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Seas of blue flood the Watsco Center as Miami stood no chance against No. 2 Duke

Zach Cohen
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Seas of blue flood the Watsco Center as Miami stood no chance against No. 2 Duke

When Duke comes to town, fans pack the arena and that is what happened at the Watsco Center on Tuesday night. With a full student section wearing orange and green, the rest of the arena could be seen in Duke blue. The first and likely only capacity crowd of the season was loud… for Duke. And after somewhat of a fight from Miami in the first half, Duke blew the doors open in the second, winning 97-60.

“[Duke] are very, very good,” Miami interim head coach Bill Courtney said in his opening statement of his postgame press conference.

Despite the opening-tip win from Miami, Duke got off to a hot start in the opening minutes of the game. Freshman guard Kon Knueppel would bury a 3-pointer from the left wing. Knueppel would continue to torch Hurricanes defenders all night, finishing with 20 points and shooting 4-for-5 from long range. 

Duke took a sizable lead early, going on a 15-2 run with 13:59 to go in the 1st half. 

Midway through the first half, five-star freshman Jalil Bethea got hot, knocking down three-pointers on back to back possessions cutting the deficit to just eight points, 22-14.

“I just feel like being confident in my play style just makes me play a lot better,” Bethea said following his 13-point performance. 

Duke freshman guard Isaiah Evans would match Bethea. Also hitting back-to-back 3’s to extend the lead to 11. Evans played a big role in Duke’s win after the injury to junior Tyrese Proctor.

Miami struggled to score in the paint as the 6-foot-11 Patrick Ngongba II swatted Paul Djobet’s layup with 11:51 to go in the half. Ngongba and the 7-foot-22 Khaman Maluach, both freshman, would combine for four block shots. 

Five-star recruit Cooper Flagg would make a big splash in the back end of the half. Knocking down 11 1st half points and scoring 16 total points on 6-of-9 shooting 

With roughly 30 seconds to go in the 1st, freshman guard Divine Ugochukwu scored on the coast to coast layup. He would only end up with six points in the game but his presence on the boards was felt, leading the team with 10 rebounds.

“I thought [Divine Ugochukwu]  was a terrific young kid learning the game of basketball, learning how to play point guard, learning how to lead, but I thought he was terrific on the glass,” Courtney said.

Miami (6-22, 2-15 ACC) trailed 47-32 going into halftime. 

Only down by 15, Miami could have clawed back in the second half but Dukes’ dominance took over. Shutting Miami down offensively and picking them apart defensively. 

“Well, in particular, Duke is so good defensively, in everything they do,” Courtney said. 

Duke would also limit Miami in rebounds in the second half. 

“Credit Miami, I mean they were crashing the boards like crazy in the first half, 11 of them [rebounds]. We held them to two in the second half,” Duke head coach Jon Scheyer said post-game. 

With 10 minutes left in the game, Duke blew the game wide open, leading 72-40. 

Despite the lack of production by Miami in the second half, center Lynn Kidd had a quiet but positive showing offensively. Scoring 11 of his 17 points in the back half of the game, although struggling on the boards.

Duke (25-3,16-1 ACC)  would end up blowing out Miami with a final score of 97-60 and dominate from behind the arc. They would finish the game shooting 60% from downtown and 56% from the field. Miami would shoot 5-for-25 from deep. 

As coach Scheyer said best, “It’s great coaching when you don’t have to coach playing hard.”

Miami will head to Chapel Hill to take on North Carolina. The game will tip-off on Saturday, March 1 at noon.

What Brand New U’s win in student government elections means for students

Jamison DeLaine
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Today on Catch Up Canes, Jamison explains what the Brand New U ticket will bring to the University of Miami as the next Executive Board for student government.

REVIEW: SAG Awards 2025

Jamison DeLaine
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Jamison takes us through the latest SAG Awards, listing the night’s biggest winners.

Trump’s age restriction on trans care should be raised

Jaden Russell
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Trump’s age restriction on trans care should be raised

Think back to your teenage years. What decisions do you wish you could take back? Skipping class? Never trying out for the varsity basketball team? Your prom date? 

In hindsight, those choices were harmless and had no lasting impact on our adult lives. However, teens today face far more significant decisions in the form of puberty blockers, hormone therapies and gender reassignment surgeries. These choices have irreversible consequences. 

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 28 seeking to ban federal funding for youth gender-affirming medical treatments. The order, entitled “Protecting Children From Chemical and Surgical Mutilation,” outlines that the U.S. will not “fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support” transition-related care for minors, which it defines as those under age 19.

This federal action aligns with state-level efforts such as Tennessee’s SB1 law, passed in 2024, which bans healthcare providers from providing or offering gender-affirming care for minors under the age of 18. Similarly, Florida prohibits the provision of sex–reassignment prescriptions or procedures for patients younger than 18.

I’ve spoken with Democrats who have called these restrictions transphobic. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, transphobia is discrimination against, aversion to or fear of transgender people. On the contrary, I find these restrictions are anything but transphobic. The Trump Administration is protecting anyone under 19 from making an irreparable decision before entering adulthood. It’s about protection, not discrimination. 

While I support the sentiment behind Trump’s executive order, he needs to raise the age for gender-affirming care from 19 to 25 for it to be truly effective.  

The need for higher age restrictions coincides directly with ongoing brain development. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for planning and decision-making, is one of the last areas of the brain to mature. It is typically not developed until a person is 25. With an age limit of 19, the brain has not reached full maturation. Therefore, young adults cannot be expected to make a rational, carefully considered decision. 

If you think college students are mature enough to make these life-altering decisions, just remember the average student changes their major at least three times over the course of their university career. And adolescent years are the most vulnerable period of personality changes. All that to say, kids and teenagers don’t know what they want to do with their lives, and that’s okay. Adolescence is not about having all the answers. 

And yet, transgender people have access to gender-affirming hormone therapy as young as 16 years old in states such as Vermont. On the West Coast, California law ensures that trans youth can access hormones or puberty blockers, acting as a safe haven for transgender minors seeking medical care. 

Puberty blockers are medications that prevent puberty from happening. The long-term effects of puberty blockers are still being investigated, however, they have so far been proven to reduce bone density, sex hormone production and fertility.

Similarly, the side effects of hormone therapies are not well studied but have the potential to leave adolescents infertile. Why should we allow teenagers to access these drugs without understanding the long-term effects and potential risks?

Congresswoman Becca Balint frames Trump as a villain who’s stripping her district of its autonomy. “I could not be more angry right now about this executive order and Trump interfering into the lives of my constituents,” said Balint on Instagram. “Their families … are just trying to get [transgender kids] the healthcare that they need and deserve.”

Trump is safeguarding trans kids from accessing under-researched hormone therapies and irreversible puberty blockers. Meanwhile, representatives like Balint encourage gender-affirming care for young trans people, promoting harmful puberty blockers like leuprolide, triptorelin and histrelin. Experts suggest discontinuing these drugs at 12 years old, but the average cutoff is age 14. 

In a world where puberty blockers and hormone therapies are making headlines, President Trump needs to revise his executive order and raise the age restriction on gender-affirming care from 19 to 25. If he fails to do so, transgender people 24 and under will fall victim to his half–baked legislation.

Senior year burnout is more than just an excuse to slack off

Michelle Machado
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Senior year burnout is more than just an excuse to slack off

Senior year is supposed to be the best time of your life, but after 16 years of nonstop school, I think I’ve earned the right to be exhausted. For many of us, senior year isn’t just a victory lap, it’s a grueling final stretch of deadlines, responsibilities and anxiety about the future.

Senioritis isn’t about laziness, it’s about burnout. After over a decade and a half of balancing coursework, extracurriculars, internships, and future planning, it’s no surprise that students start checking out. A study in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that students who continued classwork without breaks experienced increased exhaustion and decreased mental energy, worsening seniors fatigue. The challenge isn’t just staying motivated but also managing exhaustion while preparing for the next stage of life. Almost every senior feels this at some point, yet it’s often overlooked.

Taking eight classes in my final semester to finish my degree has been nothing short of overwhelming. Between juggling coursework, maintaining friendships, keeping up with my job and trying to take care of my mental health, it often feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day. I’m not alone in this feeling. A recent survey from Higher Ed Dive found that more than 80% of college seniors experience burnout, with many expecting to carry those feelings into their early careers.

From kindergarten to college, we’ve spent our entire lives in classrooms, completing assignments and preparing for exams. Pushing through just a few more months feels impossible when we’ve never really had a break—especially since many students are expected to work during summer and winter breaks, leaving little time to truly rest. 

Camila Schwarz, a senior in the School of Communication set to graduate in the spring of 2025, can relate. “Senioritis has hit me hard this semester. Every assignment feels like a marathon, and I’m constantly running on caffeine and vibes. No matter how much I sleep, I’m still exhausted. Graduation can’t come fast enough!”

Scientific research supports what students like Schwarz experience. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that engaging in mentally demanding work for extended periods leads to significant distress and fatigue. As deadlines pile up and expectations grow, the academic grind can feel relentless. This makes it increasingly difficult to stay motivated and perform exceptionally 

Academics aren’t the only source of stress. According to an article from the Mary Christie Institute, just thinking about grad school applications can be overwhelming. Similarly, a report from Indeed states that the job search process is stressful due to uncertainty and lack of control, leading to significant psychological strain. Seniors also face the emotional weight of leaving behind friends, routines, and the structure of college life. 

Margo Sugarman, a senior majoring in Public Relations, shares, “I’m excited to graduate, but I’ll miss being around my friends the way I am now. Thankfully, most of us are moving to the northeast, so we can still get together somewhat frequently.” 

The transition into post-grad life can feel daunting, which only adds to the exhaustion many seniors experience. While senioritis is real, that doesn’t mean we must let it derail our final semester. Setting realistic goals can help by shifting the focus from perfection to sustainability. 

Psychology Today emphasizes that establishing achievable objectives reduces stress and fosters a healthier, more productive mindset. At this point, aiming for straight A’s might not be the priority. Sometimes, just finishing assignments with a reasonable amount of effort is enough. Finding ways to stay engaged, like taking a fun elective, joining a club, or setting aside time for activities we enjoy can make school feel less like a chore. However, for many seniors, this can be complicated by the increased responsibility they hold in clubs and organizations, often being in the highest positions and managing the most demanding tasks.

Taking breaks is equally important. Research indicates that prolonged work without adequate rest can lead to increased fatigue and a higher risk of injuries. For instance, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) notes that working 12-hour days is associated with a 37% increased risk of injury. So take time to unwind. Grab a coffee with a friend, take a walk or recharge with your favorite show.

Another crucial factor in managing burnout is utilizing the mental health resources available. UM offers comprehensive support through its Counseling Center. Students can schedule individual therapy sessions, attend group counseling, or access psychiatric services to help manage stress and anxiety. Additionally, the university provides career counseling and transition programs to help seniors navigate life after graduation. Utilizing these resources can make the final semester more manageable and improve overall well-being.

Senioritis isn’t about being lazy. It’s the result of burnout after 16 years of school with no real break. Instead of dismissing struggling seniors as slackers, we should acknowledge this exhaustion and discuss ways to make the last year of college more manageable and enjoyable. We’ve made it this far, we deserve to cross the finish line with our sanity intact.

Four game series? No problem: takeaways from Miami baseball series against Princeton

Max Diaz
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Four game series? No problem: takeaways from Miami baseball series against Princeton

Miami baseball got back to business this weekend after their midweek loss to FAU last Tuesday. They handled the visiting Princeton Tigers (0-4) with no problem, completing a four game sweep, winning 3-1, 10-3, 15-1 and 8-0, to improve their record to 7-1.

The only four game series of the season was revealed to be no issue for the ’Canes. Here are a few takeaways from the long series.

Weekend Aces Stay Hot

Even though the season is still young, the most pleasant surprise so far for the Hurricanes has been their weekend starting pitcher trio: sophomore Nick Robert, junior Griffin Hugus and redshirt junior Brian Walters. 

After a dominating performance by each pitcher in the opening series against Niagara, all three once again put on a show against Princeton.

Robert started things off with a Friday contest that turned out to be the closest of the series, ending in a 3-1 ’Canes victory. In 5.0 innings of play, Robert threw for eight strikeouts, while only giving up two hits, two walks and no earned runs. Robert finished the game with the win, moving his record to 2-0 on the season.

Hugus kept things rolling on game one of the Saturday double-header. His outing started out rough though, giving up a two-run homerun in the first inning. Hugus made sure he did not make the same mistake again because that turned out to be the only hit he allowed during his outing. In 6.0 innings of play, Hugus tallied nine strikeouts while only allowing two walks and one hit, the homer. Hugus notched the win, also making his record 2-0.

Before Walters pitched on Sunday, the Hurricanes also had the second game of the Saturday double-header. That start went to graduate student and Hawai’i transfer Alex Giroux. Giroux had a solid performance in his first start of the season, throwing five strikeouts, while giving up two hits and a run in 6.0 innings of play, earning him the win.

Walters finished things up with a bang on Sunday. How he was throwing, it was giving flashbacks to when his brother Andrew was the closer for the ’Canes back in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. Walters was untouchable, throwing for nine strikeouts while giving one walk and no hits in 6.0 innings of play. Just like Robert and Hugus, Walters moves to 2-0 on the season.

If the first two series are a sign of what’s to come, the Hurricanes may have themselves three aces this year.

Cuvet Out of Slump?

The start of the season has not gone so great for Miami’s star sophomore Daniel Cuvet.  A sophomore slump is something needs to try to avoid with all the eyes on him this season. Going into the Princeton series, Cuvet only had two hits while batting a .222 average.

The first two games of the Princeton series were not much better, going 1-5 in six plate appearances. However, game three of the series was a different story. Cuvet went 4-5 at the plate, bringing in three RBIs while also tallying his first homerun of the season.

Sometimes all it takes is one great performance to break out of a hitting slump, Saturday night could have been it for Cuvet. However, the success did not follow him into the Sunday game as he went 0-2 in three plate appearances.

After the Princeton series, Cuvet now sits at a .280 average with seven hits on the season. Cuvet also leads the team in strikeouts with 11, almost double the second most on the team with six. 

Saturday night proved that Cuvet is still a stud of a player, the only question now is can those performances appear consistently again, for the Hurricanes’ sake, hopefully sooner rather than later. 

Bats Get Back On Track After Midweek Disappointment 

The midweek loss against the Florida Atlantic Owls was upsetting for the Hurricanes after the dominance they had against Niagara. The fault of the loss fell more on the hitters with the ’Canes only managing to put one run on the board in the loss. They started the game with a run in the first inning and then went the next eight innings scoreless. After tallying 10+ runs in each of the Niagara games, the FAU performance was certainly unexpected.

The low-scoring trend even followed the Hurricanes into the start of the Princeton series. The ’Canes only managed to tally three runs in the Friday game, luckily the pitching came though, only giving up a single run.

Thankly for UM, the bats showed up again for the rest of the series, bringing in 33 runs in the final three games. The two low-run performances could have just been flukes for the ’Canes, but with tougher teams coming soon in the schedule, they cannot risk those becoming a common trend.

The Hurricanes are back in action on Wednesday when they face the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles (4-3) at 6:00 pm for a midweek South Florida showdown at the Light. Following that the ’Canes renew the annual rivalry by heading up to Gainesville to face the No. 8 Florida Gators (7-0) in a weekend series from Friday, Feb. 28 to Sunday, March 2.

Study smarter, not harder: UM’s tools to help students succeed this midterm season

Elena Fallow
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Study smarter, not harder: UM’s tools to help students succeed this midterm season

With midterms right around the corner, students and faculty at the University of Miami are working hard to perform at their best. Even though these tests come well before final exams in May they lack a schedule and reading days. This can leave students to juggle studying, homework, and extracurriculars all at once.  

Between whiteboards, workshops, tutors and professors themselves, the university is equipped to help students succeed this midterm season.

There are multiple ways to study for exams, but not every method works for everyone. First-year business student Isabella Bomnin counts on the “whiteboard method.” 

“When studying for an exam, I like to write everything down on a whiteboard and kind of go through it as if I’m teaching someone,” Bomnin said. “Going through it and explaining it helps me remember everything better.” 

No whiteboard? No problem. There are plenty of free-to-use whiteboards around campus, whether they be in residential college study spaces or in Richter Library.

“In the library, they have like five whiteboards there. There are also study rooms and stuff like that around campus,” she said.

Another first-year, Ananya Uttamchandani, frequently attends the chemistry connections workshops. Living in Centennial Village, where some workshops are held, makes it more convenient to utilize this resource. 

“They have other [workshops] that are in Cox, the science building, that are at 5 and 6 p.m., and if I’m already in my room, I don’t want to go all the way over there,” she said. “So it is convenient that it’s right in the same building, and I just have to go down to the second floor.” 

These workshops led by graduate students allow for one last review session before the exam. 

“The workshop leader gives you questions that are similar to what is going to be on the exam, so if there is something I don’t know or that confuses me, or just need help on, then I have the rest of the night and most of Friday to work on that specifically,” Uttamchandani said. 

Some professors feel responsible for preparing students for success in midterm exams. Professor Kylie Walkine, a journalism teacher in the School of Communication, prides himself on not being a tough lecturer. 

“I always say as a lecturer or professor, how students perform is a reflection of how you taught them the material and how you prepare them,” Walkine said. 

He takes multiple steps to ensure that students have the right tools to succeed. 

“I always give my students a study guide,” he said. “And then I think it’s the class before the midterm or the final, we always grow through the study guide together. I may give them one or two questions from the actual exam, but it’s always an easy layup for everyone to get at least an A or a B on the exam.”

Dr. Roy, a geographic information system professor, also offers study guides and review sessions for her students. She uses her midterms as building blocks. 

“The first midterm has the lowest weight and the final has the highest weight,” Dr. Roy said.

Her reasoning is, “Students don’t do well on the first test. They’re getting used to the course material and the professor. So when you take the first test, you start getting used to the material, and by the final exam, you’re very well prepared.”

However, arguably the best resource the university offers is free tutoring. The Camner Center for Academic Resources offers tutoring for over 70 subjects. 

Olivia Hoy, a first-year pre-med student, highly suggests that all students go to Camner even if they are not struggling in a class. “When I have questions, it is helpful to talk to people who have already experienced the class and know what to expect on exams,” she said.

She also shared that it was surprisingly easy to book a session. To book a session, open Navigate (the student success and resource portal found on the canelink homepage), click “make an appointment” on the upper right hand side, and select “Camner Tutoring” under the appointment type. 

According to Rebecca Mirabent, the senior program coordinator of the Camner Center for Tutoring, “there are some classes where they might not see it on Navigate, just make a request through Navigate or through email and we’ll try to find some tutor to help them in some way.”

If you want to take advantage of this resource, do so in advance. Zane Mamman, a lead tutor at Camner, noted that they are busiest before big exams. 

“I tutor the chemistries, like general chemistry and organic chemistry, so definitely before an exam, I will be overbooked,” he said.“I find that during midterms, it gets pretty busy, and then it’ll kind of stay pretty stagnant, and then during finals, it gets really busy again.”

Manuel Ruiz-Barrera captures a world of fear, betrayal and survival in ‘Surreal Cuba’

Isabella Jardim Rodrigues
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Manuel Ruiz-Barrera captures a world of fear, betrayal and survival in ‘Surreal Cuba’

Manuel Ruiz-Barrera, a Cuban American, was 23 when he first fled to Cuba. A history major at Florida International University, he was driven by a desire to capture the reality of a place that seemed like the last place you’d expect to find a totalitarian regime.

“Surreal Cuba: A Photographic Journey” captures images from a post-Cold War period when the country was in the midst of a severe economic crisis. After the Soviet Union withdrew its financial support, Cuba, under Fidel Castro’s government, faced a crippling shortage of food and energy. 

The period was marked by blackouts, famine, and widespread fear. Those years are known as the Special Period. 

Before his first trip to Cuba in 1993, Barrera worked at the Miami Herald. Knowing the paper would never send him on an assignment because of his age, he decided to go on his own. He funded the trip – and the next 3 to come – by doing a UPS-style job from the U.S. to Cuba. 

“The items in my luggage were never mine,” Barrera said.

The book is composed of several moments, captured by Barrera, of a vulnerable and struggling Cuba. The faces of Cubans, worn with exhaustion, show the emotional toll of daily hardships: fear, frustration and uncertainty. 

Their eyes reflect a deep longing as they endure blackouts, hunger, and scarcity, holding on to whatever hope they can find. The struggle to survive in such conditions is felt in every picture.

“My pants were baggy because I had many films I was just carrying around,” Barrera said.

For Barrera, this book tells a story of forgiveness and redemption. During those times, neighbors turned against neighbors, never knowing who was compromised and who wasn’t. 

People feared for their families, wondering what might happen to their children or spouses if they spoke out or were seen as a threat. Even within families there was tension. Relatives urged each other to stay quiet, saying, “‘You have to shut up, or you’re going to get me in trouble.’”

On his first trips, Barrera was welcomed by the citizens of Cuba. Each time he returned, he learned more about the dystopia Cuba had become. 

However, things began to change over time. 

“I could feel the eyes of the people on me during my last trip, and I was scared I wouldn’t be leaving Cuba,” Barrera  said. The realities of Cuban life started to seep into his own experience: he found himself being gossiped about and getting detained at a Cuban police station.

One photograph from that time captured a moment when his car was broken into. He recalls how professional the thieves were, quickly stealing his video camera. “They did it within seconds,” Barrera  said.

Barrera chose the photograph “The Yearning” when asked to select an image that captured what it felt like to be a citizen in Cuba during that time. He narrates the moment where, “this man was standing in front of crashing, 20-30 foot waves, frozen in his desire to get out of there.” 

He didn’t have his camera with him at the moment, so Barrera had to go get it; and the man remained in the same spot. Staring out toward the sea, looking beyond the island. 

Barrera described that moment in Cuba as “darker than dark,” reflecting the intense hopelessness and desperation to leave that permeated the air.

But “Surreal Cuba” is more than just a photography book. Beneath each picture, a QR code links to a story where Barrera shares the personal experiences behind the image, drawing viewers into the deep emotions of the moment captured. 

The author shared that some of the people in his photographs later died by suicide, suffering from depression brought on by repression.

“Sometimes it is painful for me to look at this, because this causes a lot of pain for me. There is a lot of pain that I still see with these photographs,” Barrera said.

Even in a time of sorrow and uncertainty, Barrera still found moments of joy. He recalls the story of his great-uncle, also named Manuel, a countryside rebel who gave him the most memorable Christmas dinner of his life. 

In Cuba, killing a cow can result in 10 to 15 years in prison. But that night, his great-uncle defied the rules, creating a moment of warmth and defiance that Barrera would never forget. 

He served what Barrera described as a giant, delicious slab of steak – but without utensils.

 “This guy doesn’t even use utensils,” Barrera  said. “I just remember grabbing the steak with our hands and eating it.”

The situation in Cuba still isn’t getting any better. Michael Vazquez, 57, a member of the Cuban Heritage Collection Amigos Board at The University of Miami, shared his disappointment at the book launch. 

The son of Cuban parents, he visited the country in 2016 and was shocked by what he saw. “It was almost like going to Disneyland and finding out everything was falling apart,” Vazquez said. 

Vazquez advocates for human rights organizations to step in but acknowledges the challenges, given the government’s control. “They control the police, the army and the people have absolutely nothing,” Vazquez said.

Vazquez often hears people say that Latinos are always happy. When someone claims that about Cubans, Vazquez doesn’t sugarcoat his response.

“That’s if you go to the zoo and you see the monkeys in a cage. They look happy,” Vazquez said. 

“Surreal Cuba: A Photographic Journey” offers a powerful glimpse into a world shaped by hardship, hope, and resilience. Discover the untold stories behind each image and feel the emotions that words alone can’t capture.

A beginner’s guide to Miami’s top workout classes with ClassPass

Ilkim Sarsilmaz
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A beginner’s guide to Miami’s top workout classes with ClassPass

Miami is known for its vibrant fitness scene, offering everything from high-energy HIIT classes to serene hot yoga sessions. To test out some nearby workout studios and book my classes, I used a platform called ClassPass.

If you’re new to the Miami area and struggling to find places to work out, ClassPass is a great solution. It’s an app that works on a credit system, letting members try different workouts each week without being locked into a single membership. It’s perfect for exploring what’s out there and finding what fits your schedule and style.

Because Miami is well-known for its healthy lifestyle, classes can feel a bit intimidating at first. I’ve done some weight lifting and tried a few cycling and yoga classes before, but not much beyond that. As I explore Miami’s diverse fitness options, I’m approaching them from the perspective of a beginner as  someone just starting out with group workouts. ClassPass has made that much more approachable.

SoulCycle

As one of the most well-known names in group fitness, SoulCycle offers an intense, high-energy cycling experience. The instructor was very motivational and kept pushing us to do more, but not to the point where it was too much. By the end, I was sweating and felt as though I had challenged myself. For me, music is a key part of keeping me going, and the playlist kept the energy high throughout the class. 

As a beginner, I found the pace a little overwhelming at times, especially when trying to keep up with the choreography-based movements on the bike, but it was easy to go at your own pace and tailor the movements to what you are able. For a bonus at the end, we did some light arm workouts with dumbbells, which was a nice change to traditional cycle classes. I would absolutely go again and highly recommend this.

Beginner-Friendliness: 4/5

Atmosphere: 5/5

Instructor Support: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

TruFusion Cycling

TruFusion was very similar to SoulCycle, also incorporating upper body movements with light dumbbells at the end, which again was a detail I appreciated.

The vibe felt less intimidating than SoulCycle, as the class was dark for most of the ride except for a light on the instructor, providing comfort by allowing me to focus on my own workout without feeling self-conscious about others watching.

The choreography was also straightforward and simpler than SoulCycle, but there were modifications available at times to make it more challenging. The class was still difficult, but it felt like it went by much quicker. My instructor, Steph, was so much fun and kept the class very upbeat.

Beginner-Friendliness: 4/5

Atmosphere: 5/5

Instructor Support: 4.5/5

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

PureBarre Classic  

Barre was completely new to me, and I was not sure what to expect. I decided to sign up for PureBarre Engage on their website which included a simple 30-minute introduction class to give beginners an expectation of what was to come. The movements were small but incredibly effective and I felt the burn almost immediately in places I didn’t even know existed, making me excited to try the Classic class.

The Classic class was very similar to the introduction class; it was just longer with added movements. The instructor helped demonstrate proper form, though some of the cues were fast-paced, making it slightly difficult to follow at first. This class focused on toning and endurance rather than cardio, which was a nice change from the high-intensity cycling classes.

Beginner-Friendliness: 3.5/5

Atmosphere: 3.5/5

Instructor Support: 3.5/5

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

CorePower C2 Yoga

This was not my first time doing yoga, but it was my first experience with hot yoga, and it was something I would be interested in getting better at. The heat was at 92 degrees, adding an extra layer of intensity, but the instructor guided us through the flow with directions and modifications. 

The sweat made it hard for me to do the movements fully, but next time I would bring a big towel to help with my grip. The class incorporated a mix of traditional yoga poses and strength-building movements, making it a good full-body workout. While I struggled with some of the more advanced poses, I was still able to go at my own pace.

If you are a beginner to yoga, I would recommend going to a C1 (Yoga Level 1) class to understand some of the movements beforehand and achieve that muscle memory, but overall, it was still beginner-friendly.

Beginner-Friendliness: 4/5

Atmosphere: 3.5/5

Instructor Support: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

OM Warm Power

This was not my favorite class and it felt more complicated and challenging than the CorePower session I had tried before. The flow of movements was fast-paced, and some of the poses required a level of flexibility and strength that I was not quite prepared for.

As a beginner, I found it difficult to keep up, and there were not many modifications offered to make things more accessible. The instructor did not provide much guidance, which could be challenging  for someone without much prior experience. While it may be a great fit for more experienced yogis, I would not recommend it for beginners looking for a smooth introduction to heated yoga.

Beginner-Friendliness: 2/5

Atmosphere: 3/5

Instructor Support: 3/5

Overall Rating: 2.5/5

Each workout offered something different and discovering new studios around the city made staying active exciting, not stressful. With so many options nearby, it’s easy to find something that fits your vibe and schedule. Whether you’re new to fitness or looking to switch things up, ClassPass is an easy way to jump into Miami’s vibrant wellness scene and keep your energy up all year long.

The best Super Bowl 2025 commercials

Avery Simon
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The best Super Bowl 2025 commercials

The Super Bowl may be about football, but some may only be watching for the commercials. 

Here are the top ten commercials, featuring Nike challenging double standards, UberEats bacon-inspired conspiracy and the remake of the most iconic scene from “When Harry Met Sally.”

Nike, “So Win”

Featuring Caitlyn Clark, Sha’Carri Richardson and Jordan Chiles, Nike had one of the most impactful commercials during the Super Bowl. They confronted the challenges of double standards that women face in sports and in their everyday lives. Their message being, “Whatever you do, you can’t win. So win.” 

Instacart, “We’re Here”

Instacart debuted their first ever Super Bowl with iconic nostalgic mascots and characters from grocery store brands. Mountain Dew Puppy Monkey Baby, Cheetos’ Chester Cheetah, HEINZ Wiener Dogs, Green Giant, Mr. Clean, The Pillsbury Doughboy, the Energizer Bunny, The Kool-Aid Man, the Old Spice Guy and more were featured. 

The ad cleverly connected these beloved characters to Instacart’s modern shopping experience, showing how convenience of today doesn’t forget the comfort of familiar favorites. 

Ray-Ban Meta, “Film This” 

Starring Chris Pratt and Chris Hemsworth, Ray-Ban showcases their Meta glasses in a gallery setting. In the gallery, Hemsworth suggests that the two of them touch the statue shown. Pratt hesitates but gives in as Hemsworth films using his glasses. The head falls off the statue, and now they have this hilarious clip to rewatch. 

Lays, “The Little Farmer”

Featuring a true story of a Wisconsin farming family, the Pavelskis, the commercial showcases Jermey Pabelski’s daughter and the great importance she places on protecting their potatoes through storms and all. 

Lays captured a smile from viewers as many people were unaware of Lays use of family farmers for their classic potato chips. 

NFL, “I Am Somebody” 

This NFL commercial truly stood out because it was not just a marketing move, but also a powerful statement, helping people recognize their true potential and the future of sports. The ad celebrated potential and hope, inspiring viewers to recognize and pursue greatness within themselves. 

It showcased various sports players and everyday people from different backgrounds were shown overcoming challenges and achieving greatness in those areas. There was a clear emphasis on that no matter race, age, disability, or background, everyone has the chance to be great and “Somebody”. 

Dunkin Donuts, “DunKings”

A part two to the famous Dunkings commercial from the last superbowl, showcases the Affleck brothers, Ben and Casey. Alongside the Affleck brothers is former NFL coach Bill Belichick. Their last commercial was introducing this boy band while this commercial features the reunion with a comedic battle between coffee brands. 

Bud Light, “Big Men on Cul-De-Sac” 

The Big Men, Shane Gillis, Post Malone and Peyton Manning are getting ready to party with the official beer of the Super Bowl. 

Both Malone and Gillis use unique humorous ways to distribute the Bud Light such as through a leaf blower. This turns the small Cul-De-Sac pre-game into a full on neighborhood party. 

Hellmann’s, “When Sally Met Hellmann’s”

Recreating one of the most iconic scenes from “When Harry Met Sally,” Hellmann reunited Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan at Katz’s Deli. This scene is from when Sally fakes an orgasm. In the commercial, she recreates the same enthusiasm for Hellmann’s mayonnaise. 

Crystal notes that this enthusiasm is real unlike in the movie. To mark the end of this iconic recreation, Sydney Sweeney quotes the famous line, “I’ll have what she’s having”. 

Uber Eats, “A Century of Cravings”

Starring Matthew McConaughey, UberEats introduces the conspiracy theory that football was created just to make the viewers hungry. They comically show a flashback where McConaughey portrays a football coach in 1876 and passes the ball named “pigskin” to Kevin Bacon, the assistant coach. Clearly, trying to make the viewers crave bacon. 

The commercial features another scene of McConaughey sharing buffalo wings with Sean Evans, “Hot Wings” host, hinting at the Buffalo Bills team name. The commercial continues with more hysterical references to prove his conspiracy theory. 

It ends off with being in a conference room where Charli XCX bites into an apple, referencing her song “Apple”. Oh, and Martha Stewart is there too. 

NERDS, “Wonderful World of Nerds”

This commercial starred Shaboozey singing a rendition of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World”. It was vibrant and whimsical featuring a beautiful spread of colors as Shaboozey strolls down Bourbon Street, a classic New Orleans location. 

He is walking while enjoying some Nerds Gummy Clusters as a band led by a life-size red gummy cluster playing the trumpet. This commercial marks a celebration in New Orleans for the Super Bowl, featuring the classic song in Louis Armstrong’s hometown. Shaboozey ends the commercial by peacefully saying, “When two great things combine, it’s a wonderful world.”

These commercials are not your regular ads, they are humor-filled, nostalgic, and tell meaningful stories. Don’t miss the chance to catch the clever moments you might have missed the first time.

How to get to the Ultra Music Festival from the University of Miami

Elena Thomson
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How to get to the Ultra Music Festival from the University of Miami

With Ultra Music Festival just under a month away, University of Miami ravers need to start gathering their friends and purchasing tickets for the unforgettable event. To ensure that students arrive at the festival with ease, here is a comprehensive guide on different travel options available to students: 

Miami Metrorail and Metromover 

The Metrorail offers a convenient, cost-effective way to travel throughout Miami. For those of you who have never taken the metro before, walk back to the edge of Lakeside andpast the volleyball courts out toward the main road. 

When you get there, use the crosswalk and head towards the University Metrorail station. With a $2.25 one-way train fair, the metro is a cheaper alternative to rideshare apps like Lyft or Uber. 

Once on the platform, take the northbound train towards Government Center Station. The ride will take about 20 to 25 minutes. At Government Center, transfer to the Metromover’s Inner Loop. It is a free train that will take you straight to the Bayfront Park Station, which is right at the festival entrance. 

Rideshare services

For larger groups that may have waited until the last minute to get ready, or just simply do not feel comfortable taking the metro, rideshare can be another option when traveling to Ultra Music Festival. Uber offers a new service where you can add people to your trip to split the fare, so there won’t be as many arguments surrounding who to pay and how much the fair was. 

As with every ride share, set your pickup location to one near your current location. Ultra Music Festival has a designated rideshare zone near Bayfront Park for easier drop off and pick up. Follow festival maps for exact locations when arriving at Bayfront.

Sometimes rideshare apps will have surge pricing, so expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $50 dollars on a single ride. For those of you on a budget, this may be a final resort. 

Driving 

For those who have a designated driver comfortable with taking some friends to the festival, driving can be a transportation option as well. This mode of transportation will require more planning though as the festival is located in the heart of downtown Miami. 

The easiest way to drive from the University of Miami’s Coral Gables Campus is to take US-1 north / I-95. From there take exit 2D toward Biscayne Boulevard. Traffic in downtown Miami is bad already, so keep in mind that rideshare services, pedestrians and road blockages will occur during this time. 

Parking near Bayfront is limited, so it is recommended to secure a spot ahead of time. There are some local parking garages in the area that allow festival parking: Bayside Marketplace Garage, Miami Parking Authority Garage and the College Station Garage. Keep in mind there may be price surges due to the festival, so be prepared to be anywhere from $30 to $60 a day. 

Regardless of how you arrive at Ultra, make sure you have some travel buddies with you and that phones are charged. Plan ahead to avoid missing out on any of the amazing performers.

Duke’s Jai Lucas to take over as Miami’s next head basketball coach

Shea Mcdonald
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Duke’s Jai Lucas to take over as Miami’s next head basketball coach

Duke associate head coach Jai Lucas is reportedly taking over Miami men’s basketball next season. According to the Associated Press, contract negotiations have not yet been finalized, but Lucas is expected to join the Hurricanes as their next head coach. 

CanesInSight was the first to report this news.

The 36-year-old Lucas will step in to be the youngest head coach in the ACC and is one of the most coveted assistant coaches in all of college basketball. After playing college ball at Florida and Texas, Lucas had a brief stint with the NBA G League, formerly the NBA D-League, before moving on to the coaching world. 

His first job was with his alma mater, Texas, where he worked his way up to an assistant coach after staying on the staff when the Longhorns transitioned from Rick Barnes to Shaka Smart in 2016. He then served with Kentucky as a recruiting coordinator and an assistant coach. He made his way to Duke in 2023, where he climbed the ranks to be Jon Scheyer’s right-hand man as associate head coach and one of the most valuable coaching prospects in the nation. 

“Absolutely, he’s a head coach,” Scheyer said when asked by reporters about Lucas’ name coming up in the Miami coaching search. “No question about it. It’s part of why I hired him, you know, and the job he’s done for us has been incredible. Any report or anything that’s out there, you know, I’m just getting wind of it now, so we’ll cross that bridge and figure it out.”

Despite his youth, Lucas, having worked with Barnes, John Calipari and currently with Scheyer, has a lot of experience and knowledge he can bring. Where he’s made his mark in all these places is in his ability to recruit and develop players. 

With Texas, Lucas helped put together three highly touted classes and made the most out of the players he brought in. Jarrett Allen, Mo Bamba, and Jaxon Hayes all ended up as first-round picks. Bamba and Hayes went in the lottery back-to-back years, and Kentucky and Duke were the only other teams to accomplish that feat in those years. 

Then with Kentucky, Lucas helped bring in five McDonald’s All Americans, including Shaedon Sharpe and TyTy Washington, who also both made the NBA. Since arriving at Duke, he’s been responsible for some of their biggest commits over the past couple of years. From Duke’s stacked class of 2024, headlined by the number one player in the country, Cooper Flagg, or their class of 2025, which has brought in the Boozer twins, he’s held a primary role in all of it. The hope for Miami is that he can make something similar happen with the ’Canes.

When Jim Larrañaga stepped down in December, it was partly due to a struggle adapting and relating to players in this new world of NIL. Miami going after Lucas attacks the need to get someone younger and newer into the space, setting them up for success both now and in the future.

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