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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
Junior setter Kenna Phelan sets the ball during Illinois’ match against Wisconsin on Nov. 15.

Bruins outlast Illini, team prepares for Trojans, West Coast swing continues

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Nov 22, 2025
Freshman libero Taryn Kirsch up to the line to make a serve during the first match, Nov. 9.

Another big weekend lies ahead for Illinois

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Nov 14, 2025
The Illini huddle ahead of their game against the Iowa Hawkeyes on Nov. 2.

2 recruits sign with Illinois volleyball

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Nov 12, 2025
Freshman libero/defensive specialist Taryn Kirsch prepares to serve against Penn State on Nov. 9.

Strong defensive outing falls short as Illini drop 6th straight 

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Nov 10, 2025
Redshirt sophomore opposite Auburn Tomkinson warms up ahead of the Illinois volleyball game against Iowa in Huff Hall on Nov. 2.

Column | Time for Illinois to panic?

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Nov 6, 2025
Freshman outside hitter Alyssa Aguayo bumps the ball during Illinois’ match against Iowa on Nov. 2.

Valiant comeback effort comes up short as Illinois loses 4th straight

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Nov 3, 2025
Freshman outside hitter Alyssa Aguayo receives a serve from Michigan at Huff Hall Saturday night. Illinois lost this game and would lose again to Minnesota on Wednesday.

3rd straight sweep has Illinois tumbling down Big Ten ranks

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Oct 31, 2025
The Illinois volleyball team lines up in front of the student section to sing the Alma Mater following their win against Michigan on Oct. 5. Illinois won the match 3-2.

In with the new: Recruits bring life to Illinois volleyball

By Rudraksh Kikani and Zach Shapero • Oct 30, 2025
Kyle Kostro, Walgreens store manager and lifelong CU resident reads the Huff Hall centennial display case with his two sons on Oct. 23.

Huff Hall celebrates 100th anniversary

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Oct 30, 2025
Redshirt sophomore outside hitter Taylor de Boer leaps to return a hit against Purdue on Oct. 24.

Takeaways from rough weekend at Huff Hall

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Oct 27, 2025
Junior setter Kenna Phelan hugs her teammates after scoring a point during the team’s match against Michigan State on Oct. 5. Illinois would go on to win the match 3-2.

Illinois sweep Northwestern for 5th straight win

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Oct 20, 2025
Freshman outside hitter Alyssa Aguayo goes up to spike the ball during the Illini’s match against the Spartans on Oct. 5.

Column | Illini reach tail end of road trip

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Oct 17, 2025
Freshman Outside Hitter Alyssa Aguayo recieves a serve during the Illinois volleyball match against Michigan St. on October 5. Illinois would end up winning the match 3-2.

Illini scratch and claw to defeat Spartans in 5 sets

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Oct 6, 2025
Outside hitter Taylor de Boer runs out on the court before the Illini’s game against the Oregon Ducks on Sept. 26.

Illini look to ride momentum following 2-0 start to Big Ten play

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Oct 1, 2025
The Illinois volleyball team celebrates the point that would secure them the win over Oregon on Friday. Illinois won the match 3-0.

Illinois shocks No. 10 Purdue for first top-10 win since 2021

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Sep 29, 2025
Freshman middle blocker Ashlyn Philpot rises to block Maryland’s attack during an intense first set on Oct. 20, 2024.

Illinois takes two wins at Linda Herman Classic

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Sep 15, 2025
Illinois huddles up during a home match against Maryland on Oct. 20, 2024.

Illinois volleyball pushed aside by No. 3 Louisville

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Sep 8, 2025
Members of the Illinois volleyball team celebrate during a match against USC on Nov. 8, 2024.

Illini rally to defeat Commodores for first win

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Sep 1, 2025
Illinois volleyball players celebrate during their match against Illinois State on Sept. 3, 2024.

Illini volleyball set for historic 2025 season

By Rudraksh Kikani and Zach Shapero • Aug 29, 2025
Senior catcher Paige Berkmeyer strolls to the plate against Michigan State on April 12.

Illinois drops series to Ohio State

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • May 6, 2025
(L-R) Redshirt sophomore outfielder Alaina Miller and assistant coach Brendan Goler look towards the mound from first base during the game against Michigan State on April 12.

What to watch for as Illini enter final Big Ten series

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • May 2, 2025
Freshman utility player Keirys Click prepares to throw to first base against Michigan State on April 13.

A very solid week for Illinois 

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Apr 25, 2025
(L-R) Sophomore infielder Eileen Donahue and freshman utility player Keirys Click talk on the infield during a game against the Michigan State Spartans on April 13th.

Opinion | Time for softball to hit panic button

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Apr 22, 2025
Freshman London Park stays focused during the Illini’s game against the Spartans on April 12.

3 things to know as Illinois prepares for Purdue

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Apr 18, 2025
Junior right-handed pitcher Karley Yergler delivers a pitch against Saint Louis on March 5.

Illini drop 2 of 3 to Wildcats

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Apr 8, 2025
(L to R) Alaina Miller and Yazzy Avila celebrate the team's 5-0 victory over Saint Louis on March 3.

Opinion | It’s time for Illinois to turn things around

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Apr 5, 2025
How far does Illinois have to travel this spring?

How far does Illinois have to travel this spring?

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Mar 28, 2025
Junior right-handed pitcher/utility player Karley Yergler throws a ball to a Saint Louis batter during a game on March 3, 2025.

Illini fall in extra innings to Panthers

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Mar 27, 2025
Illinois softball in a circle before a game against Saint Louis on March 3.

Weekend of positives for Illini softball

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Mar 13, 2025
Illinois softball meets on the mound during a game against Ohio State on April 15, 2023.

Stat leaders emerge after 4 weeks

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Mar 7, 2025
Sophomore infielder Adisyn Caryl stands on the field during a game against SIUE on March 27, 2024.

Highs, lows of Illinois softball’s last weekend tournament

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Mar 4, 2025
Canada’s Connor McDavid celebrates his game-winning goal with Devon Toews, Cale Makar and Mitch Marner during the overtime period against Team USA during the Nations Face-Off final at TD Garden. (Photo By Matt Stone/Boston Herald)

Column | Why 4 Nations Face-Off exceeded expectations

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Feb 27, 2025
Senior right-hander Lauren Wiles warms up on the mound before a game against SIUE on March 27, 2024.

Illinois looks to heat up away from home

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Feb 21, 2025
Senior outfielder Stevie Meade runs past second base during a game against Indiana State on March 29, 2023.

The sun, clouds, thunder of Illinois softball

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Feb 18, 2025
Illinois softball meets in a team huddle during a game against SIUE on March 27, 2024.

3 things to know heading into Illinois’ first weekend on the diamond

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Feb 7, 2025
Grades, notes ahead of Illinois softball’s season debut

Grades, notes ahead of Illinois softball’s season debut

By Tess Eken and Zach Shapero • Feb 1, 2025
Illini track and field faces challenge at home

Illini track and field faces challenge at home

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Jan 24, 2025
Freshman guard Kasparas Jakučionis drives to the line against No. 1 Tennessee at State Farm Center on Dec. 14.

Gifts we hope to get from Illinois: Part 1

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Dec 22, 2024
Redshirt Junior Ethan Hampton runs with the ball during a game against Massachusetts.

Illinois lands transfer quarterback Ethan Hampton

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Dec 21, 2024
Linebacker Leon Lowery signs with Illinois

Linebacker Leon Lowery signs with Illinois

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Dec 17, 2024
Senior Halle Hill gets moving in cross country matchup against Illinois State on Sept. 1, 2022.

Illini pick up the pace at NCCA Midwest Regionals

By Zach Shapero, Staff Writer • Nov 20, 2024
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard (98) looks to make a move in the third period of the Blackhawks home opener against the San Jose Sharks at the United Center in Chicago on Oct. 17, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

A recap of Chicago Blackhawks’ first month of play

By Zach Shapero, Contributing Writer • Nov 7, 2024
The Social Justice Initiative speaks to students at the block party hosted by Illini Vote at Anniversary Plaza on Tuesday. Both students and community members can vote early in-person at the Illini Union.

Block party on Main Quad promotes voting registration

By Zach Shapero, Contributing Writer • Oct 30, 2024

Erica Finney joins Illini recruiting class of 2025

By Zach Shapero, Contributing Writer • Oct 25, 2024

Shauna Green bolsters forward rotation in 2025 class

By Zach Shapero, Contributing Writer • Oct 23, 2024