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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
The Illinois defense took down Minnesota’s offense during last season’s game on Nov. 6. The Illini will take on the Gophers for this season’s homecoming game on Saturday.

[Photo] Getting to know Illinois’ Homecoming foe

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • October 12, 2022
The Illinois cross country team begin their run at the Joe Pian Invitational on Oct. 1. The program welcomes three new recruits: Alex Partlow, Brady Masters and Audrey Ginsberg.

[Photo] Illinois cross country program adds three new faces to rosters

By Conor Blount, Contributing Writer • July 2, 2022
Senior Crystal Wang and sophomore Isabel Sy move their equipment on the course. The Illinois women's golf team has recruited two new players for the upcoming season: Mattie Frick and Anna Ritter.

[Photo] Illinois women’s golf looks to future with two new faces joining roster

By Matthew Sinele, Staff Writer • June 29, 2022
Graduate student Jon Davis runs during his men's 1500m event for the NCAA Outdoor Championship semifinals on June 8. Davis earns the First-Team All-American during the championship finals and placed sixth with a 3:46:15 for the men's 1500m.

[Photo] Individual talent overshadows team accomplishments in Illinois track & field’s outdoor season

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • June 15, 2022
Junior runner Olivia Howell runs during the women's 1500m event for the NCAA Outdoor Championship semifinals on Thursday. Howell earned a Second-Team All-American honor and placed ninth for the women's 1500m finals event on Saturday.

[Photo] Davis, Howell repeat as All-Americans

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • June 13, 2022
Illinois Men's Golf head coach Mike Small poses with the team after winning the 2022 Big Ten Championships on May 1. The team will be welcoming two new faces graduate student Matthis Besard and incoming freshman Ryan Voois.

[Photo] Illinois men’s golf looks to continue their tradition of success with two new recruits heading into 2022–2023 season

By Matthew Sinele, Staff Writer • June 10, 2022
Graduate student Jon Davis runs during the Big Ten Outdoor Championships on May 13. Davis and junior Olivia Howell are set to compete for the NCAA Championships on Wednesday.

[Photo] Illini Howell, Davis ready to compete in NCAA Championships

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • June 7, 2022
Jody Alderson Braskamp emerges from the Chicago Town Club swimming pool after setting a new world and American swimming mark for the 100 yard freestyle with a time of 58.1. Braskamp is among a handful of Illinois athletes who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame on Monday.

[Photo] Illinois Athletics announces 2022 Hall of Fame inductees, first ever majority female class

By James Kim, Assistant Sports Editor • June 7, 2022
Junior Jerry Ji swings his club during the Southern Highlands Collegiate on Feb. 28. The Illinois men's golf team closes their season with four tournament titles and three Big Ten all-conference members.

[Photo] Illinois men’s golf fall at final hurdle following another stellar regular season

By Matthew Sinele, Staff Writer • June 2, 2022
Junior runner Olivia Howell runs during the Illini Invite meet on April 23. Howell is one of 14 track and field athletes that will be competing in NCAA West Track & Field Regional this weekend.

[Photo] 14 Illini Participate in NCAA West Track & Field Regional

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • May 25, 2022
Junior Jerry Ji swings his club during Southern Highlands Collegiate on March 1. The Illini will be competing in the NCAA Regional in New Haven, Conn as the No. 4 seed from Monday to Wednesday.

[Photo] ‘We are going there to win’: No. 4 Illinois men’s golf travels to New Haven Regional with eyes on first place

By Drew Friberg and Matthew Sinele • May 16, 2022
The Illinois men’s golf team pose with their Big Ten Championship trophy at the Pete Dye Course at French Lick in Indiana on Sunday. The Illini secured their victory on the third day with a score of +19.

[Photo] Hungry for more: Illinois men’s golf secures seventh consecutive Big Ten title

By Matthew Sinele, Contributing Writer • May 2, 2022
New Illinois women's basketball head coach Shauna Green speaks at the Introductory Press Conference on Tuesday. Prior to receiving the new position, Green was the head coach at the University at Dayton for six years.

[Photo] Illinois welcomes Shauna Green as women’s basketball head coach

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • March 23, 2022
Junior center Kofi Cockburn goes up for a dunk during Illinois' 54-53 win over Chattanooga on Friday in Pittsburgh. Cockburn recorded a double-double with a game-high 17 points and 13 rebounds.

[Photo] Notes, player grades: Illinois men’s basketball avoids upset bid, beats Chattanooga to advance to round of 32 of NCAA tournament

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • March 19, 2022
Sophomore forward Coleman Hawkins blocks a shot attempt by Chattanooga sophomore guard Malachi Smith with under five seconds on the clock against Chattanooga in Pittsburgh on Friday. Hawkins with 10 points and eight rebounds in the Illini's 54-53 win over the Mocs.

[Photo] Coleman Hawkins shines again as Illinois men’s basketball gets tested in NCAA tournament opener

By Christian Jones, Staff Writer • March 18, 2022
Graduate student guard Alfonso Plummer attempts a free throw during the second half of Illinois' 54-53 win over Chattanooga in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Friday. Plummer hit the game-winning free throws and scored 13 second-half points to send the Illini into the second round and avoid an upset.

[Photo] ‘I was ready’: Plummer explodes in second half, hits game-winning free throws to send Illinois men’s basketball to second round of NCAA tournament

By Jackson Janes, Staff Writer • March 18, 2022
Junior center Kofi Cockburn goes up for a jumper during No. 20 Illinois men's basketball's game against No. 24 Iowa at State Farm Center on Sunday night.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball beats Iowa, earns share of Big Ten regular-season title for first time since 2005

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • March 6, 2022
Junior center Kofi Cockburn celebrates in the second half of Illinois’ 93-85 win at Michigan on Sunday at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The consensus All-American will forego his senior year and declare for the NBA draft.

[Photo] ‘I missed that’: Cockburn, Curbelo rise to the occasion, dominate in second half at Michigan

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • February 27, 2022
Graduate student forward Jacob Grandison follows through after attempting a shot during No. 12 Illinois' 79-74 win over No. 19 at Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan, on Saturday. Grandison recorded a season-high 24 points and 6 triples earning him an "A+" grade.

[Photo] Notes, player grades: Illinois men’s basketball hangs on to complete season sweep over Michigan State

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • February 19, 2022
Graduate student guard Alfonso Plummer attempts a 3-pointer during the first half of Illinois men's basketball's game against Purdue at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana, on Tuesday night.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball struggles in second half, falls to Purdue away from home

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • February 8, 2022
Graduate student guard Alfonso Plummer shoot a 3-pointer during the first half of Illinois' 74-57 win over Indiana in Bloomington on Saturday. Plummer recorded 14 points, while senior guard Trent Frazier scored a game-high 23 points and received an 'A+' grade.

[Photo] Notes, player grades: Illinois men’s basketball rallies late to pick up big road win at Indiana

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • February 5, 2022
Junior center Kofi Cockburn celebrates during Illinois men's basketball's game against Indiana at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington on Saturday Cockburn's defense was crucial in the Illini's second-half improvements.

[Photo] Second-half offensive, defensive improvements propel Illini to victory over Hoosiers

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • February 5, 2022
Trent Frazier takes a jump shot during Illinois men's basketball's game against Indiana at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington on Saturday. Frazier recorded a game-high 23 points in the win, though his efforts on both offense and defense were crucial in the Illini's 74-57 win.

[Photo] Trent Frazier quiets energetic Indiana crowd, scores game-high 23 points in Illinois’ 74-57 win

By Christian Jones, Staff Writer • February 5, 2022
Junior center Kofi Cockburn dunks the basketball during the first half of No. 18 Illinois' game against No. 11 Wisconsin at State Farm Center on Wednesday night. Cockburn finished with 37 points and 12 rebonds in the Illini's 80-67 win over the Badgers.

[Photo] Kofi Cockburn dominates, Illinois men’s basketball secures 13-point home win over Wisconsin

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • February 2, 2022
Junior center Kofi Cockburn goes up for a dunk during Illinois men's basketball's 59-56 win over Northwestern on Saturday. Cockburn led all scorers with 22 points in his return from concussion protocol.

[Photo] Notes, player grades: Illinois men’s basketball survives to avoid upset at Northwestern

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • January 30, 2022
Senior guard Da'Monte Williams celebrates during Illinois men's basketball's game at Northwestern on Saturday. Despite having five points, Williams came up with nine rebounds and was a big reason why the Illini came out of Evanston with a 59-56 win.

[Photo] Da’Monte Williams shines as Illinois men’s basketball scrapes by Northwestern 

By Christian Jones, Staff Writer • January 30, 2022
Junior center Kofi Cockburn dunks the ball during the first half of the game between No. 24 Illinois and Northwestern at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston on Saturday afternoon.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball escapes Evanston with 59-56 win behind Cockburn’s dominance in return

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • January 29, 2022
Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk hits a layup during the second half of Illinois' 81-65 loss to Maryland on Friday night. Bosmans-Verdonk made his first career start, while Alfonso Plummer scored 18 points in the loss.

[Photo] Notes, player grades: Illinois men’s basketball struggles at Maryland, falls without Kofi Cockburn

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • January 21, 2022
Jacob Grandison shoots a 3-pointer over Terrapin guard Donta Scott during Illinois' game against Maryland on Friday night in College Park, Maryland.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball falls on the road to Maryland behind dismal defense, inconsistent offense

By Christian Jones, Staff Writer • January 21, 2022
Andre Curbelo shoots a floater during No. 17 Illinois' game against No. 4 Purdue at State Farm Center on Monday. Curbelo looks back at his journey from his injury to his return to the line up after missing 11 games.

[Photo] ‘I could’ve cried’: Andre Curbelo reflects on injury, recovery, return

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • January 20, 2022
Alfonso Plummer shoots a 3-pointer during Illinois' game against Purdue at State Farm Center on Monday. Plummer had another solid game, recording 24 points, including six triples.

[Photo] Notes, player grades: Illinois men’s basketball falls to Purdue in double-overtime thriller

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • January 17, 2022
Andre Curbelo dribbles the ball and drives to the paint during Illinois' game against Purdue at State Farm Center on Monday. Curbelo made a surprise return, scoring 20 points in the Illini's 96-88 loss.

[Photo] Andre Curbelo makes surprise return, dazzles at home against Purdue

By Christian Jones, Staff Writer • January 17, 2022
Trent Frazier shoots a jumper during the first half of the game between Illinois and Purdue at State Farm Center on Monday afternoon.

[Photo] No. 17 Illinois men’s basketball falters in second overtime, falls to No. 4 Purdue in instant classic

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • January 17, 2022
Trent Frazier attempts a 3-pointer during No. 25 Illinois men's basketball's game against Michigan at State Farm Center on Friday night. Frazier's 16 second-half points were key in the Illini's 68-53 win over the Wolverines.

[Photo] Notes, player grades: Illinois men’s basketball pulls away late to top Michigan at home

By Josh Pietsch, Sports On-Air Editor • January 15, 2022
Alfonso Plummer dribbles and looks for teammates during the Illinois men's basketball game against Michigan at State Farm Center on Friday night.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball uses second-half turnaround to take down Michigan in Champaign

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • January 14, 2022
Da'Monte Williams drives to the basket during Illinois' 87-83 win at Iowa on Monday in Iowa City. The Illini out rebounded the Hawkeyes 52-23 and grabbed 19 offensive boards.

[Photo] Illinois dominates offensive, defensive glass in four-point road win over Iowa

By Christian Jones, Staff Writer • December 7, 2021
Illinois' Kofi Cockburn battles for position in the paint against Iowa's Keegan Murray during the game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City on Monday.

[Photo] Illini men’s basketball takes down Hawkeyes, wins first game in Iowa City since 2017

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • December 6, 2021
Isaiah Gay celebrates during the Illinois football game against No. 17 Iowa on Saturday at Kinnick Stadium. Isaiah Gay was a big factor on the defensive line in the 33-23 loss.

[Photo] Iowa likes, dislikes: Isaiah Gay impresses, Brandon Peters’ inconsistencies hold offense back in road loss to Hawkeyes

By Wes Hollenberg, Staff Writer • November 22, 2021
Illinois' defense surrounds an Iowa offensive player during the game at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday. The Illini fell, 33-23, to the No. 17 Hawkeyes.

[Photo] Illinois’ offense falters after early success in 33-23 loss to No. 17 Iowa on the road

By Wes Hollenberg, Staff Writer • November 20, 2021
Andre Curbelo drives to the basket during Illinois' 92-53 win over Arkansas State on Friday night. High energy on both ends of the court proved pivotal in the Illini's blowout win.

[Photo] Illinois men’s basketball makes up for bad shooting night with effort, energy

By Christian Jones, Staff Writer • November 13, 2021
Owen Carney Jr. (99) celebrates with teammates Jartavius Martin (21) and Seth Coleman (49) during Illinois' 14-6 win over No. 20 Minnesota in Minneapolis.

[Photo] Minnesota likes, dislikes: Chase Brown continues to shine, defense thrives under Ryan Walters in Illinois football’s upset win

By Wes Hollenberg, Staff Writer • November 7, 2021
The Illinois defense surrounds Minnesota running back Ky Thomas in the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The Illini defense dominated from start to finish, playing a big part in the team's 14-6 upset over the No. 20 Golden Gophers.

[Photo] Minnesota notes, grades: Dazzling, dauntless defense dominates in road win over No. 20 Golden Gophers

By Wes Hollenberg, Staff Writer • November 6, 2021
Illinois celebrates after tight end Tip Reiman scores his first career touchdown on Saturday against Minnesota. The Illini beat the No. 20 Golden Gophers, 14-6, behind a dominant defensive display.

[Photo] Illinois football upsets No. 20 Minnesota on the road behind dominant defensive display

By Jackson Janes, Sports Editor • November 6, 2021
Senior Crystal Wang looks for her next move on the putting green during the Schooner Fall Classic. The team finished in a tie for fourth with Florida State.

[Photo] Illinois women’s golf notches top-four finish at Schooner Fall Classic

By Andre Thomas, Staff Writer • September 29, 2021
Josh McCray stiff-arms an approaching Purdue defender during the game in West Lafayette on Saturday. A dismal performance from the offense canceled out a career day for Josh McCray and an impressive defensive display, which included two interceptions.

[Photo] Purdue notes, grades: Illini football falls in West Lafayette for fourth straight loss

By Josh Pietsch, Assistant On-Air Editor • September 25, 2021
Tristyn Nowlin golfs at the Women’s Invitational in Medina, Illinois, on Oct. 9, 2019.

[Photo] Augusta National: The LPGA’s Final Frontier

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor • April 22, 2019
Ricky Smalling uses the catapult vest at Memorial Stadium. The vests transmit data to assistant strength and conditioning coach John Ferranto, who monitors it during practice.

[Photo] Illinois Staff using Catapult Tech

By Gavin Good, Staff Writer • April 22, 2019
Illinois Athletic Director Josh Whitman (left), and head football coach Lovie Smith (right), walking inside Memorial Stadium.

[Photo] Athletic director gifts $100,000 in honor of football alumni

By Sports Staff • April 11, 2019
Freshman pitcher Sydney Sickels winds up for a pitch against Nichollas States at the Mardi Gras Classic in Mobile, Alabama. The Illini went on to win the game 5-3 as Sickels continues a strong start to her first-year campaign.

[Photo] Team ready to play after cancellations

March 14, 2019
Michael Massey takes a swing against Wake Forest on Saturday. Illinois opened its season with a three-game victory in Cincinnati and hope to maintain momentum as the team takes on Florida Atlantic this weekend.

[Photo] Illinois looks to stay undefeated in second series

February 21, 2019
Zac Taylor walks in the dugout during the opening weekend series at Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on Saturday. The Illini went on to sweep the opening series behind a strong hitting performance by Taylor.

[Photo] Baseball opening weekend notebook

February 21, 2019
Senior Gabriele Seriunte rests during a meet against Indiana State on Oct. 3, 2017. Seriunte is in the midst of the team’s most successful start of the regular season during her four years in the program.

[Photo] Swim and dive start regular season off strong

By Meghan Rest, Assistant sports editor • November 29, 2018
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[Photo] Cancellations leave students asking questions

By Hongbin Jeong, Staff Writer • October 29, 2018
Illinois men’s golf freshman Adrien Dumont de Chassart competes at the OFCC/FI Invitational in Olympia Fields, Illinois.

[Photo] Flu shots administered at vaccine clinics across campus

By Julie Kang, Contributing Writer • October 4, 2018
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[Photo] Rivers brings confidence, poise to quarterback position

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • September 13, 2018
Offensive lineman Vederian Lowe prepares for a block against Kent State last Saturday. Despite a rst-half struggle, with several missed blocks and a lack of communication, Lowe and his fellow linemen made halftime adjustments to help lead Illinois to a 31-24 victory.

[Photo] Illini offense aims to dominate Leathernecks on Saturday

September 6, 2018
Senior Michael Feagles follows the ball after a drive. Feagles will look to build on his success from last season and continue the program’s success.

[Photo] Men’s golf team stays strong after roster change

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor • September 4, 2018
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[Photo] Ubben Basketball Complex to undergo $30 million renovation

By Gavin Good, Staff writer • June 11, 2018
llinois secured a third-place finish at the NCAA championships, behind Minnesota and National Champions Oklahoma. Alex Diab took home an individual title in the still rings.

[Photo] Illini finish third, Diab takes individual title

April 24, 2018
Joe Haight has come a long way from being a freshman walk-on.

[Photo] Homeless shelters close for warmer months

By Cori Lippert, Staff Writer • April 12, 2018
Illini tight end Bobby Walker lines up on offense against Western Kentucky University. Illinois went on to beat the Hilltoppers 20-7 for their second and last win of the 2017 season. Walker was originally a walk-on player who was later offered a scholarship in the middle of his sophomore season.

[Photo] Walk-on players find their role on Illinois football team

April 4, 2018
David Kendziera competes in his final NCAA championship where he finished 12th in the semifinals.

[Photo] Women’s History Month tackles intersectionality on campus

By Elizabeth Sayasane, Staff writer • March 13, 2018
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[Photo] Record-breaking cross country career ranks high among legends

By Jared Farmer, Staff writer • November 15, 2017
Portrait of Nancy Panagiotopoulou.

[Photo] Trying to make a name for herself

By Miles Powers-Huang, Staff writer • November 15, 2017
Illinois women’s player Emilee Duong hits a forehand at Atkins Tennis Center. Duong won the ASU Invite last weekend. The team is proud of how it ended its last tournament of the season.

[Photo] Returning home: CU veterans recount wartime experiences, struggles

By Fatima Farha, Contributing Writer • November 9, 2017
Illinois Women’s head basketball coach Nancy Fahey retained two assistants under former head coach Matt Bollant. Fahey also brought along an assistant from her previous head coaching job at Washington University.

[Photo] Fahey announces Malone, Kirkland, Cochran as assistant coaches

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • April 3, 2017
Junior Dylan Meyer’s individual title win at the 3 a.m. Augusta Invitational was not enough for an Illini first-place finish this past weekend.

[Photo] Despite Meyer’s win, Illini leave in fourth

By Gavin Good, Assistant sports editor • April 3, 2017
Former Illini Mannie Jackson is honored by having his jersey retired at Assembly Hall in 2013. Jackson was one of the first African-Americans to letter and start in basketball at Illinois. This September, he will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in the Class of 2017 along with nine other former stars.

[Photo] Former Illini great Mannie Jackson inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame

By Lucas Wright, Staff writer • April 3, 2017
Nancy Fahey is the new head coach for Illini women's basketball after coaching for 31 years at Washington University in St. Louis.

[Photo] Nancy Fahey hired as head coach of Illinois women’s basketball

By James Boyd, Staff writer • March 22, 2017
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[Photo] Fahey hopes to accomplish even more with Illinois women’s basketball

By James Boyd, Staff writer • March 27, 2017