College sports used to be about development, watching players grow through the program, build chemistry with teammates, and represent their school with pride. Now, with the rise of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, that’s starting to change. What once felt like a unique part of college athletics is starting to look a lot more like professional free agency.
The transfer portal was originally meant to give athletes more freedom. Before it existed, players who wanted to transfer often had to sit out a year or go through a messy process. The new system made it easier and fairer for athletes to move if they weren’t happy. But when NIL money entered the picture, things took a sharp turn. Now, the best players aren’t transferring for playing time; instead, they’re transferring for the biggest paycheck.
Graphic by Jaxon Sturgeon.
Top programs can now essentially “buy” players by offering them huge NIL deals. Big schools with massive fan bases and booster support have the money to make these offers. Small programs, on the other hand, can’t compete financially. A player might spend two years developing at a smaller school, then leave for a powerhouse program that can offer more exposure and a better NIL deal. It’s frustrating for coaches who invest time into developing talent, only to lose that talent once the player becomes valuable.
Because of this, college recruiting has started to feel more like pro free agency. Coaches aren’t just trying to recruit high school players anymore; they’re constantly re-recruiting their own athletes, hoping they won’t jump ship. Players, too, are learning to treat college as a business, weighing offers and sponsorships like professional athletes. While that might sound fair on the surface, after all, they deserve to profit from their talent, it also strips away some of what made college sports special: loyalty, team growth, and long term development.
In the end, the combination of the transfer portal and NIL has made college sports more about money than development. While it’s great that athletes finally have more control over their careers, it’s hard not to feel like the spirit of college athletics is being lost along the way.
If things keep heading in this direction, it’s going to start feeling less like college sports and more like the pros.
The Red Devils stand during the Pledge of Allegiance. JHS lost to New Castle 66-51 on Saturday night. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Senior Maizy Smith high fives her teammates in the pre-game. Photo by Malachi Conrad.The Red Devils up and discuss their game plan against Castle. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Senior Kelis Dansby lays the ball into the basket during Saturday’s game against Castle. Photo by Malachi Conrad. Junior Maliayah Pointdexter gets past her Castle defender. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Senior Kelis Dansby sets a play up calling out to her teammates. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Senior Kelis Dansby attempts to break down her Castle defender. Photo by Malachi Conrad. Senior Kyia Boatwright takes a breather getting back on defense. Photo by Malachi Conrad. Sophomore McKenna Taylor hits a mid-range shot over her defender. Photo by Malachi Conrad. Sophomore Marlee William fakes her opponent out in the post. during intense Castle defense. Photo by Malachi Conrad. Junior Maliayah Pointdexter high fives her team walking to the bench during the JHS game against Castle last weekend. Castle won 66-51. The Red Devils play at Jasper Tuesday, Nov. 11 and at Carmel Saturday, Nov. 15. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Girls’ wrestling is one of the fastest growing sports. This year’s wrestling season has started off with a big team, one that puts them at an advantage for the season.
Wrestling coach Danny Struck teaches a takedown with assistant coach Jeramiah Cain at a recent wrestling practice. The girls’ wrestlers compete Saturday, Nov. 8 at 9 a.m. at JHS. Photo by Isabella Stewart.
The wrestling team has done a lot of advertising to recruit athletes, handing out flyers, having the wrestlers talk to their friends and getting girls interested in coming to practice at least to watch.
Girls’ head coach Joe Somerville is excited to get athletes on the mat; he wants them to “be comfortable on the mat and be the best version of themselves.”
Somerville said, “We have lost a lot of seniors, a lot of leadership, but we have so many new girls out here. We have put seven weeks into pre- seasons and I think by mid-season everyone will be in great shape.”
Junior wrestler Levi Evans agreed. “With the loss (of seniors) we have so many new girls,” she said. “There is a lot of diversity on the team, and I think that we can really do something with all the diversity this season.”
Junior wrestler Kristin Brown has put in a lot of effort during pre-season, being there at practice to show leadership. She said, “The girls have been working extremely hard, and I have been there helping girls practice in hopes we will have a great season.”
The wrestling coaches have been preparing in the off-season as well, attending clinics and coaching conferences to prepare for the season.
Head wrestling coach Danny Struck said, “I have attended six clinics myself and a couple of national tournaments, and we’re just working to be our best we can be for the wrestlers.”
Wrestling coach Danny Struck teaches junior Levi Evans how to do a double leg takedown during a wrestling practice. Photo by Isabella Stewart.
A new support to the team is athletic director A.J. Moye, who has shown up to practices and been there for the team in his first season as AD.
Moye said, “I’m bringing what I’ve brought to every other team, and that’s just a lot of support. I’m just so excited. I’ve been talking with Danny a lot, and we’re both just so excited for this season ahead.”
Brown said the team appreciates Moye’s support. “I’m really happy that we have an athletic director who cares so much about the sport. I think he’s a great asset and I think we’re going to have a great season with him.”
The wrestlers are gearing up for their opener this Saturday at JHS at 9 a.m. They’re going against many teams, as they just had their first match on Wednesday. They won against Columbus East and had a loss to Jennings County.
The 2025-2026 swim season is something to look forward to this school year, with newcomers like freshmen Christian Miller and Dash Leonard, along with returning faces like seniors Jaga Pagva and Addi Bingham.
The season for girls began Oct. 27 and ends Feb. 7. The season for boys begins Nov. 10 and ends on Feb. 21.
Senior Jaga Pagva swims freestyle in the pool at a swim practice. Photo by Parker McCloskey.
Who is a boys swimmer that fans should look out for?
“Jaga (Pagva) was really good last year, and his international experience in Mongolia is going to help him excel.” – Coach Michael Pepa
Who is a girls swimmer that fans should look out for?
“I’d say either Macyn (Jackson) or Litzy (Rubio). They’ve had a lot of improvement over the years, and I think they’ll definitely be ones to look out for.” – Coach Michael Pepa
Senior Litzy Rubio read the set at a practice. Photo by Parker McCloskey.
Many swimmers believe that compared to last year to this upcoming season, the team is going to be much better.
How do you think the team will do in sectionals compared to last year?
“I think we’ll get better. I think we can get second or even first at sectional; sky’s the limit.” – Junior Isaac Ramirez
“I think we’ll do even better than last year; our freshman class will fill those gaps from last year’s seniors, alongside our talented drivers. It will definitely be the season to look out for the boys’ team.” – Senior Jaga Pagva
What is some advice that you’d give to the upcoming freshmen on the team?
“What you put into it, you get out of it.” -Junior Stella Siewert
“It’s a lot of hard work and dedication, but it comes with a lot of rewards.” – Coach Michael Pepa
Archery Club Teaches life lessons and boosts confidence
by Liddia Waterbury
Captain Tobey Wilder of the Archery Club walks up to the bow rack. Coach Robert Russell blows the whistle twice, and Wilder grabs a bow from the rack. They then walk to the line, standing in front of the quiver with the bow to their toe.
Archery Club captain Tobey Wilder shoots arrow during archery practice on Sept. 16 in the cheer room at JHS. “Trusting the process is ending up making you get better overall and accepting that you’re not going to do a fantastic job every single time,” said Wilder. Photo by Liddia Waterbury.
When Russell blows the whistle once, Wilder grabs an arrow, moves it up and over the bow, and nocks it onto the string. They then shoot at the target. After quickly shooting five arrows, Russell blows the whistle three times, and Wilder heads to the target to pull the arrows out.
Once a week, kids like Wilder from every grade, just starting or shooting for the last year, walk into the cheer room. They help the coaches set up the targets, and then they get out the bow rack along with the arrows.
“Back in 2022, I signed up for a grant, and it was about a $5,000 grant, through what is called the National Archery and Schools program,” said Russell. “It was something I’ve been wanting to do for a while…I thought it would be pretty cool to have an archery program here at the high school.”
The program has since grown, providing students with the opportunity to learn archery. Unlike many sports that focus on speed, strength, or teamwork, archery teaches players precision, patience, and focus.
“It’s all about consistency, it’s about perseverance,” said Russell. “Archery just takes a lot more discipline, and you can’t get frustrated; you’ve got to keep on doing it because the more you do it, the better you’re going to get.”
Russell’s advice highlights the importance of perseverance, as archery requires time to improve. Even advanced archers know that learning the harder skills means being patient.
“Trusting the process is ending up making you get better overall and accepting that you’re not going to do a fantastic job every single time, that you’re going to struggle through some parts and accepting that,” said Wilder.
“It’s all about consistency, it’s about perseverance. Archery just takes a lot more discipline, and you can’t get frustrated; you’ve got to keep on doing it because the more you do it, the better you’re going to get.”
Archery Club Coach Robert Russell
Archery isn’t about instant success; it’s about patience and steady progress. For beginners, that mindset makes it easier to enjoy, like one member who shared why they joined and how they’ve loved it for a long time.
“I’ve loved archery since I was really little, and literally for the first Christmas I can remember, I asked for a bow and arrow,” said beginner member and freshman Finch Schardine.
To make it better, beginners don’t need any special equipment to get started. They just need a standard Genesis bow, arrows, and a safe place to practice. Coaches also provide extra guidance to help archers build more confidence.
“When I’m working with beginners,” said coach Brian Cleveland, “there are about seven elements that they have to learn to do; they have to master each element at a time.”
Teaching archery involves breaking down the process into manageable steps, allowing new archers to focus on one skill at a time. By building confidence, he sees beginners start to see their own progress.
“The biggest motivator in the world is the discovery that you can do something,” said Cleveland. “If I can get you on the target and shooting a group, the discovery that you can do that will motivate you. Practice makes permanent. It doesn’t make perfect, you have to make it perfect.”
That sense of progress when practicing keeps the members motivated, and for some, it leads to trying out competitions. This is where they can test their skills in a new way, both inside and outside of school.
“NASP, the organization that regulates the competition, does competitions regionally, locally, or statewide. They usually take place at some other school, so like on a Saturday morning, someone who’s competing would train and prepare here but then go wherever they’re having a competition,” said Cleveland.
Competitions change the atmosphere of practice, moving from regular training to a more serious focus as the members prepare for the competition ahead.
“Near competitions, it’s very serious and all of us are really trying to get better before our final push before our competition,” said Wilder.
Wilder then explained that being close to a person while at a competition, having fatigue, and not being able to focus are big challenges.
For the archery team, it’s not just about hitting the target. It’s about patience, focus, and steady progress. From beginners to advanced members, each person learns that with practice, every shot brings improvement.
Click on Behind-the-Scenes photo essay on Archery Club below:
Friday’s win brings Red Devils to 4-5, 3-3 in Hoosier Hills Conference play
All photos by Malachi Conrad and Parker McCloskey.
The Red Devil student section poses, modeling the Pink Out clothes for Friday’s theme. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Senior Caleb Bale stands during the national anthem. JHS won against Jennings County 35-21 on Friday night during a “pink out” game. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Sophomore Darien Williams runs away from the oncoming Jennings County defense on Friday. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Sophomore Jayden Kelly watches the ongoing game during the first quarter. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Sophomore Jessalyn Stolte performs for the cheer team between plays. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Senior Gavin Hawkins prepares to snap the ball during the Jennings County game on Friday night. Photo by Malachi Conrad. Juniors Braylon Gray and Nation Roe-McBroom celebrateafter a touchdown. Photo by Parker McCloskey.The Red Devils tackle their Jennings County opponent during Friday’s game. JHS defeated Jennings County 35-21. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Sophomore Larry Sherman screams after knocking his Jennings County opponent down. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Sophomore Brayden Bachman looks for a receiver downfield. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Junior Andre Walker poses for the camera after his play during Friday’s 35-21 win over Jennings County. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Sophomore Brayden Bachman hands the ball to sophomore Darien Williams. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Senior Addison Fouts high-fives her team before the game during the sectional game against New Albany. The Bulldogs defeated JHS 3-0. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Jeffersonville Red Devils talk to each other before the game against New Albany. The sectional match-up took place at Floyd Central High School. Photo by Malachi Conrad Senior Jenna Kelley and sophomore Joslin Wilson try to block the ball against the Bulldogs. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Senior Riley Dobson prepares to serve the ball against New Albany. Jeffersonville lost 3-0 in the sectional game. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Junior Mattie Barker looks off into the distance. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Junior Mattie Barker celebrates the point she just won against New Albany. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Senior Lola Rodriquez attempts to spike the ball during the sectional game against New Albany. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
North defeats JHS in regional final; Red Devils win first sectional championship since 2012
All photos by Parker McCloskey.
The varsity Red Devil starting lineup line up before the national anthem. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Coach Colin Bell talks to the team before the regional match with Evansville North. North won 3-1. The Red Devils won their first sectional since 2012 to advance to the regional championship game. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Senior Maxwell Schoonover screams and hypes up the Red Devil team before the first half in the regional match-up with Evansville North on Wednesday night. Evansville North won 3-1. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Senior Victor Tenev takes a moment before the start of the regional match Wednesday night. Photo by Parker McCloskey.The varsity Red Devil captains talk to the referees right before the game. Photo by Parker McCloskey.The Red Devils huddle together before the first half of the regional game against Evansville North. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Senior Shlomo Tshimbalanga defends the ball. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Senior Elijah Cheeks listens to Coach Colin Bell during Wednesday’s game. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Senior Maxwell Schoonover defends the ball against his Evansville North opponent. Photo by Parker McCloskey.
Senior Riley Dobson takes her first serve of the season on the Jeff volleyball court. And tonight, she and her Red Devil teammates battle New Albany in sectionals.
Senior Riley Dobson heads into sectional play with the volleyball team tonight. Photo by Reese Dobson.
Dobson is in her ninth year of volleyball, this being her last. ¨My personal goal of the season would probably be to improve as a setter and be good at the serving line,¨ she said.
Dobson attends an IUS teaching program for the first half of her day, follows up with three classes at school, and then attends volleyball practice.
“I make sure I put school before sports and always make sure to represent the volleyball program highly while at school,” stated Dobson.
It’s important to come to practice with a good attitude even when youve had a long day, she explained.
Volleyball coach Wes Briscoe is in his fourth and last year of coaching Dobson. “She understands there is a certain way for things to be done, and she is always trying to evolve and be better as a player.”
Dobson has type 1 diabetes. This affects her everyday life, including volleyball. Dobson’s teammate, junior Mattie Barker, also has type 1 diabetes. This creates a shared bond between the two players.
“Both of us having diabetes is helpful because we can help each other with our blood sugar and look out for each other while playing,” said Barker.
Dobson balances a lot in her everyday life, but always puts her best foot forward when it comes to volleyball.
On the court, Dobson usually plays the libero or a backrow position. Recently, she has had to step up and play the setter position.
“The most challenging thing I have faced while playing high school volleyball is probably switching from libero position to setter position because that’s what the team needed,” Dobson explained.
Dobson has said that the team has a very good and close bond. “I am going to miss Riley so much when she graduates because she is one of my best friends on and off the court. She is my pepper partner and who I look up to and go to for help,” Barker said.
“Riley has improved throughout these four years, and she has learned to play every position. Libero, setter, and I think even accidentally a middle hitter one time,” Briscoe joked.
Dobson said she has learned that volleyball is always a team sport and you have to do what’s best for your team.
Dobson has played volleyball all her life, along with other sports. She said that she began playing volleyball in elementary school and just stuck with it because she had so much fun playing.
“I have learned that you really have to work for what you want and that not everything is handed to you; showing up does matter.”
Dobson said that being present at every practice, game, and tournament has helped her learn to be a better, reliable player.
“The most enjoyable thing about playing with Riley is having her push me and help me be my best on and off the court,” Barker said.
Dobson’s team goal for this season is to put a good game up with rival team New Albany and hopefully pull out a win.
“I really am proud of this team and hope that we can have a good season and show everyone how hard we have worked.”
Head coach Wes Briscoe is making his mark as Jeff High’s volleyball coach, bringing energy and leadership to the Red Devils’ program.
This year marks Briscoe’s’ 25th year of coaching; he has coached in five state finals, and has also been awarded coach of the year honors for both girls’ and boys’ volleyball. His girls’ volleyball team heads into sectional play tonight against New Albany.
Volleyball head coach Wes Briscoe on the sidelines during a girls’ volleyball match. Briscoe coaches both the girls’ and boys’ teams. Photo by Haliun Otgonbayar.
Briscoe’s focus, however, is on his teams’ successes.
“I don’t ever have any personal goals in coaching, because it’s not about me. I’ve done just about all there is to do in coaching high school athletics,” he said.
There is no denying Briscoe’s success when it comes to coaching.
“I want everybody to become the best versions of themselves,” he said. “My job is to figure out how to get them to see that they are more than what they believe they are.”
Pushing his players to be the best versions of themselves is just a small part of what Briscoe does for his players as a coach.
“He made me realize that I can always be better, and that I always have room for growth,” stated varsity captain Anthony Ganchuluun, a senior. “I mean without him, I don’t think I’d be anywhere near as disciplined as I am.”
It’s a testament to the culture that Briscoe has built at Jeff High.
“I’ve learned a lot over the past years being a player for Coach Wes,” said varsity captain Riley Dobson, a senior. “He’s taught me that putting in the extra work does pay off and your time will come right when it is supposed to.”
Beyond the court, Briscoe’s influence is felt in the classroom and community. Players describe him as more than a coach, but as someone who encourages them to succeed in all aspects of life.
For him, though, his goal is to better all of his players.
“I just want to see people understand what it takes to play at the elite level that they think they want to be at, and just keep encouraging them to put in the work so they can get there.”
Briscoe has one goal in mind, and it is to grow his players. He cares more about his players’ integrity and leadership than how they play on the court.
Coach Wes Briscoe and the Red Devils break from a timeout using their signature hand sign during Senior Night against North Harrison. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
Red Devils win first Sectional championship since 2012 by defeating Bedford North Lawrence 5-0
Sophomore Gabriel Belandria Gonzalez stands and admires the rain during the Red Devil match-up with Jennings County in the sectional tournament. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Junior Alan Solarzano Lopez guards the ball during the JHS game against Jennings County. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Senior Maxwell Schoonover and sophomore Ariel Andres-Sandoval celebrate their goal during the sectional game against Jennings County. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Senior Victor Tenev runs with the ball during the match-up with Floyd Central. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Senior Elijah Cheeks runs with the ball on the sidelines during the Floyd Central sectional game. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Coach Colin Bell gives a halftime talk to the team during the JHS game against Floyd Central game. The Red Devils won 2-1, their second victory over the Highlanders this season. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Sophomore Kevyn Santiago Cortes celebrates while his teammates run behind him during the second half of the sectional game against Floyd Central. Photo by Parker McCloskey.Junior Bryan Juarez De la Luz kicks the ball toward the goal in the sectional championship game against Bedford North Lawrence. Photo by Parker McCloskey. Senior Elijah Cheeks holds the sectional trophy while the Red Devils celebrate. Photo by Parker McCloskey.The entire Red Devil varsity team poses up for a photo with the sectional trophy after they defeated Bedford North Lawrence 5-0. Photo by Parker McCloskey.
Senior Maxwell Schoonover looks off in the distance while the national anthem plays at the beginning of the JHS game with Columbus East on Friday. Columbus East won 28-9. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Senior Tyes McCondichie runs with the ball. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Junior Cordell Thomas takes a breather. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Sophomore Tristan Newby looks out onto the field. Jeffersonville lost to Columbus East 28-9. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Sophomore Jaxx Long helps junior Cordell Thomas off the field. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Sophomore Darien Williams looks at his opponent after he went down in Friday’s game against Columbus East. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Senior Maverick McAllister and senior Bryce Grant tackle Columbus East in the third quarter. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Sophomore Nation Roe-McBroom attempts to catch the ball. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Senior Jamar Hobbs tries to shed the Columbus East offensive linemen. Photo by Malachi Conrad.Sophomore Brayden Bachman throws the ball to a JHS wide receiver. Columbus East won Friday’s game 28-9. The Red Devils next play Jennings County this Friday. Photo by Malachi Conrad.
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