The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini

Menu
All content by Photo Courtesy of Fighting Illini Athletics
_5_2

[Photo] Illinois women’s golf looks to start season strong at Wolverine Invitational

September 12, 2021
Members of the Illinois soccer team embrace during the game against Mizzou Aug. 19 where they won 4-0. The Illini hope to continue their momentum against Illinois State University on Sunday

[Photo] Illinois, Illinois State look to ride momentum ahead of in-state showdown

August 21, 2021
Illinois linebacker Jake Hansen practices during day 2 of training camp Aug. 6. Coach Bret Bielema hopes to better the defensive unit before the start of the season.

[Photo] Illinois defense overview: Bielema looks to turn around struggling unit

August 17, 2021
Quarterback Brandon Peters practices at training camp Aug. 6. Illinois football coach Bret Bielema keeps a retained roster for the upcoming season.

[Photo] Illinois offense overview: Bielema opens season with mostly retained roster

August 12, 2021
Alma Mater stands tall at the corner of Wright and Green streets dressed in a commencement robe. University students remind each other that making mistakes is part of your educational journey.

[Photo] DI Voices | Embrace failure, trials, tribulations in education

July 15, 2021
_big_CP7_6045

[Photo] Diab repeats as still rings champion, qualifies for Olympic Team Trials

June 12, 2021
Junior Michael Fletcher dismounts from the still rings at the NCAA Championships on April 17. Fletcher, along with Illinois alumni Michael Paradise and Alex Diab, will be competing in Fort Worth, Texas, at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships.

[Photo] Three Illini to compete at U.S. Championships

June 3, 2021
Sophomore Olivia Howell runs in the women's 1500 meter at the NCAA West Prelims in late May at College Station, Texas. Three Illini received All-America honors including Howell, at the NCAA Outdoor Championships this past weekend in Eugene, Oregon.

[Photo] Howell, Wells, Plater earn spots in NCAA Outdoor Championships

May 30, 2021
Senior Zeke Clark swings at the tennis ball during a match against Norte Dame May 8. Senior Clark and Sophmore Montsi made their first time appearance at the NCAA Singles Tournament.

[Photo] Illinois finishes singles NCAA campaign; Kovacevic, Clark close out final matches of career

May 26, 2021
Graduate student Jonathan Wells makes a backwards leap over the high jump on Saturday at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships. The Illinois track and field team hopes to keep their pace amongst other schools in preparation for the NCAA West Prelims.

[Photo] Illinois looks to solidify place among top teams at NCAA West Prelims

May 26, 2021
The Illinois tennis team cheers on teammates from the bench during their game May 7 against Depaul. The team's bench energy continues to hype up every player on the team.

[Photo] Bench boost: Men’s tennis credits energy, enthusiasm from sidelines for successful season

May 25, 2021
Sophomore Kelly Ryono prepares to bat during a game. Ryono hit her first career home run in a game against Ohio State on May 8.

[Photo] Ryono gains confidence after hitting first career home run

May 24, 2021
Robert Williams, Jason Thormo, Aman Thornton, and Kashief King stand on a podium with their 4x400 men's relay awards on Sunday at Demirjian Park. The Illinois men's and women's track and field teams set many personal records at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships.

[Photo] Illini set personal records at Big Ten Outdoor Championships

May 17, 2021
Junior Taylor Kuper celebrates after scoring a point on March 27.

[Photo] Year in review: DI sports staff reflects on top moments

May 10, 2021
Senior Michael Feagles swings his club on a sunny day. The men's Illinois golf team won the Robert Kepler Intercollegiate tournament Sunday in Columbus, Ohio.

[Photo] Illini win Robert Kepler Intercollegiate, final tournament before Big Ten Championship

April 25, 2021
Ron Coleman celebrates a win by hyping the crowd up on March 13 against Iowa.

[Photo] Column | Possibility of losing assistant coaches hints at program’s ceiling

April 29, 2021
Sophomore Jerry Ji observes as his ball flies through the air during competition. Ji and other members of the men’s golf team have used golf as an outlet for stress relief during the pandemic.

[Photo] Illini use golf as escape from stress during pandemic

April 26, 2021
Athletic director Josh Whitman (left) poses with new head wrestling coach Mike Poeta at a press conference Thursday. Poeta takes over for recently retired coach Jim Heffernan.

[Photo] Poeta begins new chapter in wrestling program

April 25, 2021
Redshirt senior Jon Davis crosses the finish line with arms raised in the Armory. The Illinois track and field team will compete at Demirjian Park this weekend for the first time.

[Photo] Illini compete at recently completed Demirjian Park for first time

April 23, 2021
SAsuka Kawai, Mia Rabinowitz, EmileeDuong and Sasha Belaya (left to right) pose for a photo on senior day Sunday. The Illinois women’s tennis team won the match 4-3, upsetting No. 7 Northwestern.

[Photo] Illinois honors four seniors, bids farewell in regular season finale

April 22, 2021
Junior Ian Skirkey performs on pommel horse at the NCAA Championships Saturday. Skirkey won his first career national pommel horse title with a 14.166.

[Photo] Skirkey wins national pommel horse title, team finishes sixth at NCAA Championships

April 18, 2021
Illinois head coach Brett Bielema directs his players during Spring practice on March 23. Bielema has now completed 12 spring practices, with the spring game scheduled for Monday.

[Photo] Illinois welcomes fans, family back to Memorial Stadium for first time since 2019

April 19, 2021
Redshirt freshman Isaiah Williams throws the football during practice on March 23.

[Photo] Peters, Williams battle for starting quarterback spot

April 15, 2021
Senior Tristyn Nowlin completes a swing during a match on a brisk day.

[Photo] Spring sports update: Men’s tennis on 10-match winning streak, soccer enters playoffs with momentum

April 6, 2021
Adrien Dumont De Chassart swings during a match on a sunny day. The Illinois men’s golf team is set to play at the Augusta Haskins Award Invitational at Forest Hills Golf Club this weekend.

[Photo] Illini return to action in Augusta Haskins Award Invitational

April 3, 2021
Senior Tristyn Nowlin begins a put during a match on a warm day. The Fighting Illini women’s tennis team placed fifth at the Clemson Invitational with Nowlin tying for third place individually.

[Photo] Illinois places fifth at Clemson Invitational

March 28, 2021
Lucas Byrd throws his opponent to the ground during competition. Byrd recently placed fifth at the NCAA Championships.

[Photo] Byrd continues family wrestling legacy, places fifth in NCAA Championships debut

March 29, 2021
Junior Nathan Lavender winds up for a pitch during a game. The Illinois men’s baseball team is set to play in Champaign for the first time in over a year against Northwestern today.

[Photo] Illini set to play in Champaign for first time in over one year

March 26, 2021
Junior Crystal Wang completes a swing during the third round of the NCAA championships on May 20, 2019. Tristyn Nowlin and Crystal Wang hope for a successful weekend in Sunset, South Carolina for the Clemson Invitational.

[Photo] Nowlin, Wang hope for success at Clemson Invitational

March 26, 2021
Senior Hope Breslin leans in for a hug with head coach Janet Rayfield during Senior Day on Sunday. The Illini women’s soccer seniors reflect on their growth and experience while playing for the team.

[Photo] Breslin, Hillman, Le reflect on their four years at Illinois

March 25, 2021
Junior Chase Brown completes a drill during the University of Illinois’s first football practice on Tuesday. New head coach Bret Bielema has been making changes to the Illini’s offense and defense after taking over for former head coach Lovie Smith in December.

[Photo] Illini make changes on offense, defense as spring practices begin under new staff

March 25, 2021
Kofi Cockburn, Adam Miller, Jacob Grandison and Trent Frazier stand side by side during the NCAA tournament first round game against Drexel on Friday. The Illinois men’s basketball team has a chance to improve even more next season if the team plays cleaner basketball with fewer turnovers.

[Photo] Column: Cleaner basketball will lead Illini to promised land

March 25, 2021
Senior Dylan Duncan wrestles against a man from Rutgers at the 2021 NCAA DI Wrestling Championships in St. Louis, Missouri this weekend. Dylan Ducan and Lucas Byrd tied for fifth after competing with some of the best wrestlers in the nation.

[Photo] Byrd, Duncan finish fifth at NCAA Championships

March 23, 2021
Senior Aleks Kovacevic eyes the ball during an outside match. Kovacevic recently made it to the semifinals in the Association of Tennis Professionals Cleveland Challenger this weekend. On Sunday, the Illinois men’s tennis team also defeated Purdue 6-1.

[Photo] Kovacevic competes in Challenger, Illinois persists in singles play to sweep Purdue

March 22, 2021
Senior Kylie Noonan celebrates during the Big Ten Women's Gymnastics Championships on Saturday. The Fighting Illini tied with Iowa for third place and finished with 196.625 points.

[Photo] Illinois finish tied for third with Iowa in conference championship

March 20, 2021
Junior Sydney Sickels pitches during competition. Sickels has been an essential asset to the softball team this year.

[Photo] Sickels brings calmness, confidence, courage to softball diamond

March 22, 2021
Michael Feagles finishes a swing on a sunny day. The undefeated Fighting Illini are set to compete in Tucson, Arizona this weekend for the National Invitational Tournament.

[Photo] Illini head to Arizona for National Invitational Tournament

March 19, 2021
Diana Brown sets the volleyball for a teammate in the game against Nebraska on March 5. The Fighting Illini hope to break their losing streak this weekend as they are scheduled to play against 4-10 Maryland at Huff Hall.

[Photo] Illinois returns to Huff Hall, faces Maryland on 10-match losing streak

March 19, 2021
Ty Rybarczyk pitches during a game on a sunny day. The Fighting Illini will take on the University of Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans this weekend.

[Photo] Illinois travels to Ann Arbor to take on Michigan, Michigan State

March 19, 2021
Kweisi Kenyatte celebrates after a play against Northwestern on Sunday. The Fighting Illini are getting ready to compete against the Purdue Boilermakers this weekend in Indiana.

[Photo] Illinois aims to pick up road wins against Indiana, Purdue

March 19, 2021
Senior Tristyn Nowlin crouches down to observe a putt during a golf match. Nowlin and Crystal Wang tied for eighth place at the Briar’s Creek Invitational in South Carolina and the Illini came in 11th place overall.

[Photo] Illinois places 11th at Briar’s Creek Invitational

March 17, 2021
The Illinois women’s gymnastics team poses for a photo with a scoreboard showcasing their new all-around record. The team is using program records as motivation to compete to the best of their ability.

[Photo] Illini of the Week: Women’s gymnastics team uses program record as momentum, motivation

March 18, 2021
Kofi Cockburn and Ayo Dosunmu embrace during the game against Iowa on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. Dosunmu and Cockburn were named to the Associated Press' All-America teams on Tuesday.

[Photo] Dosunmu, Cockburn earn Associated Press All-American honors

March 16, 2021
Junior Sydney Sickels pitches in the Orange & Blue World Series at Eichelberger Field on Oct. 25. The Illini had a successful weekend playing against Michigan State and Penn State at the Sleepy Hollow Sports Complex in Leesburg, FL.

[Photo] Illinois softball have strong last weekend in Florida

March 15, 2021
Isabel Sy swings her club during a tournament in Florida in early February. The women's golf team will soon travel to South Carolina to compete in the Briar's Creek Collegiate Invitational starting on Monday.

[Photo] Illinois travel to South Carolina for Briar’s Creek Collegiate Invitational

March 15, 2021
Freshman Adam Miller defends during the Big Ten semifinal match against Iowa.

[Photo] Curbelo’s creativity, Miller’s magic help Illini find success throughout season

March 15, 2021
Kweisi Kenyatte celebrates after winning a point against Penn State at Atkins Tennis Center on Feb. 19. The Fighting Illini rallied together after a few close matches and beat Northwestern on Sunday afternoon.

[Photo] Illinois finishes strong, topples Northwestern

March 14, 2021
Senior Michael Feagles watches as his ball sails through the air during competition. The Illinois men's golf team will compete this Monday and Tuesday in the Louisiana Classics tournament.

[Photo] Illini look to solidify spot atop collegiate rankings

March 14, 2021
Junior Makena Silber chases after the ball during the game against Penn State on Feb. 28. Illinois will face Indiana today in Bloomington.

[Photo] Illinois looks to end scoring drought against Indiana

March 13, 2021
Senior Nicole Biondi performs her floor routine during the meet against Michigan on Feb. 21. The Illinois women's gymnastics team will compete against Minnesota tonight.

[Photo] Illinois returns to Huff Hall for final home meet of season

March 13, 2021
Redshirt sophomore Siphosothando Montsi returns the ball during the match against Iowa on March 5. Illinois will play against Northwestern tomorrow.

[Photo] Illinois enters match against in-state rival Northwestern with momentum

March 13, 2021
Catcher Ryan Hampe poses for a professional headshot. Hampe will likely be behind the plate during the game against Minnesota this weekend.

[Photo] Illinois anticipates winning weekend at Minnesota

March 12, 2021
Members of Illinois Softball’s Team Orange pose for a photo during the 2020 Orange & Blue World Series on Oct. 25. The Illini are currently in Florida set to play a series against Michigan State and Penn State over the upcoming weekend.

[Photo] Illinois set for weekend series with Michigan State, Penn State

March 11, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn steps toward the basket during the game against Michigan on March 2. Michigan and Illinois are both strong contenders to win the Big Ten Tournament this year.

[Photo] Big Ten Tournament preview: Illinois enters as contenders, second seed in competition

March 11, 2021
Freshman Andre Curbelo rushes past a Michigan defender during the game on March 2 at Ann Arbor. Curbelo is this week’s Illini of the Week.

[Photo] Illini of the Week: Curbelo guides Illini to consecutive ranked road wins

March 11, 2021
Sophomore Kennedi Myles guards an opponent during the game against Wisconsin on Tuesday. Illinois won the game 67-42.

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

March 9, 2021
Redshirt senior Josh Imatorbhebhe jumps to catch a pass during the game against UConn on Sept. 7, 2019. Imatorbhebhe is now training for the NFL draft.

[Photo] Illini provide confidence for Imatorbhebhe with NFL career on deck

March 9, 2021
Junior J-Naya Ephraim pushes forward towards the basket during the game against Northwestern on Feb. 24. The Illini will play Northwestern again if they beat Wisconsin in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament.

[Photo] Big Ten tournament preview: 12-seed Illinois prepares for postseason competition

March 9, 2021
Junior Kweisi Kenyatte stretches to hit the ball during the match against Iowa on Friday. Illinois swept both Iowa and Nebraska this weekend.

[Photo] Illinois delivers crushing defeat to Iowa, Nebraska  

March 8, 2021
Sophomore Ashley Yeah hits the ball during the match against Oklahoma on Wednesday. This weekend, Illinois lost against Michigan and won against Michigan State.

[Photo] Illinois falls to Michigan in Ann Arbor, bounces back against Michigan State in East Lansing

March 8, 2021
Redshirt freshman Lucas Byrd lifts his opponent off the ground while competing at the Big Ten Championships on Sunday. Byrd placed 3rd in the 133-pounds weight class.

[Photo] Byrd carries struggling Illini in Big Ten tournament

March 8, 2021
Kofi Cockburn celebrates after a play against Michigan at Crisler Center on Tuesday. The two teams had been feuding for weeks online, adding to a long list of Big Ten beef this season.

[Photo] Ranking the best feuds in the Big Ten this season

March 8, 2021
Senior Megan Cooney spikes the ball during the game against Ohio State on Feb. 19. The women's volleyball team lost two matches to Nebraska this weekend.

[Photo] Illinois continues losing streak, drops two matches to Nebraska

March 7, 2021
The Illinois women's gymnastics team huddles up before the meet against Michigan on Feb. 21. The team lost to Iowa on Sunday.

[Photo] Illinois loses to regular season Big Ten champion Iowa

March 7, 2021
Freshman Andre Curbelo prepares to shoot during the game against Ohio State on Saturday. Illinois won 73-68.

[Photo] Player grades: Return of Dosunmu, Curbelo’s efficiency lead Illini to ranked road win

March 7, 2021
Sophomore Solape Amusan shoots during the game against Minnesota on Friday. The Illini won the game 72-64.

[Photo] Offense leads Illinois to senior night victory

March 6, 2021
Junior Shaylah Scott competes during the meet against Michigan on Feb. 21. The Illini will face Iowa today.

[Photo] Illini travel to Iowa City for rematch against Hawkeyes

March 6, 2021
Junior Taylor Kuper bumps the ball during the game against Ohio State on Feb. 19. Illinois will face Nebraska twice this weekend.

[Photo] Illinois to host Nebraska, looks to end six-match skid

March 5, 2021
Redshirt freshman Alex Bancila celebrates after scoring during the meet against Purdue on Feb. 19. Illinois will play Iowa tonight.

[Photo] Illinois looks to continue winning streak against Iowa, Nebraska 

March 5, 2021
Sophomore Jada Peebles pushes down the court during the game against Purdue on Sunday. The Illinois women's basketball team will play against Minnesota today.

[Photo] Illini look to finish regular season on high note against Golden Gophers

March 5, 2021
Junior Avrey Steiner fields a ball during competition. Steiner has been the most successful Illinois softball player so far this season, striking out only twice in 23 plate appearances in Florida.

[Photo] UI collaborates with NIH to research optimal COVID testing method

March 4, 2021
Senior Zeke Clarke and redshirt freshman Alex Bancila speak between games during the match against Penn State on Feb. 19. The Illinois men's tennis team captured two road wins against Minnesota and Wisconsin this weekend.

[Photo] Illini sweep Big Ten foes in convincing fashion

March 2, 2021
Junior Abigail Cabush prepares to dive in during a relay race at competition. The Illinois swim and dive team placed 12th at the Big Ten Championships this week.

[Photo] Illini make history at Big Ten Championships

March 1, 2021
Freshman Aaliyah Nye defends during the game against Penn State on Sunday. Illinois lost the game 70-66.

[Photo] Illini lose to Boilermakers despite fourth-quarter comeback

February 28, 2021
Outside hitter Raina Terry hits the ball against Ohio State on Feb. 19, 2020 at Huff Hall. After overcoming mono in December, Terry has been a valuable player to the struggling Illini.

[Photo] Portraits of faith: ‘Physically distant, emotionally close’

March 1, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn looks to shoot during the game against Wisconsin on Saturday. The Illini won the game 74-69.

[Photo] Player grades: Cockburn, Curbelo dominate in win over Badgers

February 28, 2021
Sophomore Jada Peebles goes for a layup during the game against Northwestern on Thursday. The Illini will face Purdue tomorrow in West Lafayette.

[Photo] Illini look to sweep Purdue in road finale

February 27, 2021
Sophomore Mia Townes performs her floor exercise routine during the meet against Michigan on Sunday. The Illinois women's gymnastics team placed second in the Big Five Meet on Friday.

[Photo] Illinois finishes second in Big Five Meet for second consecutive season

February 26, 2021
Members of the Illinois softball team gather at the mound to talk strategy during competition. The team won out in both games against Rutgers during a double-header on Friday.

[Photo] Illini offense awakens in sweep over Rutgers

February 26, 2021
Sophomore Jada Peebles attempts to evade a defender during the game against Northwestern on Wednesday. The Illini lost the game 67-61.

[Photo] Illini give up early lead, lose to Wildcats

February 24, 2021
Junior Avrey Steiner hits the ball during the Orange & Blue World Series on Oct. 25. The Illini will begin their 2021 season playing against multiple opponents in Florida this weekend.

[Photo] Contact tracers weigh tradeoffs of privacy, public health

February 25, 2021
Sophomore Jeanae Terry shoots the ball during the game against Maryland on Feb. 17. The Illinois women's basketball team will face Northwestern on Wednesday at State Farm Center

[Photo] Illini look to beat Northwestern in rivalry matchup

February 24, 2021
Freshman Logan Meyers performs his pommel horse routine during the meet against Iowa on Feb. 13. Illinois split the tri-meet against Michigan and Nebraska on Sunday.

[Photo] No. 7 Illini split senior day tri-meet

February 22, 2021
Sophomore Mia Takekawa poses after finishing a routine during the meet against Michigan on Sunday. Illinois lost the meet 197.375-196.650.

[Photo] Illini reach season best score, fall to No. 8 Michigan

February 22, 2021
An Illinois women's tennis player bounces the ball before serving during competition. The team fell to Northwestern 6-1 on Sunday.

[Photo] lllinois falls to No. 7 Northwestern despite winning doubles point for first time

February 21, 2021
Senior Gabrielle Loeck swims during practice on Tuesday. Illinois will compete in the Big Ten Championships starting Tuesday.

[Photo] Illini seniors prepare to say goodbye

February 22, 2021
Illinois head coach Chris Tamas speaks to his team during a time out at the match against Ohio State on Friday. The team now has a 2-6 record.

[Photo] Illinois continues cold streak, drops matches to Ohio State

February 20, 2021
Junior Ayo Dosunmu looks downcourt during the game against Northwestern on Tuesday. The Illini will face Minnesota tonight.

[Photo] Illinois looks to continue road success against Minnesota

February 20, 2021
Freshman Aaliyah Nye pushes forward during the game against Maryland on Wednesday. The women's basketball team will face Rutgers today.

[Photo] Illini hope to stop surging Scarlet Knights

February 20, 2021
Sophomore Rylee Hinton jumps to spike the ball during the match against Penn State on Feb. 7. The Illinois volleyball team will face Ohio State this weekend.

[Photo] Illinois to host undefeated Ohio State

February 19, 2021
Junior Makena Silber kicks the ball during a previous season's game against Loyola. Silber secured a goal late in the game against Purdue to win 1-0 on Thursday.

[Photo] Silber scores late goal to seal win for Illini

February 18, 2021
Sophomore Jeanae Terry looks to pass during the game against Maryland on Wednesday. The Illini fell 103-58.

[Photo] Illinois falls back into losing streak with loss to Maryland

February 18, 2021
Illinois head softball coach Tyra Perry is pictured above. Perry is excited for her team to begin play soon.

[Photo] Illini to kick off All-Big Ten schedule in Florida bubble

February 18, 2021
Senior Zeke Clark competes in the match against Virginia on Sunday. Clark is the Illini of the Week.

[Photo] Illini of the Week: Zeke Clark clinches two upset wins, earns first-career Player of the Week award

February 18, 2021
Load More Stories