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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

Conor Blount

Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter

My name is Conor Blount. I’m a junior in aerospace engineering with a minor in computer science. I joined The Daily Illini in the summer of 2022 as a beat writer for the sports section and am now one of three assistant sports editors. My first beat was women’s tennis before I moved to women’s basketball in the spring. I also had the pleasure of covering several former Illini at the 2023 NFL draft and NBA summer league. If you have any questions, I can be reached at the email below.

Head coach Evan Clark speaks to Illinois women's tennis ahead of a match against Indiana on April 12, 2024.

Alone at the top

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter March 28, 2025
Junior McKenna Schaefbauer (left) and senior Kasia Treiber (right) celebrate during a doubles match against Northwestern. The Illini defeated the Wildcats 4-2 on Jan. 26.

Illinois splits on ranked Big Ten road trip

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter March 12, 2025
Junior McKenna Schaefbauer prepares to return a serve during a 4-0 win over No. 59 Iowa State on Feb. 14.

Where No. 45 Illinois stands ahead of Big Ten play

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter March 7, 2025
Junior Violeta Martinez serves during a 4-0 loss to then-No. 3 Oklahoma State on Feb. 8. Martinez was the only Illini in the Feb. 20 singles rankings, sitting at No. 112.

Nonconference play ends with doubleheader

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter March 1, 2025
Junior McKenna Schaefbauer reaches for a hit against Iowa State on Feb. 14.

Schaefbauer clinches, Illinois splits weekend

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter February 19, 2025
Late rally falls short against Georgia Tech

Late rally falls short against Georgia Tech

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter February 2, 2025
2-match home weekend up next for Illinois women’s tennis

2-match home weekend up next for Illinois women’s tennis

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter January 31, 2025
Computer science before college: To teach or not to teach

Computer science before college: To teach or not to teach

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter December 16, 2024
Athletic Director Josh Whitman introduces new Illini men's basketball head coach Brad Underwood on Mar. 20, 2017.

The big 3: Josh Whitman’s best hires

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter December 10, 2024
Junior Kenta Miyoshi celebrates a point during a 5-2 Illinois win over No. 8 Duke on Feb. 2.

Miyoshi to close fall season at NCAA Singles Championships

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter November 19, 2024
McKenna Schaefbauer celebrates after winning a point against Kasia Treiber.

Notre Dame Invite reunites Illinois after split weekend

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Writer October 4, 2024
Redshirt freshman Zach Vilala hits while at the Atkins Tennis Center in Champaign.

Zach Viiala continues hot start to collegiate career

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter September 27, 2024
Nic Meister takes on the University of Central Florida in a tennis match at home on Friday, Feb. 10.

Stops in Cambridge, Tulsa up next for Illinois men’s tennis

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter September 20, 2024
Students from the Champaign-Urbana community celebrate the 2024 Unofficial St. Patricks Day at KAMS, which was decorated like an Irish pub, on March 2.

Best of CU | Best Bar for Your Mom: KAMS

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor March 28, 2024
An aerial shot of the intersection of Green and Wright streets on March 1.

Best of CU | Best Intersection: Green and Wright streets

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor March 28, 2024
No. 14 Illinois men’s basketball hosts red-hot Nebraska

No. 14 Illinois men’s basketball hosts red-hot Nebraska

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor February 4, 2024