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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.

Outfielder Kelly Ryono set to sprint from the plate on Mar. 29 during a game against Indiana. 
The Illini will be facing off against Parkland on Thursday.

Three up, three down in first week of Illinois softball

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor September 25, 2023

Illinois softball preps for fall slate of exhibition series

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor September 18, 2023
Middle blocker Kennedy Collins in position to volley the ball against Maryland on Sept. 23, 2022. The Illini suffered a defeat from Notre Dame and Oklahoma on Thursday and Friday.

Illinois volleyball drops both legs of weekend doubleheader

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor September 8, 2023
Doubles partners Kate Duong (front) and Megan Heuser (rear) hype each other up between serves.

Duong, Heuser bring home legendary season amid injuries

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor September 8, 2023

5-set thriller ends with Illinois volleyball on bottom

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor September 1, 2023
Illinois football ramps up for start of 2023 regular season

Illinois football ramps up for start of 2023 regular season

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor August 15, 2023
Senior outside hitter Raina Terry hits the ball during a game against Purdue on Sept. 30. After last season’s perfectly even record, the Illini hope to bounce back for a more productive year.

Illinois volleyball gears up for bounce-back 2023 season

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor August 15, 2023
Junior guard Makira Cook looks for a teammate to pass to against Michigan State on Jan. 29. Cook combined with junior guard Genesis Bryant to score 38 points on Sunday against Minnesota, leading to an Illini victory.

Illinois women’s basketball earns season sweep of Minnesota

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor February 5, 2023
Current senior Ashley Yeah serves against Rutgers on March 23, 2022. According to Yeah, she has always kept athletics and education at equal importance, which contributed to commitment at Illinois.

Ashley Yeah enters final season with No. 70 singles ranking

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor January 25, 2023
ILLordle: Play now