side by side, and in their everyday lives. Handlan said, “We literally do everything together nonstop–practice, dinner, lunch–everything we do is together.” Between school, performances, and just trying to survive college, they rely on each other to push through the chaos.

Their room is basically an extension of the studio. Posters of past performances hang on the walls, and their common space often turns into a practice space when needing extra time to perfect a routine. They keep each other motivated, whether it’s for perfecting choreography or getting through another long day of practice, class, and studying.

They also feed off each other’s energy. When one is struggling, the other steps up to bring the hype. Handlan gives examples of the duo lifting the other one up, “All the time, I feel like if on the way to practice if someone doesn’t want to go or someone’s not feeling it that day, we push each other and we’re like you got it, it’s a hard day you’re gonna make it through.” If one feels exhausted after a long day, the other pushes them to keep going. Whether it’s blasting music together before rehearsal and have fun at home or simply giving each other that extra boost of encouragement before a big performance, they always find a way to lift each other up.

It’s not just about accountability, it’s about knowing that someone always has your back. If school and dance stress starts to feel overwhelming, they remind each other why they’re here in the first place. It’s a partnership built on trust, hard work, and the unspoken understanding that they’re stronger together.

Some days are exhausting. They wake up early for class, endure hours of labs and lectures, then rush to practice, where they push their bodies to the limit. The late nights and early mornings add up, and sometimes they’ll wonder how they’ll keep going, but that’s when they can rely on each other. But as tiring as it is, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of stepping onto the field, hearing the sold-out BIG10 crowd roar for you, and knowing all their hard work has paid off.

Being a RedStepper is no joke. Game days mean performing in front of thousands of fans, keeping the energy high, and representing IU with every move. When game day was discussed, Fricke said, “For game days when we have to get up at 3:00 or 4:00 A.M. and I think we just hype each other up too.” Their ability to thrive from the other’s energy in such a rigorous schedule is vital for balance. However, the packed crowd’s excitement, the booming music, the feeling of representing IU, the synchronized steps, it all comes together in a way that makes the exhaustion worth it.

Behind the big performances are the small moments that keep them going. The inside jokes, the water breaks, the support when someone’s struggling with simply a move or balancing everything, the pre-game talks before stepping onto the field. That’s what makes it special.

For Handlan and Fricke, it’s about more than just the dancing. It’s about the people who surround the RedStepper team and make it a family.

Through the long practices, the late-night study sessions, and the pressure to always perform at their best, they’ve learned discipline, teamwork, time management and how to push through challenges when they’re exhausted. These are lessons they’ll carry beyond IU and the RedSteppers. Whether they’re in a hospital room caring for patients or in a classroom teaching students, the dedication and resilience they’ve built as dancers will stick with them.

And when they finally take the field on game day, they’re not just dancing. They’re living the dream, one step at a time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJklCagvDFU

The inspiring story of how Jenna Handlan and Jenna Fricke, best friends and dance partners, constantly push each other to be their best selves. Through challenges, long rehearsals, and the pressures of college life, they uplift one another both on and off the dance floor.

By Annelisse Bruder, Graham DeWitte, and Max Ichelson

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (April 3, 2025)

After clinching a national title last year, Indiana University’s RedSteppers are back in the studio, stomping, sliding, and spinning with championship energy as they prepare to take another shot at the crown.

With the 2025 national competitions coming up on April 10 and April 13, the RedSteppers are chasing more than just another win; they are building a new legacy for themselves.

In a recent practice, the team moved with precision and power, executing complex formations and high-intensity choreography that showed why they are a team to watch heading into the competition.

“We know what it takes to get there,” said Jaylyn Hogan, a sophomore on the team. “In the fall we practice three times a week for four hours. But for competition, it’s every day. Most of us schedule our classes early in the morning so we can have the evening to practice.”

That work ethic paid off last year in a big way. The team competed in and did incredibly well in two different categories: jazz and spirit rally.

“Last year we competed in jazz for the first time and we placed 10th out of 40 teams,” Hogan said. “It was really rewarding seeing such a hard routine place so well.”

Despite the great finish in their jazz routine, it was their performance in spirit rally that took them all the way to the top.

“Our other routine, called spirit rally, placed first out of roughly 35 other teams,” Hogan added. “It was so nice seeing all the hard work that went into it pay off. The other teams were celebrating with us because they know how hard it is to get there.”

Freshman Jenna Hanland is experiencing that pressure for the first time—but she is embracing it, more than ready for what is to come.

“Yes, haha, a little bit,” she said when asked about the feeling the pressure going into nationals. “It’s hard when you have to double time it after a national championship last year, but it’s a good type of pressure, knowing that we’ve done it before and we can do it again.”

Hanland also reflected on one of her most memorable moments as a member of the RedSteppers so far: performing at Assembly Hall.

“It was crazy, there were so many people,” she said. “Growing up as a studio dancer I’ve danced in front of people before, but never that many. It was awesome.”

At practice, the team’s chemistry is undeniable. The dancers move in sync, encourage one another between reps, and make even the most grueling rehearsals look joyful. Coach Wood pushes the group with precision, demanding their best while reminding them of the opportunity ahead.

“There are a lot more eyes on us for sure,” Hogan admitted, “but it’s just as exciting.”

With their trademark intensity, innovative choreography, and deep-rooted pride, the RedSteppers are not just defending a title, they are performing with a purpose. And come next week, they will once again be dancing under the national spotlight.

Two RedSteppers share their thoughts and feelings about the year ahead of Nationals.

By Madeline Gray, Dayana Alonso and Zheyu Yang

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (April 3, 2025)

When Kavya Kaushik first joined Humraah last year, she had no idea what it would eventually mean to her. In fact, she only joined in the first place because Humraah’s schedule aligned nicely with her business fraternity. 

“I was like, ‘You know what? Let me just try Humraah,’” Kavya explained. “I had no idea that that would truly impact my college experience and my life.”

Little did Kavya know that not only would Humraah make a sizable mark on her life, but also on the South Asian A Capella circuit nationally, as the past two years have been nothing short of extraordinary for her and Humraah.

Humraah, a South Asian a capella group at IU, has risen rapidly through the ranks of the South Asian acapella circuit over the past two years, topping the national rankings and preparing to continue their momentum into the end of this year and the years to come. While this ascent seems sudden, the members of Humraah know exactly how it happened – a dedication to hard work and each other.

Humraah started competing last year, and it was clear that they were starting out when compared to other, more established teams. The team was understandably less experienced in mixing songs than teams that had been doing this for years, and their nerves were evident. By the end of the competition season, Humraah was ranked 22nd nationally. 

However, Co-President Dhar Sriram noticed a change in the team and their level of performances this year at Spartan Sitara, an event at Michigan State University featuring teams from across the country, including from Duke University, the University of North Carolina, and The Ohio State University. This event was the first of Humraah’s competition season both years, and the difference in outcome for Humraah was exciting and a sign of greater things to come. While they didn’t place last year, this year, Humraah won it all against stiff competition.

“We really wanted to prove ourselves at a competition that we had already been to,” Dhar explained, “so to go there and see some of the same people and be in the same environment and do exponentially better meant so much to the team.”

Beyond Spartan Sitara, Humraah has also placed first in Gathe Raho at the University of Iowa and at IU Sing, an a capella competition here in Bloomington. They’ve risen through the ranks nationally to become the top ranked team in the South Asian A Capella circuit, and they show no signs of slowing down now. They spend hours each week in Briscoe meticulously practicing and perfecting their craft (although not without breaks to chat and raid the Briscoe C-Store), but what has truly motivated their rise to the top has been the depth of friendship that Humraah has achieved.

Walking into a Humraah practice feels like walking into a meeting between a large group of old friends because of how excited everyone is to see each other. Kavya admitted that the group has separation anxiety and love to be together, which Dhar expanded upon with a story from the day of the interview.

“I’m standing in the lobby of Hodge, and I see two Humraah people, then I see a couple more, and a couple more…” Dhar began. “It’s a group of 9 of us in the middle of the lobby, talking and chatting… we took a picture of us together and sent it to the group chat. Another member said, ‘You’re taking this photo like you don’t see each other everyday,’ which is true!”

With all of the group’s success, it would be easy to sit back and allow for a moment of rest. However, Humraah has been busier than ever this past week while preparing for Nationals in San Francisco, which will take place this Saturday. The top eight teams nationally are invited, and the group is excited to prove themselves to the nation and to compete with teams that they’ve excitedly watched for years from afar. 

For Kavya, this moment represents everything that Humraah has worked for and reminds her of why they have put so much work in over the past two years, work that she could’ve never imagined paying off in the manner it has when she joined last year.

“Seeing everything from this year made all the troubles of starting a competition season and being the underdogs last year worth it” Kavya admits. “I’m really proud of everyone, lucky to have everyone, and grateful that we all found each other at the perfect time in life.”

Members of Humraah talk about their experience with the team and their recent success. They credit their newfound rise to the top of the South Asian A Capella circuit to their strong friendships.

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.

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.”

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?

By: Katie Williams, Cali Stouder, Matt Novello

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Mar 27, 2025)-

Odds are if you go to the football and basketball games here, you have seen the Red Steppers. The Red Steppers of Indiana University are a dance team here at IU and perform multiple times during Indiana athletic events. Similar to cheerleaders, they perform on the sidelines during the football games while also performing on the field during breaks within the games. Whether it be timeouts, the end of a quarter, or halftime, they go on the field multiple times to provide entertainment for the crowd. And when it comes to basketball games, it is very similar, they perform on the court during breaks within the game so there is entertainment for the crowd.

The Red Steppers are actually not associated with IU Athletics, as according to blogs.iu.edu, they are a part of the Marching Hundred, which is also a part of the Jacobs School of Business. Just like the athletes at Indiana University, the Red Steppers have to put in a lot of work.

Most of the dancers have been dancing their whole life and have been practicing since a very young age so they were able to get to the skill level they are at now. In practice and before events, they have to master the routines they practice so they can be perfect when performing. They practice every day, around six to twelve hours a week, while still having to attend class and do school work, but unlike athletes, they are not the center of attention when it comes to the events they perform at. The Red Steppers even have to put in a lot of offseason work so they are ready for when the season arrives. They are a big part of the athletics here at Indiana University and for our story, we interviewed two current Red Steppers at Indiana University, Sophia Sales and Mia Fox.

In these interviews, we asked a lot of questions so we could learn about what it is like to be a Red Stepper here at Indiana University. Sophia Sales mentioned that during football season, they have to make sure they perfect their routines before the games. In our interview with Sophia, she said, “During football season, for anywhere from four to six practices which are three hours each…” This goes along the lines with how much work these dancers have to put in to be successful and perform to the best of their ability.

Sophia also mentioned how she believes that the hard work she puts in helps her in life by teaching her how to have a strong work ethic along with having a work life balance. Just like how being on the Red Steppers is physically challenging with how much practice they have to put in, it is also mentally challenging. The Red Steppers are a big family and they are there to support each other, just as teammates are on a sports team. Sophia also mentioned how her coach does a great job at making sure their whole team has a great bond. This contributes to everyone having more fun while performing as they are a very close-knit team.

When we asked Mia about practicing before events, she mentioned how they first learn the routine from a video at home. This shows that Red Steppers do not only have a lot of work to put in at practices with the team, but also at home on their own. It’s very similar to how athletes practice on their own to perfect their craft, Red Steppers do the same thing. Mia also mentioned that being a part of the dance team makes it hard to have a “normal” college life, and they have to give that up. Mia stated, “I have made a lot of sacrifices to be part of the IU dance team, I feel like the biggest one is you give up that totally normal college girl life.” It is hard for these dancers to be able to still have a lot of fun in college with how much work they have to put in, but overall, Sophia and Mia both said they have loved college so far including being a part of the Red Steppers. Being a part of the Red Steppers has been a dream come true for both of them.