photo essays

Through the lens of FIU Football (includes photo essay)

Andrew Novitsky, Amanda Grant, Genesha Rhymer and Jianna Clark

July 10, 2025

The season for the FIU football team starts long before the first kickoff in August. These behind-the-scenes images document the commitment and planning that fuel Panther Nation’s enthusiasm. Follow along to see how staff, players and volunteers prepare for another exciting season.

Fiu 1 — Scott Yogodzinski, assistant athletic director for marketing and fan engagement, helps an incoming Panther RSVP for First Year Frenzy. He leads efforts to boost school spirit, connect students to athletics and create unforgettable game day experiences. The event is a perfect way for new students to make friends, get involved and support fellow Panthers on and off the field.

Fiu 2 — Donald Reed, FIU’s director of football equipment, talks to the team about the standards of handling the equipment in the off season. He plays a crucial role in ensuring the team’s equipment is kept up to date, well-organized and prepared for play throughout the year.

Fiu 3 — Osiris Joseph, a student equipment manager, makes sure that the players have everything they need to hit the field ready for practice or game day. He manages uniforms, sets up the field and handles last-minute gear requests. His attention to detail and support helps the team stay focused on performing at their best.

Fiu4 — Matt Hickmann, director of strength and conditioning, motivates the Panthers football team during a focused training session in the weight room. Surrounded by racks, weights and intense energy, players listen closely as Hickmann sets the tone for the hard work ahead. This highlights the discipline and leadership that fuels a successful team.

Fiu6 — FIU football players put in serious work long before they hit the field as they spend early mornings in the weight room. Their relentless strength training sessions help build the foundation for success. Behind every highlight reel is a weight room full of dedication and sweat.

Fiu7 — Under the South Florida sun, leadership is on full display as Head Coach Willie Simmons gathers the FIU Panthers during practice. The team listens intently, absorbing the wisdom, guidance and motivation needed to compete at the highest level.

Fiu8 — Alanna Ardoin, a recruitment intern, is gaining real-world experience in helping shape the future of student-athletes. She also supports player development and optimizing operations to create a seamless experience for both recruits and athletes

Fiu9 — A Florida International University student adds the finishing touch to a piece of apparel by pressing the iconic FIU logo onto a jacket to be used by staff and players. This process is repeated for a variety of clothing to make sure the staff and players look and feel ready to accomplish anything.

Fiu10 — An FIU student assists with organizing the football team’s equipment inventory by ensuring every item is accounted for and ready when needed. Keeping inventory organized is essential to a smooth and successful season. This helps prevent delays and supports player safety so the team can focus on performance.

Fiu11 — FIU football’s equipment volunteer carefully inspects a newly embroidered football polo shirt for the coaching staff ahead of the upcoming season. These uniforms represent more than just gear—they reflect the pride, professionalism and preparation that drive the program forward. Every stitch and detail plays a part in building a championship-ready season.

Fiu12 — Behind every game-winning play is a team making sure every detail is just right, including the footballs themselves. FIU’s equipment staff buffs and preps every football by hand to ensure optimal grip and top performance. Their dedication helps set the stage for every snap, pass, and touchdown.

Andrew Novitsky

Novitsky's creative journey started in 2018 when he bought a camera and started doing photography as a new hobby. This eventually led him to return to school, where he received an associate degree in graphic design from Miami Dade College in 2023.

Novitsky has experience in photography, videography, graphic design, UX design, and management roles. His skill set allows him to be a versatile and adaptable creative who can understand the bigger picture and deliver a high-quality product.

Novitsky will graduate from the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media with a bachelor’s degree in digital communication and media in Spring 2026. He then hopes to earn a master's degree in marketing.

Amanda Grant

Amanda Grant is a junior at Florida International University who wants to make an impact in media production.

Grant has experience in video editing, producing, and creative directing. She hopes to lead a dynamic creative team that uses storytelling to connect and inspire audiences.

Grant will graduate from the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media with a bachelor’s degree in digital communication and media in Summer 2026.

Genesha Rhymer

Genesha Rhymer is a dynamic storyteller at Florida International University, serving as a marketing assistant, in-game host for FIU Athletics, and creator of the sports lifestyle series Game Time with Nesh. She aspires to build her career as a sideline reporter with a major network. Genesha will be completing her degree in digital broadcasting in Spring 2027.

Jianna Clark

Jianna Clark is a senior at Florida International University, where she’s pursuing a degree in Digital Communication and Media, set to graduate in Spring 2026.

Her passion for sports started at a young age, playing softball in elementary school and attending major league sporting events with family - sparking a lifelong love for the world of professional sports.

Jianna gained hands-on experience with producing content through her internship with the Miami Pro League where she helped film dynamic game day content. Her ultimate goal is to work with a major league sports team, producing engaging digital content that connects fans to the action both inside and outside of the arena.