IndyStar’s newsroom internships are an important tradition that benefits readers, the news industry and aspiring journalists. We have eight summer interns for 2026 — students who have shown a passion for local journalism and have prior internship or student media experience. The program provides a bridge from student journalism to the professional ranks and helps the Star fill the gaps as our full-time staff take well-earned vacation time.
In this feature, the Indianapolis Star introduces readers to our summer interns — or, rather, we let them introduce themselves.
Up this week is 2026 IndyStar intern Jessica Garcete.
What’s your beat?
Sports
What college did you attend?
I graduated from the University of Florida in May with a B.S. in journalism and a minor in leadership.
What’s your favorite part of being a journalist?
Storytelling, hands down. I love meeting different people, hearing about their lives and sharing their stories.
What prompted you to apply to IndyStar?
I’m a huge motorsports fan. When I saw that the internship would include covering the Indy 500, it was a no-brainer. Beyond that, the sports reporting at this paper is second to none, and I’m honored to play a small part in its history.
Who’s sponsoring your internship?
I’m a Pulliam Journalism Fellow, which means my internship is supported by the family that used to own the newspaper.
What are you reading or streaming?
Of course, I’m keeping up with “Love Island” this summer. I also just finished watching “Off Campus,” which led me to start the book series. I think you can probably spot a theme here.
What song do you shamelessly jam out to in the car?
There’s a lot, but lately, it’s been “CRANK” by Slayyyter.
If you could guest star on any TV show past or present, which one?
I’d want to be a judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Do you prefer dogs or cats?
I love both, but I grew up with a dog, D.J. Fun fact: his name is a combination of mine and my brother’s, so his full name is David Jessica Garcete.
Who would you travel back in time to meet?
Selena. Her music was the soundtrack to so much of my childhood.
What’s the biggest misconception you encounter in talking to people about journalism?
That the news is fake or has a hidden agenda. It’s frustrating because people often don’t realize how much effort goes into reporting a story accurately and objectively.
Contact sports reporter intern Jessica Garcete at JGarcete@gannett.com or find her on X at @JessicaGarcete_.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Meet IndyStar sports intern Jessica Garcete
Reporting by Jessica Garcete, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jessica Garcete, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
