Celebrating Pokémon’s 30th anniversary with big new announcements

Emil Salgado Vazquez
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Celebrating Pokémon’s 30th anniversary with big new announcements

Thirty years ago, Nintendo published the very first Pokémon games — “Pokémon Red” and “Pokémon Green” — in Japan. For Pokémon Day 2026 on Feb. 27, the annual celebration of the beloved pocket monster franchise, Nintendo had some special announcements for fans. 

The tenth generation of Pokémon

Nintendo officially revealed the next mainline generation of Pokémon games: “Pokémon Winds” and “Pokémon Waves.” These are the first titles in the tenth generation and will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2 console in 2027.

Looking at the trailers, the setting for these games appears to be a tropical, island-rich region with underwater areas. Fans will see some similarities to the seventh generation of the Pokémon franchise, “Pokémon Sun” and “Pokémon Moon,” which were set in the Alola region, inspired by Hawaii.

Nintendo also showed first looks at the new starter Pokémon for Wind and Waves, the first three Pokémon you have to choose between at the start of every game. This time around, it seems that Nintendo chose to go all-in on making the starters as adorable as humanly possible.

Brow, the bean chick Pokémon and grass-type starter, is a cute green bird with leaves on its brow and a clumsy personality. Pombon, the puppy pokémon and fire-type starter, is an innocent and friendly orange dog. 

Finally, Gecqua, the water gecko Pokémon and water-type starter, is an intelligent, shrewd blue gecko with a wide head and large eyes.

More information about the new games is likely to come out in the coming months in preparation for the 2027 release window.

Relaunch of classics and upcoming launch of a new game

In honor of its 30th anniversary, “Pokémon FireRed” and “Pokémon LeafGreen,” the 2004 remakes of the original 1996 games, are now released digitally on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. These are enhanced versions of the originals with modern features.

With “Pokémon Pokopia” releasing on Mar. 5, Nintendo also gave fans another look at the upcoming game. Pokopia is a life-simulation and sandbox game from developers Game Freak and Omega Force. The game was first announced in last year’s Nintendo Direct and will likely cost around $70 at launch.

In Pokopia, you play as the shape-shifting Pokémon Ditto that has transformed into a human-like character. The world you find yourself in starts empty and abandoned, and your goal is to build it up into a thriving home to attract Pokémon and maybe even humans.

The game combines elements of other beloved sandbox games like “Animal Crossing,” “Stardew Valley” and “Minecraft,” but with Pokémon twists. You can build and craft like in those games, but you can also befriend other Pokémon and learn from them to interact with the environment.

The game runs in real time, with a day-night cycle and changing weather that affect gameplay and your surroundings. 

Pokémon naturally come into the world you’re building as you progress. The focus is more on community, creativity and peaceful exploration than on traditional Pokémon battling, making it ideal for players who enjoy creative sandbox games.

The Students of Culture Symposium advocates for social change

Hanna Himelstein
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The Students of Culture Symposium advocates for social change

The Students of Culture Symposium (SOCS) brought students together on Feb. 28 in the Shalala Grand Ballrooms for a day of activities and experiences that encouraged social change. 

A collaborative effort between the American Sign Language Club and the Multicultural Student Affairs organization, the symposium’s theme was  “Harmony of Minds: Where Movement, Music, and Meaning Unite.” 

Dr. Pat Whitely kicked off the symposium with an introduction that was followed by the “The Art of Healing,” a speech from keynote speaker Dr. Melvin Butler who is an Associate Professor of Musicology at UM’s Frost School of Music. 

The day consisted of various breakout sessions, each with their own theme. Breakout session one, called “Hands in Harmony,” was an ASL Workshop led by Ella Pelligra. Breakout session two was a silent disco led by DJ Moss and DJ Suave. 

The symposium also recognized research that has reimagined multicultural affairs. 

Many art exhibits were also featured at the event. These exhibits blended cultural traditions and history with music, reflecting harmony through diversity.  

Alongside the exhibits, many UM student clubs such as the Asian American Students Association, National Society of Black Engineers and the Multicultural Nursing Students Organization tabled. 

From the breakout sessions, tabling and other exhibits, each event of the symposium celebrated cultural diversity, recognizing the unique traditions and contributions that make the world richer and more connected. 

While the symposium celebrated the diversity of cultures and music, it also served as a powerful reminder that more work still remains to be done in pursuit of social change.

AASA’s Lunar New Year Festival rings in the year of the Fire Horse

Bri Pearson
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AASA’s Lunar New Year Festival rings in the year of the Fire Horse

The University of Miami’s Lakeside Patio glowed red and gold on Friday, Feb. 20 as drums thundered, paper lanterns swayed in the breeze and hundreds of students gathered for one of campus’ most beloved cultural traditions: the Asian American Student Association’s annual Lunar New Year Festival.

While the Lunar New Year officially began on Feb. 17, AASA hosted its celebration on Feb. 20 so students could honor the holiday collectively on campus.

Now in its 14th year, the event has grown into AASA’s largest celebration, drawing between 400 and 500 attendees. This year carried an added layer of rarity and symbolism. 

For the first time in six decades, the Lunar New Year welcomed the Year of the Fire Horse — a zodiac cycle historically associated with fierce independence, transformative energy and a kind of unstoppable momentum that defines entire generations.

“This year is more about going in with a stronger mindset,” Keira Tellado, AASA president and a junior studying industrial engineering, said. “Previous years are meant for clearing the slate, but the Fire Horse is about renewal. It only comes every 60 years, so it feels special to celebrate it with the whole community.”

AASA transformed the Lakeside Patio into a bustling cultural fair, with ten student organizations hosting interactive tables. Students collected stamps by completing activities, everything from origami stars to cultural trivia, before redeeming them for free Asian cuisine and boba.

The lineup of eight multicultural student organizations tabling at the event reflected the range of UM’s Asian and international communities.

For many of those organizations, the event was both a celebration and a milestone. The Vietnamese Student Association for example, is only in its first official semester as a COSO‑approved organization.

“Last year we were running as an unofficial group,” Katie Wang, VSA’s president and founder, said. “Now that we’re approved and getting funding, we hope to do more Vietnamese‑oriented events.”

VSA’s table featured origami, specifically folded paper stars. 

“The star is on the Vietnamese flag,” Wang said. “It was the easiest option for us this year, but we’re excited to grow.”

Nearby, the Filipino Student Assocaition revived one of its traditional activities: candle balancing, a practice rooted in Filipino folk dance. Elijah Corpus, a sophomore and general E‑board member at FSA, told students the significance of the dance. 

Candle dances symbolized storytelling through light, with performers balancing flames on their heads or hands to honor resilience, spirituality and the idea that movement can carry not just the body, but the soul.

“We’re trying to be more active this semester and bring the club back,” Corpus said. “FSA is an extension of AASA, but we focus on bringing together the Filipino community on campus.”

Multicultural student organizations showed students cultural activities and food from their communities. Photo Credit // Olivia Attalla.

As the evening grew later, the festival shifted into its performances — one of the most anticipated parts of the evening. AASA brought together a mix of professional performers, student artists and cultural groups.

The lion dance, AASA’s traditional opener, performed by Lee Koon Hung Kung Fu drew one of the largest crowds of the night.

“It’s our big opening act,” Tellado said. “Locked [UM’s student K-pop dance team] is a group I’m also excited for. They perform every year and bring a lot of traction. I have friends in it, so it’s always fun to watch.”

The performances ranged from high‑energy drumming, to contemporary dance from Locked, and onto martial arts demonstrations, each one adding a different cultural lens to the celebration.

What began as a modest cultural gathering has evolved into one of UM’s most anticipated spring events. Students return year after year, Tellado said, and many have watched the festival expand in scale, diversity and visibility.

“This is our biggest event of the year,” Tellado said. “People really love it, and they keep coming back.”

For first‑year students experiencing Lunar New Year away from home, the festival offered a sense of belonging. For others, it was a chance to learn, taste and participate in traditions they may not have grown up with. 

For AASA, it was a moment to showcase the vibrancy and range of Asian cultures on campus.

As the Fire Horse year began, defined by courage, reinvention and collective momentum, the night closed on a scene that felt both celebratory and grounding. 

Drums pulsed like a heartbeat across the patio, lanterns cast warm halos over students sharing food and stories, performers bowed, friends reunited and the community moved together into a new year shaped by light, intention and possibility.

To see AASA’s upcoming and future events, go to their Instagram: @aasaum.

Re-trial date set in murder case of 2006 UM football player

Hannah Valdivia
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Re-trial date set in murder case of 2006 UM football player

The trial of Rashuan Jones, a former UM football player accused of murdering his teammate, Bryan Pata, is set to be re-tried on May 18, 2026. 

Judge Christina Miranda declared a mistrial on Monday, March 2, after jurors were deadlocked, meaning they could not come to a consensus. She wanted to set a sooner trial date as Jones has had to “sit and wait in jail” since 2021. 

According to Florida law, if a mistrial is declared, the person “shall be brought to trial within 90 days from the date of declaration of the mistrial.” This means the re-trial must take place before May 31, 2026. 

According to The Miami Herald, Jones’ bond was lowered from $850,000 to $500,000, although Pata’s attorney Sara Alvarez argued for a $50,000 bond. 

The judge refused, claiming this to be unheard of in a murder trial, and Alvarez argued that because of Jones and his family’s financial situation, he realistically has no bond. 

“He hasn’t been able to afford that and will never be able to afford that,” said Alvarez. 

The article also stated that one juror told ESPN that 5 out of 6 were going to acquit Jones and only one wanted to convict him, as they did not believe the prosecution proved Jones’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

An NBC South Miami article stated that Jones shared he would not accept any form of a plea deal moving forward.  

Miami clinches double-bye in ACC tournament through 77-69 triumph at SMU

Noah Gorfin
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Miami clinches double-bye in ACC tournament through 77-69 triumph at SMU

On Wednesday evening, Miami headed to the Lone Star State to take on SMU at the Moody Center, earning an impactful 77-69 victory over the Mustangs.

Miami’s win has delivered significant rewards in terms of the teams’ current season and legacy, as not only have the Canes earned a week of rest through the double-bye at the approaching ACC tournament in Charlotte, but have also tied the school record for most wins in a season with 24, while being boosted to the No. 22 spot in the AP Top 25.

Miami flew out of the gate with a trademark Tre Donaldson pass into the elbow for Malik Renau to lay home.

As SMU responded with an offensive rebound into the net, the baskets flew back and forth, with Miami retaining a wire-to-wire lead, finding themselves up 11–7 after the first five.

The Mustangs kept themselves firmly in the game throughout the first half, pushing back numerous times after threes by Donaldson and Renau, clawing to 23 a piece by the eight minute mark.

However, a Noam Dovrat three from the right flank spurred on a consistent Miami lead. Dovrat would continue to drive the Canes in the first half, netting two more threes to close out the half at 38-31 in Miami’s favor.

Miami’s clinicality from the field was underwhelming in the first half, only netting 15 from 33 attempts. Yet, the Hurricanes compensated from outside the arc, shooting 66.7% (6-9) from beyond the three point line.

Miami opened the second half the same way they closed the first, storming on a seven-point streak to achieve a 14-point lead, marked by a layup and a three from Donaldson and a dunk by Shelton Henderson.

David Lebowitz, Photo Editor/ Freshman Forward Shleton Henderson drives on a Florida State defender on January 20, 2026.

The following seven minutes saw SMU slowly cut down the deficit to nine points, with the scoreline sitting at 53-44 with ten minutes remaining. Yet, the Hurricanes continued to stamp their authority on the Mustangs, pushing themselves to a 16-point lead at 60-44.

SMU were able to move the needle back to an eight-point deficit after a Jaron Pierre Jr. three pushed them to 68-60, but after a corner three from Renau, Tru Washington closed out Miami’s scoring, putting down four free throws before stealing the ball himself, receiving it back from Donaldson, and placing in a layup.

Miami matched their season-high three-point percentage, netting 11 times from 18 times for a rate of 61.1%. Meanwhile, their percentage from the floor was 47.4%, only finding the basket 27 out of 57 times.

Tre Donaldson dominated on the attacking front, achieving 17 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. Renau contributed with 14 points and 11 rebounds and Ernest Udeh Jr with 8 points and ten rebounds.

Washington chimed in with 15 points, while Henderson netted 11 of his own. Meanwhile, Noam Dovrat earned 12 points, all of which came from beyond the three point line, as he shot 4-5 from beyond the arc.

Miami will seek to finish their season in a similar fashion as they face Louisville at home in the Watsco Center on Saturday, March 7, at 2 p.m.

Students kicked out of parking garage after denied entry to sold out baseball game

Martina Pantaleon
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Students kicked out of parking garage after denied entry to sold out baseball game

Approximately 50 attendees were kicked out of the Ponce de Leon Garage on Friday, Feb. 27, while trying to watch the UM-UF baseball game.

According to the official Canes Baseball Facebook account, the Friday and Saturday games were sold out as of Monday, Feb. 24. 

Of the 3,555 fans in attendance on Saturday, there were a record-breaking 615 students — 200 more students than the previous record, according to Category 5’s Instagram.

Junior Ashton Weissman arrived at Mark Light Field on Friday at 8 p.m., an hour after first pitch, and was turned away at the gates.

“The school basically said they were at capacity,” Weissman said. “But as [my roommate and I] were standing there, we saw probably 100 students leave the game early.”

All fans, including students, who leave Mark Light Field are usually stamped on the back of the hand so they can re-enter the stadium, but, according to Weissman, that did not happen at Friday’s game. 

The record-breaking numbers could explain why students were denied re-entry during the game.

Weissman said that students without stamps — meaning they were not allowed re-entry — were exiting the game, leaving seats empty that more people could have filled.

“If students leave without stamps, more student fans should be allowed to take their spot,” he said.

Students do not need to purchase a ticket in order to attend a baseball game, they only need to show their Cane card. In an email sent by the University on Thursday, Feb 26, students were “encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot” since seating was available on a “first-come, first-serve basis.” 

After being denied at the gates, Weissman and his roommate turned to the Ponce de Leon Parking Garage, to watch the game since it overlooks the stadium.

Despite thinking that he was allowed to view the game from the parking lot, security told Weissman and about 50 other viewers to leave.

“We just wanted to see the game and support it,” said Weissman.

The idea to watch the game from the parking garage was not his own, and Weissman thought it was common practice for Miami fans when the Light was packed. .

He originally got the idea from a post on the RedCup Miami Instagram account from Feb. 19 that featured photos of Canes fans watching the baseball game from various locations that are not the field, with the text “Miami Fans have some creative ways to view the games.” Multiple photos showcase fans standing on different levels of the Ponce de Leon Garage. 

Screenshot of RedCup Miami’s Instagram post featuring students watching the baseball game from Ponce de Leon garage/ // Photo via TMH Staff.

While RedCup Miami is a satire/comedy account that is not directly affiliated with UM, the official Canes Baseball account left a comment: the two hands forming a U emoji (🙌🏼).

“Why would they draw attention to it if they didn’t want people to do it?” Weissman said.

Screenshot of the RedCup Miami’s Instagram post with the @canesbaseball account commenting the “U” emoji. // Photo via TMH Staff.

Weissman urges UM to increase the number of students who are given seats inside the stadium, as all baseball games in the past few weeks have sold out quickly.

“They need a system in place where the capacity makes sense for students who want to support them and watch the game,” Weissman said.

Hurricanes Top Bethune-Cookman 5-2 Behind Williams, West

Omar Pinto
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Hurricanes Top Bethune-Cookman 5-2 Behind Williams, West

Coming off two heartbreaking losses against Florida, the Miami Hurricanes wanted nothing more than a simple, smooth midweek win over the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats.

And while the Canes would prevail 5-2, the win was anything but simple — rather a boxing match in which Miami would land the final punch with a three run seventh inning.

An ever-rotating door of arms took the mound for Miami (11-2) and Bethune (9-4) Wednesday night as 15 pitchers featured on the slab, seven for BCU and eight for Miami.

Despite clearly putting pressure on the B-CU pitching staff, the Hurricanes struggled to turn those opportunities into runs, leaving six runners in scoring position and 11 on base in total.

Thankfully, Derek Williams led the Canes on offense with a 2-run double that gave Miami the lead in the seventh. Brylan West and Daniel Cuvet both tallied one RBI each as well. West notched two hits and a walk, continuing his great start to the year at a .457 AVG.

With the rain-out against UF on Sunday, typical weekend starter Tate DeRias opened the game for the Hurricanes.

DeRias, who in all likelihood will remain the Sunday starter, only pitched the opening two innings allowing one hit while racking up three strikeouts.

Things stayed quiet in the first inning as defense held strong for both squads. However, to start the second, the Wildcats made their first of many pitching changes, and the Canes took advantage. 

A Brylan West single to the left side followed by an Alvarez single to the right gave way for a Fabio Peralta sac fly to left center, opening the scoring.

David Lebowitz, Photo Editor/ Graduate first baseman Brylan West hits the ball against Lehigh on Friday, February 13, 2026.

Sebastian Santos Olson, the usual midweek starter for Miami, took the mound to start the third for Miami where Jake Ogden turned a solo double play to get the Canes out of the inning unscathed.

Strong defense characterized the next few innings for both teams, as no more runs were scored through the fourth inning

After two innings of work, Miami sat down Santos-Olson for TJ Coats.

To start the fifth inning, B-CU catcher Jose Fernandez sent a single up the middle to put himself on first. Soon after, center fielder Sergio Rivera sent a hard line drive to left field. What should have been a routine play for Miami left fielder Fabio Peralta turned into a critical error as the ball scooted right under his glove, bringing in a run for B-CU.

Jack Durso came in to replace Coats on the mound, and quickly got the Hurricanes out of the inning, but the Wildcats had tied it up.

However, Miami immediately answered back with a fortunate run of their own. 

Julian Carrasquilla entered the game for the Wildcats, but quickly exited after back-to-back walks to begin the inning.

Sidearmer Anthony Anselmo was immediately tested upon relief, fielding a sac bunt and nailing the runner at third base.

The Wildcats caught Miami second baseman Jake Ogden in a pickle between second and third, but as he was scampering between bases, the ball was tossed right by him into Bethune Cookman’s dugout, advancing 2 runners into scoring position. With Cuvet up, he handled business, popping a ball up into center field and scoring Ogden on a shallow sacrifice fly.

And just like Miami answered, B-CU struck back. A HBP followed by a single over a jumping West put two men on. Right fielder Michael Rodriguez continued the momentum as he blooped a ball into left field to score one and tie the game once more.

Another Miami pitching change saw Lyndon Glidewell replace Jack Durso to start the bottom half of the inning.

Miami finally got the bats going in the seventh. It all started with Cuvet who ripped a ball by the third baseman for a hard hit double. After Cuvet advanced to third on a wild pitch, the Wildcats brought in their sixth pitcher of the night, Bryan Rincones.

Williams immediately jumped on Rincones, bringing in two runs on a triple to deep right field. West followed it up by bringing in Williams with a deep sac fly to center field, giving Miami a three run lead.

With that, there was no more action on offense for either team, as Ryan Bilka earned the save for Miami and the game ended 5-2 in favor of the Canes.

The Hurricanes return to action Friday at 7 p.m. to open ACC play against the Boston College Eagles.

Coverage will take place on ACCNX.

Miami survives late Stanford surge in Women’s ACC Tournament opener

Gaby Collazo
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Miami survives late Stanford surge in Women’s ACC Tournament opener

Tied 70-70 in the final seconds of the fourth quarter, Miami was forced into overtime against Stanford. 

After missing the ACC Tournament last season with a 4-14 conference record, the Hurricanes had something to prove, and they did. 

On Wednesday afternoon at Gas South Arena, No. 12 seed Miami pulled an 83-76 win over Stanford in the first round of the ACC Tournament. The victory marks Miami’s first ACC Tournament win since the 2023-2024 season. 

Stanford opened the game with an early 8-4 lead, but Miami responded quickly with a 15-0 run driven by Gal Raviv and Ra Shaya Kyle. The Cardinals went scoreless for more than five minutes, before cutting the deficit to 19-10 at the end of the first quarter. The Canes shot 47% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc in the opening period.

Behind Kyle’s early scoring, Miami extended its lead 23-10 in the second quarter. Stanford answered with an 11-2 run cutting the deflect to four points, 25-21. The Cardinals later regained the lead at 37-31 and took a 39-37 advantage into halftime. 

The third quarter was a back-and-forth battle with three ties before the Hurricanes regained control. The Canes built an eight point lead at 58-50 and later stretched it to 13. Miami entered the fourth quarter ahead 65-52. 

Stanford throughout the entirety of the fourth quarter held Miami to only five points. Kyle accounted for all of the Hurricanes’ points in the period and grabbed four key rebounds. Miami shot 0-for-7 from the three point range and were 2-for-10 from the field in the quarter. Stanford outscored the Hurricanes 18-5 to tie the game at 70-70 and force overtime. 

Amarachi Kimpson opened overtime with a three-pointer to end Miami’s seven-minute scoring drought. The Cardinal attempted to gain a lead, but the Hurricanes closed the game 83-76. 

Three Canes scored in double figures. Kyle led the way with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Raviv and Kimpson each added 20 points. Raviv also recorded six assists, while Kimpson collected three rebounds. 

As a team, Miami shot 50% from the field, 27% from three point range and 78% from the free throw line. Despite committing 17 turnovers, the Hurricanes scored 40 points in the paint, six fast-break points, six off the bench points and 14 points off turnovers. 

Consistency has challenged the Canes throughout the season. 

In their Nov. 3 over Hofstra, Miami shot just 8-for-32 from the three point range despite an 83-48 victory. In a Feb. 8 to Florida State, the Hurricanes shot 36% from the field and 19% from beyond the arc in a 87-70 defeat.

To compete with No. 5 seed Notre Dame in the second round of the Women’s ACC Tournament, Miami will need to improve its shooting efficiency. The teams are set to face off at 1:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon inside of Gas South Arena. 

Junior Guard Vittoria Blasigh shoots from three against FAU at Watsco on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 // Bella Ochoa – Staff Photographer

Pentagon tuition assistance review names University of Miami

Emil Salgado Vazquez
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Pentagon tuition assistance review names University of Miami

The University of Miami is among more than 30 private schools that may lose tuition aid for active-duty service members in graduate programs, according to CNN. 

“Components of all of our departments — army, navy and air force — will evaluate all existing graduate programs for active-duty service members at all Ivy League universities and other civilian universities,” U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement on X.

If implemented, the policy could restrict tuition assistance at certain universities and shift military-funded graduate education away from private institutions. UM and the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne are the only two Florida schools listed in leaked emails from the Department of War as having “moderate or high risk” of being banned from tuition assistance.

“It saddens me to see that the U.S. government is considering cutting service member’s tuition aid for schools deemed ‘too woke,’” said Caroline Garfield, UM’s veteran students senator. “This is a move to further radical political opinions while depriving our service men and women access to higher education.”  

Veterans using the GI Bill — which provides them and their families with help covering costs for school, training and other related expenses — would still receive benefits. ROTC programs would still remain active and military-affiliated students could continue to enroll and attend UM.

“This will affect active duty members that are relying on tuition assistance, but not the GI Bill funding because it comes from a different part of the Department of Defense,” said Gil Gonzalez Jacobo, a sophomore who served in the U.S. Navy from 2018-2025. 

Defense officials say the review aims to evaluate cost efficiency, partnerships and strategic value in military education. The review is part of broader efforts to reassess how the military trains future leaders amid budget pressures and changing priorities. 

Some critics warn that restricting universities may limit diversity and educational opportunities for officers.

The Trump administration has not made a final decision regarding the review, and the universities listed may ultimately remain eligible for tuition assistance. Any changes made by the Trump administration to tuition assistance would likely take effect in the 2026-27 academic year.

If enacted, the policy would affect a small number of military-funded graduate students nationwide. 

“I sincerely hope our government does not pursue this agenda,” Garfield said.

Students cycle in support of The Dolphins Cancer Challenge

Skyla Thomas
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Students cycle in support of The Dolphins Cancer Challenge

Team Hurricanes hosted the annual Dolphins Cancer Challenge, a campaign raising money for cancer research in South Florida, on Thursday, Feb. 19. This year was the sixth year UM hosted  the DCC event — outdoor cycling classes at Lakeside Patio —  and all of the money raised helps fund cancer research at UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

The event was centered around the DCC, an organization that has raised more than $100 million for cancer research, making it the most successful fundraising event in the NFL. The DCC cycling challenge raised $1,905 through the entry fees of $15 for students, $25 for faculty and staff as well as donations, and extra raffle tickets for $5 each. Additionally nonriders who just want to support and be entered in the raffles would pay $10. Each cycling class lasted 15 minutes and was choreographed to music performed at previous Super Bowl halftime shows. 

Every donation that was made included the 15-minute class, giveaways, two raffle tickets to win signed NFL and Hurricanes football jerseys and helmets from former players, and other prices, and a Playa Bowl.

Melina Kalamatianos, a sophomore at UM and a spin instructor at the Herbert Wellness Center, led the spin classes at the DCC fundraiser.

“Being part of the fundraiser was truly special for me. I loved being a part of the event and encouraging my corner of the spin community to contribute,”  Kalamatianos said.  “I also had a great time meeting new people who attended and raising awareness for the cause.” 

Kalamatianos emphasized that she has a personal connection to the DCC that made the event all the more special to her.

“My mom is a breast cancer survivor, and watching her navigate treatment with resilience and optimism changed the way I see strength,” Kalamatianos said.  “I remember the uncertainty our family felt during that time, which is why funding research is meaningful to me.” 

20 to 25 students participated in each cycling session and a total of 128 people registered for the event. Sierra Stiff, the vice president of the UM beach volleyball team, brought along six of her teammates.

“The speakers were loud and motivating! Beyoncé and Lady Gaga had us fired up,” Stiff said.

In addition to a good workout, participants left with incentives. 

“The giveaways and Playa bowls both added to the experience. Everything about it was well put together and right at the center point of campus for students to participate in,” Stiff said. “Getting students to participate in events like this that pertains to a group is significant in my eyes.”

According to Kalamatianos, many of her peers feel a disconnect from how to help support cancer research, because they want to be involved in the organization, but don’t know how. She feels this fundraiser was the perfect opportunity to bring her community together and change this awareness into action. Stiff agreed that the event brought the campus closer together.

“This event matters to a college campus because it brings the student body together in a way to raise awareness for a population that needs it right here in our community,” Stiff said.

Kalamatianos says that she looks forward to leading more events like this in the future. The next one is scheduled for February 2027.

“I am trying to teach every year they have it because it is a great opportunity to support a great cause, spread awareness, and, of course, get a workout in,” Kalamatianos said. 

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