Indiana University Men’s Basketball resumes Big Ten play at Iowa Indiana University continues its 123rd season of competition in men’s basketball and returns to conference play on the road against Iowa at 9pm tonight at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The game will be broadcast on FS1. Indiana toppled Kennesaw State in the final non-conference game of the regular season by a score of 69-55 on Dec. 23 at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Sophomore guard Tamar Bates paced the Hoosiers with 19 points off the bench, while freshman guard Jalen Hood-Schifino scored a season-best 18 points to go along with seven assists. IU finished the non-conference schedule with a 9-2 record. Sixth-year senior forward Race Thompson has scored 12.3 points and grabbed 9.5 rebounds per contest over Indiana’s last four games. He has shot 50.0% (20-of-40) from the field and 45.5% (5-of-11) from 3-point range during that stretch. In the three games Indiana has played without senior forward Trayce Jackson-Davis, Thompson has averaged 14.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks. The Plymouth, Minn., native has knocked down 18-of-28 (64.3%) from the floor in the three games. Indiana ranks as the top Big Ten Conference team in assists, averaging 17.3 helpers per game. IU has been over 15 assists as a team in nine games this season. Four times the Hoosiers have topped 20 assists.
Indiana leads the all-time series against Iowa by a tally of 106-80. The Hoosiers hold a 6-4 advantage over the Hawkeyes in the last 10 meetings dating back to the 2017 Big Ten Tournament. Iowa swept the two-game series last season, including an 80-77 victory in the 2022 Big Ten Tournament semifinal game on March 12. Senior forward Trayce Jackson-Davis tallied a 31-point, 10-rebound double-double in the loss.
The Hawkeyes, led by 13th-year head coach Fran McCaffery, enter the game with an 8-6 record and an 0-3 mark in B1G play. Iowa has lost three-straight games. Coach McCaffery’s son Partick announced Tuesday that he will take an indefinite leave of absence to address his mental health, the athletic department announced Tuesday. The coach’s son said in a statement he has been battling anxiety and that it has reached the point where it inhibits his preparation and performance. “It’s not fair to myself or teammates to be on the court when I am not myself,” he said. “The anxiety has affected my sleep, appetite, and stamina, which has resulted in not having the energy level necessary to compete at my full capabilities.” McCaffery has started all 14 games and is the Hawkeyes’ third-leading scorer, averaging 12.8 points per game. He struggled the past two games, shooting 2 for 15 from the field and scoring a combined eight points in losses to Nebraska and Penn State. “It might be two games, it may be four games, it may be more, but I will return when I feel like myself,” the fourth year forward said.
McCaffery said the leave of absence is not related to his past battle with cancer. He was 13 when he was treated for thyroid cancer. He had two surgeries and was declared cancer-free three months after his diagnosis. McCaffery said in an interview last month that the removal of his thyroid caused metabolic changes requiring him to pay close attention to his nutrition and sleep habits. Fran McCaffery said the effects of his son’s anxiety have become more noticeable on and off the court the past couple weeks. “All of us admire his courage and willingness to be open about this struggle and we hope others know that they are not alone,” the coach said. “We will be with him every step of the way.”
Indiana University NIL Collectives exceed $1Milllon fundraising goal by the end of 2022 Hoosiers For Good and Hoosiers Connect jointly announced today that they easily exceeded the previously announced goal of raising $1 million in donations, sponsorships, and memberships between Nov. 14-Dec. 31, 2022. By reaching that goal, the two NIL Collectives have secured an additional $1 million matching contribution from an anonymous donor. The $2 million-plus generated from this fundraising push for the two Indiana NIL collectives will be utilized to pair charities and businesses with IU student-athletes through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements.
“From our conversations with the leadership teams at Hoosiers For Good and Hoosiers Connect, it was clear from the moment of the announcement of the $1 million match pledge that Hoosier supporters were going to step forward and maximize this tremendous opportunity,” said IU Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Dolson. “This news is monumental for some critically important charities that are focused on improving the lives of Hoosiers all around our state. It’s also a difference-maker for our civic-minded student-athletes who will be able to maximize their NIL opportunities. “I appreciate the outpouring of support from Hoosier Nation to maximize this $1 million matching pledge, and I also sincerely thank the anonymous donor for stepping forward with this generous matching offer.”
Hoosiers For Good is a 501(c)(3) that’s mission is to raise awareness for charitable causes throughout Indiana, by partnering local charities with community-minded IU student athletes who choose to use their platform and influence to amplify the philanthropic work that helps Indiana communities thrive. The student-athletes are not only able to use their time and talent for good, but it also provides them the mentorship and experience to become lifelong community-minded leaders. Donors, meanwhile, know that they are supporting those student-athletes as well as the charity. You can donate to Hoosiers For Good here.
Hoosiers Connect, meanwhile, offers two ways to get involved in NIL. First, it provides an avenue for businesses to amplify their commercial brands through NIL sponsorships with IU student-athletes. Secondly, it offers an opportunity for individuals to sign up for monthly NIL memberships that include special perks, including experiences with IU student-athletes. You can sign up for a membership to Hoosiers Connect here, or you can learn about a Hoosiers Connect Corporate Sponsorship here.
Indiana University Women’s Soccer welcomes 2023 spring additions Indiana women’s soccer welcomes seven new additions this Spring, head coach Erwin van Bennekom announced. The Hoosiers will add five freshmen and two transfers in Dani Jacobson and Lauren Costello to the spring roster. We are very excited to welcome and start integrating this talented group of student athletes to our returning team,” van Bennekom said. They will bring quality, athleticism, and depth to all of our lines.
Dani Jacobson | Goalkeeper | Parker, Colo. | Colorado Rush GA | North Texas
Jacobson, a transfer from North Texas, was named the starting goalkeeper as a freshman and earned Goalkeeper of the week for C-USA during the first week of season. She made the C-USA All-Freshman team for fall 2022 season. The Parker, Colorado native played over 1700 minutes and saw action in 19 of 20 games. Jacobson graduated from Legend High School and played club soccer for the Colorado Rush.
Lauren Costello | Defender | Mechanicsburg, Penn. | Keystone FC | La Salle
Costello, a transfer from La Salle, was selected to the A-10 All-Freshman Team. She started in all but one game last season and recorded two goals and two assists as a center back. In her collegiate career, Costello has netted two goals and four assists and totaled over 3,000 minutes on the pitch. The Mechanicsburg, Penn., native contributed to eight shutouts in her career. In high school, Costello was a two-time team captain for Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School and helped lead her team to the Mid Penn All-Conference final the last two seasons and was named Mid Penn All-Area as a senior. Costello was also named to the Pennlive Girls and Cumberlink All-Star Soccer Teams as a senior. She tallied 16 goals and 14 assists over a four-year career earning All-Sentinel Honorable Mention as a junior and helped her team to a PIAA District III AAA Champions in 2020 and were the Mid Penn Conference Keystone Division Champions from 2017-19.
Krista Murphy | Defender | Dedham, Mass. | South Shore Select
Murphy was a member of the South Shore Select soccer club team. She helped lead the team to the Girls Academy Northeast Conference Title in 2021. The Dedham, Massachusetts native was also a three-time NPL National Champion and a US National Futsal Regional Champion.
Mary Kate Sullivan | Forward | Cromwell, Conn. | Oakwood Soccer Club
Sullivan played for the Oakwood Soccer Club where she was a Team Captain in her final two years. She helped lead her team to three Northeast Conference Championships. Sullivan was also a National Semi-Finalist in 2021 and Champion League Finalists and National Champions in the 2022 season.
Emma Payton | Goalkeeper | Austin, Texas | Sting Austin ECNL
Payton was a member of the Westlake High School team. She was named Second Team All-District. The Austin, Texas native made five playoff shutouts in a row and was a a semi-state 6A finalist in 2022.
Elle Britt | Midfielder | Cincinnati, Ohio | Cincinnati United Premier Girls Academy
Britt played club soccer for the Cincinnati United Premier Girls Academy. She was selected to the Girls Academy Mid-America National Talent ID and was a semi-finalist in the Girls Academy National Showcase in 2021. Britt has a variety of national playing experience. She was a member of the US National Futsal Team and was a finalist in 2019. The Cincinnati, Ohio native was also selected to the US Soccer Federation National Training Center. Parents Kent and Kelly Britt were Indiana athletes. Her father was a member of the football team from 1990-1993, and her mom, Kelly, played soccer for the Hoosiers from 1990-1992.
Ellie Johannes | Forward | Glendale, Ariz. | Utah Royals FC ECNL
Johannes played for Northwest Christian High School where she ranked first in goals and points in 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons combining for 107 goals, and 250 points and 36 assists in her career. She is a two-time back-to-back State Champion in 2021 and 2022. The Glendale, Arizona native was named the USA Today Arizona High School Player of the Year, USA Today All-American, 2022 Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year Finalist. Johannes was a member of the U20 Salvadoran National Team and scored four times including a hat trick against Nicaragua.
Indiana Fever hire two new assistant coaches The Indiana Fever have hired two new assistant coaches for the upcoming 2023 season, the team announced Wednesday. Jessie Miller and Karima Christmas-Kelly join the staff of head coach Christie Sides, hired in November to lead a talented roster back to the top of the WNBA. “I am excited that Karima and Jessie will join our Fever staff/family, two leaders who epitomize the values that define our franchise and our players,” said Sides. “I am a firm believer that good things happen when you surround yourself with good people, and the Indiana Fever got better today adding these two outstanding coaches.”
Miller comes to Indiana with a strong background as a head coach and player development specialist in men’s and women’s basketball. A four-year starter and team captain at Illinois University-Chicago, she spent five years playing in Germany before transitioning to the coaching ranks. In addition to stints as a WNBA assistant coach for the Fever and the Chicago Sky, she was most recently head coach for the BBC Coburg (Germany) Men’s Team following roles as head coach, assistant coach, and player development lead for the DJK Brose Bamberg (Germany) Women’s Team. “Jessie has an unbelievable work ethic and is incredibly adept at building strong relationships, and her passion, dedication, and experience on both the women’s and men’s sides will elevate our team in all aspects,” Sides said.
Christmas-Kelly brings a decade of experience as a WNBA player following a decorated career at Duke University, where she led the Blue Devils to two ACC Championships and was twice selected to the conference First Team. As a member of the Fever’s 2012 WNBA Championship team under Lin Dunn, she played an important role in elevating the franchise to the top of the League. Her coaching and management experience includes roles on the Women’s Basketball staffs at the University of Texas-Arlington, Duke, and Georgia Tech, and she served as a women’s college basketball analyst for ESPN during the 2021-2022 season. Additionally, Christmas-Kelly is an entrepreneur, business owner, and philanthropist, having founded her own clothing brand and charitable Foundation. “Karima is a WNBA champion and has been a winner at every level, plain and simple,” said Sides. “She understands the hard work that it takes to hang a banner, and that experience is invaluable to me and our players.”
In November, the Fever announced their 40-game 2023 schedule with a full home slate at Gainbridge Fieldhouse following the three-year Fieldhouse of the Future renovations. For more information, visit www.FeverBasketball.com.
Indy Eleven Soccer Team to open 2023 home season April 1 against Las Vegas Lights FC The USL Championship announced Wednesday the home opener dates for the 24 clubs that will participate in the 2023 season beginning in March. Indy Eleven will begin its 17-game regular season home slate at IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium on Saturday, April 1, when the Boys in Blue will host Las Vegas Lights FC in the first meeting between the two clubs who debuted in the USL Championship in 2018.
Single-game tickets for the 2023 home opener are expected to go on sale on Wednesday, Feb. 1. Until then, fans can secure seats for the April 1 match by purchasing a 2023 Season Ticket Membership, specially-priced group tickets for parties of 10 or more, or one of the many Premium Hospitality options at Carroll Stadium. To receive ticketing details and lock in your seats for April 1 and beyond as soon as possible, visit indyeleven.com/tickets or call 317-685-1100 during regular business hours (Mon.-Fri., 9am-5pm).
“This will be a different version of the Indy Eleven fans saw last season, and I fully expect our supporters will be eager to get behind these Boys in Blue from the jump,” said Indy Eleven Head Coach Mark Lowry, whose side went 9W-6L-2D at Carroll Stadium in his first season at the helm in the Circle City in 2022, including a stretch of five wins in its final six home outings. “Last year we showed glimpses of turning ‘The Mike’ into the fortress we know it can be. Getting even more wins at home is imperative to our expectation to compete for trophies in 2023, and I look forward to our fans and players feeding off each other’s energy and intensity every time out at Carroll starting on April 1st.”
The USL Championship will open the 2023 season with a slate of 11 games on the opening weekend of the campaign as the league opens its 13th season on Saturday, March 11. The list of marquee matchups that day includes Indy Eleven’s clash at the Tampa Bay Rowdies, which will see an immediate return to Al Lang Stadium for new Boys in Blue forward and ex-Rowdies captain Sebastian Guenzatti. After opening its tenth season of play against its oldest foe, Indiana’s Team will head north on Saturday, March 25, to face off against its newest rival in Detroit City FC for their home opener at Keyworth Stadium. The full 2023 USL Championship schedule will be announced next Monday, Jan. 9, with the 408-game regular season set to conclude on the weekend of October 13-15 ahead of the 2023 USL Championship Playoffs.
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