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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
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

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 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

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • Feb 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

By Matt Troher, Staff Writer • Feb 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

By Nithin Reddy, Assistant Video Editor • Feb 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

By Bradley Zimmerman, Staff Writer • Feb 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

By Jonah Perez, Staff Writer • Feb 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

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 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

By Renato Arteaga, Staff Writer • Feb 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

By Wes Hollenberg, Staff Writer • Feb 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

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Feb 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

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • Feb 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

By Wes Hollenberg, Staff Writer • Feb 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

By Angelle Cortes, Staff Writer • Feb 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

By Claire O’Brien, Staff Writer • Feb 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

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 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

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 18, 2021
Senior Michael Feagles watches his ball after a swing during competition. Feagles performed well at the Mobile Bay Intercollegiate early this week.

[Photo] Feagles, Illini earn win after almost year-long hiatus

By Christian Jones, Staff Writer • Feb 16, 2021
Adam Miller handles the ball against Northwestern on Feb. 16, 2021.

[Photo] Player grades: Dosunmu, Cockburn’s offensive bursts, Williams’ defensive intensity earn Illini rivalry win

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • Feb 17, 2021
Junior J-Naya Ephraim goes for a layup during the game against Indiana on Sunday. The Illinois women's basketball team will face Maryland tonight.

[Photo] Illinois prepares for first-place Maryland

By Claire O’Brien, Staff Writer • Feb 17, 2021
Redshirt sophomore Siphosothando Montsi celebrates after scoring a point during the match against Virginia on Sunday.

[Photo] Illinois upsets Southern California, Virginia en route to third-place tournament finish

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 14, 2021
Senior Emilee Duong competes during the meet against Oklahoma on March 3, 2020. The Illini fell to Nebraska on Sunday by a score of 5-2.

[Photo] Illinois opens Big Ten campaign with road losses to Iowa, Nebraska

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 14, 2021
Junior Michael Fletcher performs his parallel bars routine during the meet against Iowa on Saturday. Illinois fell to Iowa 402 to 400.5.

[Photo] Illinois comes up short against Iowa in last-ever dual meet

By Bradley Zimmerman, Staff Writer • Feb 14, 2021
Sophomore Jeanae Terry dribbles during the game against Minnesota on Wednesday. The Illinois women's basketball team will face Indiana on Sunday.

[Photo] Illini look to start winning streak at home with Indiana matchup

By Claire O’Brien, Staff Writer • Feb 12, 2021
Senior Brendan O’Reilly watches as his ball sails through the air during competition. The men's golf team will compete in the Mobile Bay Intercollegiate at Magnolia Grove Golf Club this weekend.

[Photo] Illini fly south for ‘the real deal’

By Christian Jones, Staff Writer • Feb 12, 2021
Gymnast Brandon Ngai poses after finishing a routine during competition in the 2017-2018 season. Ngai has now graduated from the University but found ways to maintain involvement in the sport.

[Photo] Illinois alum finds new ways to stay involved in gymnastics

By Bradley Zimmerman, Staff Writer • Feb 11, 2021
Director of football recruiting Patrick Embleton poses for a professional headshot. Embleton has been on the football team staff for over a decade.

[Photo] Embleton finds job security in uncertain profession under Bielema

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 10, 2021
Redshirt junior Matt Wroblewski wrestles his opponent during the match against Northwestern on Sunday. Illinois won the match 31-6.

[Photo] Illini split matches with Minnesota, Northwestern over weekend

By Isaac Heppner, Staff Writer • Feb 8, 2021
Sophomore Mia Takekawa performs her balance beam routine during the tri-meet against Michigan State and Ohio State. The Illini placed second.

[Photo] Illinois splits tri-meet with Ohio State, Michigan State

By Jonah Perez, Staff Writer • Feb 8, 2021
Freshman guard Aaliyah Nye shoots during the game against Purdue on Sunday. The Illini won the game 54-49.

[Photo] Terry, Illini upset Boilermakers for first conference victory

By Claire O’Brien, Staff Writer • Feb 7, 2021
Freshman Isabel Sy swings her club for a promotional image. Sy faced some challenges in moving from California to Illinois during a pandemic but has been welcomed by the team and quickly found her place.

[Photo] Freshman Isabel Sy adjusts to new teammates, environment

By Jaden Katz, Contributing Writer • Feb 8, 2021
Junior guard Tara O’Malley poses for a player headshot. O’Malley recently walked-on after being a team manager for two years.

[Photo] Former team manager Tara O’Malley walks onto Illini women’s basketball team

By Claire O’Brien, Staff Writer • Feb 8, 2021
Freshman Raina Terry winds up to serve the ball during the match against Penn State on Saturday. The Illini fell to the Nittany Lions 3-1 and 3-2 in two matches.

[Photo] Illinois drops two close matches to No. 9 Penn State

By Wes Hollenberg, Staff Writer • Feb 7, 2021
Sophomore Hannah Aegerter and Junior Abigail Cabush prepare to dive from their blocks during the a double dual meet against Wisconsin and Northwestern on Saturday.

[Photo] Illini struggle in dual loss to Northwestern, Wisconsin

By Renato Arteaga, Staff Writer • Feb 6, 2021
Junior Shaylah Scott performs her floor routine during competition. The Illinois women's gymnastics team will travel to Columbus, Ohio, for a tri-meet matchup against Ohio State and Michigan State this Sunday.

[Photo] Illinois looks to bounce back in Columbus for tri-meet with Ohio State, Michigan State

By Jonah Perez, Staff Writer • Feb 6, 2021
Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema speaks at a press conference on Dec. 21. Bielema welcome the final signees of the 2021 recruiting class on Wednesday

[Photo] Bielema welcomes in 2021 recruiting class, transfer additions

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • Feb 4, 2021
Sophomore guard Jada Peebles looks to pass during the game against Wisconsin on Sunday. The Illini will face off against Michigan State tonight.

[Photo] Illinois looks to contain Nia Clouden in matchup with Michigan State

By Nithin Reddy, Assistant Video Editor • Feb 4, 2021
Redshirt senior Jon Davis competes in a cross country race. Davis recently placed second in the Big Ten Championship and made significant gains in the stock market.

[Photo] Illini of the Week: Davis makes gains on field, stock market

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Feb 4, 2021
The Illini swim & dive team finishes a huddle during the 2020 Big Ten Championships on Feb. 26. Assistant coach Elliott McGill has helped the team keep morale up during this shortened season.

[Photo] Finding your balance: Assistant swim coach Elliott McGill guides team during unusual season

By Renato Arteaga, Staff Writer • Feb 1, 2021
Sophomore Mia Townes prepares to compete during the meet against Iowa on Sunday.

[Photo] Illinois falls to Iowa at Huff Hall for first loss of season

By Jonah Perez, Staff Writer • Jan 31, 2021
Members of the Illinois women's tennis team high five after scoring a point during the Purdue invite this weekend.

[Photo] Illini women’s tennis makes great strides in first competitive matches since March

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • Jan 31, 2021
Sophomore Mia Townes celebrates after completing a routine during competition. The Illinois women's gymnastics team will host their first home meet tomorrow at Huff Hall against Iowa.

[Photo] Illini to host Hawkeyes in first home meet of season

By Jonah Perez, Staff Writer • Jan 30, 2021
Sophomore Luke Luffman prepares to wrestling during competition. Luffman is one of four Illinois wrestlers who are undefeated so far this season.

[Photo] Illini, Hawkeyes meet in battle to remain undefeated

By Isaac Heppner, Staff Writer • Jan 30, 2021
Football head coach Bret Bielema speaks to the media during his frist press conference since his hiring on Wednesday. Bielema will focus on recruiting players from Illinois and restructuring the team in general.

[Photo] Commitment, family will help lead Bielema in recruiting

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Jan 29, 2021
Sophomore guard Jeanae Terry looks to pass during the game against Penn State on Thursday. The Illini fell to Penn State 80-76.

[Photo] Illini can’t dig out of hole, fall to Penn State 80-76

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • Jan 28, 2021
Redshirt freshman Ellie Holzman serves against Iowa on Friday in Iowa City, Iowa.

[Photo] Ellie Holzman dominant in Illinois’ opening weekend, first collegiate match

By Wes Hollenberg, Staff Writer • Jan 28, 2021
Senior Jimena Martinez swims freestyle during the meet against Nebraska on Saturday.

[Photo] Strong performances push Illini past Cornhuskers for first win of season

By Renato Arteaga, Staff Writer • Jan 23, 2021
Sophomore Evan Manivong competes in the vault event during the meet against Ohio State on Saturday.

[Photo] No. 3 Illini defeat Buckeyes in Big Ten opener

By Bradley Zimmerman, Staff Writer • Jan 23, 2021
Aman Thornton poses for a headshot. Thornton took home first place in the 600-meter premier at the Larry Wieczorek Invitational this weekend.

[Photo] Illini finish strong in Iowa, came close to more success

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Jan 23, 2021
Junior Shaylah Scott performs her floor routine during the tri-meet against Rutgers and Maryland on Saturday.

[Photo] Illini leave second road trip of season undefeated, beating Maryland, Rutgers

By Jonah Perez, Staff Writer • Jan 23, 2021
Redshirt Freshman Ellie Holzman bumps the ball during the game against Iowa on Saturday.

[Photo] Illinois continues strong start, completes sweep over Iowa

By Wes Hollenberg, Staff Writer • Jan 23, 2021
Junior Shaylah Scott poses as she finishes a routine during practice.

[Photo] Illini carry momentum into east coast tri-meet against Rutgers, Maryland

By Jonah Perez, Staff Writer • Jan 23, 2021
Junior Clay Mason Stephens prepares to perform during competition. Stephens will return to compete for the Illini tomorrow after recovering from an ACL tear.

[Photo] No. 3 Illini to open Big Ten schedule against Ohio State

By Bradley Zimmerman, Staff Writer • Jan 23, 2021
The Illinois volleyball team celebrates after scoring a point during the match against Iowa on Friday.

[Photo] Illinois starts season strong with 3-1 win at Iowa

By Wes Hollenberg, Staff Writer • Jan 22, 2021
Freshman Logan Myers competes in the rings event during the meet against Northern Illinois on Jan. 15.

[Photo] Myers named College Gymnastics Association’s Rookie of the Week after first collegiate meet

By Bradley Zimmerman, Staff Writer • Jan 22, 2021
The Illinois volleyball team places a game during the 2019-2020 season. The team will play its first match of this season today at Iowa.

[Photo] Illinois kicks off 2021 season at Iowa for first time in over a year

By Wes Hollenberg, Staff Writer • Jan 22, 2021
Luke Luffman grapples with his opponent during the meet against Purdue on Feb. 16, 2020. Illinois will face off against Purdue again today at Huff Hall.

[Photo] Illinois looks to continue strong start, face off against Purdue 

By Isaac Heppner, Staff Writer • Jan 22, 2021
Sophomore Kennedi Myles drives forward during the game against Northwestern on Thursday.

[Photo] Illinois falls to in-state rival Northwestern, team’s sixth-straight loss

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • Jan 21, 2021
Roderick Perry tackles the opposing ball carrier during the game against Iowa on Dec. 5. Perry is signing with the Cleveland Browns as undrafted free agent.

[Photo] Perry bets on NFL future with return to Bielema

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Jan 21, 2021
Redshirt Junior center Eva Rubin goes for a layup during the game against Iowa on Jan. 3.

[Photo] Illini head to Northwestern after 11-day break

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • Jan 21, 2021
Redshirt Sophomore Justin Cardani grapples with his opponent during the tri-meet with Ohio State and Wisconsin on Sunday.

[Photo] Illini remain perfect, roll past Wisconsin, Ohio State in tri-meet

By Isaac Heppner, Staff Writer • Jan 18, 2021
Junior Ashley Cabush waits in the water after one of her races during the meet against Purdue on Saturday. Cabush placed first in two of her events.

[Photo] Illini fall to Boilermakers despite key performances

By Renato Arteaga, Staff Writer • Jan 17, 2021
Sophomore Olivia Howell competes in a relay race during a meet. Howell broke the Illinois record for fastest women's 1000m during the tri-meet against Wisconsin and Northwestern on Saturday.

[Photo] Illini win eight events amid Wisconsin road trip

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Jan 16, 2021
Redshirt sophomore Danny Braunagel pins an opponent at a previous match. Braunagel helped secured the win against Indiana at the meet on Saturday.

[Photo] Illinois dominates in Bloomington, defeats Indiana in conference opener

By Isaac Heppner, Staff Writer • Jan 11, 2021
Junior Geovana Lopes poses for a headshot.

[Photo] Adjusting to life in America is not always easy for international athletes

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • Jan 7, 2021
Senior Blake Hayes kicks a punt during a game against Nebraska. Hayes, along with snapper Ethan Tabel and kicker James McCourt will return to the Illinois football team next season.

[Photo] Dominant, consistent specials teams trio announce returns to Illini for fifth season

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • Jan 6, 2021
Tank Wright has recently been named the new Director of Football Strength and Conditioning.

[Photo] Tank Wright provides leadership, passion in the weight room

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Jan 5, 2021
Senior Jake DiBenedetto squares up with his opponent during competition.

[Photo] Jake DiBenedetto, senior lead Illini wrestling through challenging year

By Isaac Heppner, Contributing Writer • Jan 1, 2021
Senior Milo Eifler wraps up an Iowa ball carrier during competition. Eifler is leaving the Illinois football team to pursue opportunities in the NFL.

[Photo] Milo Eifler leaves Illinois in pursuit of NFL dreams

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • Dec 30, 2020
Tony Petersen poses for a professional headshot. Petersen has recently been hired as offensive coordinator for the Illinois football team.

[Photo] Bielema secures his offensive vision with Petersen hire

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 30, 2020
Senior Jake Hansen prepares to hike the ball during competition.

[Photo] Offensive line looks to dominate in 2021 after three senior starters announce returns

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • Dec 30, 2020
Senior Jake Hansen wraps up an opposing player during competion.

[Photo] Jake Hansen leaves lasting legacy on program after declaring for NFL Draft

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 30, 2020
Senior Brendan O'Reilly watches as his ball sails through the air after a swing during competition.

[Photo] Illini men’s golf team dominates in Florida, Brendan O’Reilly picks up first win of year

By Christian Jones, Contributing Writer • Dec 29, 2020
Junior Jacob Grandison poses for a player headshot. Grandison played a pivotal role during Wednesday's game against Penn State.

[Photo] Jacob Grandison’s hustle plays become bright spot for Illinois

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Dec 25, 2020
Newly hired Illinois football coach Bret Bielema poses with his wife.

[Photo] Bielema looks to improve on recent in-state recruiting struggles

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • Dec 23, 2020
Redshirt sophomore Peyton Willie poses for a headshot. Willie is looking forward to competing after a long recovery from injury.

[Photo] Peyton Willie prepares for season after setbacks

By Angelle Cortes, Staff Writer • Dec 22, 2020
Quarterback Isaiah Williams throws a pass during the game against Penn State on Saturday. The Illini lost the game 56-21.

[Photo] Notes, player grades: Illini struggle on both ends of the ball in final loss

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • Dec 20, 2020
Illinois head football coach Lovie Smith celebrates after securing a 24-23 victory over Wisconsin on Oct. 19, 2019.

[Photo] Wins over No. 6 Wisconsin, Michigan State highlight Lovie Smith era

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 18, 2020
Senior Blake Hayes punts the ball during competition.

[Photo] Blake Hayes named to media’s All-Big Ten Third Team

By Jackson Janes, Assistant Sports Editor • Dec 17, 2020
Freshman Amelia Knight poses for a headshot. Knight is the only international student on the women's gymnastics team currently.

[Photo] Amelia Knight settles in with Illini as lone international women’s gymnast

By Jonah Perez, Staff Writer • Dec 17, 2020
Athletic Director Josh Whitman walks on the field of Memorial Stadium alongside former Illinois football coach Lovie Smith

[Photo] Five-year product not enough as Josh Whitman searches for consistent winner

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • Dec 15, 2020
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn shoots the ball during the game against Ohio on Nov. 27.

[Photo] Illinois looks to corral Marcus Carr, Minnesota in Big Ten season opener

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Dec 15, 2020
Junior Luke Ford reaches for a pass during the game against Iowa on Saturday.

[Photo] Illinois travels to Northwestern, looks to regain Land of Lincoln trophy

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • Dec 11, 2020
Defensive back Tony Adams runs the ball during the game against Nebraska on Nov. 21.

[Photo] Illinois closes out 2020 regular season home schedule against No. 19 Iowa

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • Dec 4, 2020
Junior Giorgi Bezhanishvili points towards the sideline during the game against Ohio on Friday.

[Photo] Player grades: Bezhanishvili shines in Illini loss

By Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor • Dec 3, 2020
Junior Ayo Dosunmu goes for a layup during the game against Chicago State on Thursday. The Illini won the game 97-38.

[Photo] Under Dosunmu, Underwood’s experience, Illinois remains level-headed before top-5 matchup

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Dec 2, 2020
Sophomore Jeanae Terry goes for a layup during the game against Indiana State on Nov. 25.

[Photo] Illinois, Nancy Fahey prepare for home matchup with Valparaiso Wednesday

By Nithin Reddy, Staff Writer • Dec 1, 2020
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn high-fives his teammates as he enters the court during the game against Chicago State on Thursday. The Illini won 97-38.

[Photo] Biggest questions raised ahead of No. 5 Illinois’ matchup with No. 2 Baylor

By Brandon Simberg, Staff Writer • Dec 1, 2020
Sophomore Tarique Barnes looks forward as he stands on the line of scrimmage during the game against Wisconsin on Oct. 23. The Illini lost 45-7.

[Photo] Illini adapt to injuries, COVID-19 setbacks

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • Dec 1, 2020
Junior Adrien Dumont de Chassart watches his ball fly through the air after a swing during competition.

[Photo] Illini men’s golfers succeed in fall amateur events

By Christian Jones, Contributing Writer • Nov 30, 2020
Quarterback Brandon Peters runs with the ball during the game against Nebraska on Saturday. The Illini won 41-23.

[Photo] Peters shines, unleashes Illini offense

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 22, 2020
Running back Mike Epstein runs the ball during the game against Nebraska on Saturday. The Illini won 41-23.

[Photo] Notes, player grades: Illinois finds identity at Nebraska

By Brendyn Jones, Assistant On-Air Editor • Nov 22, 2020
Illinois women's golf head coach Renee Slone poses for a headshot.

[Photo] Illini women’s golf uses extra offseason to prepare for spring

By Jaden Katz, Contributing Writer • Nov 19, 2020
New women’s gymnastics assistant coach Kelsea Kocan poses for a headshot. Kocan joined the team after coaching at the local Champaign Gymnastics Academy.

[Photo] Kelsea Kocan provides empathy, different dimension for Illini

By Jonah Perez, Staff Writer • Nov 19, 2020
Illinois head football coach Lovie Smith celebrates after securing a 24-23 victory over Wisconsin on Oct. 19, 2019. The Illini look forward to the game against Nebraska on Saturday.

[Photo] Illini look to contain Cornhusker offense

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • Nov 18, 2020
Running back Chase Brown barrels through defenders during the game against Minnesota on Nov. 7. The Illini lost the game 41-14.

[Photo] Chase Brown looks to build on career-best performance

By Josh Pietsch, Staff Writer • Nov 16, 2020
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