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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
Illinois midfielder Katie Murray passes the ball during the game against Northern Illinois at the Illinois Soccer Stadium on Aug. 26. The Illini won 8-0.

Illini, Redbirds finish even in spring opening

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Apr 1, 2019
From footy to football: Hayes adjusts to new sport

From footy to football: Hayes adjusts to new sport

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Dec 7, 2017
Illinois tight end Louis Dorsey makes a one-catch against Ball State in the Illini's matchup against the Cardinals on September 2. The Illini won 24-21. Dorsey is one of Illinois' true freshmen who made the cut for BTN's All-Freshman team.

Five Illini named to BTN all-freshman football team

By Jacob Diaz, Staff Writer • Nov 28, 2017
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith watches his team from the sidelines during the game against North Carolina at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 10. The Illini loss 48-23.

Illini face a tall task in Ohio State

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Nov 18, 2017
Illinois wide receiver Trenard Davis leaps for a catch during the game against Indiana on Saturday, Nov 11. The Illni trail 0-14 at half.

Illini offense flatlines against Indiana

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Nov 11, 2017
Illinois linebacker Ayo Shogbonyo celebrates a fumble recovery during the game against Rutgers on Oct. 24. Illinois has had a total of four players ejected for targeting during four separate games this season.

Targeting rule divisive, even among Illini

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Nov 3, 2017
Illinois running back Kendrick Foster dodges defenders during the game against Rutgers on Oct. 24. Although Illinois lost to Wisconsin 35-24, Kendrick Foster intends to make the most of his last season as an Illini football player and take advantage of every opportunity.

Foster gets his rhythm back in return as starting running back

By Jacob Diaz, Staff Writer • Oct 30, 2017
Freshman quarterback Cam Thomas (10) runs the ball down field in the Illini's game against Minnesota. The Illini lost 24-17.

A redshirt candidate no longer, Thomas’ role will continue to grow

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Oct 26, 2017
Illinois quarterback Jeff George Jr. looks to pass the ball during the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 6.

Minnesota breaks away late, hands Illini fifth straight loss

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Oct 21, 2017
Illinois wide receiver Dominic Thieman scrambles for yards during the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 24. The Illini lost 35-24

Injuries piling up for Illini

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Oct 17, 2017
Illinois quarterback Jeff George, Jr. weaves through defenders during the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 24. The Illini lost 35-24

Quarterback play continues to be Illinois’ downfall

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Oct 16, 2017
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith stands on the sidelines during the game against Western Kentucky University on Sept. 9.

Two years and four knee surgeries later, Dre Brown made it

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Oct 12, 2017
Illinois wide receiver Malik Turner (11) tips a pass that he would later catch during the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on October 8. The Illini lost 34-31.

Looking at Iowa a bit like looking in the mirror for Illini

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Oct 6, 2017
Illinois quarterback Chayce Crouch stiff-arms a defender during the game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium. The Illini lost 28-6.

Illinois drops Big Ten opener to Nebraska, 28-6

By Jacob Diaz, Staff Writer • Sep 29, 2017
Watson, Dunlap lead Illini defense into Big Ten Season

Watson, Dunlap lead Illini defense into Big Ten Season

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Sep 28, 2017
Illinois linebacker Tré Watson (33) tackles Michigan State running back Gerald Holmes (24) during the game against at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 5. The Illini won 31-27.

Dual-threat quarterbacks finding the flaws in the Illini defense

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Sep 25, 2017
Quarterback DiNovo joins Illini in odd transfer

Quarterback DiNovo joins Illini in odd transfer

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Sep 20, 2017
Grading Illinois Football's loss to USF

Grading Illinois Football’s loss to USF

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Sep 18, 2017
Illini of the Week: Bobby Roundtree

Illini of the Week: Bobby Roundtree

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Sep 14, 2017
Freshman defensive end Isaiah Gay points to the sideline after making a tackle against Western Kentucky on Saturday. The Illini won 20-7.

True freshman Gay shines under the bright lights

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Sep 10, 2017
Illinois quarterback Chayce Crouch attempts a pass during the Illini's matchup with the Ball State Cardinals. The Illini won 24-21.

Illini, Dudek manage a great escape against Ball State and win 24-21

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Sep 2, 2017
Illinois backup quarterback Chayce Crouch (7) looks to pass the ball during the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 8. The Illini lost 34-31.

Chayce Crouch knows he can be the guy for Illinois football

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Aug 31, 2017
Illinois quarterback Jeff George Jr. (3) passes the ball during the first half of game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 5. The Illini won 31-27.

Football set to open 2017 season against Ball State

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Aug 30, 2017
Illinois wide receiver Malik Turner gets ready to catch a ball that he tipped during the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 8, 2016. Turner was named to the Reese's Senior Bowel watch list.

Three Illini named to Reese’s Senior Bowl watch list

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Aug 28, 2017
Illinois offensive lineman Gabe Megginson warms up before the game against North Carolina at Memorial Stadium on Spt. 10. Megginson eats an extra peanut butter sandwich and protein shake before bed to maintain his goal weight.

Gain, maintain, lose: the football team’s offseason nutrition

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Aug 28, 2017
Blake Hayes plays football in Melbourne, Australia at Brighton Grammar School. Hayes, an incoming freshman, is joining the Fighting Illini football team this fall as a punter.

Blake Hayes: From the Land Down Under to the Land of Lincoln

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Aug 15, 2017
Big Ten Media Days: Day Two Roundup

Big Ten Media Days: Day Two Roundup

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Jul 26, 2017
Illinois wide reciever Malik Turner addresses reporters at his press conference at Big Ten Media Days. Turner was indifferent on the subject of Friday night games vs. Saturday games.

Big Ten Media Days: Day One Roundup

By Jacob Diaz, Staff Writer • Jul 24, 2017
Smith speaks to media at Big Ten Media Days on July 24.

Whitman, Smith enthusiastic about new football facility

By Jacob Diaz, Staff Writer • Jul 24, 2017
Illinois’ Brandi Donnelly passes the ball during the match against Northwestern at Huff Hall on Oct. 15. The Illini won 3-0. Former head coach Kevin Hambly left the University to coach at Stanford.

Illinois volleyball ready to forget about disappointing season

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • May 8, 2017
Chris Tamas talks to the press for the first time after being hired as Illinois’ new women’s volleyball head coach on Feb. 10. Four more recruits recently signed to play this season.

Illinois volleyball’s 2017 recruiting class now nine players strong

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Apr 19, 2017
Illinois' Meagan McNicholas (center) cheers on her team from the sideline during the game against Indiana at State Farm Center on Saturday, February 25.

Is there anything Meagan McNicholas can’t do?

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Apr 16, 2017
LaKale Malone coaches on the sideline during an Illinois women's basketball game in February.

Who’s next for Illinois women’s basketball?

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Mar 14, 2017
Illinois' Alex Wittinger (35) jumps above her opponent to pass the ball to her teamate at the game against Michigan State on Wednesday, Feb. 24th, 2016. The Illini lost 43-71.

Illinois women’s basketball will face Nebraska in the Big Ten Tournament

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Mar 1, 2017
Illinois’ Brandi Beasley shoots a three during the game against Indiana at State Farm Center on Saturday. The Illini advanced in the tournament on Wednesday to play the Boilermakers.

Big Ten recognizes Beasley, Wittinger, McConnell

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Feb 28, 2017
Guard Ashley McConnell takes a shot during the game against Tennessee State at Parkland College on Tuesday, Nov. 24. Illinois won 98-43.

Illinois women’s basketball loses to Indiana

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Feb 26, 2017
Illinois' Alex Wittinger shoots a jumper over Indiana's Amanda Cahill during the game against Indiana at the State Farm Center on Feb. 10. The Illini lost 70-68.

Illinois women’s basketball finish regular season winless on the road

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Feb 22, 2017
Illinois' Alex Wittinger (35) shoots a jumper against Wake Forest at State Farm Center on Wednesday, Nov. 30.

Illinois women’s basketball road woes continue

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Feb 20, 2017
Illinois' Alex Wittinger (35) goes up for a jump shot during the game against Maryland at State Farm Center on Thursday, January 26.

Illinois women’s basketball to honor legendary coach during Penn State game

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Feb 14, 2017
Illinois' athletic director, Josh Whitman, welcomes Chris Tamas into the Illinois family as the new head coach of the Women's Volleyball team at Biefeldt Athletics Administration Building on Friday, Feb. 10.

Tamas’ contract represents investment in Illinois volleyball

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Feb 13, 2017
Illinois' Alex Wittinger (35) goes up for a jump shot during the game against Maryland at State Farm Center on Thursday, January 26.

Illinois women’s basketball looking to put it all together against Purdue

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Feb 5, 2017
Illinois' Brandi Beasley (1) drives to the basket during the game against Wake Forest at State Farm Center on Wednesday, November 30. The Illini lost 79-70.

Beasley’s career best not enough for Illini, losing streak continues

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Jan 30, 2017
Illinois' Alex Wittinger (35) goes up for a layup during the game against Maryland at State Farm Center on Thursday, January 26.

Maryland too tall a task for Illinois women’s basketball

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Jan 26, 2017
Guard Cierra Rice sprints up the court during the game against Tennessee State at Parkland College on Nov. 24. Illinois won 98-43.

Illinois women’s basketball rocked by Minnesota as road struggles continue

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Jan 18, 2017
Illinois' Brandi Beasley (1) drives to the basket during the game against Wake Forest at State Farm Center on Wednesday, November 30. The Illini lost 79-70.

Illinois women’s basketball unsuccessful on road trip, but find star in Beasley

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Dec 7, 2016
Illinois' Brandi Beasley (1) drives to the basket during the game against Wake Forest at State Farm Center on Wednesday, November 30. The Illini lost 79-70.

Illinois women’s basketball loses to George Washington

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Dec 5, 2016
Illinois' Petra Holešínská (13) dribbles around her defender during the game against Wake Forest at State Farm Center on Wednesday. The Illini lost 79-70.

Illinois women’s basketball looks to build off positives of Wednesday’s loss

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Dec 2, 2016
Illinois' Petra Holešínská (13) dribbles around her defender during the game against Wake Forest at State Farm Center on Wednesday. The Illini lost 79-70.

Illinois lose to Wake Forest in tale of two halves

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Nov 30, 2016
Michelle Strizak jumps up alone to block the spike from Wisconsin at Huff Hall on Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. Illini lost to Wisconsin 0-3.

Mid-season slump costs Illinois volleyball tournament berth

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Nov 27, 2016
Illinois' Katie Roustio gets ready to spike the ball during the match against Wisconsin at Huff Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015. Illinois lost 3-2.

From court to sidelines

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Nov 17, 2016
Jacqueline Quade (7) and Ali Bastianelli (5) jump up together to block the spike from Northwestern at Huff Hall on Oct. 15, 2016. Illini beat Northwestern 3-0.

The time to win is now for Illinois volleyball

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Nov 15, 2016
Guard Cierra Rice sprints up the court during the game against Tennessee State at Parkland College on Nov. 24. 2015.

Illinois rolls in the fourth quarter, seals first win of season

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Nov 13, 2016
Illinois' Brandi Donnelly passes the ball during the match against Northwestern at Huff Hall on Saturday, October 15. The Illini won 3-0.

Illinois volleyball loses seventh-straight match

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Nov 12, 2016
Illinois' Alex Wittinger shoots a jumper over Indiana's Amanda Cahill during the game against Indiana at the State Farm Center on February 10. The Illini lost 70-68.

Foul trouble costs Illinois women’s basketball against Marshall

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Nov 11, 2016
Illinois head coach Kevin Hambly talks to his team after the match against Northwestern at Huff Hall on Saturday, October 15. The Illini won 3-0.

Illinois volleyball eyes pivotal weekend

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Nov 10, 2016
Illinois head coach Kevin Hambly talks to his team after the match against Northwestern at Huff Hall on Saturday, October 15. The Illini won 3-0.

Illinois volleyball stock up on outsides with class of 2017

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Nov 9, 2016
Illinois' Alex Wittinger shoots a jumper over Indiana's Amanda Cahill during the game against Indiana at the State Farm Center on February 10. The Illini lost 70-68.

Bollant relying on Wittinger to be leader, hoping she’ll become a star

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Nov 7, 2016
Illinois' Jordyn Poulter sets the ball during the match against Northwestern at Huff Hall on Saturday, October 15. The Illini won 3-0.

Illinois volleyball loses to Michigan

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Nov 4, 2016
Illinois' Ali Bastianelli hits the ball during the match against Northwestern at Huff Hall on Saturday, October 15. The Illini won 3-0.

Illinois volleyball looks to rebound against Michigan, Michigan St.

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Nov 4, 2016
Illini of the Week Oct. 25: Michelle Strizak

Illini of the Week Oct. 25: Michelle Strizak

By Jacob Diaz, Staff Writer • Oct 26, 2016
Jordyn Poulter (1) jumps up setting the ball for her teammate to spike against Northwestern at Huff Hall on Oct. 15, 2016. Illini beat Northwestern 3-0.

Illini block, usually a weapon, falls short against Purdue

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Oct 25, 2016
Michelle Strizak (4) jumps up to serve the ball to Northwestern's territory at Huff Hall on Oct. 15, 2016. Illini beat Northwestern 3-0.

Illinois volleyball splits weekend against Indiana, Purdue

By Jacob Diaz and James Boyd • Oct 24, 2016
Illinois' Michelle Strizak passes the ball during the match against Northwestern at Huff Hall on Saturday, October 15. The Illini won 3-0.

Five-set loss leaves sour taste for Illinois volleyball

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Oct 23, 2016
Illinois setter Jordyn Poulter (1) sets the ball to Ali Bastianelli (5) during the match against Arkansas at Huff Hall on Friday, August 26. The Illini won 3-0.

Illini come out swinging, sweep No. 14 Michigan State

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Oct 12, 2016
Illinois opposite hitter Naya Crittenden gets ready to spike the ball during the match against Arkansas at Huff Hall on August 26. The Illini won 3-0.

Consistency remains an issue as Illini fall to No. 2 Badgers

By Jacob Diaz, Staff Writer • Oct 9, 2016
Illinois' Ali Bastianelli (5) attempts to spike the ball during the match against Northwestern at Huff Hall on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015. Illinois won 3-1.

Illinois volleyball defeats Northwestern

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Oct 5, 2016
Illinois' Naya Crittenden celebrates a point during the game against Nebraska on 9-28-16. The Illini lost 0-3.

Illinois volleyball looks to bounce back at Maryland

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Oct 1, 2016
Illinois volleyball loss to Nebraska a mix of positives, negatives

Illinois volleyball loss to Nebraska a mix of positives, negatives

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Sep 28, 2016
Naya Crittenden jumps to spike the ball against Iowa last year at Huff Hall. Illinois won 3-0.

Illinois volleyball opens Big Ten season with five-set victory over No. 10 Purdue

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Sep 22, 2016
Illinois' Naya Crittenden (9) attempts to spike the ball during the match against Northwestern at Huff Hall on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015. Illinois won 3-1.

Illini looking for marquee win against No. 10 Purdue

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Sep 21, 2016
Naya Crittenden jumps to spike the ball against Iowa last year at Huff Hall. Illinois won 3-0.

Webhead: Illini Volleyball rise above Omaha

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Sep 16, 2016
Illinois head coach Kevin Hambly talks to his team between sets during the match against Arkansas on August 26. The Ilini won 3-0.

Illinois volleyball hits the road once again

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Sep 14, 2016
Illinois' Ali Bastianelli (5) attempts to spike the ball during the match against Northwestern at Huff Hall on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015. Illinois won 3-1.

Bastianelli leads Illini to pair of weekend wins

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Sep 11, 2016
Illinois setter Jordyn Poulter (1) sets the ball to Ali Bastianelli (5) during the match against Arkansas at Huff Hall on Friday, August 26. The Illini won 3-0.

Illinois falls to Colorado in marathon match

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Sep 5, 2016
Illinois setter Jordyn Poulter (1) sets the ball to Ali Bastianelli (5) during the match against Arkansas at Huff Hall on August 26. The Illini won 3-0.

Illini Volleyball look to build on positive start against No. 9 Stanford

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Aug 31, 2016
University of Illinois athlete Pedrya Seymour placed 6th in 100m hurdles at the Rio Olympics with a time of 12.76.

Seymour continued her record-breaking run in Rio

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Aug 28, 2016
Illinois opposite hitter Naya Crittenden spikes the ball during the match against Arkansas at Huff Hall on Friday, August 26. The Illini won 3-0.

Illinois volleyball opens home season with a win

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Aug 27, 2016
Illinois' Pedrya Seymour leaps over a hurdle during the Orange and Blue meet on Saturday, February 20, 2016. Pedrya won the 60 meter hurdles with a time of 8.27 seconds.

Illinois women’s track and field win five events in loss to UCF

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Apr 10, 2016

Women’s track and field set for showdown with UCF

By Jacob Diaz, Staff writer • Apr 7, 2016
Illinois' Sara McKeeman propels herself into the air during the pole vault event at the Orange and Blue meet on Saturday, February 20, 2016. Blaze placed third in the pole vault with a height of 3.97 meters.

Strong winds can't slow down women's track and field

By Jacob Diaz • Apr 3, 2016

Women's track and field look to keep improving at EIU

By Jacob Diaz • Mar 31, 2016
Illinois' Valerie Bobart competes in the 1 mile run during the Orange and Blue meet on Saturday, February 20, 2016. Valerie placed 9th in the mile with a time of 5:08.32.

Outdoor Season Underway for Illini Women's Track and Field

By Jacob Diaz • Mar 27, 2016

Illini hope for strong start to the outdoor season

By Jacob Diaz • Mar 17, 2016

Illini hope for strong start to the outdoor season

By Jacob Diaz • Mar 17, 2016
Illinois' Pedrya Seymour leaps over a hurdle during the Orange and Blue meet on Saturday, February 20, 2016. Pedrya won the 60 meter hurdles with a time of 8.27 seconds.

Illini hurdler leaps past injuries to have a breakout season

By Jacob Diaz • Mar 16, 2016
Illinois' Kandie Bloch-Jones clears the bar in the High Jump at the Illinois Orange and Blue meet in the Armory on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016.

Illni fail to make their mark at nationals

By Jacob Diaz • Mar 13, 2016

Seymour hopes to continue strong streak at nationals

By Jacob Diaz • Mar 10, 2016

Three Illini win medals on final day of Big Ten Championships

By Jacob Diaz • Feb 28, 2016
Illinois' Kandie Bloch-Jones (Jr.) attempts the high jump during the Orange&Blue Meet at Armory on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016.

Bloch-Jones, Choquette lead the way into Big Ten Championships for Illini women's track team

By Jacob Diaz • Feb 25, 2016
Illinois' Pedrya Seymour leaps over a hurdle during the Orange and Blue meet on Saturday, February 20, 2016. Pedrya won the 60 meter hurdles with a time of 8.27 seconds.

Illini women's track and field wins four events at Orange and Blue Open

By Jacob Diaz • Feb 21, 2016