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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
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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
Advertisement
Junior Kenta Miyoshi throws a tennis ball in the air for a serve during a match against Clemson on Feb. 15.

[Photo] Illini set to build on momentum as Dancer’s legacy grows

By Peter Jakubiak, Staff Writer • March 14, 2025
Redshirt senior Zac Braunagel won his dual in a meet against Purdue on Feb. 1.

[Photo] Illinois earns fifth place at Big Ten championships

By Rudraksh Kikani and Peter Jakubiak • March 13, 2025
Redshirt sophomore Tyler Bowers high-fives redshirt freshman Zach Viiala during a match against Clemson on Feb. 15.

[Photo] Gritty Illinois dominates Big Ten openers

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • March 12, 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.

[Photo] Illinois splits on ranked Big Ten road trip

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter • March 12, 2025
The view along Meadowbrook park's 3 miles trail on Feb. 18. The park sits on S Race St. in Urbana..

[Photo] Best of CU ’25 | Best Park: Meadowbrook Park

By Park Mitchell, Staff Writer • March 6, 2025
Student groups table in Anniversary Plaza at the top of the Main Quad as bustling student traffic moves past on Feb. 15.

[Photo] Best of CU ’25 | Best Place to People Watch: Main Quad

By Hailey Walker, Slotter • March 6, 2025
Two geese enjoy the view of Boneyard Creek on a snowy Feb. 14. Boneyard Creek passes through Bardeen Quad in the north half of campus.

[Photo] Best of CU ’25 | Best Place To Cry: Boneyard Creek

By Ethan Oskroba, Staff Writer • March 6, 2025
The Main Quad is bustling with activity on a snowy winter Feb. 15. The Main Quad sits in the center of campus and is home to many events, activities and social gatherings.

[Photo] Best of CU ’25 | Best Quad: The Main Quad

By Gabriel Kedziora, Staff Writer • March 6, 2025
Junior McKenna Schaefbauer (left) and senior Kasia Treiber celebrate during a doubles match against Oklahoma State on Feb. 8.

[Photo] ‘Grueling’ nonconference slate ends with 2 wins for No. 45 Illinois

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter • March 5, 2025
Sophomore Jeremy Zhang leaps up to serve the ball during a match against Clemson on Feb. 15.

[Photo] Opinion | Top takeaways from Illinois’ road doubleheader

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • March 4, 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.

[Photo] Nonconference play ends with doubleheader

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter • March 1, 2025
Illinois men's tennis cheers on its teammates during a match against Clemson on Feb. 15.

[Photo] Highlights from Illinois’ first ranked win of the season

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • February 26, 2025
Redshirt sophomore Tyler Bowers readies for a forehand shot during a match against Clemson on Feb. 15.

[Photo] Men’s tennis strikes gold

By Athena Ly and Jessie Wang • February 18, 2025
Illinois redshirt senior Edmond Ruth battles his Boilermaker opponent on Feb. 1.

[Photo] No. 13 Illinois seeks upset against No. 1 Penn State’s dynasty

By Peter Jakubiak, Staff Writer • February 16, 2025
Junior Kenta Miyoshi dives for a ball during a match against Ohio State on March 6, 2024.

[Photo] Top matchups to look out for in Illinois’ Saturday doubleheader

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • February 14, 2025
Junior Violeta Martinez (left) and sophomore Alice Xu (right) celebrate during a 4-2 win over Northwestern on Jan. 25.

[Photo] Illinois aims to rebound after tough showing at ITA Indoor National Championships

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter • February 14, 2025
Senior Kasia Treiber (left) and junior McKenna Shaefbauer (right) high five during a doubles match against Northwestern. The Illini defeated the Wildcats 4-2 on Jan. 25.

[Photo] ITA Indoor National Championships on deck for hosting Illini

By Conor Blount, Senior Sports Reporter • February 7, 2025
Illinois took the mat at State Farm Center on Nov. 2 for a match against SIUE.

[Photo] Undefeated No. 12 Illinois faces No. 6 Missouri in home opener

By Rudraksh Kikani, Staff Writer • November 21, 2024
Illinois wrestling takes on Iowa at the State Farm Center on Jan. 26.

[Photo] Illinois wrestling kicks off season with perfect 3-0 record

By Peter Jakubiak, Staff Writer • November 19, 2024
Illinois soccer huddles following a goal on Oct. 10 vs. USC

[Photo] Reflecting on Illinois soccer’s 2024 season

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

[Photo] Rayfield retires from coaching after 23 years with Illini soccer

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • November 1, 2024
Nolan Woodring defends against Roosevelt University during a hockey game on Oct. 27, 2023, in Champaign.

[Photo] Illini struggle against No. 5 Jamestown in weekend to forget

By Brendan Gallian, Staff Writer • October 22, 2024
Sarah Foley dribbles the ball while avoiding opponents during a soccer match against USC on Oct. 10 in Champaign.

[Photo] Foley scores tenth goal, Illinois still falls to Rutgers

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

[Photo] Illinois soccer travels to New Jersey to take on Rutgers

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • October 20, 2024
Emma Yee attempting to pass during a game against UCLA on Oct. 13 in Champaign.

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

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • October 13, 2024
Abby Lynch dribbling toward to pass to her teammate for the opportunity to shoot against Maryland on Sept. 29.

[Photo] Areas of focus, Illinois soccer’s test against USC

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • October 10, 2024
Sarah Foley dribbling the forward while fighting for posession after her teammate passed the ball to her.

[Photo] Foley finds net, secures Illinois’ first conference win

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • September 29, 2024
Senior defender Angie Galo chases after the ball to stop Minnesota's attack.

[Photo] Illinois loses first conference game to Minnesota, 1-0

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • September 15, 2024
Fifth-year midfielder Sydney Stephens attempting to stop the ball in a match against Michigan on Sept. 24, 2023.

[Photo] Illinois travels to Georgia for first away game of 2024 season

By Brie Dirl, Staff Writer • September 5, 2024
Vytas Valincious celebrates hitting a homerun with the Illini during a baseball game on April 9.

[Photo] Tied for Big Ten lead, Illinois hosts Ohio State for major weekend series

By Adam Rosen, Staff Writer • May 3, 2024
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[Photo] NCAA tournament for men’s tennis kicks off against Toledo 

By Rachel Oh, Staff Writer • May 2, 2024
Freshman Pitcher Sam Reed throws a pitch out during a baseball game on April 9.

[Photo] Illinois dives past No. 24 Indiana State in midweek run-rule victory

By Adam Rosen, Staff Writer • April 30, 2024
Aisyn Caryl makes a big catch in the outfield at Eichelberger Field in Urbana during a game against Southern Illinois.

[Photo] Big seventh inning in game 3 helps softball avoid sweep

By Eric Brewer, Staff Writer • April 29, 2024
Junior William Mroz prepares to return a backhand against Ohio State University on March 6.

[Photo] Senior Day victory caps regular season for Illinois men’s tennis

By Naman Goyal, Staff Writer • April 23, 2024
The Illini talk before a defensive inning during a game against Parkland College on Sept. 28.

[Photo] Illinois softball back in Chicago for final midweek matchup

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • April 23, 2024
Graduate student Kelly Ryono gets ready for her at-bat during a softball game on Sept. 28.

[Photo] Illinois softball secures much-needed series win against Michigan State

By Eric Brewer, Staff Writer • April 21, 2024
Junior outfielder Stevie Meade passing the ball back from the outfield during a game against Southern Illinois on April 10.

[Photo] Illinois softball hope to bounce back against Michigan State

By Eric Brewer and Ben Fader • April 19, 2024
The Illinois softball team celebrates in the dugout after junior infielder Megan Ward scored during the Illinois v Southern Illinois game on April 10.

[Photo] In-state rival Northwestern finishes sweep of Illinois softball

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • April 16, 2024
The Illini chat during a timeout after a rocky start to the inning on April 10.

[Photo] Illinois seeks revenge against Northwestern in the battle for Illinois 

By Eric Brewer, Staff Writer • April 16, 2024
Junior Pitcher Tori McQueen pitching for the first three innings of the game on Wednesday.

[Photo] Illinois looks to derail Purdue’s six-game win streak during Strikeout Cancer weekend

By Eric Brewer, Staff Writer • April 11, 2024
Assortment of alcohol in Costco Wholesale located at 2002 N Neil St.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Costco Find to Get Your Mom to Buy for You: Alcohol

By Saagar Kolachina, Staff Writer • March 28, 2024
Michael Sun, sophomore LAS, plays frisbee at Illini Grove on March 1.

[Photo] Best of CU | Best Park: Illini Grove

By Kiel Ledin, Staff Writer • March 28, 2024
Redshirt sophomore Zoe Caryl practicing before the start of the inning.

[Photo] Illinois softball drops pair in Big Ten opening series

By Ben Fader, On-Air Editor • March 24, 2024
Junior Utility Abby Ryniec runs toward first base during the game against Parkland on Sept. 28.

[Photo] Illinois softball takes 2 victories at Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic

By Eric Brewer, Staff Writer • February 26, 2024
Junior defensemen Harrison Slovick pushes forward during the game against Roosevelt on Oct. 27.

[Photo] Iowa State Cyclones whirl into town to take on Illini hockey

By Jonathan Mathew, Staff Writer • February 8, 2024
Gabrielius Guzauskas returns a shot against Wisconsin at Atkins Tennis Center on Apr. 14.

[Photo] Illinois picks up upset win over No. 16 North Carolina in ITA Kickoff Weekend

By Naman Goyal, Staff Writer • January 29, 2024
Sophomore Forward Gregory Etingen looks for opportunity to pass at the game against Roosevelt on Oct. 27.

[Photo] Illinois hockey splits weekend series against DePaul

By Jonathan Mathew, Staff Writer • January 23, 2024
Oliver Okonkwo plays against Wisconsin in tennis singles on Apr. 14.

[Photo] Illinois men’s tennis anticipates season of success in 2024

By Naman Goyal, Contributing Writer • January 24, 2024
Junior Alexander Matveev fighting for the puck against Roosevelt on Oct. 27.

[Photo] Illinois hockey enters second half of 2023-24 season with clean slate

By Jonathan Mathew, Staff Writer • January 10, 2024
Kenta Miyoshi against Michael Minasyan in a tennis singles match on Apr. 14.

[Photo] Experienced Miyoshi prepares to lead Illinois tennis in 2024

By Rachel Oh, Staff Writer • January 20, 2024
Outfielder Kelly Ryono raises her bat above her head during a night facing off against Parkland on Sept. 28.

[Photo] Kelly Ryono embarks on one last ride with Illinois softball

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • January 18, 2024
On Jan. 25, Facilities & Services worked to remove snow accumulation from the winter storm that morning. Early in the day, there was heavy snowfall and conditions were slippery.

Gallery | DI Photo year in review: Favorite captured moments, photos of 2023

By Jacob Slabosz, James Hoeck, Jack Larson, Angel Saldivar, Candice Zhou, Elena Baker, Jacoby Banks-Hull, Eric Chiang, Anika Khandavalli, Sofi Klein, Olivia McAfoos, Anh Khoi-Pham, Isaac Pinkus, Emma Pyatt, Damini Rana, Anne Schmidt, Alyssa Shih, Matt Stepp, Lucas Sun and Daniel Zhou • December 31, 2023
Sophomore forward Lia Howard facing off against the Indiana defense at Demirjian Park on Sept. 21.

[Photo] Illini star Lia Howard lives soccer dream, inspires up-and-coming players to do the same

By Mazen Morrar, Staff Writer • November 27, 2023
Illini celebrate after forward Anthony Verrasi scores on Oct. 27 against Roosevelt.

[Photo] Illinois returns home for doubleheader against McKendree on Dads Weekend

By Jonathan Mathew, Staff Writer • November 10, 2023
Wrestler Luke Odom flips his opponent in the match against SIUE on Thursday. Odom won with a takedown in the last 25 seconds.

[Photo] Illinois wrestling puts on show in victory over SIUE

By Ryan Hastings, Contributing Writer • November 3, 2023
Goalie Ben Mazurek defends as the puck approaches the net on Oct. 27.

[Photo] Illinois hockey travels to Illinois State with winning streak on the line

By Jonathan Mathew, Staff Writer • November 3, 2023
Senior defensemen Atticus Helfer wrestles for possession of the puck against Roosevelt University on Oct. 27.

[Photo] Illinois hockey picks up weekend sweep over Roosevelt University

By Mathias Spitzer, Staff Writer • October 30, 2023
Sophomore midfielder Lia Howard dribbles the ball in the game against Michigan on Sept. 24.

[Photo] Illinois soccer ends 3-game losing streak with decisive win against Purdue

By Mazen Morrar, Staff Writer • October 16, 2023
Junior Abby Lynch fights for the ball on Sept. 24. Illinois will be facing off against Wisconsin tonight.

[Photo] Illinois soccer returns to Champaign to face No. 12 Wisconsin

By Mazen Morrar, Contributing Writer • October 12, 2023
Sophomore Lia Howard passes the ball during game against Michigan on Sept. 24. Howard alongside her team fall 1-2 to Ohio State on Sunday.

[Photo] Illini soccer stumbles on road in loss against Ohio State Buckeyes

By Mazen Morrar, Contributing Writer • October 2, 2023
Sophomore Kenta Miyoshi serves against Michael Minasyan playing for Wisconsin in singles on Apr. 14.

[Photo] Three up, three down in first week of Illinois softball

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • September 25, 2023
Senior goalkeeper Julia Cili blocks the ball. Cili has recorded a staggering 45 saves.

[Photo] Illinois soccer faces huge test against No. 19 Michigan, hunts for 1st conference win

By James Kim, Sports Editor • September 24, 2023
Oliver Okonkwo against Gabriel Huber from Wisconsin in tennis singles on April 14. However, Illini fails to make that next step up in the 2023 spring season.

[Photo] Illini men’s tennis fails to make it past 1st round of NCAA tournament

By Martin O’Connor, Staff Writer • May 6, 2023
Freshman Kenta Miyoshi starts a serve against Michael Minasyan from Wisconsin in tennis singles on April 14.

[Photo] Illinois men's tennis set to face Arizona State in 1st round of NCAA tournament

May 4, 2023
Junior Hunter Heck goes against Jason Hildebrandt in a tennis singles match on Apr. 14.

[Photo] Weekend pair of tough matches get the best of Illinois women’s tennis, close spring season

By Conor Blount, Assistant Sports Editor • April 23, 2023
The Illini huddle together during a game facing off Michigan on Apr. 1. Despite taking a lead against Northwestern on Easter Sunday, Northwestern took the lead from the Illini which ended in their victory.

[Photo] Illinois baseball drops 2 of 3 in Evanston

By Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor • April 9, 2023