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UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

UNF's #1 Student-Run News Source

UNF Spinnaker

All content by DeAndre Pearson
student writing

How to: Student Loans

DeAndre Pearson August 7, 2019

College can be a wonderful yet frustrating experience as an incoming freshman. For many, this is a sign of actually becoming more responsible for yourself and your future. Paying for college is a big issue...

The Thomas G. Carpenter library.  Photo by Colin McCann

Finals week at Tommy G’s: UNF Library events for finals week

DeAndre Pearson November 30, 2018

Finals week is around the corner. That means endless hours of studying and stress for most students. Starting from Dec. 3 through Dec. 7, the Thomas G. Carpenter Library will be hosting plenty of activities...

Men’s Basketball dominates Florida A&M on Military Appreciation Night

Men’s Basketball dominates Florida A&M on Military Appreciation Night

DeAndre Pearson November 30, 2018

On Military Appreciation night, North Florida (3-5 Overall ) rolled through Florida A&M Rattlers (3-5 Overall) in a 81-62 rout. In the first half, North Florida started off the game ice-cold,...

 Photo by Connor Spielmaker

Men’s Basketball loses to Jacksonville State in Cancun Challenge Final

DeAndre Pearson November 24, 2018

After knocking off Southern Miss to advance to the championship round of the Cancun Challenge, North Florida (2-4 Overall) couldn’t pull out the win against Jacksonville State (4-1 Overall).   In...

Photo by Alexis Molinaro

Upper Deck difficulties in the Fountains

DeAndre Pearson November 21, 2018

The Upper Deck, a sports-themed room at the Osprey Fountains, has drawn criticism due to technical difficulties with their television service. Since their 2009 opening, the Upper Deck has been a social...

Ospreys basketball weekend recap

Ospreys basketball weekend recap

DeAndre Pearson November 20, 2018

    It was a tough weekend for basketball as both Men’s and Women’s basketball teams suffered losses. Men’s Basketball went on the road to take on Wright State as part of their...

Photo by Nicole Sutton

Cold Shooting Ospreys fall to Penn State

DeAndre Pearson, Sports Reporter November 9, 2018

In the second game of the season, a rough night shooting spoiled the Ospreys (0-2 Overall) chance to upset the Penn State Nittany Lions (1-0 Overall). In the opening half, North Florida jumped out...

Photo by Garrett Milanovich

UNF Men’s Basketball season opener preview

DeAndre Pearson November 7, 2018

  The North Florida Ospreys kick off their 2018-2019 basketball season on the road against the Dayton Flyers. After losing in the ASUN Semifinals to FGCU, North Florida returns with a revamped roster...

Photo by Khorri Newton

Ospreys lose to Bisons in four

DeAndre Pearson October 28, 2018

North Florida’s Volleyball team (9-20 Overall, 4-9 ASUN) fell to the Lipscomb Bisons (15-9 Overall, 10-2 ASUN) at home in four sets. In the opening set, North Florida pushed out to a four point...

Photo by Khorri Newton

Ospreys fall to Owls in three

DeAndre Pearson, Sports Editor October 27, 2018

In an  ASUN matchup that impacted playoff seedings, North Florida’s Volleyball team (9-19 Overall, 4-8 ASUN) struggled to upset the undefeated Kennesaw State Owls (20-4 Overall, 11-0 ASUN) at home....

Logo of the Jacksonville Jaguars

Jaguars vs Texans Week 7 Preview

DeAndre Pearson October 21, 2018

The Jacksonville Jaguars are locked in a three-way tie for first place in the AFC South as they take on conference rival, the Houston Texans at TIAA Bank Field. Houston rolls into Jacksonville on a...

Logo of the Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars post-game review

DeAndre Pearson October 16, 2018

Earlier this season, Jacksonville was one of the teams to watch after a suffering a defeat to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship. Now, they are in the middle of a two game losing skid and...

UNF Athletes, then and now: Dallas Moore

UNF Athletes, then and now: Dallas Moore

DeAndre Pearson October 9, 2018

There have been numerous student athletes from UNF who have gone on pursue their dreams of continuing their career professionally, Dallas Moore did just that after graduating from North Florida. Then: Former...

Photo by Khorri Newton

Ospreys lose late against the Bisons

DeAndre Pearson October 7, 2018

  After jumping out to an early lead, North Florida’s Men’s Soccer team (2-8-0, 1-1-0 ASUN) could not hold on the early lead against Lipscomb (3-7-0, 2-1-0 ASUN) at home on Oct. 6. With...

Graphic by Drew McDonald

New York Jets vs Jacksonville Jaguars Preview

DeAndre Pearson September 29, 2018

Despite a head scratching loss to the Tennessee Titans, the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1 Overall) should get another win this week against the New York Jets (1-2 Overall). The Jags are coming home...

Photo by Khorri Newton

Ospreys Volleyball winless in weekend series

DeAndre Pearson September 24, 2018

  In their second conference game of the season, North Florida (5-12 Overall, 0-2 ASUN) lost at home to the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles (9-5 Overall, 2-0 ASUN) in three sets. The Ospreys found themselves...

Photo by Khorri Newton

Women’s Soccer ties with Stetson to begin conference season

DeAndre Pearson September 22, 2018

  The University of North Florida (5-3-1 Overall, 0-0-1 ASUN) settled for a draw in their conference opener against the Stetson Hatters (3-4-3 Overall, 0-0-1 ASUN) at home. The match went past...

Graphic by Drew McDonald

NFL Week 2 Predictions

DeAndre Pearson September 14, 2018

As we continue to get the NFL season rolling, here are my predictions for this week’s games. Baltimore Ravens (1-0) vs Cincinnati Bengals (1-0) The Ravens visit the Bengals following a 47-3...

Photo by Lili Weinstein

UNF Volleyball wins one of two in final day of tournament

Drew McDonald and DeAndre Pearson September 9, 2018

  Match 1 On Sept. 8, the Ospreys (2-7 Overall) found their stride and grabbed their first home win of the season over the USC Upstate Spartans (1-8 Overall). North Florida was able to build...

Photo courtesy of UNF Athletics.

UNF Womens Volleyball edged out in a thriller

DeAndre Pearson September 8, 2018

Two points is what kept the Ospreys (1-7 Overall) from grabbing a win over the New Mexico Lobos (4-3 Overall). It was a test of endurance for both teams as they battled over the course of five sets...

Men's soccer. Photo courtesy of UNF Athletics.

First week of September hits hard; A weekend recap

DeAndre Pearson September 5, 2018

  Men’s and Women’s Soccer as well as Volleyball competed this weekend in key matchups. Men's Soccer Men’s Soccer had a tough weekend as the Ospreys lost on the road to Georgia...

The new Alcohol policy change was announced over a Osprey Update.

Student reactions to the new alcohol policy

DeAndre Pearson September 2, 2018

It has been just over a week since the University announced new changes to the alcohol and drug policy. This was an issue that was forth-going in a response to previous alcohol-related incidents. Some...

 photo courtesy of UNF Athletics

Upcoming 2019 softball schedule released

DeAndre Pearson August 28, 2018

The 2019 Softball schedule holds a series of tests for North Florida as it features an incredibly high group of top tier schools. According to the North Florida Athletics Department, the softball...

against UNC Asheville

UNF Soccer Weekend Recap

DeAndre Pearson August 28, 2018

Over the weekend, both mens and women's soccer teams struggled to find success at home. The Women's Soccer team picked up their first victory of the season on Sunday against UNC AshevilleOver the...

The Ospreys lost a tough bout with Mercer on Friday night

Ospreys lose late to Mercer, 2-1

DeAndre Pearson August 25, 2018

  In the first matchup of the Mike Gibbs Invitational, the Ospreys allowed a late goal after jumping out to a hot start. It was a close contested game that came down to a controversial call which...

North Florida athletics suffers from a hard weekend

North Florida athletics suffers from a hard weekend

DeAndre Pearson and Joslyn Simmons April 18, 2018

North Florida athletics had a hard weekend against their opponents as their regular seasons are coming closer to the end. In an ASUN matchup with playoff seeding implications, North Florida (22-25...

Discounted drinks at Starbucks

Discounted drinks at Starbucks

DeAndre Pearson April 12, 2018

Craving Starbucks but can’t leave your studies? Well, you're in luck, for a limited time today you can head over to Starbucks and pick up a grande lemonade or tea infused drink for just $2.50. On...

 photo courtesy of UNF Athletics

North Florida Softball falls short against UCF

DeAndre Pearson April 12, 2018

On a mild-weathered evening, North Florida (21-24 Overall, 1-8 ASUN) couldn’t pull of a late comeback at home against the University of Central Florida Knights (28-15 Overall, 6-3 American ) on Wednesday....

courtesy of UNF Athletics

Free giveaways at this week’s games

DeAndre Pearson April 4, 2018

If you like free things than you are in luck. This week starting Thursday, students will have plenty of opportunities to score free giveaways simply by attending this week’s games. On Thursday,...

Spring is the best time of the year for sports

Spring is the best time of the year for sports

DeAndre Pearson April 3, 2018

With spring in full swing, this is the time of the year that many major sports will be officially starting or hitting their climax. Football fans don’t feel excluded the NFL season always ends in...

Spring Break Sports Recap

Spring Break Sports Recap

DeAndre Pearson March 27, 2018

Gallery by Joslyn Simmons  It was an eventful week of sports as North Florida was able to secure more victories than losses in several sports over spring break. Baseball The Ospreys (13-13 Overall)...

ASUN Semifinal: Women’s basketball loses a nail biter to JU in overtime

ASUN Semifinal: Women’s basketball loses a nail biter to JU in overtime

DeAndre Pearson March 7, 2018

Photo Gallery by Joslyn Simmons  It was an epic River City Rumble matchup with the winner punching a ticket to the ASUN Championship for a right to play in the NCAA Tournament. The upset-minded...

photo courtesy of UNF Athletics

North Florida women’s basketball stuns the Hatters in an overtime thriller in ASUN Quarterfinals

DeAndre Pearson March 2, 2018

ESPN 3 announcer Evan Watson said it best “A dream starts in overtime”.  It was a night the women’s basketball team will remember forever. Coming off of a major defeat to Jacksonville, sixth-seed...

Photo by Lili Weinstein

Baseball gets shutout at home by top ranked Florida

DeAndre Pearson February 28, 2018

https://youtu.be/o2-Oo2CY7cI Video by DeAndre Pearson It was a chilly night as North Florida (3-5 Overall, 0-0 ASUN) took on the number one ranked Florida Gators (8-1 Overall, 0-0 SEC) at Harmon...

Photo by Lili Weinstein

Men’s Basketball Preview: North Florida faces NJIT in first round of ASUN Tournament

DeAndre Pearson February 26, 2018

The Ospreys (13-18 Overall, 7-7 ASUN) travel to Newark, New Jersey to battle the New Jersey Institute of Technology Highlanders (14-15 Overall, 7-7 ASUN) in the first round of the ASUN Tournament tonight. North...

Photo by Lili Weinstein

What will it take to make it back to the ASUN Conference Championship game?

DeAndre Pearson February 26, 2018

So, it’s that time of the season again: ASUN Basketball Playoffs are back in full swing. The Ospreys are poised to make a deep run in the playoffs, but what will it take to get them back there? The...

Photo by Khorri Newton

JU sweeps North Florida in last game of the regular season

DeAndre Pearson February 25, 2018

Photos by Khorri Newton The Jacksonville Dolphins (22-7 Overall, 12-2 ASUN) were able to sweep the Ospreys (12-17 Overall, 5-9 ASUN) with a 64-43 victory to close out the regular season. There were...

Feature photo by Lili Weinstein

Men’s Basketball Preview: North Florida rematches JU

DeAndre Pearson February 22, 2018

The Ospreys (13-17 Overall, 7-6 ASUN) will take a short trip across town to battle the Jacksonville Dolphins (13-17 Overall, 7-6 ASUN), in their final regular season match-up tonight. North Florida...

NJIT spoils North Florida’s senior day

NJIT spoils North Florida’s senior day

DeAndre Pearson February 18, 2018

The women’s basketball team (11-16 Overall, 4-8 ASUN) had their Homecoming spoiled by the New Jersey Institute of Technology Highlanders (4-23 Overall, 2-10 ASUN),  66-62 on Feb.17. A scrappy...

Feature photo by Joslyn Simmons

North Florida kicks off Homecoming week with a win over USC Upstate; Gandia-Rosa sets record

DeAndre Pearson February 16, 2018

https://youtu.be/CZYU2zncK-g Video by Joslyn Simmons The North Florida Ospreys(12-17 Overall, 6-6 ASUN) hangs on to the win at home over the USC Upstate Spartans (7-22 Overall, 3-10 ASUN) on Feb. 15...

 Photo by Joslyn Simmons

Men’s Basketball Preview: North Florida comes home to face USC Upstate

DeAndre Pearson February 15, 2018

The Ospreys (11-17 overall, 5-6 ASUN) return to the UNF Arena to defend their home court against the USC Upstate Spartans (7-21 overall, 2-9 ASUN), for the first game during Homecoming Week on Thursday,...

University of North Alabama Joins ASUN

University of North Alabama Joins ASUN

DeAndre Pearson February 11, 2018

In the fall of 2018, a new team will be joining the ASUN to compete against North Florida. 608 miles separate the two teams, who will see each other in numerous sports throughout the year. The...

Feature Photo

Lipscomb Red-Hot Start Too Much for North Florida

DeAndre Pearson February 11, 2018

In an important game with playoff seed implications, North Florida (10-15 Overall, 3-7 ASUN) could not get it done on the road against the Lipscomb Bisons (10-15 Overall, 6-4 ASUN) as they fell 78-57...

Courtesy of UNF Athletics

Volleyball head coach Kristen Wright plans to bring championships to UNF

DeAndre Pearson February 8, 2018

In a recent interview with Spinnaker, Volleyball Head Coach Kristen Wright envisions creating a culture full of growth and championships. Born and raised in Bakersfield, California, Wright earned...

Photo by Lili Weinstein

Men’s basketball host Stetson in ASUN rematch

DeAndre Pearson February 2, 2018

Men’s basketball comes home to square off against the Stetson Hatters for the second time in a week at the UNF Arena on Feb. 3. The Hatters (10-15 overall, 2-6 ASUN) continue their road trip and...

Men’s basketball gets ousted on the road to ASUN rivals FGCU

Men’s basketball gets ousted on the road to ASUN rivals FGCU

DeAndre Pearson January 30, 2018

The Ospreys (10-15 Overall, 4-4 ASUN) fail to exact revenge for their loss against conference-leading FGCU (17-8 Overall, 8-0 ASUN) on the road in their second meeting on the season, 103-70. It was...

Beach Volleyball releases their 2018 schedule

Beach Volleyball releases their 2018 schedule

DeAndre Pearson January 29, 2018

With a new head coach over the program, beach volleyball has released its schedule, which features three non-conference tournaments and some of the best teams in the nation. For the first time,...

Women’s Basketball Lose to the Stetson Hatters on the Road

Women’s Basketball Lose to the Stetson Hatters on the Road

DeAndre Pearson January 27, 2018

In a game where both teams fought early foul trouble, North Florida (9-15 Overall, 2-4 ASUN) struggled against the Stetson Hatters’ (13-9 Overall, 4-2 ASUN) defense for a 68-59 defeat. In the opening...

(L-R) Dominica Cocuzza, Navia Penrod, and Kayla McGory. Photo courtesy of UNF Athletics

Three Ospreys earn Preseason Softball Honors

DeAndre Pearson January 23, 2018

With the 2018 softball season just weeks away, three UNF players have been selected for ASUN Preseason Honors. Navia Penrod, a junior utility player, was chosen as ASUN Preseason Player of the Year...

Women’s basketball fall to Lipscomb

Women’s basketball fall to Lipscomb

DeAndre Pearson January 16, 2018

  Slideshow by Joslyn Simmons  In a sloppy game filled with turnovers, the North Florida women’s basketball team (8-10 overall, 1-2  ASUN) fell to the Lipscomb Bisons, 73-69. In the...

Photo by Lili Weinstein

Men’s basketball team fends off Kennesaw State’s rally

DeAndre Pearson January 14, 2018

https://youtu.be/ComEfmSleco f Video by Joslyn Simmons   North Florida men’s basketball team survived a rallying Kennesaw State Owls, and edged them out in an 85-78 victory at the UNF Arena...

Women’s basketball comeback and defeat Kennesaw State

Women’s basketball comeback and defeat Kennesaw State

DeAndre Pearson January 14, 2018

North Florida women’s basketball team (8-9 overall, 1-1 ASUN) bounced back and took out the Kennesaw State Owls (4-8 overall, 0-2 ASUN) with a second-half surge for a 77-72 victory at the UNF Arena on...

2018 Hall of Fame class announced

2018 Hall of Fame class announced

DeAndre Pearson January 12, 2018

The North Florida Athletic Department will induct four standout athletes and a prodigious men’s tennis team into the 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame. "The Hall of Fame reception has become a very special...

Preview: Men’s basketball takes on Lipscomb

Preview: Men’s basketball takes on Lipscomb

DeAndre Pearson January 11, 2018

The North Florida men’s basketball team continues their home stand against the conference-leading Lipscomb Bison. The Bisons(11-5 overall, 1-0 ASUN)  visit Jacksonville coming off an 86-71 win...

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