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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
Tess Eken

Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor

Hi everyone! My name is Tess and I’m currently a junior studying communications with a minor in Spanish. I joined The Daily Illini because I wanted to combine my love for sports with my love for writing, so I get the best of both worlds here! Outside of journalism, I love baking and spending time with my friends and family. If you have any questions or just want to talk sports with me, feel free to email me using the button below. I-L-L!

Senior wide receiver Pat Bryant scores a touchdown against Michigan State in Illinois' final home game of the 2024 season.

Player notes, grades from Illinois football’s 6th home victory over Michigan State

By Tess Eken and Laura Mendes • November 18, 2024
Junior running back Josh McCray leaps over a sea of defenders into the end zone to score a touchdown against Michigan State.

Illinois football bounces back with 22-point victory over Michigan State

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • November 16, 2024
Alabama and Georgia football fans hit SEC FanFare near Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for ESPN "College GameDay," "SEC Nation" and more ahead of the SEC Championship Game Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com)

Illini Decide: Stay or throw away? AP rankings

By Conor Blount, Ben Fader, Sahil Mittal and Tess Eken • November 14, 2024
Fans lift up junior quarterback Luke Altmyer in celebration after storming the field to celebrate a 23-17 win over Kansas on Sept. 7.

Best moments of the 2024-25 Illini football season

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • November 11, 2024
The Las Vegas Aces pose with their trophy after winning Game 4 of a WNBA basketball final series against the New York Liberty to take the championship at Barclays Center on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, in Brooklyn, NY. (Ellen Schmidt/Las Vegas Review-Journal/TNS)

Illini Decide: Stay or throw away? Playoff series length

By Tess Eken, Ben Fader, Conor Blount and Sahil Mittal • November 7, 2024
Luke Altmyer stands in the pocket on Oct. 12 at Memorial Stadium.

Football player grades from first home loss of 2024

By Tess Eken and Laura Mendes • November 4, 2024
A stadium chair sits empty behind the Illinois home bench in Memorial Stadium to remember POW and MIA soldiers. A member of the UIUC ROTC laid a wreath next to the chair before the start of the game on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Brig. Gen. Maurice O. Barnett honored for Military Appreciation Day

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • November 4, 2024
Senior Pat Bryant celebrates the game-winning touchdown on Oct. 12 at Memorial Stadium.

Illini return to Champaign, prepare for battle against Golden Gophers

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • November 1, 2024
Teammates show concern as Dodgers dh Shohei Ohtani heads to the clubhouse after injuring his shoulder in Game two of the World Series at Dodger Stadium. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Illini Decide: Stay or throw away? MLB’s lack of payroll regulation

By Ben Fader, Tess Eken, Conor Blount and Sahil Mittal • October 31, 2024

A nightmare on Green Street, the spookiest Illini

By Ben Fader, Conor Blount and Tess Eken • October 31, 2024
Wide receiver Pat Bryant leaps into the air and reaches for the sky as a pass comes hurling towards him over the opposing Purdue player's head in the Illinois v Purdue football game on Oct. 12. in Memorial Stadium.

Illinois football grades from road loss against No. 1 Oregon

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • October 29, 2024
Women’s basketball head coach Shauna Green kneels down on the court to watch her players try and make a stop against Missouri State in a tough matchup on March 21.

Shauna Green highlights women’s basketball ahead of 2024-25 season

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • October 28, 2024
Outside linebacker Seth Coleman's helmet lays on the field after taking a big hit during the Illinois v Purdue football game on Oct. 12. in Memorial Stadium

Illini can’t keep their Ducks in a row, fall on the road

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • October 26, 2024

Illini Decide: Stay or throw away? Mandatory Guardian Caps in the NFL

By Sahil Mittal, Ben Fader, Tess Eken and Conor Blount • October 24, 2024

Grades from No. 20 Illinois’ Saturday showdown against Michigan

By Tess Eken and Laura Mendes • October 21, 2024
Illinois clashes with Michigan at Memorial Stadium during the third quarter of Saturday's game. The Illini defeated the Wolverienes 21-7.

No. 22 Illinois mimics history with 21-7 victory over No. 24 Michigan

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • October 19, 2024

Illini decide: Stay or throw away? NCAA eliminates national letter of intent

By Conor Blount, Ben Fader, Tess Eken and Sahil Mittal • October 17, 2024
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer checks Purdue’s coverage during Illinois’ win over them on Oct. 12 in Champaign.

Grades from No. 22 Illinois football’s slim victory over Purdue

By Tess Eken and Laura Mendes • October 16, 2024

100 years later, experts set to discuss Red Grange’s impact

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • October 15, 2024
A 100th anniversary logo adorns pyrotechnic equipment used during the player introductions during football games in Memorial Stadium in Champaign for the 2024 football season.

Champaign celebrates Memorial Stadium’s 100th anniversary

By Tess Eken and Laura Mendes • October 14, 2024
Wide receiver Pat Bryant looks to the sky as a Central Michigan defender leaps after him during the homecoming game on September 14.

No. 23 Illini return from bye week, look to defeat Boilermakers at home

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • October 11, 2024
Quarterback Luke Altmyer prepares to hand the ball off during Illinois upset win over Kansas on Sept. 7.

Illini Decide: Stay or throw away? Professional eligibility

By Tess Eken, Ben Fader, Conor Blount and Sahil Mittal • October 10, 2024
Cleveland pitcher Matthew Boyd stands on the mound after walking Tigers Matt Vierling in the third inning. Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Guardians in MLB ALDS Game 2 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on October 7, 2024.

Illini Decide: Stay or throw away? MLB late-season waiver wire

By Ben Fader, Tess Eken, Conor Blount and Sahil Mittal • October 3, 2024
The Illinois Fighting Illini walk around a football Wide receiver Malik Elzy leaps into the air and looks to the sky for the touchdown pass during the first football game of the 2024 season in Memorial Stadium on West Kirby Ave.

Illinois drops to No. 24 after loss against Penn State

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • October 1, 2024
Sophomore RB Kaden Feagin and Freshman TE Jake Furtney celebrate an Illinois touchdown against Central Michigan during Homecoming on Sept. 14.

All eyes on No. 19 Illinois in battle against No. 9 Penn State

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • September 28, 2024

Illinois cross country heads back to Wisconsin for Nuttycombe Invite

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • September 27, 2024
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic reacts after being called for a foul during the first half in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics on Friday, June 14, 2024, in Dallas.

Illini Decide: Stay or throw away? Future NBA expansion

By Sahil Mittal, Tess Eken, Conor Blount and Ben Fader • September 26, 2024
Junior quarterback Luke Altmyer gets ready to snap the ball during the 2024 Homecoming game against Central Michigan on Sept. 14. The Illini would go on to win 30-9.

No. 24 Illinois begins Big Ten competition against No. 22 Nebraska

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • September 20, 2024
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kevin Kiermaier (93) dives safely into third base as Seattle Mariners after hitting a triple as Seattle mariners third base Josh Rojas (4) receives the ball inside the baseline in the sixth inning at Dodgers Stadium on Aug. 21, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

Illini decide: Stay or throw it away? MLB 3-team wild-card format

By Conor Blount, Ben Fader, Tess Eken and Sahil Mittal • September 19, 2024
After a touchdown against Central Michigan from senior wide receiver Pat Bryant, senior offensive lineman Zy Crisler lifts Bryant to the air in celebration on Saturday. The Illini defeated the Chippewas 30-9 during homecoming at Memorial Stadium.

Illinois football advances to 3-0 with Homecoming win over Central Michigan

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • September 14, 2024
The Illinois Fighting Illini during the Illini Open at the Illinois Arboretum in Champaign on Sept. 1.

Illinois cross country laces up for Fighting Illini Big Ten Preview

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • September 13, 2024
A basketball lays on a ball cart as Illinois practices before the game against Marquette on Nov. 14.

Illini Decide: Stay or throw it away? Current All-Star game format

By Tess Eken, Ben Fader, Sahil Mittal and Conor Blount • September 12, 2024
Assistant coach Archie McDaniel stands in front of the Illinois football team before the first game of the 2024 season. It is coach McDaniel's first season as an Illinois coach.

Illinois football: Last season versus now

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • September 10, 2024
Illinois Quarterback Luke Altmyer shovels a pass off to a running back during Illinois' big win over Kansas on Saturday.

Illinois comes out victorious with hard-fought upset over No. 19 Kansas

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • September 7, 2024
Junior Halle Hill and Junior Maggie Gamboa run alongside each other during the Illinois v Wisconsin cross country meet, 2023.

Illinois women’s cross country to begin 2024 season in Wisconsin

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • September 5, 2024
Quarterback Luke Altmyer waits for a snap on Sept. 2, 2023.

Illini Decide: Stay or throw away? Helmet communication for NCAA

By Ben Fader, Tess Eken, Conor Blount and Sahil Mittal • September 3, 2024
Sophomore wide receiver Malik Elzy reaches up to catch a pass in the endzone from junior quarterback Luke Altmyer to score a touchdown in home opener against Eastern Michigan.

Illinois football leaves Eastern Illinois scoreless in home opener

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • August 29, 2024
Photo Courtesy of Illini Athletics

Illinois football unveils helmet schedule for 2024 home games

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • August 28, 2024
Orange Krush gather together as the starting lineup is introduced during a senior night men's basketball game at the State Farm Center on March 5.

Orange Krush: More than just a student section

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • July 29, 2024
Offensive Lineman Andrew Dennis.

4-star recruit Dennis enters transfer portal

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • April 29, 2024

Illinois women’s basketball lands Magassa from transfer portal

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • April 29, 2024

Column | Fresh faces, new opportunities await the Chicago Sky

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • April 28, 2024
Tight end Tip Reiman races to the end zone to celebrate a touchdown against Indiana on Nov. 11 2023.

Tight end Tip Reiman gets selected in third round of 2024 NFL Draft

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • April 26, 2024
Offensive tackle Isaiah Adams jogs off the field in a game against Northwestern on Nov. 25, 2023.

Offensive lineman Isaiah Adams drafted to Cardinals with No. 71 pick

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • April 26, 2024
Illinois distance runner Maggie Gamboa runs a relay during the Illini Challenge at the Illinois Armory in Champaign on Jan. 26.

Drake Relays up next for women’s track and field

By Ben Fader and Tess Eken • April 25, 2024
Freshman Malik Elzy tosses the football to a teammate before the Homecoming football game on Oct. 21 against Wisconsin.

Sunny skies and success expected for Illinois football’s spring game

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • April 20, 2024
Defensive players Tarique Barnes, Tyler Strain and Zachary Tobe leave the field after a turnover during the Homecoming Football game against Wisconsin on Oct. 21.

Illinois defensive back Zachary Tobe enters transfer portal

By Tess Eken and Ben Fader • April 16, 2024
Senior guard Makira Cook walks out for starting lineups on Feb. 9 against Northwestern. Cook led the Illini with 27 points in the April 3 win over Villanova.

Backcourt dominance leads Illinois over Villanova in WBIT final

By Adam Rosen and Tess Eken • April 3, 2024
Senior Guard Makira Cook holds the ball at the top of the key against Nebraska on March 3. Cook led the Illini with 20 points on 8-13 on Monday’s win over Washington State.

Illinois women’s basketball defeats Washington State, advances to WBIT Championship

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • April 2, 2024
Jake Davis poses for Illini Athletics media photos after transferring from Mercer University.

Illinois men’s basketball lands Mercer’s Jake Davis in transfer portal

By Tess Eken, Assistant Sports Editor • April 1, 2024
A hot bowl of ramen from Oozu Ramen Bar on Feb. 29. Oozu Ramen Bar is located at 601 S. Sixth St. and has been serving members of the C-U community for years.

Best of CU | Best Ramen: Oozu Ramen Bar

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • March 28, 2024
Senior Guard Genesis Bryant celebrates after assisting a teammate's basket against Missouri in the fourth quarter on Thursday.

Illinois women’s basketball continues WBIT journey against Stony Brook

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • March 24, 2024
Junior guard Adalia McKenzie and Senior guard #1 Genesis Bryant ready to make a quick stop against the Lady bears on Thursday.

Notes, player grades from Illinois women’s basketball victory over Missouri State

By Adam Rosen and Tess Eken • March 21, 2024
Senior guard Makira Cook dribbles and defenses Ohio State on Jan. 25.

Illinois women’s basketball hosts Missouri State in Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament 

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • March 21, 2024
The entire team gathers after the Senior Day ceremony after the game against Nebraska on Mar. 3.

Illinois women’s basketball season concludes with loss against Maryland in Big Ten tournament 

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • March 7, 2024
Senior forward Kendall Bostic directs her teammates' attention to a Nebraska defender late in the fourth quarter on Sunday.

Notes, player grades from Illinois women’s basketball win over Nebraska

By Adam Rosen and Tess Eken • March 3, 2024
Senior Genesis Bryant drives in on a Nebraska player during the game on Sunday.

Illinois women’s basketball finishes regular season with 74-73 Senior Day win

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • March 3, 2024

Notes, player grades from Illinois women’s basketball’s loss at Michigan State

By Adam Rosen and Tess Eken • February 29, 2024

Illinois women’s basketball struggles on the road in 17-point loss to Michigan State

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • February 29, 2024

Illinois women’s basketball suffers defeat on road against No. 4 Iowa

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • February 27, 2024
Junior guard Adalia McKenzie starts an offensive drive against Maryland's defense on Feb. 11

Illinois women’s basketball upsets No. 14 Indiana with huge 20-point victory

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • February 19, 2024
Junior Adalia McKenzie shoots the ball during the game against Maryland on Feb. 12.

Illinois women’s basketball finishes on top in 15-point road win against Penn State

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • February 16, 2024
Junior guard Adalia McKenzie dribbles and defenses against Maryland yesterday.

Notes, player grades from Illinois women’s basketball second loss against Maryland

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • February 13, 2024
Fifth year center Camille Hobby focus on the court during the game against Maryland yesterday.

Illinois women’s basketball falls to Maryland in second season matchup

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • February 13, 2024
Sophomore Forward Shay Bollin celebrates the victory against Northwestern with fellow teammates on Thursday night.

Illinois women’s basketball sweeps Northwestern with 11-point victory at home

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • February 9, 2024
Junior Guard Adalia McKenzie prepares for the start of the match against Minnesota on Jan. 28.

Illinois women’s basketball falls short to Purdue in overtime matchup

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • February 5, 2024
Senior guard Makira Cook carries the ball and passes the defense during the game against Minnesota yesterday. Cook scores with 22 points to her name by the end.

Illinois women’s basketball makes comeback to defeat Minnesota in afternoon matchup 

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • January 28, 2024

Illinois swim & dive falls to Nebraska in senior day home meet

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • January 28, 2024
Senior forward Kendall Bostic takes a shot for two during the fourth quarter against Ohio State on Thursday.

Illinois women’s basketball falls short in nail-biter matchup against No. 12 Ohio State

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • January 27, 2024

How she Stoll the show: Sydney Stoll’s journey to success with Illinois swim & dive

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • January 25, 2024
Senior guard Genesis Bryant runs along the baseline against Truman State on Oct. 30.

Illinois women’s basketball comes up short on road against Maryland

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • January 20, 2024
Senior Kendall Bostic high fives senior teammate Genesis Bryant after Bostic drew a foul while making a layup against Morehead State on Nov. 7.

Notes, player grades from Illinois women’s basketball’s victory over Rutgers 

By Mathias Spitzer and Tess Eken • January 18, 2024
Head coach Shauna Green coaches from the side of the court as Illinois goes up against St. Peters on Nov. 15.

Making a difference for the program: Shauna Green’s time at Illinois so far

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • January 18, 2024
Senior Kendall Bostic uses her strength to find a pass at the start of the third quarter against Morehead State on Nov. 7. Bostic ended the night with 15 points and 13 rebounds.

Illinois women’s basketball comes out stellar in 28-point victory over Rutgers

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • January 17, 2024
Junior Adalia McKenzie shares a high-five with head coach Shauna Green during a timeout against Truman State on Oct. 30.

Illinois women’s basketball falls short in tough battle against Wisconsin

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • January 10, 2024
Guard Makira Cook catches her breath as she holds possession of the ball on Feb. 22. Illinois suffered a defeat from Indiana on Sunday.

Illinois women’s basketball resumes Big Ten play with intense loss against Indiana

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • January 2, 2024

Illinois women’s basketball opens Big Ten play with brutal 36-point loss to Michigan

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • December 10, 2023
Junior forward Brynn Shoup-Hill sinks a free throw against Truman State on Oct. 30.

Illinois women’s basketball continues win streak with 22-point victory over Northern Kentucky

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • December 7, 2023

Illinois women’s basketball comes out on top with 39-point victory over Central Connecticut State

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • November 30, 2023

Notes, player grades from Illinois women’s basketball victory over Central Connecticut State

By Tess Eken and Mathias Spitzer • November 30, 2023
Senior guard Genesis Bryant is running the ball at point against the Truman State defense on Oct. 30.

Illinois women’s basketball begins 5-game home stretch with 32-point victory over Canisius

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • November 27, 2023
Senior Kendall Bostic uses her strength to find a pass at the start of the third quarter against two Morehead State players on Nov. 7. Bostic ended the night with 15 points and 13 rebounds.

Notes, player grades from Illinois women’s basketball loss against No. 16 Notre Dame

By Tess Eken and Mathias Spitzer • November 19, 2023
Senior guard Genesis Bryant faces a Morehead State player during the fourth quarter of the Illinois women's basketball season opener on Nov. 7. Bryant scored 31 points in the game against Notre Dame on Saturday.

Bryant scores 31, Illinois women’s basketball suffers tough defeat against Notre Dame

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • November 19, 2023
Senior Forward Kendall Bostic converses with teammates Adalia Mckenzie and Jada Peebles before the start of the second half against Morehead State on Nov. 7.

Notes, player grades from Illinois women’s basketball 70-point victory over Saint Peter’s

By Tess Eken and Mathias Spitzer • November 16, 2023
Junior Adalia Mckenzie smiles as she is announced in the starting lineup for the Illini against the Eagles on Nov. 7.

Illinois women’s basketball returns to Champaign to battle against Saint Peter’s

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • November 15, 2023
Senior Kendall Bostic high fives senior teammate Genesis Bryant after Bostic drew a foul while making a layup. Bostic had a double-double for Illinois against the Morehead State.

No. 23 Illinois women’s basketball falls 71-67 against Marquette in first away game

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • November 12, 2023
Junior Adalia Mckenzie smiles as she is announced in the starting lineup for Illinois against Morehead State on Nov. 7. Mackenzie started all 32 games as a sophomore in the 2022-23 season.

Notes, player grades from Illinois women’s basketball’s home opener against Morehead State

By Mathias Spitzer and Tess Eken • November 7, 2023
Senior guard Genesis Bryant drives toward the basket past a Morehead State defender yesterday night. The Illini haven't played the Eagles of Morehead state since their one and only meeting in the 1978-79 season.

Career-high 32 points for Bryant begins No. 23 Illinois’ season with win over Morehead State

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • November 7, 2023
Illinois swim and dive starts the race at the ARC pool against Vanderbilt yesterday.

Jass breaks 2 pool records, obtains swim & dive victory over Vanderbilt 

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • November 4, 2023
Forward Brynn Shoup-Hill shoots for three during exhibition match on Monday.

No. 23 Illini women’s basketball begins season with massive 61-point victory in exhibition game

By Tess Eken, Staff Writer • October 31, 2023

Illinois swim & dive continues fierce training in preparation for dual meets in California

By Tess Eken, Contributing Writer • October 25, 2023

Illinois swim & dive takes on Kansas in first dual meet of season

By Tess Eken, Contributing Writer • October 15, 2023
The Illinois swim & dive team met at the ARC on Oct. 7. The blue squad raced the orange squad in a series of events.

Illinois swimming & diving team goes head-to-head in intrasquad meet

By Tess Eken, Contributing Writer • October 7, 2023
ILLordle: Play now