The Miami Hurricane: Oct. 1, 2025

UHealth expands with SoLé Mia ambulatory center

By Katie Karlson Editor-in-Chief

SoLé Mia, UHealth’s newest development and largest ambulatory center in North Miami, opened for patients on Tuesday, Sept. 30. The property is a 184-acre development with outpatient care, residential spaces, restaurants and stores.

SoLé Mia features a collaboration between UHealth Orthopedics and the Hospital for Special Surgery. HSS has been ranked the No.1 orthopedic hospital in the U.S. for 16 years in a row.

The ambulatory center is for outpatient operations only, meaning that patients can stay up to 23 hours be-

ment. It is the first UHealth building to integrate artificial intelligence into its design. Artificial intelligence, including ambient listening, will reduce administrative work and improve operational efficiency so that doctors can spend more time with patients.

Dr. Joseph Pizzolato, an oncologist at the Sylvester Comprehensive Care Center, is excited for SoLé Mia to bring a positive health care experience to his community.

“With the opening of Lennar in Coral Gables in 2016, we began to see what was possible in healthcare,” he said. “The feeling of cold waiting rooms, endless wait times and the need to travel all over the county for

“With SoLé Mia, we are bringing true, world-class care to the North Dade and Miami Beach area,” he said. “As I have served this area for over 21 years, I’m excited for the community to truly experience this and put an end to the negative stigmata of healthcare.”

The artwork in the building is very intentional, helping to eliminate the sterile feeling in many hospitals. The bottom floor starts with art representing dusk and the top floor mimics the sunrise.

“The Colors of Sound” painting by Nicolle Cure, a former UHealth patient who experienced sudden hearing loss in 2017, hangs on the audiology floor.

UHealth locations. This location is purely a clinical enterprise and is not intended for research or student research. Developers invested more than $1.2 billion into the community, which includes UHealth and other properties.

Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez, a thoracic oncologist at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, is most excited about SoLé Mia’s technology and new programs.

“After 17 years of serving this community, I’ve seen firsthand the lack of access to cutting-edge research, top multidisciplinary care and opportunities for true community engagement. The new UHealth Sole Mia changes that,” said Dr. Rodriguez.

receive world-class care, take part in groundbreaking research and connect with wellness programs — all under one roof, close to home.”

This opening comes just less than a year after UHealth Doral opened, showing the expanding presence of UHealth and its contribution to the local economy and job market.

According to Dr. Gilberto de Lima Lopes Jr., associate director for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, “UHealth represents a little more than 60% of UM’s operational revenue.”

Dr. Lopes feels that expanding into the North Miami and Aventura areas is going to improve access to care.

“This offers new referral channels,sibly alleviation of pressure on

HHS moves to ‘decertify’ Miller School’s organ recovery agency

By Katie Karlson & Daniella Krasney Editor-in-Chief & News Editor

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is moving to decertify the “failing” Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency, a division at UM’s Miller School of Medicine as of Thursday, Sept. 18. This move comes after an HHS investigation revealed “years of poor training, chronic underperformance, understaffing and paperwork errors.” The HHS cited a 2024 case of a surgeon mistakenly declining a donated heart for a transplant patient. Life Alliance, a division of the Daughtry Family Department of Surgery at Miller, is one of the 55 organ procurement organizations in the U.S. These organizations are regulated by HHS through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

If completed, this would be the first government decertification of an OPO, according to The Hill. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s initiative to reform the organ transplant system was launched in July after the Health Resources and Services Administration “revealed disturbing practices” by an unidentified OPO. The HHS investigation

found that at least 28 organ donors nationally may not have been clinically dead when organ procurement was initiated.

“Our findings show that hospitals

“The entire system must be fixed to ensure that every potential donor’s life is treated with the sanctity it deserves.”

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services

allowed the organ procurement process to begin when patients showed signs of life, and this is horrifying,” said Kennedy. “The entire system must be fixed to ensure that every

potential donor’s life is treated with the sanctity it deserves.”

Morgan Burger, a nursing student at UM who is rotating in the transplant unit of Jackson Memorial Hospital, is worried that decertifying Life Alliance will destabilize the organ transplantation process, resulting in negative outcomes for patients.

“I think it’s hard enough for patients to get off the transplant list. Adding a transition, another obstacle in this tumultuous process is hard to hear.”

Burger also acknowledged that “staffing is an issue” in the healthcare industry, a factor that HHS has stated they are looking to improve.

Emily Hillard, press secretary for HHS, said in an email exchange that during the decertification process, “families, hospitals and patients in South Florida will continue to have access to organ recovery and transplantation services.” A process of “competition” will allow other OPOs to take over the South Florida certification, allowing patients access to care after Life Alliance is decertified.

UM medical and transplant organizations have faced other investigations in the past.

Continued on page 2.

While patients will not be able to stay overnight, patients can visit SoLé Mia for consultations, laboratory tests, X-rays and follow up visits. There are no in-patient beds, so patients wouldent UHealth location if -

By Leelou Lambolez Contributing Writer

By Christian McDonald Guest Columnist

Why prosecutors mistakenly believed key witness in fatal 2006 shooting of Hurricane football player was dead

By Mel Tenkoff Managing Editor

In an exclusive exchange with

The Hurricane, the Miami Dade State Attorney’s Office explained why prosecutors mistakenly believed that a key witness in the 2006 shooting of Miami Hurricanes’ Bryan Pata was dead.

Pata, who was projected as a possible third-round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, was just 22 years old when he died. He was shot and killed outside his Kendall apartment complex on Nov. 7, 2006.

The key witness, former UM English professor Paul Conner, told police he heard a “pop” and saw a man “jogging away” from the parking lot entrance in a 2022 testimony. Conner identified Pata’s former teammate, Rashaun Jones, as the alleged shooter in a photo lineup, according to ESPN.

Since the summer of 2025, prosecutors have mistakenly reported that Conner was dead.

SAO Public Information Officer Ed Griffith said investigators relied on the public records database

‘The Academy,’ cowritten by sophomore Shelby

By Jenna Simone Assistant A&E Editor

CLEAR which indicated Conner had died.

Officers in Louisville then conducted a welfare check by knocking on Conner’s door to confirm his death on July 8, 2025.

“Upon hearing no sounds from inside, [Homicide Detective Russell Lassiter and Officer Joseph Gonzales] visited the management office who informed them they did not have an individual by [the name Paul Conner] living there,” Griffith said.

Later this summer, reporters from ESPN knocked on Conner’s apartment door expecting no response, but instead found him alive. ESPN then contacted the SAO for a comment on Sept. 18, alerting prosecutors that Conner was alive.

“Louisville Homicide was again contacted and Detectives Budzinski and Burns went to Conner’s residence on Sept. 18 and made contact with him,” Griffith said.

The State received body camera footage from Louisville Metro Police documenting officers’ visits on July 8, July 22 and Sept. 18.

Continued on page 2.

By Vivian Amoia Contributing Writer

Miami volunteers join global coastal cleanup

By Leelou Lambolez Contributing Writer

More than 3,000 volunteers collected more than 25,000 pounds of trash at 68 cleanup sites across Miami-Dade County during the 40th annual International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 20.

Students, families and volunteers invested their time to join the University of Miami’s Rescue a Reef program to clear 200 pounds of debris from the Rickenbacker Marina shoreline.

The ICC, coordinated by Ocean Conservancy, is the world’s largest single-day cleanup and unites communities in more than 90 countries.

Rescue a Reef, UM’s coral restoration program, gathered students and community members to clear Miami’s shores of debris. Participants were able to log their fndings in the CleanSwell app by easily recording each item of trash collected.

For both veterans and frst-time participants, the event was about action, awareness and protecting the reefs that make South Florida unique.

Devon Ledbetter, Rescue a Reef’s

program manager, said the event was about perspective.

“Today is a lot bigger than Rescue a Reef,” she said to the crowd at Rickenbacker. “We are not just picking up trash, we are contributing to a larger research goal.”

In an interview with the Hurricane, Ledbetter explained the connection between marine debris and coral conservation.

“Plastic that ends up in our beaches and on our waterways do end up having a downstream effect on coral reef health,” Ledbetter said. “There have been studies that show that they can actually communicate diseases that can kill our corals or damage them.”

Rescue a Reef has been involved with ICC for several years, but 2025 marked Ledbetter’s frst time leading the event.

With 50 volunteers signed up, the turnout refected both growing environmental concerns and strong community spirit.

“What makes this event special is that volunteers don’t just remove trash, they contribute data that scientists can use to understand marine debris distribution,” Ledbetter said. “It transforms a cleanup into citizen science.”

That connection between science and action resonated with participants of all ages. For students on the cleanup, this dual mission was motivating.

Reyli Lopez, a Miami-Dade College student attending his frst ICC, said the cleanup was about accountability.

“We are taking care of the world we’re living in. Garbage not only affects the animals, but it also affects us,” he said. “It’s crazy to think about the amount of garbage that you pick and the amount of random things you fnd. Us as humans, we just throw everything to the foor, not thinking how it affects us.”

Long-time volunteer Lucas Folse echoed that sentiment after hauling in heavy debris.

“We found a big lead pipe and a syringe today,” he said. “That’s why cleanups like this are still so important.”

For Folse, joining this event was a way to show his commitment after several years following the work of Rescue a Reef.

“It’s International Coastal Cleanup Day,” Folse said. “It’s a big event that everybody is taking part in, and I just wanted to be a part of it too.”

17-year-old Giovanni Desimone, a reef ambassador who hopes to study

HHS moves to ‘decertify’ Miller School’s organ recovery agency

By Katie Karlson & Daniella Krasney Editor-in-Chief & News Editor

Continued from page 1.

The Miami Transplant Institute, which is a collaboration between UHealth and the Jackson Health System, was suspended from performing adult heart transplants in 2023. The institute voluntarily agreed to suspend the program while anonymous complaints were investigated.

In a separate case largely related to the Miami Transplant Institute, a press release on the DOJ website says that UM agreed to pay $22 mil-

lion in 2021 to “resolve allegations” that it violated the False Claims Act. The press release says UM ordered “medically unnecessary” laboratory tests for patients who received kidney transplants and submitted “infated claims for reimbursement” for pre-transplant testing.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator, highlighted that addressing the current state of the system will improve patient outcomes.

“For too long, patients and families have suffered from systemic failures,” Oz said. “We are enforcing rigorous standards and modernizing the system with better data, stronger oversight and innovative tools to make organ procurement safer, fairer and more effective for every

American awaiting a transplant.” Life Alliance responded to the efforts with a statement issued on their website.

“The top priority of the Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency (LAORA) has always been safe, respectful and compliant organ donation practices,” Life Alliance said. “We will cooperate fully with HHS to ensure a smooth transition and will not appeal. We hope that other OPOs follow suit in putting patients frst. Our focus remains on protecting the dignity of donors, supporting their families, and advancing the life-saving mission of organ transplantation.”

The University of Miami has not responded to requests for comment.

ESPN’s College GameDay comes to Coral Gables

By Gianni Echeverria Contributing Writer

ESPN’s College GameDay came to the University of Miami campus ahead of the Hurricanes’ rivalry matchup against the University of Florida.

“This is the U. This is the U that I knew. The U is back,” said UM President and CEO Joe Echeverria to The Hurricane. The last time College GameDay came to Miami was in 2017, when the Hurricanes were one of the most promising teams in college football. They eventually lost their final two matchups of the season, as well as the Orange Bowl. This year, football legends Desmond Howard, Nick Saban and Pat

McAfee all predicted Miami to beat Florida while a crowd of more than 3,500 people behind them cheered.

At the end of the broadcast, Pat McAfee not only predicted Miami would defeat the Florida Gators, but he also ran to the high dive at the campus pool and jumped into the water screaming, “The U is back!” Some fans arrived at Lakeside

Patio as early as 3 a.m. to secure a spot at the front. Among those fans was sophomore Luke Lentini.

When asked his thoughts about GameDay in Miami, he said, “I love the atmosphere. It means our football team is doing great. And the ’Canes are rolling, baby!”

That excitement carried over to one of the show’s most popular

segments: the field goal contest. In this segment, one fan is chosen to kick a field goal to win a large cash prize.

A Hurricanes fan named Henry Whiting selected his friend, Giovanni Guerrette to kick. Guerrette was given two attempts to kick a 33-yard field goal to win $500,000. His first attempt bounced off the side of the Shalala Student Center and his second attempt fell just short of the goal.

College GameDay coming to Miami means more than just amusing signs and catchy chants. For the students, families and alumni who came to GameDay, the event signals a new chapter in the Hurricanes football program and a restoration to its former glory.

Shelton Douchett, a Miami na -

marine biology at UM, emphasized the importance of showing up.

“I wanted to help clean up the beach because I know how dirty it is, we all do, and I wanted to help,” he said. “Because I can just sit down on the couch and watch it on TV, but I want to be here, I want to do something.”

Trash was easy to fnd.

“I was actually climbing over the trees like Tarzan to grab pieces of trash that were just hanging from the trees,” said Desimone.“It was pretty bad.”

Despite being his frst ICC event, Desimone already knew he’d be back.

“You’ve got to get your hands dirty. It’s the only way to really understand the problem and be part of the solution,” he said.

By the end of the day, the team had collected 200 pounds of waste making an immediate difference for both the shoreline and international debris tracking. But for Ledbetter, the real value lies in engagement.

“When they realize that they’re doing this for a larger research goal and contributing to ongoing research, it tends to create more of an investment in the issue and increases engagement,” he said.

As the ICC celebrated 40 years, Mi-

ami’s community proved that change begins locally. In the words of Desimone: “Be brave, come out here and get some work done.”

“You’ve got to get your hands dirty. It’s the only way to really understand the problem and be part of the solution.”

Giovanni Desimone Reef Ambassador

Why prosecutors mistakenly believed key witness in fatal 2006 shooting of Hurricane football player was dead

By Mel Tenko Managing Editor

Continued from page 1.

“The State informed the court on Friday, Sept. 19, that Conner was alive,” Griffith said. “[We] told the court we would need to re-address the prior unavailability ruling in light of the new information.”

Conner’s 2022 testimony has been preserved and may still be

used at trial if he does not testify in person. Testimony is often preserved in cases where a witness may die, become incapacitated, be overseas or face other serious limitations.

“Conner’s availability (or unavailability) determines whether Conner testifies live at trial or the video of his perpetuated testimony is played,” Griffith said.

The trial, originally set for Oct. 6, 2025, has been postponed to Feb. 9, 2026, through a court continuance.

tive who is well-known for wearing a full Hurricanes football uniform to home games, was also present at GameDay. He wears the full uniform to honor his deceased brother, with whom he would frequently attend games.

“[College GameDay] means a lot. I’ve been coming to the games for the last 16 years, and I dress up in honor of my brother’s memory,” said Douchett. “It’s like Thanksgiving for me. It’s amazing.”

GameDay brought an increase in police and security presence to campus. Barricades were placed around campus and fans were subject to bag searches and metal detectors before gaining entry to the event. Fraternity tailgates were also cancelled due to the increased need for police on campus.

ACC Huddle, a live pregame show on the ACC Network, was also present on campus. It aired live from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and

included an interview with Head Coach Mario Cristobal.

That evening, the Hurricanes traveled north to Hard Rock Stadium to take on the Florida Gators. Miami emerged victorious, defeating Florida in a 26-7 win. When asked about Miami in relation to the rest of the ACC, Eric Mac Lain, former Clemson football player and current ACC analyst, said, “I think they’re the best team in the league. They’re the most complete team I have the least questions about.”

Some students had a difficult time acquiring tickets to the event due to a website crash and a persistent loading screen. In spite of these difficulties, student tickets still sold out just three hours after being available to claim.

The Hurricanes will play their next game on Oct. 4 in Tallahassee against the Florida State Seminoles.

“This is the U. This is the U that I knew. The U is back.”

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor visits UM on book tour

By Hannah Valdivia Contributing Writer

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor visited the University of Miami for a live interview in partnership with Robert B. Cole lecture series at the UM Law School and local bookstore Books & Books. CBS News Anchor, Erika Gonzalez, hosted the interview.

Sotomayor shared important lessons from her new children’s book “Just Shine! How to Be a Better You,” inspired by the life of her late mother, Celina Báez. It follows Baez’s experiences as a young immigrant from Puerto Rico.

“She [her mother] came into the world with very little, and left it with so much grace and love,” said Sotomayor. “Everything that was good in me came from my mother. I didn’t realize that she was my frst and best teacher … sometimes we wait too late to appreciate that.”

Sotomayor explained that while she did not have a perfect relationship with her mother, she instilled

many of the values and world views that Sotomayor still keeps today.

“My mother was so incredibly humble,” said Justice Sotomayor.

She also discussed how her mother was not affectionate towards her growing up, and this was something both Sotomayor and her mother had to learn well into adulthood.

About halfway through the interview, Sotomayor stood up and announced that she would be walking through the crowd to embrace each of the children in the audience.

As she walked through the crowd, she continued answering the hosts questions while also thanking guests for attending and making conversation with the children who attended.

Sotomayor praised her mother as her ultimate inspiration and made it evident how much she cherishes their relationship.

“My mother made me the justice I am today. She made me the judge and person that I am,” she said.

Gonzalez asked about Sotomayor’s thoughts on the school system’s teaching about civics and

International community at UM navigate immigration roadblocks

By Elena Fallow Co-News Editor

The Trump administration’s immigration crackdown expanded to legal citizens and even tourists in the frst half of 2025, according to The New York Times. International students, with legal documentation like visas and green cards, who were participating in pro-Palestine protests were being detained or having their visas revoked.

Around the same time as the increase in deportations and detensions, at least eight University of Miami students had their visas revoked.

An additional 59 faculty faculty and staff were reported to have also been affected by the new immigration policies.

These events put the international community on edge.

“Ever since the change in administration, I caught on pretty quickly that I must become as apolitical as possible in order to ensure I’d be safe,” said an anonymous international student.

Actions against international students have since slowed down, with the exception of the State Department pausing international and exchange student visa interviews over the summer.

“While the government has not done anything directed towards [international] students recently, I am still very careful with everything I do,” said another anonymous international student.

Faculty members have not had the same luck. As of September 21, companies that seek to hire international

employees using the H-1B visa must now pay a $100,000 fee per worker.

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the new policy “requires a $100,000 payment to accompany any new H-1B visa petitions submitted after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on Sept. 21, 2025. This includes the 2026 lottery, and any other H-1B petitions submitted after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on Sept. 21, 2025.”

The fee is a one-time expense for new H1-B petitions and does not affect renewals.

An anonymous faculty member expressed her concerns leading up to the decision. “I don’t know what I would do if my visa is affected,” she said. “I don’t have that kind of money to pay for this visa.”

While faculty and staff who already have visas and whose applications are in progress do not have to worry, the future of international employees at UM is uncertain.

The policy also brings into question the future of international students who plan to work in the United States after college.

One UM international upperclassman expressed how the new H1-B may change her post graduate plans.

“At the start of undergrad I was almost certain I wanted to work for a couple of years in the US after graduation,” she said. “Now that balance has shifted to more 50/50 between [staying in the US] and going back home or pursuing opportunities in a more friendly foreign climate.”

The University of Miami did not respond to a request for comment.

government. Justice Sotomayor emphasized the need for citizens to understand and utilize their freedoms while participating in government.

“Unless you know the sense of why we [democratic government] are what we are, you won’t know enough to protect it,” said Sotomayor.

Justice Sotomayor proceeded to answer previously submitted and selected questions of several University of Miami Law students who were also present at the event.

New Publix megastore

By Vivian Amoia Contributing Writer

One student asked about the role that compassion plays in making a decision as a United States Supreme Court Justice.

“I don’t rule based on what I think is fair in terms of morality. I have to rule on what I think is right under the law,” Sotomayor said.

The fnal question asked was

“What gives you hope?”

“I believe today and every day we have people who will stand up and do the right thing. The people I can inspire most to do that … are kids,” said Justice Sotomayor.

Her book, “Just Shine!” can currently be found online and in bookstores for purchase.

She went on to distinguish her use of empathy in making a court decision from compassion, sharing that empathy is only applied in trying to understand the other side of an argument, but it does not factor into her decisions as a supreme court justice.

Bradley, a UM student and

“It’s so much

“We are excited to welcome customers to their

Publix. The store refects

and

offerings,” Publix said in a statement. Along with welcoming new customers, Publix also celebrated its 95th anniversary by handing out commemorative reusable bags to the frst 95 customers at the grand opening. The new Riviera Plaza location will operate next door to

The decline of good TV fashion

By Hannah Valdivia Contributing Writer

If you’ve been keeping up with today’s latest shows like “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and “My Life with the Walter Boys,” then you’re no stranger to their recent fashion flops. Belly’s prom-dress-turnedwedding-gown and Jackie’s business formal first day fit show just how far removed we are from the iconic fashions from “Sex and the City” and “Gossip Girl.”

When you look back at characters like Carrie Bradshaw, Rachel Green and Blair Waldorf, it’s clear that modern TV fashion is no longer trend-worthy in comparison to the icons of the early 2000’s.

According to InStyle, Rachel Green’s iconic use of print, slip dresses and baby tees in the show “Friends” are still trendy today, and have shown up in dozens of recent fashion trends. The “Rachel Green Haircut” also circulated social media earlier this year, leaving girls across TikTok running to their local hair salon for a trim.

Monica and Rachel’s use of baby tees and chic office-style are something I see mixed into almost every college girl’s closet, and never go out of style.

Another fashion icon of the 2000s we all know and love is Carrie Bradshaw. While most people know her for chasing her situationship Big across Paris, Carrie’s unique fashion choices and extensive shoe collection made her one of the best-dressed women on TV.

British Vogue said that trends we see today such as name plate necklaces, tube tops and the “little black dress” were all made popular by

Carrie herself. It’s like she said, “I like my money where I can see it, hanging in my closet.”

More recent shows seem to have missed the memo on what teens and young adults are actually wearing these days.

Belly, the star of Amazon Prime’s “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” has rightfully been under some scrutiny for her extremely questionable fashion choices.

For starters, no matter how much of a broke college student Belly is, a silk, white prom dress is never acceptable for your own wedding.

According to TikTok users

@silverliningsplaybooks and @ teamconniebabyforever1, fans felt

that Belly’s outfits were too immature for someone in their early twenties and not representative of what people her age actually wear. We also need to address the awful disco party outfit she wore in season 2. I know it might be a controversial take, but come on. If you saw anyone wearing an outfit like that to a costume party, you’d probably also see them getting hated on all over YikYak the next morning.

Shows like “Never Have I Ever,” “My Life with the Walter Boys” and “Riverdale” also sparked some commentary from viewers who argued that “there are more problems with how [the teens] look” than with their actual portrayal of the character.

While there are definitely shows that got it right like “Outer Banks” and “Gossip Girl,” I wouldn’t be caught dead in half of the outfits I’ve seen some characters wear, and I’m not the only one who thinks so.

“The clothes they dress teenagers in is ridiculous. It’s not representative of teenagers at all. Nobody wears that. It’s so annoying, how hard is it to get it right?” said Isa Molliner, a junior here at UM.

Lets just hope that future costume designers will finally get it right and show what their viewers are actually wearing. I think it’s time they started visiting real school campuses to avoid dressing their characters in an embarrassment of an outfit.

The ‘Sunshine State’ is not living up to its name

By Birdie Church Contributing Writer

Consistent umbrella carrying, rainboots and puddle-avoiding walks to class are not quite the image the “Sunshine State” sells, but it is what University of Miami’s students must endure this hurricane season.

With students constantly being caught in the rain, UM’s 68% out-of-state student population is easy to spot. They have yet to learn that Florida’s rain will simply appear whenever it wants and it won’t ever stop. Watching students tiptoeing through puddles while attempting but failing to confine themselves to fit under their school bags is almost laughable.

That’s why learning how to dress, prepare and adapt to Miami’s unpredictable downpours isn’t just useful — it’s essential for surviving hurricane season as a UM student.

Many students haven’t had to be conscious of the weather throughout their life, but in Miami you have to adjust fast. Obliviousness to the weather is not an option here, staying dry means staying aware. One second you could be

tanning and in the blink of an eye, the lightning alarm sounds.

As a California native, to me, rain automatically means I get to wear a hoodie and sweatpants. However, the mix of humidity and rainfall in Florida makes dressing appropriately confusing, and getting ready seems like an impossible balancing act.

Swapping out heavy cottons and polyesters for linens or moisture-wicking athletic clothing is key in this type of rain. Ensure that your clothing is composed of light, breathable fabrics that can get wet and are comfortable in the Miami heat. While these types of clothing may fall out of favor among fashion enthusiasts, accessories can elevate any outfit. Whether it be jewelry, a cute belt, a head scarf or a fun pair of socks, there is no excuse not to let your personal style shine. Accessories allow a fun way to add your personal style to what could be deemed as a previously basic outfit.

UM students must always carry an umbrella and a compact poncho whether the forecast is rainy or not. “U.S. scientists, including NOAA, are forecasting an above-normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, with 13-19 named

storms, 6-10 hurricanes, and 3-5 major hurricanes.” So while carrying these items around may feel trivial, especially this erratic hurricane season, it is essential to stay dry. Leathers and suedes are both fabrics that absorb water, so when they get wet, their quality is ruined. While avoiding leather and suedes should be common rain etiquette, that would be naive to the number of leather totes used by students as school bags.

Purchasing a waterproofing spray to protect luxury items should be the standard. Whether it be Golden Goose’s or Goyard’s, leather and suede goods are an investment and should be treated as such. Simple maintenance tools can be bought for $16.99 on Amazon. So please, skip one trip to Pura Vida and protect your belongings.

Surviving this hurricane season isn’t about luck, it’s about habit. An umbrella, light breathable fabrics and a little waterproofing spray can make the difference between appearing put-together or drenched. With Miami’s unpredictable rainfall, make checking the weather part of your routine before stepping out the door.

A silent epidemic: Reawakening the fight against a cancer virus

By Christian McDonald Guest Columnist

This piece won the OpiniUM Challenge, an academic research competition for the University of Miami’s graduate students to present their research in an op-ed.

Over 90% of the world’s population is infected with at least one herpesvirus. This family of viruses includes well-known players such as herpes simplex, which causes cold sores and even the virus responsible for chickenpox. However, there is a forgotten member of this group called Kaposi’s Sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV). Its infamy surged years ago because unlike other herpesviruses, KSHV can induce cancer in humans. Despite its destructive abilities, KSHV has faded from public memory, but we urgently need to develop a vaccine to confront this pervasive infection.

A cancer virus emerges

Unexpectedly discovered during the height of the AIDS epidemic, KSHV was identified as the cause of Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS), a cancer common to many living with HIV. This cancer became an AIDS-defining illness in the 1980s and gained public attention through films like “Philadelphia”

(1993), where actor Tom Hanks portrayed a man suffering from KS. With the explosive rise of HIV cases in the 1980s, KSHV spread rapidly through the population. KS appears as purple spots on the skin, and patients who developed these tumors were severely stigmatized. Fortunately, therapies used to combat HIV led to a dramatic decrease in new KS cases.

Kaposi’́s Sarcoma in our modern world

So why do we care about this disease today?

As a PhD student in microbiology and immunology, I am tackling this question by studying the intersection of cancer and viruses. Unraveling the answer has unearthed a grim reality.

First, after 30 years since its discovery, there is still no FDA-approved test for KSHV infection. Even more striking is that for over 20 years, treatment for KS has gone virtually unchanged.

This is concerning, especially because studies have shown that many patients do not respond well to existing therapies. In the United States, KS disproportionately affects marginalized communities. Men who are Black or Hispanic have much higher incidence of the cancer, and Black men specifically have higher mortalities than any other groups.

Globally, the disparity is even

more alarming. While regions in Asia and Europe report low frequency of KSHV, research has revealed that up to 90% of the people in sub-Saharan Africa are living with this virus. For countries like Malawi and Uganda, KS is the most common cancer in men. More distressing is that unlike in the rest of the world, childhood KS is common and quickly fatal in sub-Saharan countries, adding to the dire situation there.

From bench to bedside

In 2023, the International Conference on KSHV was hosted in Tanzania, the first time ever on the African continent. This annual meeting brought together leading KSHV researchers with the aim of connecting these scientists with the people most burdened by KS. I had the opportunity to attend this week-long meeting to present my research on how KSHV hijacks the cellular machinery within our bodies. While discussing these new findings with other scientists was undoubtedly important, the most impactful aspect of this conference was sitting with and listening to KS patients. This was the first time I had ever met a patient diagnosed with the cancer I am studying.

For many researchers, direct patient interactions are rare. This disconnect is one reason why it can take an astounding 15 years or more for discoveries in laboratories to trans-

late into practical treatments. One encounter at this conference left a lasting impression on me. At the Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, I met a KS patient, whom I will call Omar. He was unable to stand due to the progression of the tumor to his foot, so I stood bedside and listened to him share his medical journey following cancer diagnosis. As a rural farmer, Omar could not travel the vast distance to the Cancer Institute, which delayed his treatment. He recounted how this eventually led to his KS tumor advancing and leaving him immobile and bedridden. Hearing Omar’́s story was a sobering reminder of the urgent need for immediate action to prevent KSHV from causing this disease.

Eliminating KSHV

Although a cure for KS is necessary, there is one major barrier for stopping the formation of this cancer altogether: the absence of a vaccine against KSHV.

Scientists estimate that viruses are responsible for an astonishing 15-20% of cancers worldwide. Unbelievably, despite identifying seven cancer viruses in humans, there are only two vaccines that have been developed against these viruses. Designing a potent KSHV vaccine would not only be beneficial for stopping new KS cases but also serve as a blueprint to engineer vaccines target-

ing other cancer viruses. Unfortunately, advancing these anti-cancer vaccines is not at the forefront of today’́s research enterprise. This must change. Choosing to guard the most vulnerable people, like Omar, from KSHV and other cancer viruses needs to become a public health priority.

Christian McDonald is a PhD candidate in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Miami-Miller School of Medicine, where his dissertation research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying KSHV oncogenesis.

Say hello to “The Academy,” co-written by UM sophomore, Shelby Cunningham

By Jenna Simone A&E Assistant Editor

More than 30 rows of students, faculty and fans flled the Lakeside Expo Center to hear best-selling novelist Elin Hilderbrand and her daughter, UM sophomore Shelby Cunningham, discuss their co-written novel, “The Academy.”

The event was introduced by Vice President for Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement Pat Whitely and moderated by Professor Kimberly McGrath. It marked the launch of the mother-daughter duo’s frst collaboration.

The book was already featured on CBS Mornings and is the frst in a twopart series. The second book is scheduled for release in fall 2026.

Hilderbrand, known as the “queen of the beach read,” has built her career writing 30 previous novels set by the water, such as “The Perfect Couple,” as seen on Netfix. She’s a Johns Hopkins graduate, mother of four and host of the podcast “Books, Beach & Beyond” — where she has interviewed Nicole Kidman, Sarah Jessica Parker and Colleen Hoover and hopes to one day land Stephen King. Now, she’s ready for something new.

She called this new project “very mature” and “not a young adult book,” teasing that it’s only the beginning for her new chapter of writing. Hilderbrand also noted that some of her previous books had drawn criticism for being “too graphic” or “too sexual,” but “The Academy” leans into mature themes without apology.

“I’m done with Nantucket summer novels,” Hilderbrand said, noting that “The Academy” shifts the setting to a fctional New England boarding school, Tiffn Academy. The idea is derived from some of Cunningham’s real-life

“Writing is a form of self-expression that we all have to use in one way or another regardless of our job.”

Elin

Hilderbrand Best-Selling Novelist

(and scandalous) boarding school experiences at St. George’s School in Middletown, R.I.

“We just thought, wow, we have to write a book about this,” Hilderbrand said.

Anytime Cunngham told her mom a crazy story about school, they would jokingly laugh and use the phrase “STP” — straight to the pages.

Cunningham, a creative writing major, drew on her time at boarding school, adding in her real experiences to the book. This includes First Dance, Parents Weekend, Tuesday and Thursday chapel, Wednesday and Saturday sports and even gossip apps.

The book follows Tiffn Academy’s jump to the No. 2 boarding school in the country. But just as Tiffn begins to self-congratulate, scandals begin and nobody is safe. From Davi Banerjee, international infuencer and resident queen bee, to Simone Bergeron, the new and surprisingly young history teacher, to Charley Hicks, a transfer student who seems determined not to ft in, to Cordelia Spooner, Admissions Director with a somewhat unconventional method of working — everyone has something to hide.

The book’s two main protagonists and Tiffn students refect the duo’s collaboration. Hilderbrand compared herself to Charley, a bookworm, while Cunningham identifed with Davi, a girly-girl social media infuencer.

“I am a Charley, and Shelby is a Davi and that’s how we divided the labor of writing,” Hilderbrand said. Their dynamic extended beyond personality traits, shaping the creative

From food truck dream to campus favorite

By Olivia Samur Contributing Writer

If you haven’t heard already, the University of Miami is now home to Ricky’s Cafe, a food truck serving carefully crafted drinks and baked goods.

The cafe’s story begins on a frst date. When Nathalie Moreno asked her future husband Ricky about his dream, he didn’t hesitate. He told her he wanted to share his food with the world. That conversation planted the seed for what would eventually become a labor of love and a campus favorite.

Anniel “Ricky” Chapel immigrated to the United States from Cuba at the age of two. He began working in kitchens at 14, learning from cooks and experimenting out of sheer curiosity. Without any for mal culinary training, he developed his style through trial, error and a passion for feeding others.

“We’ve had to adapt constant ly,” Moreno said. “It started as just the two of us and now we’ve been able to bring on a barista and a line cook. But it’s still very much a small operation.”

Moreno, a Miami native and daughter of Ecuadorian and Cuban immigrants, became the other half of the dream. With a background in graphic design from Parsons School of Design, she created the truck’s logo, branding and social media presence. Beyond design, she also manages bookkeeping, licensing and paperwork, ensuring the business runs as smoothly on paper as it does behind the counter.

The road to Ricky’s wasn’t

Inside the rise of the new fashion and luxury club

By Valentina Mena Contributing Writer

Without a fashion major to guide them, University of Miami students have created their own pathway into the industry.

The Fashion and Luxury Club is one of UM’s fastest-growing student organizations, providing a space for those interested in style, design and business to connect with one another and with professionals.

partnership that fueled the project. The two leaned into their differences, allowing each perspective to complement the other rather than clash.

“She teaches me literature and im

portant things and I teach her what’s cool, what’s trending,” Cunningham added.

As for the writing process, Hilderbrand shaped the pacing of the book and the plot twists while Cunningham ensured the dialogue sounded authentically Gen Z.

Cunningham noted she had to tell her mom that no one uses phrases like “GOAT status,” “OG” and “understood the assignment” anymore. She also made sure her mom removed outdated references to things like Converse sneakers or the Rolling Stones.

Though Hilderbrand made it clear she was “defnitely in charge,” she admitted she couldn’t have pulled it off without her daughter’s voice and insight.

Moderator McGrath highlighted the book’s themes and how it doesn’t shy away from heavier material.

“The book touches on privilege, education and the role of social media … and the pressure that young people today face,” she said.

In the book, a fctional app called ZipZap — modeled after YikYak — becomes a central plot device. Cunningham recalled how YikYak spiraled out of control at her boarding school, even drawing FBI attention.

“It is social media that separates Gen Z from everyone else,” Hilderbrand said.

Cunningham pushed for inclusivity

throughout, something she felt strongly about as a reader, writer and Gen Z woman.

The book is dedicated to Hilderbrand’s mother and Cunningham’s grandmother, who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

“She was an educator who always believed in me,” Hilderbrand said, adding that her mother instilled the importance of reading aloud to your children and teaching them how to write.

“Writing is a form of self-expression that we all have to use in one way or another regardless of our job,” she said.

Hilderbrand admitted that collaborating after decades of solo work had its challenges, but also unexpected rewards. When disagreements occurred, Hilderbrand took the fnal call but leaned on and trusted Cunningham’s instincts.

She makes it known that she couldn’t have written the book without Cunningham’s deep understanding of Gen Z.

“She’s been reading my books since sixth grade,” Hilderbrand said. “So to write with her now — this was the right time.”

The event wrapped up with a lighthearted rapid-fre game, revealing the pair’s current reads: “Bittersweet” by Hattie Williams for Hilderbrand and “A Thousand Anchors” by Jane Smiley for Cunningham.

As the crowd fltered out, the mix of humor and family chemistry between the authors lingered. For Hilderbrand, “The Academy” is career book No. 31. For Cunningham, it is a frst. For UM, it is a homegrown literary launch that feels both personal and celebratory.

Ricky’s Cafe at UM

always easy. In 2023, the couple poured their savings into a food truck that frst served pizza in Hialeah. After settling in Allapattah, they faced an unexpected break-in that led to the realization that the couple had to change their products to something that didn’t require cooking late into the night.

By spring of 2024, Ricky’s had reinvented itself on UM’s campus, shifting from pizza and bagels to specialty coffee, matcha drinks, baked goods and focaccia sandwiches. Listening closely to student feedback, Chapel and Moreno fnetuned their menu until it refected what students craved most.

“It feels like we have a little community here on campus,” Moreno said. “My favorite

Part of what makes Ricky’s unique is its dedication to sourcing quality ingredients. For the coffee, Moreno insisted on using beans from Panther Coffee, a locally based roastery she loved during college. It was a choice that honored Miami’s vibrant coffee culture while also keeping the business rooted in the community.

Despite its growth, Ricky’s has never relied on fashy marketing. The owners never paid an infuencer for promotion. Instead, they launched a student-friendly “coffee happy hour” to make their drinks more affordable and encourage newcomers to give them a try. Word of mouth has done the rest.

For Chapel and Moreno, Ricky’s is both a dream realized and a stepping stone. Their ambitions are simple yet heartfelt: pay off their loans and one day open a brickand-mortar cafe. Until then, they’re pouring everything into the truck, building relationships one cup of coffee at a time.

Next time you fnd yourself rushing between classes, follow the line of students to the truck outside the School of Communication. Whether it’s for a cappuccino, a matcha or a sandwich that tastes like it was made just for you, you’ll discover that Ricky’s isn’t only about coffee, it’s about connection.

“The club is a way to create a community of like-minded students who can meet each other, meet industry leaders and get more insight into what it takes to get your foot in the door,” said the club’s president, Helena López, a junior studying business management.The club began as a small group but has since grown signifcantly alongside student interest in fashion.

“As the interest of students has grown, the club has gained a lot of traction,” López said. “Now, we’re able to host events that are actually valuable networking points for students.”

That shift was evident last spring, when alum Marissa Menist, now brand manager for New Yorker Nowhere came back to campus to talk about her career. For members, it was a glimpse of how quickly a UM graduate could transition into a prominent role in the industry.

This semester, the club is innovating with a partnership with URBN, the parent company of Urban Outftters, Anthropologie and Free People.

The collaboration includes a two-day event that features an information session followed by on-campus interviews. Beyond partnerships, the club emphasizes student engagement. General body meetings and events such as fashion-themed trivia nights provide members with opportunities to discuss industry trends and build community.

López described the group as “passionate, driven and a combination of creative and analytical,” refecting the skills necessary to succeed in fashion.

The club’s growing presence has even drawn the attention of a renowned fashion company, which recently reached out about a potential collaboration. Since they’re reviewing their collaboration contract, the company is confdential, but López can barely hide her excitement.

For López, that email was unforgettable. “That was kind of a pinch-me moment,” López said. “I never thought such a huge brand would want to work with us. It made me realize this is a meaningful organization that can have a big impact.”

The club aims to expand its professional programming. In October, it will welcome fashion entrepreneur Zoila Castro, founder of her own marketing agencies, Nomad Agency, Marketing Besties and Bts Bridal Besties. Her talk will provide students with insight into the challenges of building a career in an industry known for its competitiveness.

The Fashion and Luxury Club has become more than an extracurricular activity. It is a platform where interests become opportunities and conversations about fashion lead to real connections.

“We want to be that gateway between the industry and the students,” López said. “Not just a space for conversation, but a place that actually helps people get where they want to go.”

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

One room and ‘12 Angry Jurors’ at the Ring Theater

By Simone Vysnovsky Contributing Writer

Even before the lights dimmed, the cast and crew of “12 Angry Jurors” carried an electricity that set this production apart. This play proved that with only a dozen characters, one table and inventive stagecraft, a story can be gripping and thought provoking.

“12 Angry Jurors” by Reginald Rose, set to be performed at the Ring Theater from Sept. 26 through Oct. 4, is a play based on the movie “12 Angry Men.” At its core, it is about justice, morality and the weight of personal responsibility.

The play follows 12 jurors tasked with deciding the fate of a young man accused of murdering his father. The case might appear straightforward, but personal histories surface to force the group to confront evidence and their morals.

The entire story takes place in a sweltering jury room, making it a study of human behavior under pressure. Instead of traditional white stage light, the show leaned into deep orange and blue tones that shifted with the jurors emotions. During heated arguments, the lights darkened to reflect the weight

By Emma Root Contributing Writer

If it feels like Miami has been stuck under a never-ending rain cloud recently, you’re not wrong.

From buying a new travel size umbrella to getting your sneakers soaked in the flooded sidewalks, the daily downpours in Miami have been hard to escape. But rainy days don’t have to be dreadful when you know how to make the most of them.

Study with a view

When the orange umbrella chairs at the Lakeside Patio are flooded, head to the Shalala Student Center or library for your study sesh.

of conflict. When moments of understanding emerged, soft amber hues warmed the stage.

With only 12 characters and no set changes, the play relied on its performers to sustain energy. And they absolutely did. It was amazing to see how each juror carried a distinct personality which made the show feel alive.

The actors portrayed the characters perfectly. The pacing was fully orchestrated with heavy moments and debates crackling with intensity. The audience

can feel the pressure of a real jury. Even though the show takes place in one setting, this wasn’t a limitation but allowed actors to command the stage.

After the performance, I asked several actors what message they hoped the audience would take away from the play in a single sentence. These short but powerful insights revealed how deeply each performer had connected to their role and highlighted different messages in each character.

Hector Montoto plays Juror #9.

Susan Fleischner Kornspan Study

Lounge on the first floor of Shalala is the perfect quiet study place with super comfortable couches.

Take shelter in the Herbert Wellness Center

When it’s too rainy to go on your usual hot girl walk outside, the Herbert Wellness Center is the perfect alternative. The Wellness Center offers plenty of workout alternatives like cycle classes, yoga sculpt, zumba and more. Check out the fall group fitness schedule at their website

Do a café crawl

On rainy days, coffee and pastries in Coral Gables are the perfect combination.

Start with Panther Coffee in Coconut Grove — known for their strong brews and plenty of tables for studying. Next, head over to Café Demetrio in downtown Coral Gables for some pastries and cozy vibes.

All Day Miami in Brickell is another perfect choice if you love a flat white and want more of a Miami vibe.

Shopping at Brickell City Centre or Design District

Think you can take on the rain?

Head over to Brickell City Centre — a half indoor and half outdoor mall with four levels of shops, restaurants and a movie theater. If you want more of a high-end option, head to the Design District to

SPORTS

Montoto is playing a character who is just being himself. If the audience could just take away one thing, “Before you make an opinion it’s important to listen to both sides of the story.”

Jordan Tisdale plays Juror #3, which is the most understood and misjudged character. Her character, “just has the most flaws on display. You don’t necessarily see everyone else’s.”

Jordan has been doing theater since she was about eight and has been able to escape into shows ever since.

She hopes that the audience knows, “whatever you hate most about the characters you’re watching is probably more present in yourself than you would think.”

Lastly, Ben Pollak playing Juror #6, the less combative, more observant one, started at the University of Miami as an Architecture major and then added a theater minor. He just knew theater was missing in his life.

Ben hopes that the audience takes away the importance of listening because, “it shows how important one voice can be, even if everyone disagrees.”

The director, Burton Tedesco, tied the whole production together with an astounding vision. In his own words the play is about people, “coming to

explore. If Gucci and Louis Vuitton aren’t in your budget right now, you can still enjoy the art installations, galleries and cafés in the area.

Explore Miami’s cultural side If you’re looking for something a little more educational, head over to the Pérez Art Museum where you can explore contemporary art, large scale installations and their newest exhibits.

There are plenty of indoor exhibits and a café that provide an escape from the gloomy weather. Tickets are only $14 for students who show their school ID.

Another option is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, where you can get a glimpse into Miami’s history through the European inspired

grips and challenging their own biases.” Burton Tedesco played a juror in “12 Angry Jurors” 10 to 12 years ago. He was excited to come back as a director.

This show did come with some challenges like “trying to find a sense of why these people think they do about things” to make sure that we can see the subtle differences between each character, according to Tedesco. It was also a challenge to have an hour and a half show of jurors just talking around a table, so “trying to find that physical story” was very important to Tedesco.

“Watching all 12 of them work together as a group tell the story, support each other and build moments together and share it all with an engaged audience.”

It was definitely a phenomenal show that came together because of Burton Tedesco’s incredible work.

The Ring Theater production of “12 Angry Jurors” will remind audiences that sometimes the most powerful story can happen anywhere if you listen. With 12 voices, one room, an artistic vision, and emotional lighting effects that seemed to breathe with the actors, the show transformed restraint into something urgent and unforgettable.

architecture and enjoy the variety of art. Even if the gardens are muddy from the rain, there is still plenty of art and architecture to keep you entertained.

Have a spa day

Use the rainy day as an excuse to do some self-care. Book that massage, facial, hair or nail appointment that you’ve been putting off. If you don’t feel like venturing too far, GoldenTouch Cuts on campus does both haircuts and nails. There are countless hair, nails, skincare and spas around Miami to test out. Flawless by Melissa Fox is on the pricier end, but if you’re looking for a relaxing massage, facial or blowout, this is the place to go.

No shame if productivity isn’t in the forecast for you on a rainy day.

Hurricanes volleyball sweep Panthers, winning 10th straight

By Ansel Mello Contributing Writer

Ranked No. 3 in the ACC, the Miami women’s volleyball team rolled into the Ocean Bank Convocation Center and swept local rival FIU 3-0 on Sept 20. The Hurricanes haven’t lost since their season-opening defeat to Indiana, extending their win streak to 10 matches.

Miami tallied 39 kills, 52 digs, 11 blocks and eight aces in the sweep. Senior outside hitter Flormarie Here-

dia Colón led the way with 17 kills, graduate student Lilou Stegeman anchored the defense with seven blocks at the net and redshirt sophomore Ariana Rodriguez sparked momentum at the service line with five aces. FIU jumped out to an early lead in the opening set, but Miami quickly settled in and found its rhythm. The offensive firepower of Ava Carney and Dalia Wilson combined to push the ’Canes back on top. An ace from Heredia Colón flipped the momentum fully, while a timely block from Rodriguez and Stegeman

helped Miami close things out in a 25-19 victory.

The second set delivered nonstop tension, packed with extended rallies and a staggering 12 ties. FIU refused to back down, matching Miami pointfor-point through the middle of the set. Carney, Wilson and Heredia Colón carried the scoring load up front, while libero Naylani Feliciano steadied the defense in the back row, preventing FIU from seizing momentum.

With the score tied late, Rodriguez delivered at the service line and the Hurricanes’ blocking unit rose to

No Restrepo, no problem:

How the Hurricanes rebuilt their receiver room

By Anirudh Kannan Contributing Writer

With many of the 2024 Hurricanes’ top receivers either transferring or getting signed by NFL teams, the offseason spotlight turned to how Miami could replace their production.

Miami’s 2024 receiver room certainly had no shortage of talent. Headlined by shifty slot receiver Xavier Restrepo and outside threats Jacolby George and Isiaiah Horton, Miami’s diverse receiver room struck fear into opposing DB rooms throughout the 2024 season.

Restrepo alone amassed more than 1,000 yards as Miami’s “Y” receiver, while both George and Horton put up well more than 600 yards respectively. Restrepo and George are both currently free agents in the National Football League while Horton transferred to Alabama. Despite these losses, Miami’s reconstructed receiver room still looks more than threatening.

Homegrown talents and transfers from other schools across the country give new UM quarterback Carson Beck multiple weapons to

use this 2025 season.

Notable receivers like CJ Daniels, true freshman Malachi Toney and sophomore Joshisha Trader were expected to make a notable impact for the Miami offense.

Daniels, a prolific receiver from Lilburn, Ga., began his career at Liberty University before transferring to LSU. His best season was in 2023 with Liberty, where he amassed more than 1,000 receiving yards and scored double digit touchdowns. Unfortunately, Daniels dealt with injuries in 2024 which limited his production to only 480 yards as part of the Tigers’ receiving core.

Despite Daniels’ less-than-ideal 2024 season, Miami has proven to be a fresh start for him as the alpha wideout on a revamped Hurricanes roster. Replacing players like George and Horton was certainly a tough task, but there is no doubt that Daniels has the talent and skill set to put up big numbers as Miami’s starting X receiver.

A homegrown talent from Liberty City, Florida, Toney is an impressive 17-year-old receiver with immense potential for UM. Toney accumulated more than 1,000 yards in his final high school sea -

son and was even named Florida High School Player of the Year by MaxPreps.

As part of this rebuilt Miami receiving core, Toney has carved out his own role in the Hurricanes offense. While he is a relative ly undersized wide receiver at 5-foot-11 inches and 185 pounds, Toney has the agility and top end speed to be both a deep ball threat and weapon in the screen game. Another versatile receiver who can play inside or outside, Joshi sha Trader is returning to UM after a freshman year in which he only produced 6 catches for 91 yards. However, Trader’s lack of produc tion his freshman year is the con sequence of a crowded 2024 Hur ricanes receiver room rather than a shortage of talent.

Trader impressed college foot ball fans across the nation during last year’s Pop Tart Bowl vs Iowa State, where he impressively stiffarmed an Iowa defender during a 40-yard touchdown.

Trader’s quickness and lateral movement allow him to be a big run after catch threat for Miami, an ability that Restrepo showcased

the occasion, shutting down multiple Panther attacks. Miami’s composure paid off, as the ’Canes outlasted FIU in a 29-27 thriller to take a commanding 2-0 lead.

UM carried momentum from its thrilling second-set win into the third, surging out of the gates. Miami took command early and never looked back.

The offense rolled behind 12 combined kills from Heredia Colón, Carney and Wilson, repeatedly breaking through FIU’s defense to build an early cushion. At the net, Stegeman and Jazmin Vergara added key

throughout his career. Trader will certainly be looking to carve out his own path as a Hurricane.

blocks, stifling any hopes of a comeback. The Hurricanes closed out the final set 25-17, completing the sweep in convincing fashion.

With their best start in more than a decade, the Hurricanes now shift their focus to ACC competition. Miami will travel to Atlanta to face Georgia Tech on Sept. 26 before heading north to Clemson on Sept. 28. Both matches carry added weight, with undefeated Clemson (12-0), No. 2 Boston College (11-1), and the ’Canes all fighting for early position at the top of the league standings.

Coming out of high school, Trader was ranked the 17th overall player in the nation and the number four overall player in Florida. Despite offers from notable schools such as Alabama and LSU, Trader decided to stay in his home state and committed to Miami. With the chance to finally step out of the shadows of his mentors and showcase his full ability, Trader will look to make massive strides in his game and put up big numbers along with Daniels, Johnson, and the rest of the Miami receiver group.

Other notable receivers Miami will utilize this season include BYU transfer Keelan Marion, junior Ray-Ray Joseph, and true freshman Joshua Moore. Glimpses of their talent were already on show during UM’s opening game vs Notre Dame, where Daniels made a spectacular one-handed touchdown catch and Toney caught six balls for 82 yards and a touchdown.v While once staple wideouts like Restrepo and Horton will undoubtedly be missed by Hurricanes fans this season, the talent of this year’s revitalized receiver room has the potential to reach even greater heights alongside new Miami quarterback Carson Beck.

The top five best Miami football jerseys of all time

By Vivian Amoia Contributing Writer

As football season starts to gain momentum, more and more talk revolves around predictions, and players. But one topic that never dies is a team’s fresh fit.

The University of Miami has always been known for cool jerseys, but there is a lot of debate as to which ones are the greatest of all time.

Whether it’s the older styles that are more “vintage” looking, the modern sharp styles, or rare designs, there are many great Hurricane football jerseys to choose from.

No. 5: “Smoke”

The “Smoke” uniform was released in 2013 for the homecoming game against Virginia Tech.

It featured a dark gray jersey with matching gray pants. The numbers are in white with an orange outline to match the matte white helmets.

The “Smoke” jerseys symbolized the team “running through the smoke” before a home game.

Despite the uniform being a oneand-done, fans loved this unique jersey because it contrasted Miami’s usual combos and stood as a symbol of a Hurricanes tradition.

No. 4 : 1996- 1999 Era

The 1996-1999 jersey style featured a simple design, with basic sleeve striping, a loose cut, and the block number font with a single border.

The colors featured an orange and white contrast, with orange being the overpowering color. Green served as more of an accent. These uniforms are often overlooked since they are not associated with a winning streak or any special kind of luck. However, they are still remembered for their classic “retro” style and are often connected to an era of rebuilding for the Hurricanes.

No. 3: 2000-2003 Era

Many argue the 2000-2003 uniforms are Miami’s greatest jersey. This style has an increased contrast with side panels, a thicker sleeve trim and more visual depth overall.

This style also has a more balanced use of orange, green and white and a more consistent use of the logo with aggressive graphics.

Most fans also appreciate it because of its versatility. It can easily be adapted for more color combos for throwbacks and special designs.

A jersey from this era is definitely a special part of anyone’s collection.

No. 2: “Miami Nights”

A player-favorite, the Hurricanes have rolled out a “Miami Nights” blackout jersey since 2017.

The cohesive green and orange striping down the pants and the helmet makes for a sleek look.

Also the rare, glow-in-the-dark numbers on this jersey are such a unique feature and one of the reasons why it’s so high on the list. Even the jerseys featuring orange lettering make them stand out.

While the “Miami Nights” are a modern style, they also serve as a symbol of the vibrant city surrounding the University and the culture of many Miami fans.

No. 1: “Stormtroopers”

The best football jersey in all of UM history is the all white “Stormtrooper” combination. The clean, modern style is unforgettable and looks sharp on the field. The monochromatic look includes an all white jersey, pants, socks and helmet, with large orange and green striping on both top and bottom, and the helmet. It was unveiled in 2014 under Nike as a set, along with other designs called “Juice,” “Surge” and the aforementioned “Smoke.”

The “Stormtrooper” combo has been brought back several times since its release, and is often worn during away games, as white is seen as a “road” color. This design easily took the number one spot because people think of it as a good luck combo due to wins against Florida State in 2017 and Louisville in 2020. Its sharp, modern look on the field is shown in photos captured from games and the design is easily the most aesthetically pleasing.

UM helped make Adidas a titan in collegiate athletic apparel

By Bella Armstrong Contributing Writer

UM’s athletic department sealed a 12-year deal with Adidas to provide UM’s athletic programs with apparel in 2015.

To this day, it is the longest standing collegiate partnership in Adidas’ history.

Adidas has maintained a presence in collegiate athletics since the mid1990s, but its reach was limited. The company mainly signed footwear sponsorships, backed smaller Division I programs and provided the occasional one-off contract. The 2015 deal with Miami marked the first time Adidas secured a comprehensive, long-term, all-sport apparel partnership with a major program.

Before the Adidas relationship, Miami was synonymous with the Nike brand — an original “Nike school” since 1987. By ending the 28-year relationship with Nike, the Adidas-Miami deal shook the very foundations of college athletic apparel — which had become something of a Nike monopoly.

Miami tore up the swoosh play-

book and handed it to Adidas.

Nike currently provides gear to more than half of the collegiate athletic programs in the U.S. — a figure

Adidas looks to change.

Miami quickly became the blueprint for Adidas’ larger ambitions.

The brand didn’t want to just outfit athletes and see its emblem on the court and the field — it wanted to embed itself in collegiate athletic culture and influence how the game was played.

At the time, the deal was viewed as bold. Nike had long dominated the collegiate landscape, establishing deep ties with powerhouse schools like Oregon, Alabama and Texas. By taking over a nationally recognized brand like the University of Miami, Adidas proved it could compete directly with Nike in one of the most visible arenas of American sports.

That gamble has paid off.

Most recently, Adidas has signed a 10-year long contract with Penn State athletics, ending its 33 year long relationship with Nike. This new deal is reportedly worth $300 million and will include substantial investment in the athletic department, new NIL opportunities and technological ad-

vancements for student-athletes.

Through its NIL program, Adidas provides paid sponsorship opportunities to more than 50,000 student-athletes across the United States.

The Penn State deal is just the latest domino to fall in a long game commanded by Adidas. The brand has also signed Tennessee, Indiana, Arizona State and over 100 other NCAA Division I programs, luring several high-profile schools away from Nike.

But UM, and its historic 12-year deal with Adidas, set this in motion because Miami proved the brand could hold their own at the collegiate level.

The Hurricanes’ deal with Adidas has since resulted in millions of dollars in apparel investment, exclusive uniform designs and expanded branding for UM athletics and its student-athletes. Adidas has also collaborated with Miami specific campaigns, tapping into the school’s cultural connections in the South Florida community to push fashion-forward uniforms and lifestyle gear.

The German brand didn’t just partner with a university — they bought into a robust local community.

Just this year, Adidas signed on to

V’S TAKE

outfit all 41 of Miami-Dade County High Schools’ athletics uniforms, cementing itself as the leading athletic apparel company in the community.

It has also produced several limited edition uniforms for the U, such as the “Parley for the Oceans” uniforms made from marine plastic waste, the “Miami Nights” designed to honor Miami’s night life, and the “Legend of the U” designs that paid

homage to the community.

Miami’s contract with Adidas expires in 2027, but with the partnership having been so mutually beneficial, renewal seems likely.

UM didn’t just switch brands in 2015. The Hurricanes set a precedent and defined a new era. Now, a decade later, Adidas isn’t just gearing up athletes — it’s redefining the future. And it started at the U.

Dear V, when is it the right time to post my significant other on social media?

When to post from talking stage to Insta official

Short answer, there isn’t a right time. But don’t get me wrong, there definitely is an art to it.

The general rule I follow when I’m in a talking stage with someone is to NEVER post them on social media. Maybe I have trust issues, call me crazy.

Nothing good comes from a rushed Insta post. And that goes for everything.

However, there are a few exceptions. Let’s say you’re starting to reach five months of talking and you happen to get a cute aesthetic photo at dinner or on a walk. Posting that on your Insta story is fair game.

I’m going to repeat myself. It should be an Insta story, not a post. No one deserves to make the main Instagram feed until things are official.

I also think you should absolutely ask your talking stage if you should post them on your story. Ask them, “Is this cute for my story?” Their reaction will tell you everything you need to know.

Once you are in a closed off relationship, posting your significant other on any platform is appropriate and even encouraged. But don’t overdo it.

Please, please, please don’t be that girl that only posts with their boyfriend or spams him on your Instagram story. On the other hand, don’t be that boyfriend that doesn’t have a trace of his girlfriend on their social media. The least you could do is make a highlight.

If you are looking for an actual guideline, I think easing into it is the way to go. Start with a few story posts, maybe build up to a highlight, and then go with a full post.

There’s nothing wrong with a post right off the bat after making it official, but if you are looking for an exact rule, that’s what I would do.

Moral of the story, for those of you in relationships, happy posting. Live your life, it’s your relationship.

For those of you in a talking stage, just don’t do it. Or do, I love watching things get messy.