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The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
Redshirt sophomore center Lety Vasconcelos prepares for a rebound during an Illinois free throw during its game against Bellarmine on Dec. 2.

Freshmen play big roles in big win for Illini

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Dec 3, 2025
Junior guard Maddie Webber follows through a shot during Illinois game against Western Kentucky on Nov. 26.

Illinois hosts Le Moyne, Bellarmine to continue 4-game homestand

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Nov 30, 2025
Junior guard Gretchen Dolan prepares to shoot a 3-pointer from the corner against Illinois State on Nov. 9.

Illinois recovers on road for 86-63 win over Florida State

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Nov 24, 2025
Junior guard Maddie Webber shoots during Illinois’ game against Illinois State on Nov. 9.

Illinois hosts Murray State for annual Field Trip Day

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Nov 17, 2025
Sophomore forward Berry Wallace prepares to shoot a free throw during Illinois’ game against Illinois State on Nov. 9.

Column | 3 mistakes, 1 positive from Illinois’ road loss to Oregon State

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Nov 16, 2025
Freshman guard Destiny Jackson starts the fast break by dribbling up the floor during the Illinois vs. Illinois State game on Nov. 9. Illinois would go on to win the game, 75-65.

Column | Player notes, grades from Illinois week 1

By Laura Mendes and Brie Dirl • Nov 13, 2025
Illinois bands together to make a defensive stop during its game against Illinois State on November 9.

Illinois survives Illinois State’s late-game push

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Nov 10, 2025
Redshirt sophomore center Lety Vasconcelos (No. 35), junior guard Gretchen Dolan (No. 4) and sophomore forward Berry Wallace (No. 23) on the court during Illinois’ matchup against SEMO on Tuesday.

[Photo] Illini win by 24 in season opener against Redhawks

By Laura Mendes, Senior Sports Reporter • Nov 5, 2025
Sophomore guard Jasmine Brown-Hagger brings the ball up the court on Feb. 16 against Nebraska.

New era of Illinois starts with SEMO in season opener

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Nov 4, 2025
The Illini starters line up for the national anthem ahead of the team’s match against the Boilermakers on Oct. 12.

Illini bounced from Big Ten tournament after 2-0 loss to Huskies

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Nov 3, 2025
The Illini line up on the court after their 79-60 win against the Maryville Saints on Thursday.

Parchment powers Illinois in promising exhibition win

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Oct 31, 2025
Fifth year forward Kendall Bostic autographs a fan's basketball at the end of the Illinois vs. Northwestern game, in State Farm Center on Feb. 6.

Fresh, familiar faces: Illinois’ 2025-26 roster’s new depth

By Brie Dirl and Evy York • Oct 30, 2025
Women's soccer head coach Katie Hultin yells to her team from the sideline duringthe Illinois vs. Rutgers game on Oct. 9.

Hultin breathes new life into Illinois soccer

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Oct 30, 2025
The Illini line up following the team’s final home game against the Purdue Boilermakers on Oct. 12.

Illini soccer returns to Big Ten tournament after 5 years

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Oct 29, 2025
Manuella Alves, freshman forward on the Illinois women's basketball team holds up the flag of Brazil, her home country.

Alves, Finney sidelined with season-ending injuries

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Oct 28, 2025
The Illini huddle during the team’s match against the Purdue Boilermakers on Oct. 12.

Improved seeding hangs in balance for Illinois against Michigan

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Oct 25, 2025
Forward Berry Wallace shoots over a Nebraska defender during the Illinois vs. Nebraska game on Feb. 16.

Berry Wallace, Shauna Green speak on defense, depth, development

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Oct 12, 2025
Both teams scramble as the Illini shot on goal nearly goes in. Wisconsin goalie Drew Stover blocks the shot as Illinois senior Sarah Foley attempts to head the ball in during the match on Oct. 12, 2023.

Illinois hammers home win against Rutgers in 2-0 shutout

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Oct 10, 2025
Forward Sarah Foley passing the ball to her teammate on Oct. 13.

Illinois faces Purdue to close home schedule

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Oct 10, 2025
Illinois huddles ahead of its match against Northwestern on Oct. 27, 2024.

Buckeyes overwhelm exhausted Illini in 3-0 shutout

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Sep 29, 2025
The Illini take the field at Demirjian Park ahead of the team’s match against the Maryland Terrapins on Sept. 29, 2024.

Washington hands Illinois first loss of season

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Sep 22, 2025
Illinois forward Emma Yee battles with UCLA defender Nicki Fraser during the teams’ match on Oct. 13, 2024.

No. 16 Illinois extends undefeated streak with conference-opening draw

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Sep 13, 2025
Senior forward Sarah Foley chases the ball during Illinois’ game against UCLA on Oct. 13, 2024.

Foley’s hat trick powers Illinois to Senior Day win

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Sep 8, 2025
The Illini run to their positions ahead of the team's game against the Maryland Terrapins on Sept. 29, 2024.

Illinois shows depth, leadership in Missouri shutout

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Sep 6, 2025
The Illini huddle during their match against Penn State on Feb. 14.

Opinion | Grades for the 2024-2025 squad

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Apr 5, 2025
Senior guard Adalia McKenzie, fifth-year guard Genesis Bryant and fifth-year forward Kendall Bostic underneath the rim near a loose ball during a game against Northwestern on Feb. 6.

No. 8 Illini get hooked in Austin

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Mar 24, 2025
Fifth year guard Genesis Bryant works the pick-and-roll game with fifth year forward Kendall Bostic and launches a three during a 73-60 win over Northwestern on Feb. 6.

DI sports picks | No. 8 seed Illinois’ who, what, when for March

By Brie Dirl and Sports Staff • Mar 22, 2025
The Illini bench celebrates a big shot in the second half of Illinois' victory over Nebraska on Feb. 16.

Column | Where Illinois may fall in Madness

By Brie Dirl and Ben Somerville • Mar 14, 2025
From left to right: Fifth-year guard Genesis Bryant, sophomore guard Jasmine Brown-Hagger, senior guard Adalia McKenzie and fifth-year forward Kendall Bostic watch the pregame video before their game against Nebraska on Feb. 16.

Predictions | Illinois’ path to victory leaves no room for error

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Mar 5, 2025
Pictured left to right: fifth-year guard Genesis Bryant, fifth-year forward Kendall Bostic, head coach Shauna Green, fifth-year guard Makira Cook, senior guard Adalia McKenzie and senior forward Brynn Shoup-Hill stand side-by-side after their Senior Day game on March 2, 2025.

Illinois seniors close season finale with late-game loss to Michigan

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Mar 2, 2025
Fifth-year forward Kendall Bostic and senior forward Brynn Shoup-Hill fight for a rebound under the basket during a game against Penn State on Feb. 13.

Opinion | Player grades from Illinois’ trip out West

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Feb 26, 2025
The Illini huddle following team introductions and a pre-game speech from head coach Shauna Green before a win over Nebraska on Feb. 16.

Opinion | What needs to change for No. 25 Illinois

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Feb 23, 2025
Senior guard Adalia McKenzie dribbles up the court during a fastbreak against Nebraska on Feb. 16.

No. 25 Illinois falls to No. 3 UCLA

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Feb 20, 2025
Illinois women’s basketball stands for the national anthem.

Illinois eyes 8-game run in Nebraska matchup

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Feb 16, 2025
Senior guard Adalia McKenzie goes up for a rebound against Missouri State in the WBIT on March 21, 2024.

Keys to Illinois’ Penn State matchup

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Feb 13, 2025
Senior guard Adalia McKenzie dribbles down the court during a game against Northwestern on Feb. 6, 2024.

McKenzie carries Illinois to 74-51 victory over Wisconsin

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Feb 10, 2025
Fifth-year forward Kendall Bostic and senior guard Adalia McKenzie celebrate a big win over No. 23 Iowa on Jan. 9.

Key factors in Illinois’ exciting win over Northwestern

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Feb 7, 2025
Fifth-year guard Genesis Bryant fights her way to the hoop against a Maryland defender on Feb. 12, 2024.

Illinois faces tough challenge against No. 14 Maryland

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Feb 2, 2025
Fifth-year guard Genesis Bryant goes up for a layup against Ohio State on Jan. 25, 2024.

Player grades, notes ahead of matchup against Rutgers

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Jan 30, 2025
Historic night for Bostic, hands Illinois its first Green-led win over Purdue

Historic night for Bostic, hands Illinois its first Green-led win over Purdue

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Jan 27, 2025
Fifth-year forward Kendall Bostic, fifth-year guard Genesis Bryant and senior guard Adalia McKenzie sit on the bench during a game against Stony Brook on March 24, 2024.

Illinois heads north to face in-state rival Northwestern

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Jan 23, 2025
Senior guard Adalia McKenzie fights her way through a Maryland defender to attempt a layup on Feb. 12, 2024.

Illinois surrenders 86 points in loss to No. 22 Michigan State

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Jan 22, 2025
Fifth-year guard Genesis Bryant waits for her offense to get set up in a big win over No. 23 Iowa at State Farm Center on Jan. 9.

Illinois, Indiana meet in Big Ten border battle

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Jan 16, 2025
Head coach Shauna Green being interviewed on Feb. 8, 2024.

Illinois womenʼs basketball season outlook: Upcoming ranked competitors

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Jan 13, 2025
Junior guard Adalia McKenzie takes a jumper from the wing against Maryland on Feb. 12, 2024.

Illinois topples No. 23 Iowa for second ranked win

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Jan 10, 2025
Senior guard Adalia McKenzie gets set to box out after a free throw attempt during a game against Stony Brook on March 24, 2024.

Player grades, notes from Illinois’ week of Big Ten competition

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Jan 7, 2025
Senior guard Adalia McKenzie and fifth-year guard Genesis Bryant watch the ballhandler on defense against Missouri State in the WBIT on March 21, 2024.

Illinois heads to Minnesota to face the Golden Gophers

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Jan 4, 2025
Senior guard Adalia McKenzie pats fifth-year forward Kendall Bostic after Bostic commits a foul against Northwestern on Feb. 8.

Illini hang on in conference opener against Ducks

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Dec 29, 2024
Illinois shows off its floor spacing with two bigs behind the three point line against Ohio State on Jan. 25.

Illini close nonconference schedule against Jaguars

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Dec 20, 2024
Senior guard Adalia McKenzie and senior forward Brynn Shoup-Hill cheer on the sidelines during Illinois' game against Nebraska on March 3.

Season-highs for Bostic, Shoup-Hill, Wallace help secure win against Southern Indiana

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Dec 15, 2024
Fifth-year guard Genesis Bryant high fives sophomore guard Cori Allen before Illinois' game against Morehead State on Nov. 7, 2023.

Illinois returns home with matchup against Bradley Braves

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Dec 12, 2024
Fifth-year guard Genesis Bryant jogs to the sidelines by head coach Shauna Green in the matchup against Ohio State on Jan. 25.

Player grades, notes for Illinois after Week 5

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Dec 11, 2024
Fifth-year guard Makira Cook jumps on defense against Ohio State on Jan. 24 in State Farm Center.

No. 21 Illinois takes 2nd ranked loss against No. 12 Ohio State

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Dec 8, 2024
Fifth-year forward Kendall Bostic uses the glass down low after a feed from fifth-year guard Makira Cook on Feb. 8.

No. 21 Illinois hands it to Shauna Green’s alma mater, 68-55

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Dec 2, 2024
Senior wide receiver Pat Bryant runs out of the tunnel to a big applause at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 12.

Thanksgiving Illini special: Athletes who feasted this season

By Ben Fader, Laura Mendes, Eric Brewer and Brie Dirl • Nov 28, 2024
Sophomore guard Gretchan Dolan curls around a screen for a wide open shot on Nov. 3.

No. 19 Illinois blows by UMES to open Music City Classic

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Nov 27, 2024
Fifth-year guard Makira Cook uses a screen to drive to the basket for a layup against No. 19 Florida State on Nov. 3.

No. 22 Illinois seeks 5-0 start in final game of homestand against Oregon State

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Nov 22, 2024
Shay Bollin smiles with Cori Allen after an and-one attempt against Saint Peter's on Nov. 16, 2023.

11,000 elementary students expected to cheer on No. 23 Illinois against Le Moyne

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Nov 18, 2024
Senior guard Adalia McKenzie gets her hand in the face of a Missouri State opponent on March 21.

Can the newly-ranked Illini handle the heat against EIU?

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Nov 14, 2024
Fifth-year guard Makira Cook stands at the free throw line preparing to take a shot on Feb. 8 in the State Farm Center.

Illinois triumphs over Marquette: Things to keep, improve upon

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Nov 10, 2024
Illinois sings Alma Mater to the crowd following a win over Minnesota on Jan. 28.

Illinois women’s basketball hosts No. 19 Florida State for season opener

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Nov 7, 2024
Illinois soccer huddles following a goal on Oct. 10 vs. USC

Reflecting on Illinois soccer’s 2024 season

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Nov 2, 2024
Janet Rayfield watches her team from the sideline on Sep. 29.

Rayfield retires from coaching after 23 years with Illini soccer

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Nov 1, 2024
Illinois takes the field, ready to kick off the first half against Northwestern at Demirjian Park on Oct. 27.

Illini spook the Wildcats 4-1 in season finale

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Oct 29, 2024
Sarah Foley dribbles the ball while avoiding opponents during a soccer match against USC on Oct. 10 in Champaign.

Foley scores tenth goal, Illinois still falls to Rutgers

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Oct 22, 2024
Sarah Foley fighting for ball posession to attempt to score against UCLA on Oct. 13.

Illinois soccer travels to New Jersey to take on Rutgers

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Oct 20, 2024

Close competition: Illinois soccer heads east to take on Indiana

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Oct 17, 2024
Emma Yee attempting to pass during a game against UCLA on Oct. 13 in Champaign.

Unable to get a foot on the game, Illinois soccer falls to UCLA

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Oct 13, 2024
Sophomore defender Mya Archibald makes a strong effort to push the ball up field but must first navigate past a USC opponent standing in her way.

The good and bad from Illinois’ narrow loss to No. 19 USC

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Oct 12, 2024
Abby Lynch dribbling toward to pass to her teammate for the opportunity to shoot against Maryland on Sept. 29.

Areas of focus, Illinois soccer’s test against USC

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Oct 10, 2024
Sarah Hiestand and Lia Howard discuss tactics during a match against Maryland on Sept. 29.

Howard, Berschel give Illinois a win against Purdue

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Oct 7, 2024
Sarah Foley dribbling the forward while fighting for posession after her teammate passed the ball to her.

Foley finds net, secures Illinois’ first conference win

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Sep 29, 2024

Soccer continues slump; Winless streak extends to 4

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Sep 26, 2024

Illinois soccer seeks conference win against Nebraska

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Sep 26, 2024

Illinois still winless in conference play, tie Wisconsin

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Sep 20, 2024
Goalkeeper Julia Cili, senior, runs onto the field before the soccer game versus Wisconsin on Oct. 12, 2023.

Illinois soccer travels to Wisconsin for second Big Ten match

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Sep 19, 2024
Senior defender Angie Galo chases after the ball to stop Minnesota's attack.

Illinois loses first conference game to Minnesota, 1-0

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Sep 15, 2024
Both teams scramble as the Illini shot on goal nearly goes in. Wisconsin goalie Drew Stover blocks the shot as Illinois senior Sarah Foley attempts to head the ball in during the match on Oct. 12, 2023.

Illinois soccer begins Big Ten play at home against Minnesota

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Sep 12, 2024
Graduate student Bel Rolley kicks the ball towards the opposing goal during a corner kick in the second half of a match against Wisconsin on Oct. 12, 2023.

Illinois soccer returns to the win column, beats Mercer 3-2

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Sep 9, 2024
Fifth-year midfielder Sydney Stephens attempting to stop the ball in a match against Michigan on Sept. 24, 2023.

Illinois soccer dogged by defeat, Georgia Bulldogs win by 2

By Brie Dirl and Brendan Gallian • Sep 6, 2024
Fifth-year midfielder Sydney Stephens attempting to stop the ball in a match against Michigan on Sept. 24, 2023.

Illinois travels to Georgia for first away game of 2024 season

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Sep 5, 2024
Junior forward Sarah Foley runs in as a starter against Wisconsin in 2023. Foley scored the lone Illinois goal in the loss to Kentucky.

Illinois soccer unable to equalize, bested by Kentucky 2-1

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Aug 31, 2024
Illini Junior Sydney Stevens battles against Wisconsin senior Gabby Green for possession of the ball in the first half of a soccer match on Oct. 12, 2023.

Illinois soccer looks to continue unbeaten season this weekend

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • Aug 30, 2024

Freshmen steal spotlight at Fighting Illini Tune-Up, Kontonikola crushes javelin record

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • May 6, 2024
Illinois Distance Runner Jack Roberts competes in a relay during the Illini Challenge at the Illinois Armory on Jan. 26.

Illini ready to take on four-day Mt. SAC Relays

By Brendan Gallian and Brie Dirl • Apr 17, 2024