University of Southern Indiana's student publication | USI | student newspaper

The Shield
University of Southern Indiana's student publication | USI | student newspaper

The Shield
University of Southern Indiana's student publication | USI | student newspaper

The Shield

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor

Will Kessinger is a sophomore finance major. He is an alumnus of the Bill Simmons College of Sports Takes, graduating with honors. Kessinger joined The Shield in 2023 as the acclaimed “sports guy” in the newsroom and was promoted to sports editor in Fall 2024.

Other than USI athletics, Kessinger follows the Pittsburgh Steelers, St. Louis Cardinals and Arsenal Football Club. His work is inspired by a quote from Steve Jobs: “It’s more fun to be a pirate than to join the Navy.”

All content by Will Kessinger
A packed Neyland Stadium, home of the University of Tennessee Volunteers. (Photo courtesy of Steve DiMatteo)

Opinion: The good, the bad, the ugly of the Nico Iamaleava holdout with the University of Tennessee

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
April 14, 2025
The NCAA’s transfer portal was initially launched in October of 2018, which allowed college athletes to freely move between universities. (Photo courtesy of Sasun Bughdaryan)

Opinion: The Transfer Portal is a slippery slope towards collective bargaining

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
April 8, 2025
Khi Holiday, senior outfielder, squares up to begin a swing motion during the game against Northern Kentucky Tuesday at USI Baseball Field. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

USI Baseball torches Northern Kentucky; 10-0

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
April 2, 2025
BJ Banyon, senior outfielder, throws the ball from centerfield into the infield during the game against Northern Kentucky Tuesday at USI Baseball Field. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Sue Kunkle, softball head coach, instructs Whitley Hunter, senior pitcher/infielder, during an Ohio Valley Conference matchup against Western Illinois University Mar. 8 at USI Softball Field. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Sue Kunkle: Leading student athletes to triumph

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
March 31, 2025
USI’s women’s basketball Head Coach Rick Stein gives the team instructions during the fourth quarter against Buffalo in the Super 16 Round of the WNIT Thursday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

[Photo] Women’s Basketball fights to the end against Buffalo; 64-76

Mailee Toennies, Sports Writer
March 31, 2025
The USI women’s basketball team celebrates a hard-earned second round WNIT victory against Campbell University Sunday at Liberty Arena.

Women’s Basketball grinds out second round WNIT victory against Campbell; 60-51

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
March 26, 2025
March Madness, the highest level of collegiate men’s basketball competition, begins Thursday Mar. 20 at 12:15 pm central time.

2025 March Madness Preview: Sports Guy’s Redemption

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
March 19, 2025
Amiyah Buchanan, sophomore forward/center scraps for the ball with an Eastern-Illinois opponent during a game February 20 at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

[Photo] Preview: Women’s Basketball prepares for Ohio Valley Conference Tournament

Mailee Toennies, Sports Writer
March 3, 2025
Khi Holiday, senior outfielder, celebrates with Patrick McLellan, junior outfielder, after scoring a run during the game against Saint Louis University Wednesday at USI Baseball Field. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

USI Baseball batters Saint Louis University in home opener, 11-4

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
February 28, 2025
Jack Mielke, graduate forward, leaves the floor for the final time at home Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

[Photo] Men’s Basketball snaps losing streak on Senior Night

Mailee Toennies, Sports Writer
February 26, 2025
Players from both USI and Eastern Illinois clash for possession of the ball Thursday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Alex Mendoza)

Men’s Basketball eliminated from Ohio Valley Conference Tournament, following 63-53 loss to Eastern Illinois

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
February 24, 2025
Amiyah Buchanan, sophomore forward, scraps with an opponent for a loose ball Thursday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

[Photo] Women’s Basketball puts on a defensive clinic against Eastern Illinois, 66-46

Mailee Toennies, Sports Writer
February 24, 2025
USI Men’s Basketball Head Coach Stan Gouard gives instruction to Damoni Harrison, junior guard, during a timeout of a game against Tennessee Tech Feb. 2 at Screaming Eagles Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

What has gone wrong with the USI Men’s Basketball Team?

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
February 18, 2025
Stephen Olowoniyi, sophomore forward, begins to throw down a one-handed slam during the second half against Southeastern Missouri State Saturday at Liberty Arena.

Men’s Basketball heartbreaker loss on homecoming weekend, 79-74

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
February 11, 2025
USI guards Vanessa Shafford, senior, Sophia Loden, sophomore monitor the ball-dominant side of the court in a zone defense, while Madi Webb, graduate center, holds down the paint during a crucial possession against Little Rock Thursday at Liberty Arena.

[Photo] Women’s Basketball drops second in a row, despite strong defensive play

Mailee Toennies, Sports Writer
February 11, 2025
Damoni Harrison, junior guard, gets warmed up for the matchup against Tennessee Tech Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Alex Horiuk, junior center, shoots a left-handed hook shot during pregame warmups Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

USI’s Men’s Basketball Head Coach Stan Gouard gathers his team just before tip-off against Tennessee Tech Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Stephen Olowoniyi, sophomore forward, shoots a hook shot over a Golden Eagle defender Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Sam Kodi, junior guard, dribbles the ball into the front court Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Jayland Randall, junior guard, fires a jumper from beyond the arc just before opposing defenders can close in Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Sam Kodi, junior guard, dribbles around a screen set by Alex Horiuk, junior center, early on in the first half Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Sam Kodi, junior guard, dribbles around a screen set by Alex Horiuk, junior center, early on in the first half Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Jayland Randall, junior guard, slithers around a Golden Eagle defender as he gets to the hoop Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

[Photo] Men’s Basketball goes down fighting against Tennessee Tech; 78-65

February 5, 2025
Head Coach Stan Gouard gives instruction to Damoni Harrison, junior guard, during a timeout Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Stephen Olowoniyi, sophomore forward, Jack Campion, junior guard and Damoni Harrison, junior guard, return to the court following a timeout Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Jack Campion, junior guard, dribbles the ball up the half court line during the latter half of the second half Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Head Coach Stan Gouard talks to his team about adjustments during a timeout Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Jack Mielke, graduate forward, fires a three-point jumper Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Braxton Jones, junior guard, prepares to set the action from near the half court line midway through the second half against Tennessee Tech Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Stephen Olowoniyi, sophomore forward, hands the ball off to Damoni Harrison, junior guard, just before he sets a screen on a Golden Eagle guard Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Damoni Harrison, junior guard, dribbles the ball up the wing during the second half of the game against Tennessee Tech Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Damoni Harrison, junior guard, prepares to take his opponent off the dribble Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Jayland Randall, junior guard, fires a three-pointer late in the game against Tennessee Tech Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Jack Campion, junior guard, shoots a free throw during crunchtime of the game against Tennessee Tech Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Jack Campion, junior guard, shoots a wide-open three point jumper late in the second half Saturday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Emma Gabhard, freshman individual medley/ breaststroke specialist, competes in a contested race against an EIU opponent Saturday at the USI Aquatic Center. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Gallery: USI Swimming and Diving Teams end home finale on a high note

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
January 27, 2025
The Swimming and Diving Teams close the huddle before exchanging handshakes with the Eastern Illinois Swimming team Saturday at theUSI Aquatic Center. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

USI Swimming and Diving Team finishes strong in Home Finale

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
January 27, 2025
Stephen Olowoniyi, sophomore forward, scores two points via dunk shot against Lindenwood Thursday in the Liberty Arena. (Photo by Alex Mendoza)

Men’s Basketball break through losing streak, win first game of the new year

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
January 23, 2025
Triniti Ralston, sophomore guard, rejects an opponent's shot attempt in the paint Thursday at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Women’s Basketball, Shafford top Lindenwood 70-66

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
January 21, 2025
Jayland Randall, junior guard, skies through the air to complete a one-handed jam against the Phantoms Monday in Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Gallery: Men’s basketball defeats East-West University, 104-46

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
December 5, 2024
Vanessa Shafford, senior guard, pushes the ball up the court for a fast break opportunity Nov. 4 at Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

USI athletics: A glance at the 2020 decade so far

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
December 3, 2024
Stephen Olowoniyi, sophomore forward, throws down a two-handed jam Monday in Liberty Arena. (Photo by Alex Mendoza)

Men’s basketball chops down Indiana State Sycamores, 87-77

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
December 2, 2024
Ali Saunders, senior guard, attempts a mid-range jumper after crossing up a Northern Kentucky University guard Saturday in Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Gallery: Women’s basketball wins heart-stopper against Northern Kentucky, 75-73

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
November 30, 2024
Jack Mielke, graduate forward, puts his hands up defending an opposing forward down low in the post Friday in Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Men’s basketball wins 1st home game against South Dakota, 92-83

Mailee Toennies and Will Kessinger
November 24, 2024
Triniti Ralston, sophomore guard, fires a top-of-the-key three-point shot while Meredith Railey, graduate forward, sets a screen on a closing Grenadier defender Friday in Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Gallery: Women’s basketball thrashes Indiana University Southeast, 88-41

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
November 17, 2024
Amiyah Buchannan, sophomore forward, prepares to post up a Louisville player down low in the paint Nov. 8 at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo courtesy of Preston Leinenbach and USI Athletic Communications)

Analysis: Women’s basketball splits Louisville and Murray State matchups in Kentucky road trip

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
November 15, 2024
Jayland Randall, junior guard, fires a mid-range jumper Thursday in Liberty Arena. (Photo by Alex Mendoza)

Analysis: Men’s basketball loses overtime home opener to Bucknell University 75-69

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
November 11, 2024
Vaneessa Shafford, senior guard, fires a pass to a teammate while being closely guarded Monday in Liberty Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Gallery: Women’s basketball wins against Brescia University in home-opener 100-49

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
November 6, 2024
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers forward, smiles alongside Washington Wizards guard John Wall at a cross-conference matchup in Washington, D.C. Dec. 16, 2018, at Capital One Center in Washington, D.C. Both athletes played crucial roles in support of the Black Lives Matter movement during the summer of 2020. (Image courtesy of All-Pro Reels.)

Retrospective: How athletes have used their platforms for political messages

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
October 29, 2024
Cole Baker, sophomore sprinter, competes in a 100-meter backstroke competition Saturday in the USI Aquatic Center. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Analysis: Swim and dive drop meet against tough opponent Bellarmine University

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
October 28, 2024
The USI men’s basketball team is showcased for the first time on the home court Thursday in the Screaming Eagles Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Screaming Eagles Madness: It lived up to the name

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
October 28, 2024
Barstool personalities Kayce Smith, Dave “El Presidente” Portnoy, Dan “Big Cat” Katz and Brandon “BFW” Walker sit at The Barstool College Football Show set Saturday just outside of Memorial Stadium in downtown Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Why college tailgates and gameday shows are crucial to the future of American entertainment

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
October 23, 2024
A Ferris wheel spins Oct. 8 at the West Side Nut Club Fall Festival. The festival is hosted every year with carnival attractions and booths.

Gallery: West Side Nut Club presents 103rd annual Fall Festival

Kai Harris and Will Kessinger
October 16, 2024
Antonia Ferrarini hits the ball during a match against Eastern Illinois University March 16, 2023, at the University of Southern Indiana. (Photo Courtesy of Quinton Watt and USI Athletic Communications)

Women’s tennis player Antonia Ferrarini on growing up in Brazil, journey playing tennis

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
October 15, 2024
The USI Intramural Fall 2024 Events Table shows the registration deadlines, playing dates and competition categories of upcoming events. (Graphic by Will Kessinger and Bryn Nicol)

USI Intramurals: Fall 2024

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
September 26, 2024
Meredith Raley, senior forward, looks to find an open teammate during the first-round matchup against the University of Illinois at Chicago in the Women's National Invitational March 25 in the Screaming Eagles Arena.

Analysis: Women’s basketball teaser

Will Kessinger and Mailee Toennies
September 25, 2024
Stan Gouard, men’s basketball head coach, stands across from members of the men’s basketball team during Media Day Sept. 18 at the Screaming Eagles Arena. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Analysis: Men’s basketball teaser

Will Kessinger and Mailee Toennies
September 25, 2024
Ahiro Nakamae, freshman midfielder, possesses the ball, moving it up the pitch Saturday at Strassweg Field. (Photo by Grace Michell)

Men’s soccer thumped in frustration-filled home opener against Bellarmine University

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
September 16, 2024
The Screaming Eagles and Purple Aces wait in position for the ball to go their direction near the penalty box Sunday at McCutchan Stadium. (Photo by Alex Mendoza)

Analysis: USI men’s soccer loses Mayor’s Cup despite uplifting performance

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
September 4, 2024
The 2023-2024 men's basketball team huddles during the game against Western Illinois University Thursday in the Screaming Eagles Arena. (Photo by Peyton Peters)

Opinion: USI’s athletics seeks excellence off, on court

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
August 28, 2024
The women’s soccer team huddles with its starting players before the second half against Robert Morris University Thursday at Strassweg Field. (Photo by Alex Mendoza)

Analysis: Women’s soccer falls victim to “2-Nil Curse” in home opener against Robert Morris

Will Kessinger, Sports Editor
August 26, 2024
The Screaming Eagles Complex is located on the cross-section between University Boulevard and Bennett Lane. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Director of athletics on keys to working in athletics, jump to Division I

Will Kessinger, Staff Writer
April 28, 2024
Chancellor Dugan, 1997 women's basketball head coach, cuts the net down in the Division II Women's Basketball Tournament. (Photo courtesy of USI Archives, UA 78- University Photographs)

The 1996-97 Lady Eagles: Instilling greatness for USI’s decorated hoopers of 2024

Will Kessinger, Staff Writer
April 25, 2024
Stan Gouard, head coach, and Jon Aldridge, assistant coach, stand together Jan. 31 in the Screaming Eagles Arena. (Photo by Peyton Peters)

Men’s basketball head coach Stan Gouard on recruiting, building basketball culture, balancing basketball with family

Will Kessinger, Staff Writer
April 17, 2024
The USI Intramurals Hall of Fame honors students who have competed at the highest level of intramural and club sports. (Graphic by Alyssa DeWig)

USI Intramurals Hall of Fame: The origin and potential future of the institution

Will Kessinger, Staff Writer
April 4, 2024
Triniti Ralston, freshman guard, shoots a free throw during the game against University of Illinois at Chicago Thursday in the Screaming Eagles Arena. (Photo by Peyton Peters)

Analysis: Impact of Women’s National Invitational Tournament games

Will Kessinger, Staff Writer
March 27, 2024
Meredith Raley, senior forward, drives to the basket in the Ohio Valley Conference Championship March 9. (Photo by Elizabeth Randolph and USI Athletic Communications)

Seniors reflect on experiences as student-athletes

Will Kessinger, Staff Writer
March 26, 2024
The NCAA March Madness tournament spans from March 19 April 8. (Graphic by Karri Fox)

Opinion: My official 2024 March Madness bracket guide

Will Kessinger, Staff Writer
March 20, 2024
Madi Webb, senior forward/center, Triniti Ralston freshman guard, Tori Handley, graduate guard, and Chloe Gannon, freshman forward/center, huddle during the Title Game against the University of Tennessee at Martin March 9 at the Ford Center. (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Randolph and USI Athletic Communications)

Analysis: Southern Indiana women’s basketball team captures both regular season, tournament OVC titles

Will Kessinger, Staff Writer
March 20, 2024
The baseball team celebrate its victory against Eastern Michigan University Friday at the USI Baseball Field. (Photo by Will Kessinger)

Analysis: USI wins dramatic home opener after awe-shocking 1st inning

Will Kessinger, Staff Writer
February 27, 2024
Nathan Deputy, freshman sport management major, and Maranda Uttke, freshman pre-dental hygiene major, set new diving records Jan. 13 at an exhibition diving meet against the University of Evansville. (Photos courtesy of Barbara Goodwin)

Diving into USI athletic stars: Nathan Deputy, Maranda Uttke break dive records

Will Kessinger, Staff Writer
February 20, 2024
Sofia Davidoff, freshman biology major, and Antonia Ferrarini, freshman marketing major, participate in doubles Saturday at the Evansville Tennis Center. An interesting duo, Davidoff hails from Lagny-sur-Marne, France, while Ferrarini comes to Southern Indiana from Caxias do Sul, Brazil. (Photo courtesy of Nathanial Barbee and USI Athletic Communications)

Analysis: USI men’s, women’s tennis teams fail to grab momentum, fall to Austin Peay State University

Will Kessinger, Staff Writer
February 20, 2024
Cameron Kainer, USI swimming and diving head coach, said chemistry and camaraderie came naturally to the team. (Photo courtesy of Barbara Goodwin and USI Athletic Communications)

Feature: Swimming and diving head coach reflects on teams’ journeys throughout an inspiring season

Will Kessinger, Staff Writer
February 15, 2024
Triniti Ralston, freshman guard, guards a Western Illinois University player Thursday in the Screaming Eagles Arena. (Photo by Peyton Peters)

Analysis: Screaming Eagles Arena hosts Media and Communications Night, featuring enthusiastic white-out crowd

Will Kessinger, Staff Writer
January 31, 2024
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