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Miami loses its eighth straight in blowout loss to Stanford

Benjamin Gerkin
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Miami loses its eighth straight in blowout loss to Stanford

Coming off a 43-point loss to SMU at home, the Hurricanes flew out west to take on Stanford in a newly formed ACC matchup. The result wasn’t any better, as Miami lost 88-51.

Miami’s defensive struggles continued to be on display just within the first few minutes of the game as it quickly began down 21-3 at the 11:58 mark of the first half.

Although it seemed this game had ended just minutes after the tip, the ’Canes stepped up their defensive intensity and forced the Cardinal to go on a four minute scoring drought nearing the end of the first half. A couple of Lynn Kidd buckets and a nice drive and scoop from freshman Jalil Bethea ignited a late 10-0 scoring run for the Hurricanes and cut the lead to just 15.

UM entered halftime down 37-21. Kidd posted eight points and five rebounds on 4-of-5 shooting from the field in the first half to keep the Hurricanes within striking distance.

Despite a slow start from senior guard Matthew Cleveland, a quick three to start the second half cut the Cardinal’s lead to just 13. Cleveland continued to score the next seven for the Hurricanes and ended with a team-high 23 points.

Stanford’s shotmaking proved to be too much for Miami, draining 11-of-29 attempts from beyond the arc.

The ’Canes caught themselves down by 37 (77-40) near the five minute mark and were fortunate to avoid back to back 40 point defeats.

Stanford 7-foot-1 senior big Maxime Raynaud was excellent, obtaining his 16th double-double of the season with 28 points and 12 rebounds.

Other than Kidd, Cleveland and sophomore Paul Djobet, no Hurricane scored more than two points on the night.

Miami will close this West Coast stretch with a matchup against California on Saturday at 8:30 p.m.

UM reinstates standardized test requirement for fall 2026 applicants 

Ashley Sewall
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UM reinstates standardized test requirement for fall 2026 applicants 

Prospective undergraduate students for the fall 2026 semester will be required to submit standardized test scores as a part of their application to the University of Miami for the first time since 2020. 

“While we recognize the value of changing the policy during the pandemic, we have decided to go back to including this information as our data show that standardized test scores can be a predictor of academic success,” said Guillermo “Willy” Prado, interim executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. 

The University will use standardized testing scores, including SAT and ACT test results, a high school transcript and other factors as part of its holistic review process. This means that when considering applicants, admissions officers will consider all parts of the application in the context of each student.

“These standardized test scores are only a complementary piece of the puzzle,” Prado said. “We consider a wide array of information in our admissions decisions and rely heavily on a student’s high school performance and grade point average, along with community involvement and many other factors.”

Adriana Alvarado, a junior studying biology on the pre-med track, is against requiring standardized tests in college applications.

“I honestly think that standardized testing is an archaic form of measuring someone’s intelligence,” Alvarado said. “I believe that standardized testing hinders someone’s abilities to get to where they wanna get in life.”

UM joins other Association of American Universities AAU partner institutions who also recently began requiring test scores on their applications again, including Brown University, Dartmouth College, The Johns Hopkins University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Texas at Austin. All Florida public colleges require test scores.

Christopher Tienken, an associate professor of leadership, management and policy at Seton Hall University, published a study in 2016 on how he and his team could accurately predict the percentage of students at a school who would perform well on the state standardized tests. 

“These tests are not measuring how much students learned or can learn,” Tienken said in an interview with Forbes. “They are predominately measuring the family and community capital of the student.”

Standardized tests are often associated with important outcomes – graduation, careers and sometimes school funding.

“Standardized tests cause anxiety to those who take these tests,” Alvarado said. “I can be a good “normal” test taker, but when it comes to a test like the SAT or the MCAT I perform poorly.”

The School of Education at American University states that “standardized tests fail to account for students who learn and demonstrate academic proficiency in different ways.”

A 2022 study by ACT found evidence of grade inflation in high school seniors’ GPA between 2010-2021, most notably during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Grade inflation is when a student is given a grade that does not align with the content mastery measured by the ACT.

“Grade inflation makes college admissions more challenging and confusing for students, who need accurate, meaningful grades to tell the whole story of their academic success,” Godwin said. “Grade inflation also limits students’ ability to meaningfully gauge their academic readiness for college work and select a college where they are likely to thrive.”

To learn more about the University of Miami’s admissions process and requirements, visit admissions.miami.edu.

UM’s TikTok takeover attracted the incoming class

Samantha Rodriguez
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UM’s TikTok takeover attracted the incoming class

Most freshmen look at #umiami on TikTok to see what their dream first day on campus can look like. With most posts showing gorgeous weather, state-of-the-art amenities and a vibrant city at your doorstep, it is no surprise TikTok has spotlighted the University of Miami.

With the previously proposed TikTok ban almost preventing the opportunity for freshmen to see what being a ’Cane is all about, the University could have lost an invaluable marketing tool and vital connection to the next generation of students.

As Alix Earle’s eight million TikTok followers can agree, her almost-constant viral posts pushed the University of Miami and her extravagant Miami lifestyle into the spotlight. 

While Earle was enrolled, she gave all of TikTok a taste of unfiltered college life. With “Day in the Life of” and “Get Ready with Me” posts, prospective students got an honest look at the UM lifestyle. Clips show her walking to class under a beaming sun during the day and strutting down Miracle Mile at night, highlighting a studious yet fun atmosphere, a grab for any prospective student.

Freshman and finance major Emma Paccione used TikTok to preview student life while she was finalizing her college decisions.

“I liked seeing students talk about their day-in-the-life and it gave me the ability to see if I would fit in at UM based on their school days,” Paccione said. “I had already applied, but when I was considering what school to enroll in, I was looking at TikToks.”

Before students even arrive at UM, viral acceptance videos show highschoolers opening their acceptance email and immediately crying tears of joy. TikTok posts showing families decorating admitted students’ rooms in orange and green streamers, snacks and UM merchandise show how becoming a ’Cane makes you part of a community larger than yourself. 

UM’s undergraduate admissions account also typically replies to most acceptance posts, giving freshmen a sense of an attentive, engaging and caring administration. The posts let prospective students attach a personality to the place they may want to spend the next four years of their lives.

Unlike many other universities, UM frequently posts on Instagram and TikTok referencing viral memes and trends. Recently, the University’s official Instagram posted an image of rainy weather with the caption, “the only thing we want banned is the rain,” referencing the then looming TikTok ban.

Institutions like Florida State University have more followers than UM, but rarely come close to UM’s weekly view count of more than 100,000. With the University of Miami using hashtags to direct fans of the memes to their posts, Instagram and TikTok viewership can increase and attract incoming classes.

Through TikTok, viewers can even get a glimpse of what their senior year might look like if they choose UM. Graduation videos hint at the party at the end of the road. Last spring’s graduation ceremonies went viral as students danced to Kanye West’s “Carnival” under orange and green flood lights and smoke machines.

Posts are flooded with comments saying graduation alone is worth the tuition and that people should transfer to UM just to experience the ending of a lifetime.

The incoming spring graduation and centennial events will bring a new level of content to TikTok bound to be post-worthy. As UM’s social media stays on top of trends by using viral sounds in posts, there’s no telling what corners of TikTok the U won’t touch.

So you’re not in a sorority. What now?

Paulina Barnjak
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So you’re not in a sorority. What now?

A girl’s guide to getting by without Greek Life

From work week to “rushtok” and bid day festivities, it’s impossible to ignore the craziness that is sorority recruitment. All over social media and on campus, freshmen who just joined sororities are sporting their latest merch and bonding with their new sisters. 

In the midst of all the chaos, it’s important to remember that the University of Miami has a lot more to offer than Greek life. Consider this my pep talk for the girls who didn’t rush, didn’t get a bid or dropped from recruitment. You aren’t alone. 

Although most of my friends, including my roommate, decided to rush this spring semester, I did not. When asked why I didn’t rush, I responded with the truth: “I just didn’t feel like it.” 

But for the girls who dropped or for the ones who didn’t rush at all, it may feel like sorority life is starting to infiltrate every aspect of your Miami experience. 

So you rushed, but your experience was different from the majority. Your friends all split up into different chapters or the chapter you thought would be your new home didn’t offer you a bid. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s important to remember that getting dropped doesn’t mean you failed. 

With more than 1,000 girls rushing this past semester and only seven Panhellenic sororities participating in formal recruitment, UM recruitment continues to get more and more competitive, making it a battle to secure a bid.  

If your recruitment process didn’t go as planned: instead of focusing on the disappointment, take that extra time and energy you have and find a sisterhood in the many other communities UM has to offer.

UM has more than 300 registered student organizations focusing on academics, leadership, volunteering and sports. Participating in these clubs and activities is a great way to make friends and meet people that share your passions. 

For instance, I spent a weekend in November at a tournament with UM Debate in Chicago, making friends and doing something I love in the process. Through a program called Civic Synergy, I’ve connected with peers who are now also my colleagues in an internship. At The Miami Hurricane, I’ve built meaningful relationships with my co-writers and editors, making the experience academically and socially rewarding.

Attending UM does not exclusively revolve around on-campus life, we also have access to a city bursting with vibrant culture and energy. Known for its year-round heat and sunshine, Miami’s weather is the perfect excuse to spend time outdoors and take a quick trip to the beach, something available whether or not you’re involved in Greek life. Miami also offers a wide range of music and food scenes for a fun night out free of sorority affiliation. 

But not every school has this privilege. Both of my sisters rushed last semester at Purdue University and the University of Arizona, two college towns in the middle of nowhere, devoid of nightlife, beaches, or major cities nearby. According to my sisters, if you’re not at a frat party, you’re essentially confined to your dorm room. In their eyes, Greek life is the only way to have fun and make friends at college. Fortunately, that’s not the case here. 

Also, both of their schools have more chapters and huge sorority and fraternity houses. UM’s lack of sorority houses means that when it comes time to decide who our future roommates are, people choose to live with their friends, not just their sorority sisters (although, of course, these can overlap). 
None of this means that joining a sisterhood doesn’t have its pros, but by no means is Greek life essential for building a social life, fostering a sense of belonging, or having fun at UM. You can still embrace the opportunities Miami has to offer through its clubs, internship network, and the city itself. Your college experience is what you make of it, whether or not Greek life is involved along the way. At UM, you’re bound to find a community to call home.

What it’s like to be in Washington D.C. for Trump’s Second Inauguration

Lazaro Chavez
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What it’s like to be in Washington D.C. for Trump’s Second Inauguration

The nation’s capital, full of political heavyweights, awoke to frigid temperatures and a historic occasion on Jan. 20, 2025. For only the second time in the history of the United States, a person was sworn in for a second non-consecutive term to its highest office. President Trump spared no time getting into office. 

I had the honor of being able to attend the inauguration thanks to the Leadership Institute, which equips those who attend their schools with the tools to become better leaders. Originally, I was supposed to be seated just outside our nation’s capital to witness it all, but due to cold weather moved the ceremony inside, leaving us to watch the ceremony together in our meeting room. I was lucky enough, however,  to attend the “Victory Rally” at Capital One Arena. Regardless of the location change, Washington D.C. was still something incredible to witness on such a historic weekend.

Despite freezing temperatures and icy rain, thousands gathered from across the country, filling the arena to capacity. The Leadership Institute got me and my fellow attendees special seating in the arena; although we still had to bear the elements to get in. The lower seating tiers and floor were packed with supporters wrapped in heavy coats and waving things like signs with the number “47” and American Flags – at least until the secret service told them to lower the flags. It was clear they were all excited to be a part of history.  

The crowd’s commitment to the event was evident given the sheer amount of the time that people waited. A man from Missouri told me he had been in line since 7 a.m. waiting until 2 p.m. to get inside the arena. The crowd also broke into cheers for each guest speaker and erupted into a roar for the president.

Even more exciting than the cheers, I sat several rows ahead of Secretary of Defense Nominee Pete Hegseth, FBI Director nominee Kash Patel and Director of National Intelligence nominee Tulsi Gabbard. To the crowd of die-hard Trump supporters, this was much more than a rally, it was a taste of the excitement the next four years would bring.

The inauguration was also incredibly interesting to watch. Despite it being moved inside, leaving most people to watch it from their hotel rooms, the ceremony brought in leaders from around the globe. All five living U.S. presidents, Justices of the Supreme Court and most of congress along with some of America’s most wealthy, including Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos were in attendance. A political junkie’s wildest dream if you will. 

Trump opened his address with the words, “the golden age of America begins right now,” setting an ambitious tone for his second term. The address struck a tone of unity, highlighting the potential for Americans of all backgrounds to work together toward a common goal. References to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a call to honor the civil rights leaders brought moments of poignancy, especially powerful in a time when the nation could not be more divided. 

The President did deviate at times in his speech, dipping into more partisan topics. Sharp rebukes of past administrations, with the heads of those administrations mere feet from him, also created tension. These statements detracted from the President’s overall message of unity, leaving some questions about how such divides could be bridged.

As the day closed, the bitter cold that gripped the city mirrored the challenges that face the country. Although harsh, it was full of potential for renewal. Trump’s second inauguration, only the second of its kind in U.S. history, will be remembered not just as a political milestone but as a moment that captured the complexities of a divided era and the enduring hope for unity.

Sorority recruitment is so fetch

Eftyhia Fillas
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Sorority recruitment is so fetch

The phrase “sorority recruitment” can come with a slew of negative connotations, and when I told my family that I was rushing they referenced Mean Girls and warned me about the ruthless process. 

They said I would be judged from the moment I walked into the room based upon my appearance, my personality and my ability to uphold an engaging conversation. Excluding the Mean Girls reference, that is basically what recruitment is at its core – but there is nothing wrong with that.

In fact, the recruitment process is an excellent form of character development that prepares people for the reality of the job recruiting process. The whole point of both processes is to pitch yourself to a group and find the best fit. 

When asked about her opinion on recruitment, a UM freshman who rushed this semester said that “the process was exhausting, but it taught me how to hold a conversation with different people,” further proving that recruitment can hone significant developmental skills.

According to an article written by Dr. Charlotte Hog, before all of her job interviews, Hog carefully considered what she wore. 

“I’d be told to wear a neutral suit, but not so neutral there was no pizzazz… In the next moment, someone else would counsel me that what I wore was moot,” Hog wrote. Dressing up for any formal interview or occasion is important for presentation skills, so, while some make fun of the dressing-up aspect of sorority recruitment, at some point everyone has to pick an appropriate outfit for a formal occasion. 

Handling rejection is also an extremely important part of life that sorority recruitment exposed me to. Getting dropped from a chapter that you may have liked is extremely hurtful, but it is important to experience rejection because it comes in so many forms, such as not getting the internship or a job you wanted or being denied the grant money you hoped to put toward your research.

In an article published by Teen Vogue, writers Cort and Shortsleeve, who both went through recruitment, express that, “rejection sucks, but it’s a necessary part of self-discovery and of growing up. It helps you learn to love yourself even more.” The writers express that although at the time they were hurt about not being invited back by some chapters, they ended up where they were meant to be and wouldn’t change a thing about their experience.

Sorority recruitment also teaches communication skills. I’m not necessarily great at talking to new people, but recruitment forced me to meet so many new people that I quickly improved my skills. Whether it was talking to the girls in line, peers in my recruitment group or the recruiters themselves, I was talking non-stop and made many new friends.

When asked about how recruitment impacted her social life, another UM freshman stated, “I was forced to meet so many people during the process. Now I walk to class and see so many of the people I was with during recruitment.”

While recruitment can be brutal and challenging, the process is ultimately beneficial. Women learn how to make appropriate conversation with grace while under pressure, honing their skills for the real world.

Actress Sydney Sweeney named Theta Chi “sweetheart”

Melody Royaee
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Actress Sydney Sweeney named Theta Chi “sweetheart”

Sydney Sweeney will be the 2025 sweetheart for Theta Chi – Delta Epsilon Chapter at the University of Miami, the fraternity announced via Instagram on Jan. 9. 

The 27-year-old actress is known for her roles in “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “The White Lotus,” “Anyone But You” and most notably as Cassie Howard in HBO’s “Euphoria,” which garnered more than 16 million viewers per episode, 50% of whom are members of Generation Z. 

Born in Washington and raised in Idaho, Sweeney has no formal ties to the University of Miami. She briefly attended UCLA.

Sweeney, who has 23.4 million followers on Instagram, suggested an upcoming appearance at a Theta Chi event in her comment on their post: “my favorite group of guys, see you soon ;).”

A “fraternity sweetheart” is a woman chosen by a fraternity chapter to represent the organization, typically attending events and participating in philanthropy. Sweethearts are the public face of the fraternity and serve as a symbol of the values that it seeks to uphold. 

University of Miami fraternities typically select a member of a sorority with whom they “mix.” Though nontraditional, having a celebrity of Sweeney’s stature as sweetheart certainly serves to bolster Theta Chi’s reputation. Theta Chi is the newest fraternity organization at UM, having established its chapter in March 2024.

The move by Theta Chi stirred significant online buzz. Red Cup Miami, a Barstool Sports affiliate, reacted just hours later on Instagram: “@thetachi_umiami, we weren’t familiar with your game.”

Men’s lifestyle magazine Bro Bible also wrote via Instagram, “it’s difficult to think of a more elite fraternity sweetheart [than] Sydney Sweeney. Hats off, fellas.” 

According to sources, the Vice President of UM’s Theta Chi chapter is a relative of Sweeney’s longtime fiance, Jonathan Davino. 

His social media presence indicates he attended the MTV Video Music Awards as a guest of Sweeney in 2022. It is unclear if any other fraternity members know her personally.

This move comes as Greek life at UM grows larger and more prevalent than ever. Earlier this month, the Panhellenic Association ran its largest recruitment cycle in school history, with over 1,000 women seeking to join sororities.

“I think there’s been a cultural shift at UM in recent years that’s made it more of a ‘southern’ school by a lot of metrics. As in, the top frats and sororities have a lot of social capital. And being in one is definitely a status symbol,” said a fourth-year member of Greek life who wishes to remain anonymous. 

“But obviously this school is a lot more metropolitan than … [the University of] Alabama for example, so it makes sense that someone here has a connection with a major A-list celebrity and was able to make that happen.”

Sweeney is the second new-age celebrity to be announced a UM sweetheart in the last year. She joins model and influencer Abella Danger, who is a UM undergraduate and sweetheart of Pi Kappa Alpha (“Pike”).

What the duck? The great duck migration of 2025

Ashley Sewall
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What the duck? The great duck migration of 2025
A duck was resting peacefully under a tree at the University of Miami, enjoying a moment of calm in the shade on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. Photo Credit: Alexandra Fisher

Students returning to the University of Miami for the spring semester noticed a decreased population of the common muscovy ducks that are frequently on campus. 

A video of the ducks being captured by Lakeside Village went viral on Instagram after being posted by RedCup Miami (@redcup.miami) on Jan. 12 with several comments expressing concern.

“Some of the campus ducks are reportedly being rounded up and shipped to Naples,” the post said. “As far as we can tell, no ducks have been harmed. Is this a W or an L for the campus environment?”

A duck swims across the serene waters of Lake Osceola at the University of Miami on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.

The University shared that the ducks are an invasive, non-native species to Florida, and that they are constantly monitoring the population.

“As the population of ducks increase, especially around food establishments and residential buildings, the University will periodically relocate a small portion of the population to a sanctuary,” the University said in a statement to The Hurricane. 

“The University contracts with an experienced and licensed vendor to conduct the relocation, which is done humanely and safely. In the past, the University has sought guidance from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service on the safe removal of the Muscovy ducks.”

The muscovy ducks are a non-native and invasive species to Florida, and are known to be aggressive and transmit diseases, according to All Florida Pest Control.

This is not the first time ducks have been removed from the Coral Gables campus. In 2016, ducks were removed from outside the Mahoney-Pearson dining hall and sent to Baptist Hospital of Miami in Kendall due to health and safety concerns.

A new stage: University of Miami unveils state-of-the-art theatre building

Ross Kluger
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A new stage: University of Miami unveils state-of-the-art theatre building

The University of Miami’s new Theatre Arts Building officially opened its doors for the Spring semester, bringing the theatre department back to the Coral Gables campus since its relocation to First United Methodist Church in 2022. 

The two-story, 15,000-square-foot structure houses classrooms, dressing rooms, six practice rooms, a black box theatre, a student lounge, a design studio and a dance studio. Students in the theatre department have indicated their admiration for the new establishment.

The grand opening featured a 1950s-themed celebration on Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. with music, dancing and tours of the new building.

Gavin Thorne, a freshman majoring in data science and AI with a minor in theatrics, was impressed with the appearance.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to study in the new theatre building,” said Thorne. “I love the design and its vibrant yellow accents, and look forward to taking more classes there in the future.”

The new building boasts numerous benefits, starting with its improved location. Previously, theatre students made the walk to their classes at the renovated First United Methodist Church on Ponce de Leon Boulevard.

“We’re giddy with excitement,” said Oliver Whitehouse, a senior studying musical theatre. “It’s all streamlined now in a way that empowers us to create the things we want to create.”

Located directly across from the Herbert Wellness Center, students will be spared the 15-minute walk from the heart of campus, allowing them more time to work on their craft and get around with ease.

Kate Bevilacqua, a junior studying musical theatre, is grateful for the quality of life enhancements.

“Being on campus is such a lifestyle upgrade, not just for the culture of our department but also for the productiveness of the classroom,” said Bevilacqua.

Alex Hooper, a freshman studying theatre design and technology, believes the closer location will foster a stronger sense of community with his classmates and peers that are involved in theatre.

“Since it’s so much closer and has new community areas, I think it will be a great space where people hang out, in addition to its role as a classroom building,” Hooper said.

The facility incorporates many standout features, such as a significantly larger studio theatre as well as a design studio that doubles as a light lab. 

“The new studio theatre is great from a lighting perspective, because we have access to state-of-the-art technology as well as new lighting fixtures to work with,” Hooper said. “Plus it’s larger than our old space, which is great because it will provide us with more flexibility.” 

Technological advancements are another highlight of the new structure. The studio theatre comes with cutting-edge lighting fixtures and advanced equipment aimed at enhancing both educational and everyday uses. 

“The new technology means we can test out lighting equipment and configurations in ways we couldn’t before,” Hooper said.

By blending appealing designs alongside advanced technology, the theatre department has created an environment not just for functionality but for community.

“It feels like we’re getting recognition in a way that hasn’t been felt before… you walk in and you think ‘this feels like the University of Miami,”’ Whitehouse said.

UM’s celebrity fraternity sweethearts

Jamison DeLaine
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Jamison discusses the hottest gossip concerning UM’s celebrity fraternity sweethearts, actresses Sydney Sweeney and Abella Danger.

The LA wildfires: a Cane’s perspective

Sophia Metzner
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Sophia gives an update and some insight into the recent wildfires that have torn through Los Angeles. If you know of anyone impacted by the wildfires, whether directly or indirectly, make sure to reach out to offer support. Additionally, consider donating to wildfire relief efforts.

University of Miami professor wins $50,000 grant from the Miami Film Festival

Samantha Rodriguez
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University of Miami professor wins $50,000 grant from the Miami Film Festival

Margaret Cardillo, an award-winning author, filmmaker and University of Miami professor, earned the top $50,000 prize from the Miami Film Festival’s The Louies competition, to create her upcoming documentary.

The contest awards documentary filmmakers funding grants and a premier spot in this year’s upcoming festival.

Cardillo will continue her lifelong work of documenting powerful women in history by telling the story of Jane Chastain, the nation’s first female sports broadcaster.

With exclusive interviews and clips from the Lynn & Louis Wolfson archive, the film will cover her rise from making football game predictions in an Atlanta newscast to being hired at CBS and covering the Orange Bowl. Cardillo is aiming to show all the hidden ways Chastain carved a new path for women in the male-dominated industry.

Chastain’s career, while historic, has struggled to make its way into the limelight. Cardillo stumbled upon the story when researching the 1972 Miami Dolphins’ perfect season.

The documentary was first going to be about the undefeated season, until she found a sentence about Chastain’s legendary career.

“It was, ‘Larry Csonka [past Miami Dolphins running back] being interviewed by Jane Chastain, the first female sportscaster in America,’” Cardillo said. “And I was like, ‘Wait, what?’”

Cardillo then became fascinated with Chastain’s story. 

At the start of the 1970s, sports television was an exclusively male space. When viewers turned on their TVs on game day and saw a woman holding the microphone, there was an immediate backlash. 

Chastain’s station was flooded with phone calls demanding she be removed from the air and even bomb threats were made on her home. 

“Why didn’t you quit?” Cardillo asked her. 

Chastain said she liked her job and saw no reason to step away.

“She could care less about being the first [woman],” Cardillo said. “She just wanted to do a good job, and I really appreciate that about her.” 

Cardillo felt it was her duty to memorialize the legacy Chastain left on the media industry.  

“Jane was not allowed to go back to the station without a story, and I feel that way with this [film],” Cardillo said. “I’m not allowed to stop until I finish this documentary.”

Cardillo has experience about courageous women who beat the odds. Her “Just Being” series of acclaimed children’s books highlights inspirational female figures from all walks of life.

She depicted several figures, from Audrey Hepburn’s rise to fame while facing adversity in “Just Being Audrey” to Jackie Kennedy’s relentless ambition and grace in dealing with her husband’s assassination in “Just Being Jackie.”

Cardillo will bring her same award-winning writing techniques to document another ground-breaking female figure. Like in her previous work, she uses post-it notes to keep track of the most poignant facts and organize them into an unforgettable three act structure.

The project holds sentimental value for Cardillo, who sees herself in Chastain. Cardillo grew up in Naples, Fla., not far from where Chastain worked in Miami for Channel 6 WTVJ-TV in 1969. 

An avid Miami sports fan, Cardillo needed to see the woman who helped put some of her favorite teams on the map on the big screen.

With her $50,000 grant, the price tag can’t stop her now. Cardillo frequently travels across the nation to speak with Chastain’s colleagues and her master’s students from the University of Miami’s filmmaking program tag along.

“This is very much a homegrown Miami project,” Cardillo said. “It’s supported by Miami, going to be made with Miami people and about Miami.”

Cardillo sees independent films buckling down with inventive stories as major studios pour millions into generational franchises. In the swarming wave of high-budget flicks, Cardillo knows an indie will break into the mainstream.

“I think that you have to have hope,” Cardillo said. “They’re gonna still always be looking for [great movies], and hopefully [executives] put some more money behind it and I think that’s coming.”

Cardillo’s documentary will premiere at the 42nd Miami Film Festival and will show viewers what happens when a rising star gets a hint of an A-list budget.

Support independent films by watching Jane Chastain’s incredible journey in April 2026 at next year’s Miami Film Festival. Keep your eye on Cardillo’s website to never miss her next big picture.

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