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 Macy Pugh, Jennifer Liu, and Dian Zhong

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Apr. 3, 2025) — Opal the Band members practice for two upcoming gigs at the Bluebird.

Opal the Band members Claire, Fran, Ahnay, Philip, Kenneth and Emmet prepare to take the stage at the Bluebird, one of Bloomington’s biggest music venues. Some of the band members have had time to practice before their gig, while others are going straight from campus to the stage. Either way, the musicians are excited to take the stage with their fellow band members.

Opal the Band formed about a year ago and has become immensely successful on Indiana University’s campus. With consistent weekly gigs at the Bluebird, the band members are kept busy. They have to work hard to manage their time. These musicians have to balance the band with their academic and social lives, as well as other activities that they are involved in on campus.

The band meets for weekly practices, usually lasting about two hours, and the timing of each session depends on each of their schedules for the week. Each band member is also involved with other organizations on campus, so it can be a bit challenging to manage all of their schedules. Fran, Opal’s bass player, is also in a sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. Claire, their singer, is heavily involved with the First Nations Educational and Cultural Center. Philip, their drummer, is also involved in a business fraternity and the Filipino American Association. These are just a few of the many activities each member is involved in. Practicing with their busy lives was a challenge at first, but now it is starting to get easier as the band performs more. 

Opal members have all had to accept that sometimes there will be bumps in the road. At one specific practice, there were some obstacles. Claire had been sick for over a week, so she had to miss this Saturday’s practice. At the same time, three members of Opal who are in another band, Horizon, had to get ready for their gig later that night. The band members still managed to get together, though, and they sounded great while they rehearsed their songs. 

Philip, the newest member of the band, was nervous to join Opal at first. He said that the band had already been together for about seven months when he joined. They had to look for a new drummer, and after playing with Philip a couple of times, they asked him to join. The other members include the guitarists, Ahnay and Kenneth, and Emmet on piano. Throughout the band’s time playing together, they have begun to work on creating some original songs. They started with covers in the beginning, as many bands on campus do. Philip mentioned that they have been playing the same songs for a while, so they do not need to practice those as much anymore. “I probably should practice more,” Philip said. Other members also agree that they could practice more, but are often too busy.

Being in a band can be both mentally and physically taxing, especially for busy college students. “When we have Bluebird shows back to back, even sometimes multiple times a week,” Claire said, “my voice was so tired and it was very stressful for me to keep up with that.” Claire also mentioned that the band has started to practice less over time because the band is more experienced and comfortable playing together. “Since we’ve been getting more Bluebird gigs,” Claire said, “we either don’t rehearse at all or we do once a weekend.” Claire also mentioned being tired the day after gigs, which can often make it hard to focus on schoolwork. While being in a band has its struggles, Claire also mentioned that their band members get along very well. 

Opal Members Claire and Philip speak about the challenges of time management with being in a band. They also talk about their experience as a band member and some of their favorite parts of Opal.

Philip says that managing his time with the band has begun to get easier. “I’m a senior now,” he said, “there’s a lot more time in the day now so I can put it toward things I really enjoy.” He said academics have become easier to balance because he was very focused on grades and internships throughout his first few years of college. When asked about having a social life while also focusing on the band, he said that his social life and the band have started to combine. “All of my friends are in my band or come to see me at my shows,” he said. He and Claire both mentioned how their social lives have combined with their band, which has had a positive impact on both of them. “You’re surrounded by people who are all thinking the same things,” Philip said, “it gets really draining, but it’s great to have a third space.” He also mentioned that he enjoys spending time with his fellow band members, and they are now some of his close friends. He also mentioned that coming together and being able to create music for others to enjoy is the most rewarding part. “I love these people, these are my best friends,” Claire said, “I think it’s that and seeing people enjoy it.”

By Alex Lemon, Kevin Barrett and Wilson Godfrey

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Apr. 3, 2025)

Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University-Bloomington is one of the most prestigious music schools in the country, reserved for only the best high school musicians from around the world. The audition process is grueling, the workload is intense and burnout rates are high. However, Sophomore saxophone student Dae Taylor looks to be the exception as he is no stranger to the bright lights and center stage. From his start in middle school, through the enduring times of Covid-19 and now debuting concerto’s in college with his quartet, Dae has always been ready to put on a show.

Dae has been exposed to saxophone his whole life, and chose the instrument because of his father, who he listened to practice saxophone growing up. As he started practicing and performing, Dae quickly realized that he not only loved to perform, but progress as a musician. This drive led him to Saxophone teacher Dana Booher, who has become his mentor. 

“I’d get to see him perform sometimes and it was always… super inspiring, you know? I want to play like him one day and see how far I can go.”

It was with his teacher that he found out what it meant to truly perform and influenced his drive to become an artist himself. However, Dae’s dream came to a screeching halt during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 “I went almost two years without performing live music,” Dae said. But instead of giving up, he looked towards the future, working towards that first performance back. Following this unexpected delay, Dae picked up exactly where he left off, loving saxophone the same, if not more. 

“It was just… A joy. A feeling like no other is really what I thought, especially in the moment,” Dae said. “It was a mundane performance in many ways, but in that way it’s really stuck with me. It made me realize again how passionate I am about performing and playing with other musicians.”

Following these performances, Dae made the decision to pursue saxophone performance at the highest level. He made it his goal to study under his teachers mentor, Dr. Otis Murphy at IU

To become the best version of an artist he could be, Dae knew that he would have to continue to develop all new styles which is what he has set out to do by branching out into many different types of performing, from solo work to quartets and also large chamber ensembles. For Dae, each one of these different types of performing allows him to reach into a different emotion and create something new each and every time. This has allowed him to avoid burnout and create a sense of joy in every opportunity, especially with his quartet, Hyperion.

“When I play with my quartet, I feel like it’s a conversation. You’re talking with these other musicians, you’re communicating and you’re really trying to create one cohesive texture and it’s always a great time… it’s very special.”

This feeling isn’t only a bright spot for Dae, but also other members of his quartet

“It’s nice to bring [a quartet] back to the studio and to have a quartet with some guys that were really good friends,” Hyperion quartet member Wyland Diehl said. “The vibe during the rehearsals their really good. We have some laughs, sometimes we get off topic but we’re able to lock in and get all our stuff done so it’s really nice.” 

Through the Hyperion quartet as well as Dae’s own artistic ability has made him a go-to undergraduate saxophonist for fellow undergraduate composers looking to debut new music, which has led to many opportunities for both Dae individually and the Hyperion quartet. These experiences at once in a lifetime performances help shape not only how he plays his saxophone, but how he looks at the notes on the page. 

“If I can get into the zone… really start feeling the music, I’m leaning into the phrases, [and] trying to make it more than just notes,” Dae said. 

Dae, however, is not only the performer, but is also active in the writing process. Dae has found a sense of excitement from getting to work with these composers and beamed at the idea of being apart of the editing process alongside each composer.

“That’s what I think is really fun about playing new music and working with living composers is that you can really get into the music with the person who wrote it,” Dae said.

From following in his mentors footsteps to now majoring in music performance, Dae has carved out a path and sound at IU that is truly his own.

By Abby Meisler, Eli Alvis, and Nathan Cohen

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (March 29, 2025) —

On a rainy spring day, members of the band Annie Babie paced back and forth in anticipation of their outdoor performance being canceled. Luckily, the performance was merely delayed, allowing Annie Babie to still deliver a remarkable show. With the strong chords of three electric guitars and a drum beat, their sound is distinct and uplifting, drawing in a crowd. Other young artists accompanied this performance as part of a fundraiser for Girls Rock Bloomington, which is part of the broader Girls Rock movement, featuring similar organizations in various cities. Girls Rock Bloomington teaches positive self-esteem through music education to young girls in the community. They host unique workshops, after-school programs, and open mic nights throughout the year, along with an annual summer camp. The fundraiser took place at Dunn Meadow this past Saturday afternoon, showcasing six concerts from local individual performers and bands to raise money for the organization.

A strong community of artists and music lovers came together this week in Bloomington, creating an intoxicating energy during these performances. Drummer Sarah Scherrer of Annie Babie enjoys the live performances and the community that forms through them. “Being in Annie Babie means playing shows for other people and making music so they can come and listen,” Scherrer said. This band has also allowed the members to express their passion for music while having fun with friends and creating new tunes. For bassist Carson Hoberty, the band has opened the door to new musical experiences. “It’s a new outlet to express myself and be with people I enjoy playing with, and it’s a different genre of music that I normally don’t get to play,” Hoberty said. For lead singer and guitarist Skylar Robinson, the band has pushed him to focus on writing lyrics and discovering new creative processes. “I write down in my notes app little turns of phrase I get throughout the day…I’ll just have a musical idea, but I need lyrics, so I try to tie everything together,” Robinson said.

Throughout the performances, a crowd began to gather on the grassy field of Dunn Meadow. As the sun peeked through the clouds, the concert came to life, supported by the growing audience. This energetic atmosphere, however, wouldn’t have been the same without friends and fans. Truman Harper has been a fan of Annie Babie and especially enjoyed this performance for its deeper purpose. “I love this band. I love their sound,” Harper said. “I have five sisters, so my whole life women’s rights have been important to me.” Harper has been involved in the local music community since moving to Bloomington.

Mia Fisher, a local artist who performed on Saturday, feels a deep connection to the power that music holds. Her relationship with music is something that motivates her to devote her time and energy to her passion. “I build deep connections with songs and artists…the idea that I would be able to do that for someone else is something that pushes me to keep writing and putting music out,” Fisher said. Music has deeply impacted her life, and she is dedicated to giving back. “I want to be able to give people what music has given me.”

This performance meant a lot to Fisher as a female artist in the community, making it a special experience for her to be able to contribute to Girls Rock. She believes it’s essential for young women to have accessible opportunities to pursue their passions. “It is still important to create specific spaces for women in music, so I’m honored to be able to help out,” Fisher said. “It’s just a great organization. It encourages young women to pursue music and to explore their creativity and expression.”

Girls Rock Bloomington has built a strong community with the support of Fisher, Annie Babie, and other local artists and followers. Their mission to empower and support the young women of Bloomington will continue to impact this growing and evolving community. Organizations like this that support and promote bands and artists in Bloomington such as Annie Baby and Mia Fisher allow artists to get their foot in the door of the music scene in Bloomington. Girls Rock is building a community and bringing together artists.

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 Danny Durkin, Naomi Maurer and Ursula Stickelmaier

The stage is dark as people file into room 015 in the Fine Arts Building. Music blasts from the speakers above. And, as the audience finds their seats, members of IUs sketch comedy group Boy in the Bubble wait backstage for the show to begin. Performing comedy can be intimidating for anyone, but joining an established group like Boy in the Bubble comes with both rewards and challenges.

The group’s newest performers, junior Claudia Logan, sophomore Grace Parton and freshman Jesse Kunst, joined the group in January this year. Shortly after officially joining Boy in the Bubble, the group held their first show of the semester, or their “New Kids” show, on Feb. 1 in the Fine Arts Building.

Despite their prior individual performing experience, this was the first time that the three new members performed sketch comedy in front of an audience. But being comfortable on stage is also something that these performers must be good with. For a new performer, like Logan or Parton, the thought of trying to be funny in front of a crowd of strangers may seem nerve wracking at first.

“It was intimidating,” Parton said. “I’d seen them all perform before, and they’re all very naturally funny. And you’re just intimidated going in. Like, I have a lot of imposter syndrome, thinking I’m not funny, or I can’t write, or anything like that. But the more you’re around people like that, I feel like, the more you’re like, oh, that’s silly. These are just fun people to be around. There’s nothing to be worried about.”

Though all the new members of Boy in the Bubble have had some sort of stage experience – Parton, whose current major is costume design and who acted in high school, has been around the stage more than most. Despite currently working in shows with the University Players, some free time in her schedule allowed Parton to audition for the group.

“This semester, I didn’t have much going on, so I kind of wanted to take the opportunity,” Parton said. “And I’d been to a few shows before, and Bubble was always my favorite, so I wanted to try it out.”

With her obligations to school, the University Players shows and her own social life, the addition of Boy in the Bubble rehearsals and shows to her schedule can become a challenge. But to Parton’s surprise, the sketch comedy group is very accommodating of its members’ schedules.

“Bubble makes it easier, because we meet every other week, so I can kind of focus on my other obligations in the weeks in between,” Parton said. “Three of our members were just in Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind, which is the main stage play this semester, and they just took a few weeks off. So, like, a few weeks is only three shows, and they’re going to be back with us the rest of the semester. So it’s not too bad.”

Writing sketches can also be something that challenges new members during their first tries. Logan, who wrote scripts when she was younger for the global organization Destination Imagination which she participated in, has pitched multiple sketches to Boy in the Bubble and has even had some make it into the shows. As her time in the group has progressed so has her process for writing scripts. Currently this means pulling from things she experiences or hears in her own life to create something funny.

“I find one thing that I’m like, ‘Okay, this would be funny. How do I build up to that?’” Logan said. “Like this skit that got in the show, I got from talking to my neighbor. He was making a pie and said something like, ‘My God, my butter is gonna be melted and not just softened.’ And I thought that was so funny. Then in one of my classes, my professor mentioned, like the redwood forest. And I was like, ‘Redwood forest and butter. How can I add that?’ And then I just kind of word vomited.”

For Logan, inspiration can come from anywhere. Whether it is a random conversation with a friend, a silly remark she overhears or even a professor’s lecture. The beginning of her writing process is less about crafting a structured narrative and more about chasing what makes her laugh, no matter how absurd the connections might seem.

Now this process may seem chaotic to some, but Logan thinks it’s important to recognize that not every sketch has to make sense. Sometimes the funniest sketches aren’t the ones that have a logical beginning, middle and end but the ones that include a little chaos.

“Sometimes we’ll read sketches, and they don’t make any sense at all,” Logan said. “And it’s okay, it’s just supposed to be funny. So I think, like taking that mindset, it really helps me write too.”

For new members, Boy in the Bubble isn’t just about the challenges it brings. It’s about finding a community where they can grow as comedians. And from writing sketches to performing on stage, Logan says they’ve found encouragement every step of the way.

“Everyone in the group is just so nice,” Logan said. “They all welcomed me in like I was already their friend, so that was pretty comforting.”

Claudia Logan and Grace Parton discuss what its like to be new members of a popular comedy group on campus. Logan and Parton both joined IUs sketch comedy group, Boy in the Bubble, in Jan. 2025 and have participated in all the shows of the spring semester through sketch writing and performance.

By Brady Owen, Phoebe Hyun, and Edward Lewis

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Apr. 3, 2025)

As the lights in the theater slowly started to dim, so did the voices in the audience. All Angelo Pizzo could do was take deep breaths in order not to let his worries take over. The air in the theater was thick with anticipation. This was the moment he fought for, a test screening for the film he had poured his soul into. If the audience didn’t like it, well, that was it; it was over. His heart pounded, each beat louder than the last as he watched his film unfold on screen. His mind was restless as he thought about all the challenges he had faced up until this moment. As the end credits rolled and the lights slowly turned on, the entire theater erupted. For a full five minutes, all you could hear were cheers and claps, he had done it. The fight had been worth it. His dream had come true. 

It’s the kind of story you’d see in a classic movie: a small-town dreamer with big dreams fighting against all odds to make it in the industry. But for Angelo Pizzo, it wasn’t a movie, it was his life. From his small-town childhood to becoming the creator of arguably the most iconic sports films, Hoosiers and Rudy, Angelo’s journey is one of a dreamer who faced all his challenges head-on. His story is more than just about making movies – it’s about dealing with setback after setback and proving dreams are achieved through persistence, passion, and lessons learned from failure. 

Growing up in a small town, Angelo Pizzo never dared to dream of a career that was not “traditional.” It wasn’t until later in life that he found his true calling and was willing to jump into a world of unknowns. Angelo said, “I’ve always loved film, but I’ve never thought of making a living doing it.” He explained how for a good portion of his life, his plan was to work in politics. However, that plan took an unexpected turn after his involvement in the anti-war movement, which shifted his perspective entirely. Disillusioned with politics, he took a step back from the conventional path and decided to “ski a season in Aspen, surf a season in Hawaii, and live on a commune there.”

It was during this time of exploration and self-discovery that Angelo began to reconsider his future. After returning home, his father told him that he’d “support him no matter what, but [Angelo] had to pursue something he loved.” This moment of encouragement marked a turning point in Angelo’s life, propelling him toward a career in a field he never imagined — filmmaking.

Early Struggles

Like many success stories, Angelo’s journey was filled with setbacks. For years, he worked with companies like Warner Brothers and 21st Century Fox until he felt ready to go off and create something on his own. 

Initially, Angelo’s approach to filmmaking was more academic. After being told by the head of the comparative literature department that he needed a doctorate from one of three specific schools, he was motivated to do just that. After years of working toward that very goal, he ended up scoring an internship that was usually for production students, he soon began questioning his career choices once more. 

After being told by one of the people he was fortunate enough to work with that he “doesn’t belong in academics, you’ve got to be in this business”, he was able to start gaining work experience in development, which led him to become vice president of production. 

During the early years in his career, Angelo faced many challenges, rejection and uncertainty being two of them. Yet, he didn’t let anything deter him. Instead, he used it as fuel to push himself forward.

The Importance of Persistence and Passion

For Angelo, the most important lesson in his career was learning to keep going, no matter the odds. He stressed how important determination is for anyone looking to make it in a competitive industry like filmmaking.

Angelo said, “The one thing I was told really early on was you’re going to face a lot of rejection. You’re going to get a series of nos and people discouraging you that you’re not going to make it. And if you allow other people to define what you’re capable of…then you’re finished”.

Despite the setbacks, he refused to let others define his potential became the foundation for his success. By embracing his failures and pushing forward, Angelo ultimately found his place in the industry, creating some of the most beloved and iconic films in sports history. His journey reminds us all that success isn’t about avoiding failure, but about having the grit to rise again and again, no matter how many times you’re knocked down.

Behind the Scenes: Quinley’s Perspective

To truly understand what it’s like to work with Angelo, we spoke to Quinley Bowden, his stepdaughter, who had the chance to work with Angelo on his most recent project. Quinley, who has witnessed Angelo’s journey up close, shared her perspective on what it’s like to see him both at home and on set. “Well, I think that both on and off set he’s a different person… in real life he’s kind of nonchalant… he’s just a guy. But on set, he’s very locked in”.

When asked what Angelo’s previous work means to her, Quinley said,  “…these are really inspirational movies. I always feel really good after watching an Angelo Pizzo movie”. We also asked Quinley how working with Angelo on set had impacted her understanding of filmmaking and storytelling. She reflected thoughtfully, “I was involved… for a long time. I read the script months beforehand, seeing the way the movie morphed and changed throughout the whole process was really cool”.

A Legacy of Hope

Today, Angelo Pizzo’s name is synonymous with inspiring stories of hope and perseverance. His films continue to resonate with audiences around the world, showing that the greatest victories often emerge from the greatest struggles. His journey serves as a powerful reminder to anyone chasing a dream — whether in film or any other field — that success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of hard work, passion, and never giving up.

As Angelo reflects on his career, he connects the story of Rudy to the challenges many people face in their own lives. “Rudy seems to inspire people to do a couple of things,” he explains. “To go after their dream no matter how impossible it seems, and no matter how little support you have from your friends and family.” He adds, “Rudy never gave away the power to let others define not only who he was, but what he was capable of. And I think a lot of people are looking for that in their own lives.”

For those just starting out, Angelo Pizzo’s story proves that success in Hollywood—or in any field—isn’t reserved for the fortunate few. It’s for those who dare to dream and have the persistence to make those dreams a reality.

Pizzo highlights important pieces of his film career and how he has reached the tip of the mountain from his humble beginnings

By Raeghan Miller, Jenna Nolot, and Hayden Pope

BLOOMINGTON, IN. (April 3, 2025)

For most athletes, a college career ends with the final whistle of a season-ending game. For Indiana University basketball player Jackson Creel, however, that ending came earlier than expected. A tough injury forced him to step away from the game, which not only altered his season, but also his perspective on basketball and life. 

Jackson suffered a foot injury while returning from Christmas break. Initially, the setback had a negative impact on the rest of his season. He was faced with a tough reality that he didn’t expect. He underwent surgery about a week and a half later, holding onto hopes that the healing process would speed up in time for him to return to the court. However, as time passed and the season came to an end, he realized he wasn’t going to get the ending he had imagined.

“It took me a lot of time to readjust,” Jackson said. “It was sad that I had to end my college career without being on the court. The season came to an end, and I still wasn’t able to return. But I’m grateful for the experience.” 

When Jackson was first injured, he didn’t think there was much he could do for his team. But over time, his perspective shifted. He realized he could still contribute in meaningful ways without stepping foot onto the court. 

“I could bring a lot of energy to practice and drills, be a cheerleader for my teammates, just giving them confidence and enthusiasm,” Jackson said. Even though this didn’t affect his performance, he was able to help his teammates. 

This shift in mindset allowed Jackson to be thankful for his season, even though it looked nothing like what he had expected. He appreciated that he had the opportunity to positively impact his team. 

Meanwhile, Jordan Rayford, a point guard for Indiana University, was suffering from his own struggles after tearing a ligament in his foot. This injury placed him on the sideline for nine months. During this time, he realized how much he missed playing with his team. He admitted that when you’re healthy, it’s easy to take some moments for granted. 

“I became more grateful for things I used to look past, like waking up early for practice,” Jordan said. “It changed how I viewed performance as well. Before I thought about it in terms of how many shots I was making, dunks, and layups. Now, I see it as more than that. It’s how I maintain my health off the court. Getting into the ice tank after practice, working with the trainer, those things became more important to me. 

Jordan spent nine months watching his teammates put in the work, giving him a new perspective as a player. Instead of focusing on what he couldn’t do, he used this time to his advantage, watching and improving his skills for his future on the court. “You actually get to watch practice and see where people are making mistakes,” he said. “When you come back, you can fill those voids.”

The shift in mindset helped both players find meaning in their time away from the court. They realized that being a part of the team was an opportunity that shouldn’t be taken for granted, and they needed to appreciate the sport and the brotherhood that came with it. 

For other athletes dealing with potentially career-ending injuries, they both offered a piece of advice. Jackson said, “It’s not ideal, but be grateful that you had this opportunity. Bring thankfulness, joy, encouragement, and appreciate that you can impact their performance and help them as much as you can.” Jordan highlighted that his perspective changed after his injury, and it made him the player he is today. He wants others to know that they need to find the positives of being injured. 

Though Jackson and Jordan’s college careers went in a direction they never expected, they both have a deeper appreciation for their health, the game, and the impact they can have beyond playing on the court. As Jackson moves on from Indiana University, he takes with him the lessons of gratitude, while Jordan prepares for another shot at the game he loves. Both players have grown through their struggles, proving that resilience, perspective, and gratitude can turn setbacks into opportunities.

https://youtu.be/JS9-2QHR3sE

IU men’s basketball players Jordan Rayford and Jackson Creel open up about their experiences with injury, recovery, and the mental toll of being sidelined. Their stories reveal how performance extends beyond the court and into the personal challenges athletes face off the hardwood.