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Articles by Riley Platt
UNF graduate playing key role in Disney-led sea turtle research
Rachel Smith, a University of North Florida graduate, is making waves due to her role in Disney Conservation’s recent findings regarding sea turtles in Florida. The Tour de Turtles, an educational event put on by the Sea Turtle Conservancy, is currently ongoing for the 16th time. The mission of the project is to use satellite technology to track migration patterns of sea turtles each year, with different organizations sponsoring a turtle.
Princeton Review ranks UNF among “Best in the South”
The University of North Florida once again received national recognition as a top university in a national publication on Tuesday, this time named as part of the Princeton Review’s “Best in the South” for the 15th consecutive year. This news comes just under a month after Money magazine named UNF “one of America’s best colleges.” This week’s honor had more of a regional focus, where schools in 10 states were considered.
Gallery: UNF hosts Seminoles for football practice
The Florida State University football team made their annual offseason trek to Jacksonville this week, holding practice on Thursday and Friday at one of the University of North Florida’s intramural fields. A field trip of sorts, this event enables FSU’s players to bond off campus before the season starts.
Previewing the upcoming UNF women’s soccer season with Coach Faulconer
With just two weeks until the University of North Florida Ospreys open the 2023 regular season, women’s soccer head coach Eric Faulconer is looking forward to the fresh slate that it will provide for his team. The Ospreys showed signs of true potential during 2022’s campaign, but posted an overall record of 4-7-5. While 2023 offers a chance for improvement, one look at the schedule shows that it won’t be easy.
Gallery: Jaguars training camp showcases new facility, exciting storylines
Jaguars fans entered the 2023 offseason with something they hadn’t experienced in a long time: hope. The team was coming off of its first playoff appearance since 2018. In addition, the Jaguars pulled off a miraculous comeback against the Chargers and nearly knocked off the Chiefs to get to the AFC championship game. New head coach Doug Pedersen made it clear that he was building something to be reckoned with in Duval County.
Recent heat poses major threat for Florida’s marine life, UNF biology professor explains
Extreme temperatures have been commonplace in Florida in recent weeks, putting one of the state’s already-vulnerable populations, its marine life, in even more danger. Jacksonville residents are familiar with seeing feels-like temperatures well over 100° this summer, some of which were part of the hottest week on record, according to the University of Maine’s Climate Reanalyzer. While ocean temperatures play a significant role in this high heat, the seven seas can’t be blamed for this.
Stage IV cancer, a torn ACL not enough to stop Mahalia White from achieving greatness on and off the court
For many student-athletes new to a college campus, meaningful playing time is a distant dream. But, this wasn’t the case for Mahalia White who was named Big West Freshman of the Year after a phenomenal 2017 season on the University of California, Davis volleyball team. While White was riding high after a phenomenal debut, trouble was on the horizon.
New UNF skipper Joe Mercadante introduced to Osprey community
Joe Mercadante was introduced as the fourth head coach in UNF baseball history on Thursday in a celebratory event at UNF Arena’s Bank of England Suite. The ceremony was attended by plenty of familiar faces, Ospreys and local media alike. Mercadante took the podium around noon, giving a speech in which he expressed great optimism for this next step in his career.
Where could the Jaguars play if stadium renovations are approved?
Many are excited about the potential “Stadium of the Future” that the Jacksonville Jaguars could call home later this decade, but it leaves one critical question unanswered: where will they play in the meantime? This problem doesn’t arise when entirely-new stadiums are constructed, but the nature of the proposed renovations to TIAA Bank Field would require the Jaguars to play elsewhere — likely for two seasons — while changes are made.
Ospreys hire Pitt’s Joe Mercadante as new head baseball coach
The University of North Florida baseball team has found its new leader, announcing University of Pittsburgh assistant Joe Mercadante as head coach on Friday, according to UNF athletics. The coaching search began in late May when UNF announced that previous head coach Tim Parenton would be transitioning into an administrative role. In less than just one month, the search has come to an end with the announcement of Mercadante’s hire.
Jaguars huddle events not “shying away” from proposed stadium renovations details
The heavy rainfall outside didn’t dampen the mood inside of the Lakeview Room at Deerwood Country Club on Saturday when Jacksonville Jaguars team president Mark Lamping presented detailed plans of the “Stadium of the Future.” Proposed renovations to TIAA Bank Field, revealed in June, spurred what the Jaguars have coined community huddles: a series of town halls in different parts of the Jacksonville area where fans can hear more about the new plans.
Inside UNF baseball's far-reaching search for new head coach
After the departure of University of North Florida baseball head coach Tim Parenton in late May, the Ospreys are now looking far and wide before deciding on who will lead the program next. Parenton, who was head coach for six years, will remain at the university but rather than coaching a team on the field, the Louisiana native will serve in an administrative role, according to UNF Athletics Director Nick Morrow.
Jaguars reveal plans to upgrade TIAA Bank Field, dubbed “Stadium of the Future”
The Jacksonville Jaguars revealed renderings of what they call the “Stadium of the Future” on Wednesday, the culmination of a series of major potential upgrades to TIAA Bank Field. The renovations — which could cost anywhere from $875 million to over $1 billion, Florida Politics reported in May — were not directly mentioned during Wednesday’s presentation.
NCAA track and field regionals are coming to UNF; here’s what you need to know
The first round of the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships kick off this week, with the east regional taking place at the University of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium from Wednesday through Saturday. This isn’t the first time UNF has hosted, but for first-time attendees, it’s important to know a few things before you go. As with any sporting event, getting a ticket is the first and most important step.
Baseball suffers crucial loss in clash against rival JU
The University of North Florida Ospreys went toe to toe with the Jacksonville University Dolphins on Friday, ultimately ending in a crushing 2-1 defeat. The game was played at John Sessions Stadium and served as both the first and last time the rivals faced off this season. Despite splitting last season’s series record 1-1, Friday’s win secured bragging rights for the Dolphins in 2023.
Men’s golf ends season after strong showing comes up just short in NCAA Tournament
NORMAN, Okla. – The University of North Florida men’s golf season came to an end on Wednesday as the Ospreys fell one stroke short of advancing past the NCAA Regionals. After three strong days of competition in the Norman Regional, one shot separated the Ospreys from the Duke University Blue Devils, who grabbed the final spot to advance to the NCAA Championships. UNF got off to a strong start on Monday, wrapping up the first day ranked No. 6 of 14 teams.
Substance abuse foundation expanding, bringing new scholarships to North Florida
The Mark Garwood Foundation, which helps past substance addicts attend college through a variety of initiatives, is expanding its efforts to North Florida by bringing scholarships for students seeking a fresh start. The foundation began the Phoenix Scholarship in 2015, and has awarded over $325,000 to 51 different people in search of higher education in South Florida.
Baseball topples No. 6 South Carolina in upset win
COLUMBIA, SC – The University of North Florida Ospreys took down the nation’s 6th-ranked University of South Carolina Gamecocks on Tuesday, winning 8-5. This marks the Ospreys’ first win against a top-10 team since 2019, when they beat No. 3 Florida. It was another Southeastern Conference squad this time, but the circumstances were a bit different this time around. Contrary to the 2019 upset, this game came late in the season, with just six contests left on the schedule.
Women’s tennis takes on Gators in NCAA tournament
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida Ospreys made an appearance in the 2023 NCAA tournament on Friday, falling 4-0 to the No. 16 University of Florida Gators in the opening round. UNF automatically qualified following their ASUN championship, earned with a win over the Stetson Hatters in April. Despite the recent momentum, they weren’t able to take down one of the nation’s best squads, who hosted the first round showdown.
High-scoring affairs ends in loss for baseball against UCF
Riley Platt, Sports Editor ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of North Florida Ospreys went head-to-head with the University of Central Knights for the third time this season, falling 16-10 in a game that saw nine home runs. The bats were anything but shy early on, as UNF got things going with an Alex Lodise home run – his 15th of the year – in the top of the first inning. This gave the Ospreys a three-run lead, but it didn’t last long.
Dominick Madonna: A veteran’s perspective on UNF baseball’s 2023 season
This week, senior UNF pitcher Dominick Madonna sat down to answer a variety of questions regarding the roster, his progression over the years, and tough opponents both in the Sunshine State and the ASUN conference. Madonna has been on the North Florida roster since the the 2020 season, and in his fourth year as an Osprey the team is more different now than ever before.
Softball snatches doubleheader from Georgia Southern
Riley Platt, Sports Editor The University of North Florida Ospreys took it to the Georgia Southern University in a non-conference affair on Wednesday, sweeping the Eagles in a doubleheader. The Ospreys entered on a three-game win streak after last weekend’s sweep of Bellarmine University. This momentum did not come to an end, as UNF won both in nail-biting and dominant fashion against Georgia Southern. Wednesday’s first game saw the Eagles strike first, plating one in the top of the first inning.
Women’s tennis takes ASUN title from in-state rival
The University of North Florida women’s tennis squad continued their dominance over the conference on Saturday, defeating the Stetson University Hatters to win the ASUN Championship. This marks the 10th time that the Ospreys have taken the trophy. Out of the last eight seasons, UNF has had their way with the competition and have won the ASUN title seven times. The showdown took place at the UNF Tennis Complex on Saturday afternoon.
Baseball does the improbable, knocks off Florida State with walk-off victory
The University of North Florida baseball team faced off against the Florida State University Seminoles on Wednesday, pulling off the win after a wild pitch in the tenth inning. This contest was played at Harmon Stadium, with Wednesday’s matchup being the first time that these two teams have met inside the Nest.
Lambert introduced as UNF women’s basketball head coach
Excitement filled the air of UNF Arena’s Bank of England Suite as Erika Lambert was officially introduced as the new head coach of UNF women’s basketball Wednesday. Lambert arrives after seven seasons as an associate head coach at Abilene Christian University. While in Texas, Lambert was a part of a 122-46 conference record. Joining Lambert was her family and her new Osprey family, including the likes of men’s basketball head coach Matthew Driscoll and director of athletics Nick Morrow.
Baseball punishes USF in mercy-rule win
Riley Platt, Sports Editor The University of North Florida Ospreys took on the University of South Florida Bulls on Tuesday for the second time this month, winning 10-0 in a game that was never close. These two squads last faced off on April 4, with the Ospreys snagging a 5-4 win in extra innings thanks to a clutch hit by catcher Jakob Runnels. The Winter Haven, Fla. native made his presence known again, drilling a three-run homer in the first inning to give UNF an early lead.
Pitching brings career highs for UNF baseball, takes weekend series after sweeping Central Arkansas in doubleheader
Baseball Latest Latest Stories Sports Jacob Justice, Sports Reporter The University of North Florida baseball team pulled through at Harmon Stadium this weekend, coming back and taking a three-game series against the University of Central Arkansas Bears. With these wins come the continuation of a positive streak as the Ospreys have now won all but a single weekend series at the Nest this season.
How the transfer portal has flipped the college basketball world upside down
The transfer portal has — in some sense — made college sports unrecognizable. Since its arrival in 2018, the portal has allowed for less-restricted movement of collegiate athletes from institution to institution. Rather than having to sit out a year at their new school, players can take the court immediately and often boost their careers in the process. Instead of waiting in line to get playing time, a student-athlete can transfer to a new school’s team with a them-shaped void and become a star.
Softball’s offense lags in loss to Florida
Riley Platt, Sports Editor GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida Ospreys couldn’t get it done with the bat on Wednesday, falling to the No. 15 University of Florida Gators 6-1. Redshirt senior Skyler Stockie started things off in the circle for UNF, tossing two scoreless innings. The Ospreys couldn’t take advantage of this, though, going hitless at the plate until the top of the third inning. The following bottom frame is where things got out of hand for the visitors.
Baseball shows signs of excellence, but drops series to Jacksonville State
The University of North Florida baseball team returned to the nest this weekend, playing against the Jacksonville State University Gamecocks in what was a three-game weekend series of baseball. The Ospreys managed to walk out of game two victorious, but could not take home the series as JSU won the other two games with mixed levels of resistance from UNF.
Softball continues to struggle, falls to Liberty in weekend series
Jacob Justice, Sports Reporter The University of North Florida softball team faced off against the Liberty University Flames for a three-game series this weekend, with the Ospreys failing to capitalize as they were swept by the in-conference rival. Things didn’t go well offensively in game one, with the Ospreys failing to score a run until the fourth inning, allowing Liberty to win the game in dominant fashion by a score of 6-1.
Erika Lambert named new UNF women’s basketball head coach
Erika Lambert has been named the new head women’s basketball coach at the University of North Florida, the UNF athletic department announced Thursday. Lambert most recently served at Abilene Christian University as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator. During her seven seasons in Abilene, the Wildcats posted an overall record of 184-83, while going 122-46 in conference play, both in the Southland Conference and Western Athletic Conference.
Baseball takes down USF in extra-inning thriller
Riley Platt, Sports Editor TAMPA, Fla. – The University of North Florida Ospreys took it to the University of South Florida, defeating the in-state foe 5-4 in extra innings on Tuesday. For much of the season, newcomer Jakob Runnels has been a weapon at the plate for the Ospreys, hitting nine home runs and driving in 37 home runs this season. Tuesday’s game was no different, as the UNF catcher produced the game-winning hit.
Through the eyes of a photographer: March
Justin Nedrow, Photographer April 3, 2023 From the world-famous Savannah Bananas to Grammy-winning artists, Jacksonville had it all this past month. Check out these galleries with Spinnaker photographer Justin Nedrow’s top photos of the month! Savannah Bananas owner Jesse Cole standing outside of 121 Financial Ballpark welcoming in fans into the stadium. At 121 Financial Ballpark in Jacksonville, Florida on March 5th, 2023.
Baseball puts up runs, but drops series to EKU
Baseball Latest Latest Stories Sports Jacob Justice, Sports Reporter RICHMOND, Ky. – The University of North Florida baseball team was on the road this weekend, facing off in a three-game series against the Eastern Kentucky University Colonels. The competition was stiff, and the Ospreys were defeated as EKU won two out of the three games.
Women’s soccer knocks off crosstown rival in final spring exhibition
Jacob Justice, Sports Reporter The UNF women’s soccer team faced off against the rival Jacksonville University Dolphins in a spring exhibition on Friday, finishing their spring schedule by winning the contest 3-1. The exhibition was played at North Florida’s very own Hodges Stadium, with all but one contest on the spring schedule having taken place at home.
How Giving Day is helping propel UNF athletics to the next level
It’s easy to look at the pageantry and showmanship of upper-level college athletics and assume that revenue comes effortlessly. Unfortunately for many low-major and mid-major schools, such as the University of North Florida, this is far from reality. Without revenue sources such as sold-out football stadiums and lucrative TV broadcasting deals, these schools are often forced to rely on student fees and homegrown fundraising efforts instead.
Softball’s late rally not enough in road loss to UCF
ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of North Florida Ospreys made a valiant push in the final inning of Wednesday’s intrastate softball affair, but the University of Central Florida Knights walked away with the win after a fielding error by the Ospreys. Scoring has not been an issue for much of the season, but after struggling in their last outing Sunday, the offense had trouble getting anything going once again on Wednesday. UNF wasn’t able to muster a run throughout the first six innings.
Baseball and softball take weekend series from Stetson in tag-team effort
Baseball Latest Latest Stories Softball Sports Riley Platt, Sports Editor Both the University of North Florida Ospreys baseball and softball teams won a pair of weekend series against the Stetson University Hatters thanks to high-powered offense and resilience. A unique occurrence took place on the UNF campus this past weekend as both the school’s baseball and softball squads faced off against the same opponent.
Softball puts on offensive spectacle, dominates FAU in Sunshine State doubleheader
Latest Latest Stories Softball Sports Jacob Justice, Sports Reporter The UNF softball team faced off in a two-game doubleheader at home on Wednesday, with the Ospreys defeating the Florida Atlantic University Owls in both games. In game one, the Ospreys were all over, with FAU having no way to respond to an eight-run performance at the place. This kept the game short, as the game ended by mercy rule victory in just six innings.
Baseball gets revenge, wins in walk-off fashion against UCF
The University of North Florida Ospreys faced off with the University of Central Florida Knights in a baseball grudge match on Tuesday, taking the game 4-2 on a Jakob Runnels game-winning home run. This was the second time these squads squared off this season, with the Knights taking the first meeting 10-3 earlier this month in Orlando.
Baseball fails to capitalize on baserunners, loses to Florida
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida Ospreys outhit the University of Florida Gators, but weren’t able to turn these scoring chances into runs on Tuesday, falling 7-2. The Ospreys were well aware that the Gators, ranked No. 5 in the nation, weren’t going to be an easy opponent. The high-powered UF squad has barreled through opponents so far this season, averaging just over 11 runs per game.
Breaking down Carter Hendricksen’s legendary UNF career
Basketball Features Latest Latest Stories Sports Riley Platt, Sports Editor UNF men’s basketball forward Carter Hendricksen may have played his last game in an Osprey uniform, but it’s clear to see the impact he has left on the program. Spinnaker recently had the chance to sit down with Hendricksen at UNF Arena and discuss his time as an Osprey.
Meet Alex Lodise, UNF baseball’s freshman home run phenom
Baseball season is fully underway for the Osprey community, with UNF already 14 games into the 2023 campaign. As the new season continues to progress, Harmon Stadium has seen a variety of new faces competing for the program, with UNF currently having nine freshmen on the roster. One of these is infielder Alex Lodise, who has been a home run machine. He’s been able to hit from anywhere, already knocking six home runs in his first season of college baseball.
Three homers not enough as baseball outmatched by UCF in road duel
ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of North Florida Ospreys took to the diamond Tuesday to face off against the University of Central Florida, falling short to the Knights 10-3. Last season saw these squads meet four times, with each team taking two games. UCF is and has been a formidable opponent, but the Ospreys have shown in the past that they have what it takes to best their neighbors to the south. The Ospreys entered Tuesday’s matchup on a roll, having won six of their last seven games.
Baseball stands their ground, sweeps Fordham in doubleheader
The University of North Florida baseball team faced off against the Fordham University Rams twice on Saturday, with the Ospreys winning both games in what was a doubleheader sweep. This game was played at UNF’s Harmon Stadium, with the Ospreys securing all of their wins at home at this point of the season. UNF started out hot defensively in the first matchup, with senior pitcher Tony Roca managing two strikeouts in the first inning of game one.
Darrick Gibbs fired from role as UNF women’s basketball head coach
UNF women’s basketball head coach Darrick Gibbs will no longer be serving in that role for the program, the athletic department announced Thursday. This announcement comes less than 24 hours after the season came to an end with a 83-71 loss to Eastern Kentucky on Wednesday. This capped off a 7-20 overall record, with the Ospreys finishing 4-13 in ASUN play. This season was bound to be a challenge, with UNF returning just two players from last season’s roster.
Men’s basketball’s season comes to end in early exit from ASUN tourney
LYNCHBURG, Va. – The University of North Florida Ospreys found themselves on the wrong end of a last-second game-winning shot on Monday, eliminating them from the ASUN tournament at the hands of Bellarmine University. These two teams just faced off in the regular season finale on Friday, but met back up this week due to their seeding in the tournament.
Women’s basketball regresses, falls to North Alabama in ASUN matchup
Basketball Latest Latest Stories Sports Jacob Justice, Sports Reporter FLORENCE, Ala. – The University of North Florida women’s basketball team faced off against the University of North Alabama on Saturday, falling to the Lions 74-51. The Ospreys came to compete in the first quarter, taking an early 8-3 lead before the first timeout. This continued throughout the beginning stages, as North Florida was able to secure a 24-13 lead at the end of the opening period.
Hendricksen shines on senior night, leads men’s basketball past Bellarmine
The University of North Florida Ospreys capped off the men’s basketball regular season Friday with a 79-67 win over Bellarmine University as Carter Hendricksen, the team’s lone senior, was celebrated. Already having punched their ticket to the ASUN tournament, the Ospreys didn’t necessarily need a win. However, Friday’s result moved UNF up to the seventh seed. This essentially makes no real difference, though, as they will still face Bellarmine on Monday in the first round of the tourney.
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