Donate to the DI!
Listen to WPGU 107.1 FM!
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
Claire OBrien

Claire O'Brien, Sports Video Editor

Guard Sara Anastasieska dribbles the ball during the game against Iowa state on Jan. 23. The Illini lose to the Badgers 68-47.

Illinois women’s basketball falls to Wisconsin, fails to overcome late double-digit deficit

February 6, 2022
Fans cheering during the football game against Maryland on Aug. 17. Sports Digital Content Editor, Claire OBrien, highlights some of the biggest Illini Athletics moments from the year.

Year in review: Three Illinois teams win conference tournament titles, several student-athletes earn First-Team All-Big Ten honors

December 31, 2021
The Illinois womens basketball team huddles during its game against Eastern Kentucky at State Farm Center on Dec. 5. The Illini mens and womens basketball teams had games affected by COVID-19 cases within each program.

Illinois men’s, women’s basketball games postponed due to positive COVID-19 tests

December 27, 2021
Column | Illinois underpays women’s coaches

Column | Illinois underpays women’s coaches

November 24, 2021
Coleman Hawkins celebrates during the Illinois game against Jackson State on Tuesday. The No. 11 Illini beat the Arkansas State Red Wolves at State Farm Center on Friday night.

No. 11 Illinois men’s basketball blows out Arkansas State as Curbelo, Frazier return from injury

November 12, 2021
Illinois sophomore outside hitter Raina Terry hits the ball during the teams match against Nebraska on Thursday night at Huff Hall. Terry registered a match-high 12 kills in the Illinis 3-0 loss to the No. 9 Cornhuskers.

Illinois volleyball suffers second sweep of season in 3-0 home loss to No. 9 Nebraska

November 4, 2021
Column | Women’s sports are still not adequately supported

Column | Women’s sports are still not adequately supported

November 4, 2021
Graduate student Jon Davis begins his run competing at Notre Dame in the Joe Piane Invitational Friday. Davis came in second-place in the five-mile race.

Illinois cross country competes at Notre Dame, Jon Davis secures second-place finish

October 1, 2021
Junior Ashley Yeah readies herself for a forehand swing during the ITA Regional meet at Atkins Tennis Center on Sept. 24. Multiple players will advance to the ITA Super Regionals held at Ohio State from Oct. 22-26

Illinois women’s tennis competes at ITA Midwest Regional

September 27, 2021
Outside hitter Megan Cooney and middle blocker Kyla Swanson rise above the net to block a spike against Northwestern on Saturday night at Huff Hall. The Illini won their game in their fifth straight victory.

Illinois volleyball defeats Northwestern to extend winning streak to five matches

September 25, 2021
The Illinois volleyball team bands together during the game against the University of Colorado Boulder Sept. 4. The team goes undefeated in the Redbird Classic and scores 9-0 in final three nonconference matches.

Illinois goes undefeated in Redbird Classic, goes 9-0 in final three nonconference matches

September 18, 2021
The Illinois Wrestling Team released their schedule for the upcoming season. The team will have dual with teams that are nonconference meets.

Illinois releases 2021-2022 wrestling schedule

September 15, 2021
The Illinois volleyball team huddles together during the Bluejay Invitational this weekend. The Illini beat Omaha and Southern Methodist on Friday before falling to host No. 19 Creighton on Saturday.

Illinois wins two of three matches at Bluejay Invitational in Omaha

September 11, 2021
Brian Bell looks to pass the ball to a teammate on Sept. 1 at the Tokyo Paralympics. Team USA played against Turkey on Sept. 1.

Illini Paralympians update: Martin wins two silvers; Scaroni, Romanchuk secure gold medals

September 2, 2021
USA Paralympic athlete Tatyana McFadden poses for a photo in front of the track she will be competing on in the coming days. McFadden is an Illinois alumni and is set to make a big impact in wheelchair racing as she has accumulated 17 medals over the course of three olympic games.

Illini at the Paralympics: McFadden competes in sixth Games, McGrory represents USA for fourth time

August 25, 2021
Team USA womens volleyball wins gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Former Illini Jordyn Poulter was part of the winning team at this years Olympics.

Illini rewind: Take a look back at summer’s biggest Illini headlines

August 23, 2021
The USA Womens Volleyball Team celebrates a victory against the Brazil team. The USA Womens Volleyball Team won gold on Aug. 8.

Olympics final update: Poulter, Bartsch-Hackley, Virtue win gold with Team USA volleyball

August 8, 2021
Former Illini Michelle Bartsch-Hackley dives to save the ball July 27 during the Tokyo Olympics. All eight former Illini at the Olympics have been working hard.

Illini at the Olympics: Poulter, Bartsch-Hackley advance to quarterfinals with Team USA volleyball

August 2, 2021
David Kendziera rides in a car during a fourth of July celebration in Mount Prospect. David Kendziera will be competing in the 400-meter hurdles for Team USA in the Tokyo Olympics.

Former Illinois track star David Kendziera fulfills childhood dream, prepares to make Olympic debut

July 24, 2021
Rep. Kam Buckner and Gov. J.B. Pritzker pose with the newly enacted name, image and likeness bill at State Farm Center on Tuesday. Illinois student athletes will be able to profit off NIL starting Thursday.

Time to cash in: Illinois’ NIL laws go into effect Thursday after years of pressure for legislature

July 1, 2021
NIL legislation in the United States is shown above. NCAA President Mark Emmert has asked NCAA schools to implement NIL legislation to help further support athletic careers.

NCAA decides to — maybe — do something about name, image, likeness

June 25, 2021
NCAA President Mark Emmert speaks out against anti-transgender legislation at a brief press availability on Capitol Hill on Dec 17, 2019. Recently, Emmert testified in Congress about name, image and likeness rights for student athletes.

NCAA President Mark Emmert testifies on Capitol Hill, asks Congress to do his job

June 10, 2021
Head football coach Bret Bielema observes his team during the Orange and Blue Spring Game April 19. Bielema and Lovie Smith recruited heavily from Florida which indicates Illinois approach for the upcoming season.

Smith, Bielema recruits reflect coaches’ approaches

June 4, 2021
Google Maps shows different transfers for womens basketball next season. Players can be seen on the map.

Map explainer: Visuals depict player, coach movements over offseason

May 23, 2021
Former Illinois assistant basketball coach Chin Coleman instructs players at the game against Nebraska Feb. 25. Coleman and former assistant coach Orlando Antigua have been hired by Kentucky.

Antigua, Coleman officially hired by Kentucky

May 6, 2021
Illinois Baseball Pod

Illinois Baseball Pod

May 5, 2021
NCAA President Mark Emmert, speaks out against anti-transgender legislation at a brief press availability on Capitol Hill on Dec 17, 2019. Emmert’s lackluster initiative in the past ten years demonstrates a need for new leadership, Claire O’Brien writes.

Column | After years of stagnation, NCAA needs fresh leadership

April 15, 2021
Head women’s basketball coach Nancy Fahey talks to her team during a timeout in a game against Valparaiso on Dec. 2. The NCAA has been failing to equally support women’s sports compared to men’s sports.

Column | All talk, no walk: NCAA, member schools fail to support women’s sports

April 5, 2021
Sophomore Kennedi Myles looks to shoot during game against Northwestern March 10. Though the team suffered many losses this season, the Illini hope to enter the Big Ten Tournament with a higher seed next year.

Women’s basketball season in review: Illinois gains momentum too late in season

March 22, 2021
Sophomore Kennedi Myles guards an opponent during the game against Wisconsin on Tuesday. Illinois won the game 67-42.

Illinois takes down Wisconsin for Fahey’s first Big Ten Tournament win

March 9, 2021
Aaliyah McQueen (21) cheers on Aaliyah Nye (32) as she shoots a 3-pointer at State Farm Center on Jan. 25 against Nebraska. Nye and McQueen share a first name, are from Michigan and have a great bond tied together by basketball.

McQueen, Nye share more than a first name

March 8, 2021
Freshman Aaliyah Nye defends during the game against Penn State on Sunday. Illinois lost the game 70-66.

Illini lose to Boilermakers despite fourth-quarter comeback

February 28, 2021
Members of the Illinois women’s basketball team kneel during the national anthem before the game against Valparaiso on Dec. 2. The team is celebrating Black History Month in multiple ways.

Illinois women’s basketball team celebrates Black History Month

February 25, 2021
Sophomore Jeanae Terry looks to pass during the game against Maryland on Wednesday. The Illini fell 103-58.

Illinois falls back into losing streak with loss to Maryland

February 18, 2021
Junior J-Naya Ephraim goes for a layup during the game against Indiana on Sunday. The Illinois womens basketball team will face Maryland tonight.

Illinois prepares for first-place Maryland

February 17, 2021
Sophomore Jeanae Terry dribbles during the game against Minnesota on Wednesday. The Illinois womens basketball team will face Indiana on Sunday.

Illini look to start winning streak at home with Indiana matchup

February 12, 2021
Junior guard Tara O’Malley poses for a player headshot. O’Malley recently walked-on after being a team manager for two years.

Former team manager Tara O’Malley walks onto Illini women’s basketball team

February 8, 2021
Freshman guard Aaliyah Nye shoots during the game against Purdue on Sunday. The Illini won the game 54-49.

Terry, Illini upset Boilermakers for first conference victory

February 7, 2021
Sophomore guard Jeanae Terry presses forward during the game against Michigan State on Thursday. The Illini will face off against Purdue today at 2 p.m.

Illinois prepares for Purdue, still seeks first conference win

February 7, 2021
Sophomore Kennedi Myles tries to head off a push from an opponent during the game against Nebraska on Jan. 25. On Sunday, the womens basketball team traveled to play Wisconsin and lost 69-57.

Badgers badger Illini, hand team ninth consecutive loss

January 31, 2021
Womens Basketball coach Nancy Fahey speaks to her players during the game against Nebraska on Monday. Illinois will play Wisconsin tonight in Madison.

Illinois takes on winless Wisconsin, searches for first conference victory

January 31, 2021
Students in the Orange Krush fan section cheer for the Illini basketball team during their match against Iowa on March 8 at State Farm Center. The Illini social media team is using social media to engage with fans.

Illini basketball connects with fans through social media

January 25, 2021
Memorial Stadium rests largely empty during the game between Illinois and Purdue on Oct. 31, 2020.

Sharing stories on social media: How Illinois’ athletic department handles online presence

January 10, 2021
Junior Addy Jarvis winds up a pitch during the game against Louisville on March 6 in Louisville, Kentucky. Jarvis is one of two recent pitching transfers at Illinois.

Illini softball use transfer portal to enhance roster

September 17, 2020
Kelsie Packard poses for a headshot when she was a pitcher at Valparaiso. Packard has recently transferred to Illinois to continue her softball career.

Valparaiso graduate transfer acclimates to life at Illinois

September 8, 2020
Signs direct voters outside the polling place at the ARC in MP7 on March 6. The ARC will be the only Illinois athletic facility used as a voting location this November.

State Farm Center, Memorial Stadium will not serve as voting locations

August 31, 2020
Drake Materre, senior in AMS, speaks to protesters in front of Alma Mater at the end of the “Enough is Enough” march on Friday. The Champaign County Anti-Racist Coalition organized the event. Flip to A5 for a photo story of the event.

‘Enough is Enough’: CU activists protest police brutality

August 30, 2020
Redshirt freshman Isaiah Williams throws the ball during a drill at football practice on Aug. 7.

Illini sports continue practice following postponement of season

August 25, 2020
Illinois Womens Volleyball Head Coach Chris Tamas stands on the sidelines during the match against Indiana on Oct. 4, 2019 in Bloomington, IN.

Illinois coaches react to fall sport cancellations

August 13, 2020
University students in the Orange Krush fan section cheer for the Illini basketball team during their match against Iowa on March 8. In the fall, there will still be opportunities for sports fans to support Illinois teams while keeping up social distancing.

Root for Illini: Show support for your University sports teams

August 5, 2020
Illinois football helmets line up at the end zone at Memorial Stadium during football spring training on April 13, 2019.

Illinois athletics releases COVID-19 summer testing results

August 3, 2020
Students in the fan section cheer during the basketball match against Iowa on March 8 at State Farm Center. With the future of fall sports still up in the air, students are searching for ways to continue supporting Illinois sports teams.

Illinois athletics give update on COVID-19

July 16, 2020
Crowds gather on the main quad to enjoy the weather during Moms Weekend on April 6, 2019.

Illinois Commitment: What are you really committing to?

July 15, 2020
Senior Brandi Beasley drives past a defender during the match against Indiana on Feb. 13 at State Farm Center.

Illini women’s basketball returns to Champaign

July 10, 2020
Newly hired Womens Basketball Assistant Coach Scott Merritt poses for a professional headshot.

Merritt, Skeete prepare for new roles with Illini

June 30, 2020
The University of Illinois Softball team poses for a photo at Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium during their summer trip in 2019.

Illini softball reminisces on European tour

June 10, 2020
Junior Catcher Bella Loya waits for the pitch during the match against Baylor on Feb. 21.

Illini softball stays together while social distancing

May 26, 2020
Seniors Taylor Edwards and Michael Paradise became Big Ten Medal of Honor recipients on Wednesday.

Edwards, Paradise receive Big Ten Medals of Honor

May 16, 2020
Guard Brandi Beasley dribbles the ball during the Illinois game against Michigan State at State Farm Center on Feb. 26.

Best Illini uniforms: Blue jerseys top 2019-2020 selections

May 7, 2020
Freshman Addy Jarvis raises her arm as she walks off the field during the match between Youngstown State and Kent State on March 20, 2019.

Jarvis finds home with Illini

April 14, 2020
Illinois Womens Head Basketball Coach Nancy Fahey speaks with a referee during the match against Ohio State on Feb. 6 at State Farm Center.

Head coach Fahey receives contract extension

April 3, 2020
Illinois Womens Basketball Coach Nancy Fahey holds her arms out in frustration during the match against Austin Peay on Nov. 13, 2019.

Illini women’s basketball hires new assistant coach

March 31, 2020
Head coach Tyra Perry holds her thumb up during an Illinois softball practice at Eichelberger Field/

Illini softball adjust to COVID-19

March 20, 2020
The Illini join in a huddle during their game against Indiana on Feb. 13. Illinois lost the game 59-54.

Illini start strong, wither in Big Ten play

March 14, 2020

Illini skid in State Farm Center season finale

February 27, 2020
A man pays for his parking spot outside of Evo Cafe on Sixth Street on Nov. 15. Parking on campus will only be enforced from 5 a.m.-4 p.m from Nov. 4 to March 8.

Cities do not wish to profit from parking meters

February 25, 2020
Petra Holešínská dribbles the ball against an Indiana defender at State Farm Center on Feb. 13.

Holešínská reflects on childhood tennis career

February 24, 2020
Redshirt-junior guard Petra Holešínská plants her feet during the game against Wisconsin on Sunday. The Illini lost the match 73-64. Illinois extended its losing streak to six games following its loss to Ohio State at home Feb. 13. Illinois fell to Michigan on the road, 70-56, Wednesday night.

Second-half skid leads to Illini loss

February 20, 2020
Ruby Elbert shoots a basket Friday. The Illini won all three games Friday.

Illinois wheelchair basketball hosts first home tournament of season

February 17, 2020
Redshirt-junior guard Petra Holešínská plants her feet during the game against Wisconsin on Sunday. The Illini lost the match 73-64. Illinois extended its losing streak to six games following its loss to Ohio State at home Feb. 13. Illinois fell to Michigan on the road, 70-56, Wednesday night.

Illini women’s basketball falls to Buckeyes, suffers sixth-straight loss

February 7, 2020
Ali Andrews shoot the ball during the Illinois game against Maryland on Thursday.

Illinois faces off against Rutgers for seventh matchup

January 29, 2020
Guards Taylor Edwards and Carolyn Waleski cheer with their teammates. The walk-ons were both awarded scholarships in practice in January.

Walk-on guards Edwards, Waleski awarded scholarships

January 27, 2020
Ali Andrews shoots a three-point during the Illinois game against Maryland at State Farm Center on Thursday.

Illinois falls to No. 20 Maryland at home

January 25, 2020
Women’s gymnastics shares pre-meet road trip rituals

Women’s gymnastics shares pre-meet road trip rituals

January 23, 2020
Petra Holesinska holds the ball away from an Austin Peay defender at State Farm Center on Nov. 13.

Women’s basketball begins season against No. 2 Maryland

January 22, 2020
Forward Ali Andrews dribbles past a defender during a game against Ohio State on Sunday. Illinois fell to Ohio State 77-47.

Illini lose momentum against Big Ten opponents

January 21, 2020
Takekawa becomes first Illini to score perfect 10 on balance beam

Takekawa becomes first Illini to score perfect 10 on balance beam

January 10, 2020
Womens gymnastics bests first ranked opponent of season

Women’s gymnastics bests first ranked opponent of season

January 4, 2020
Mia Takekawa performs on the balance beam during the Womens’ Gymnastics Exhibition against Illinois State at Huff Hall on Thursday. While exhibitions do not count toward a team’s record, the event allowed an opportunity for the team to be judged.

Illini win exhibition meet against Redbirds

December 9, 2019

High school students and Illinois gymnasts cohabitate

November 16, 2019
The women’s cross country team poses together after winning the NCAA Midwest Regional at Stillwater, Oklahoma on Friday. The team hasn’t won the NCAA Regional since 2006 or participated since 2009.

Illinois women’s cross country wins NCAA Midwest Regionals

November 16, 2019
Kylie Noonan performs on the balance beam at Huff Hall on Saturday. The Illinois women’s gymnastics team competed in the Orange & Blue exhibition alongside the men’s gymnastics team, where they were split up into “orange” and “blue” squads based on which events the gymnasts competed in; the orange team won 10-9.

Illinois Women’s Gymnastics opens season in exhibition

November 11, 2019
The Illini soccer team celebrate after defeating Minnesota at Demirjian Park on Sunday.

Maday’s two goals lead Illini in season finale

October 29, 2019
Illini reveal their pregame rituals

Illini reveal their pregame rituals

October 28, 2019
Hope Breslin runs with the ball at University Park, Pennsylvania, Thursday. During the game against the Nittany Lions, Breslin scored her sixth goal of the season.

Illinois loses to Penn State, ties Ohio State

October 22, 2019
Jaelyn Cunningham (30) kicks the ball at Demirjian Park on Friday. Illinois faced their fifth-consecutive loss this season against Michigan on Friday followed by a win against Michigan State on Sunday.

Illini face fifth consecutive loss against Wolverines

October 15, 2019
Elizabeth Cablk defends the goal at the Illini Soccer field on Sep. 20 against Northwestern. When shes not on the field, Cablk enjoys baking.

Illinois goalkeeper’s unusual path to the net

October 15, 2019
Illinois forward Makena Silber (20) dribbles the ball during the game against Indiana at the Illinois Soccer Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018. The Illini won 1-0 in double overtime.

Illinois earns fourth consecutive loss against Maryland

October 8, 2019
Illini fall to Big Ten competitors

Illini fall to Big Ten competitors

October 1, 2019
Illinois midfielder Hope Breslin shoots the ball, scoring the game-winning goal against Indiana at the Illinois Soccer Stadium on Oct. 14. The Illini won 1-0 in double overtime.

Breslin exemplifies leadership on, off field

September 26, 2019
Freshman Summer Garrison prepares for a pass to sophomore Amaya Ellis during Illinois’ game against Northwestern at home Friday. The win marked head coach Janet Rayfield’s 200th career victory.

Rayfield opens Big Ten season with win, earns 200th career victory

September 23, 2019

Illinois beats Butler 2-1

September 22, 2019
Sophomore forward Makena Silber shoots the ball during Illinois’ game against Indiana at the Illinois Soccer Stadium on Oct. 14, 2018. Silber began playing soccer at age 4 and comes from an athletic background.

Silber reflects on soccer roots

September 19, 2019
Illinois goalkeeper Jaelyn Cunningham takes a goal kick during the game against Northwestern at Illinois Soccer Stadium on Saturday, October 7, 2017. The Illini won 1-0.

Illinois defeats Colorado College at new Demirjian Park

September 17, 2019
Seniors Carolina Ratz (8) and Hope Breslin (10) high-five to celebrate a goal against Northern Illinois on Aug. 26. The Illini won 8-0.

Illini meet match against Butler

September 11, 2019
The Soccer and Track Stadium at the University is currently under construction. The Demirjian Park project is scheduled to be completed in 2020, but the fields are scheduled to be completed by Sept. 15 in time for Illinois soccer next home match.

Illini soccer set to play on new fields this month

September 9, 2019
Sophomore Kate Hallinan golfs at the Big Ten Championships at TPC’s River Bend in April. Head coach Renee Slone became the first Illinois coach to win Big Ten Coach of the Year.

Renee Slone prepares for fall season following Coach of the Year award

September 9, 2019
The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics broke ground on the new Demirjian Park on Oct. 12. The new state-of-the-art soccer and track facility will feature updated fan seating, player lounges and modern sports medicine areas.

Illini await construction of new soccer fields

September 5, 2019
Illinois midfielder Arianna Veland (23) heads the ball during the game against Indiana at the Illinois Soccer Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018. The Illini won 1-0 in double overtime.

Illini travel to California for first time since 2012

September 3, 2019
Tristyn Nowlin golfs at the Women’s Invitational in Medina, Illinois, on Oct. 9, 2019.

Success in season sees Illini golfers in summer tournament play

June 25, 2019
Next Page »
The Daily Illini • © 2023 The Daily Illini • Privacy Policy • FLEX Pro WordPress Theme by SNO • Log in