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

Meghan Rest

Meghan Rest, Sports Editor

My name is Meghan Rest and I’m pursuing a degree in journalism. I’m also on the pre-law track and minoring in public relations with a certificate in sports media. I’ve worked at The Daily Illini since my freshman year. I started out as a beat reporter covering tennis and track, then spent most of my sophomore year writing about the women’s basketball and volleyball teams. My junior year I was lucky enough to work as one of our assistant sports editor. When I’m not at the DI, I'm either working out or binge-watching "It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia". Even though I'm from central Illinois, I'm a die hard Indiana Pacers fan and love the Chicago Cubs. I’m super excited to take on the role sports editor! I look forward to aiding the production of some pretty amazing content.

[email protected]

How I bit into sports journalism

How I bit into sports journalism

By Meghan Rest, Sports Editor March 12, 2020
Sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu drives toward the basket with pressure from Terrapin sophomore guard Eric Ayala during Illinois’ game against No. 9 Maryland Friday. The Illini lost 75-66.

Illinois takes on Michigan State Tuesday

By Meghan Rest, Sports Editor February 10, 2020
The Illini Student section cheering during the Illinis game vs Wisconsin on Saturday.

Homecoming football notebook

By Meghan Rest, Sports Editor October 21, 2019
Illinois’ Aleks Kovacevic returns the ball during the match against Duke at Atkins Tennis Center on Feb. 1. The Illini won 6-1. The team has a busy schedule planned for the fall semester.

Illini to make most of fall semester

By Meghan Rest, Sports Editor September 12, 2019

Illinois sweeps series against Grand Canyon

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor March 12, 2019
Kellen Sarver swings at a baseball in Illinois baseballs tournament in Conway, SC over the weekend.

Illini break winning streak in game against Chanticleers

By Meghan Rest, Assistant sports editor March 6, 2019
Illinois freshman infielder Branden Comia throws a ground ball during the Illini’s series at Florida Atlantic University last weekend. Comia has been one of the strongest first-year players for the Illini this season.

Illini continue to climb in ranks

By Meghan Rest, Assistant sports editor March 4, 2019
Freshman catcher Jacob Campbell walks back to the dugout during the Illini’s tournament in Boca Raton, Florida. Campbell decided to attend the University despite being drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 2018 MLB Draft.

2018 MLB draft picks discuss choosing college

By Meghan Rest, Assistant sports editor February 28, 2019
Illinois Emilee Duong returns the ball during the match against Notre Dame at Atkins Tennis Center on Friday, Feb. 8, 2019. The Illini won 4-3.

Women’s tennis breaks through to high rankings

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor February 25, 2019
David Craan and teammates celebrate a victory against Florida Atlantic over the weekend. The
Illini took all three games of the series for a 6-0 start to the season.

Team off to best start since 2015

By Meghan Rest, Assistant sports editor February 25, 2019
Illini compete across coasts to start season

Illini compete across coasts to start season

By Meghan Rest, Assistant sports editor February 21, 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.

Illinois looks to stay undefeated in second series

By Meghan Rest, Assistant sports editor 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.

Baseball opening weekend notebook

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sport Editor February 21, 2019
Illinois senior outfielder Zac Taylor winds up to swing during Illinois’ weekend tournament at Wake Forest. This weekend opened the Illini’s spring campaign.

Illinois sweeps opening weekend in North Carolina

By Meghan Rest, Assistant sports editor February 18, 2019
Michael Massey throws the ball to first base during Illinois’ game against Milwaukee on March 14. Massey is heading into this season as the No. 2 Big Ten MLB draft prospect.

Baseball more than a game for Massey family

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor February 14, 2019
Illinois Aleks Kovacevic gets ready to return the ball during the match against Duke at Atkins Tennis Center on Feb. 1. The Illini won 6-1.

Illini fall to Wildcats, Tar Heels

By Meghan Rest, Assistant sports editor February 13, 2019
Illinois guard Ayo Dosunmu rises up to dunk the ball during the game against Rutgers at the State Farm Center on Saturday. Dosunmu has been named Big Ten Freshman of the Week, alongside Giorgi Bezhanishvili, who was named Big Ten Player of the Week.

Freshmen receive Big Ten honors

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor February 12, 2019

Redbirds defeated, Big Ten play next

By Meghan Rest, Assistant sports editor February 7, 2019
Junior Zeke Clark serves the ball during a match. The mens tennis team boasts several powerful duos in fast-paced doubles matches, leaving plenty to look out for this season.

Illini gain momentum before Wednesday match

By Meghan Rest, Assistant sports editor February 4, 2019
Illinois second baseman Michael Massey throws the ball to first for a double play during the exhibition game against Indiana State at Illinois Field on Sept. 22. The Illini tied 5-5. Massey was placed in the top-10 Big Ten Division I MLB Prospect list with several other Illini players.

Illinois players make list of top MLB prospects

By Meghan Rest, Assistant sports editor January 31, 2019
Illini football fans fill Grange Grove before the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 13. Thad Ward,  Illini running back coach, is saying farewell to Illinois to work at Temple University.

REPORT: Thad Ward to leave Illini football program

By Meghan Rest, Assistant sports editor January 30, 2019
Jon Davis runs during a meet on Nov. 9, 2017. After suffering from a foot injury and illness during the 2018 indoor season, Davis bounced back to become the No. 1-ranking mile runner in the nation.

Jon Davis breaks four-minute mile after injury

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor January 28, 2019
Dosunmu shines against Michigan as team focuses on growth

Dosunmu shines against Michigan as team focuses on growth

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor January 14, 2019
Illinois head coach, Lovie Smith, talks to his team during the game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 3. The program announced Friday it had recruited University of Miami wide receiver, Jeff Thomas, for the 2019 season.

ICYMI: Illinois lands transfer wide receiver, Jeff Thomas

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor December 22, 2018

Top 5 Illinois sports moments of the semester

By Meghan Rest, Assistant sports editor December 17, 2018

Volleyball stays on winning track

By Meghan Rest, Assistant sports editor December 6, 2018
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.

Swim and dive start regular season off strong

By Meghan Rest, Assistant sports editor November 29, 2018
Aruba series ends with cup title

Aruba series ends with cup title

By Meghan Rest, Assistant sports editor November 26, 2018

Atkins donation to fund baseball training center

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor November 13, 2018

Unexpected performance for cross country Big Ten championships

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor October 30, 2018
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith shakes hands with fans along Grange Grove before the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018.

A quick look at head coach Lovie Smith’s salary

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor October 23, 2018
Illinois outfielder Zac Taylor gets ready to swing at the pitch during the exhibition game against Indiana State at Illinois Field on Saturday. The Illini tied 5-5.

Exhibitions mark fall training start

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor October 1, 2018

Freshman runner finds his team

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor September 24, 2018
Illinois defensive specialist Morgan O’Brien celebrates during the match against Northern Iowa
at Huff Hall on Friday. The Illini won 3-0.

O’Brien comfortably settles into new team role as libero

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor September 17, 2018
Illinois midfielder Arianna Veland passes the ball during the game against Northern Illinois at
the Illinois Soccer Stadium on Aug. 26. The Illini won 8-0.

Soccer thrives, tennis and golf gear up

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor September 17, 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.

Men’s golf team stays strong after roster change

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor September 4, 2018
The Illini celebrate after scoring a point during the match against Michigan at Huff Hall on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2017. The Illini won 3-2.

Sporting events to go to before graduating

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor July 17, 2018
Nick Hardy setting the course

Nick Hardy setting the course

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor May 3, 2018
Illinois starting pitcher Emily Oestreich (8) delivers the pitch during the game against Iowa at Eichelberger Field on Saturday, April 21, 2018. The Illini won 6-5.

Walkoff helps grab series win against Iowa

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor April 23, 2018
Illinois defensive specialist Morgan O’Brien passes the ball during the match against Stanford at Huff Hall on Sept. 8. The Illini lost 3-0.

Morgan O’Brien makes US national team

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor April 16, 2018
Illinois head coach Chris Tamas talks to his team during a timeout in the match against Michigan at Huff Hall on Nov. 5. The Illini won 3-2.

Spring volleyball update

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor April 16, 2018
Illinois’ Taylor Edwards delivers the pitch during the game against SIUE at Eichelberger Field on April 12, 2017. The Ilini lost to the Minnesota Gophers 6-0.

Minnesota quiets Illini bats in double-header sweep

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor April 2, 2018
Illini men’s golf win at BIGHORN Invitational

Illini men’s golf win at BIGHORN Invitational

By Meghan Rest, Assistant Sports Editor March 29, 2018
Alex Wittinger shoots a jump shot during Illinois 67-55 loss to Michigan State on Tuesday, January 16.

Women’s basketball continues losing streak

By Meghan Rest, Staff writer January 22, 2018
Alex Wittinger takes a shot for Illinois in their 73-65 win over Detroit Mercy on Dec. 10, 2017. The season hasn’t gone as well as planned, with the team most recently sustaining a tough loss to Nebraska on Wednesday. Illinois’ record is now 9-10.

Nebraska fends off Illini late

By Meghan Rest, Staff Writer January 16, 2018
The Illini celebrate after scoring a point during the match against Michigan at Huff Hall on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2017. The Illini won 3-2.

Illinois volleyball moves on to the Sweet 16

By Meghan Rest, Staff Writer December 4, 2017
Illinois forward Alli Ball (3) goes up for a layup during the game against Fort Wayne at State Farm Center on Friday, Nov. 10, 2017. The Illini won 64-50.

Ball is Ballin’

By Meghan Rest, Staff Writer December 3, 2017
Sports editor Cole Henke says,
“Volleyball has been the most consistently fun sport at this University for more than four years.”

Donnelly’s final act with Illinois volleyball

By Meghan Rest, Staff Writer November 27, 2017
Illinois outside hitter Megan Cooney tips the ball over the net during the match against Michigan at Huff Hall on Nov. 5. The Illini won 3-2.

Strong finish earns Illini a tournament bid

By Meghan Rest, Staff Writer November 26, 2017
Illinois outside hitter Jacqueline Quade splkes the ball during the game against Wisconsin at Huff Hall on Friday, November 17. The Illini lost 3-1.

Volleyball falls to No. 12 Wisconsin

By Meghan Rest, Staff writer November 17, 2017
Illinois’ Jaelyne Kirkpatrick dribbles the ball down the court against Wake Forest on Nov. 30. The team opens its regular season this Friday against Fort Wayne.

Fahey building a grittier team in preseason

By Meghan Rest, Staff writer November 9, 2017
Kyle Biedron, Junior, spikes the ball during an Illini mens club volleyball practice at the ARC on Thursday November 2, 2017.

Helping the Illini battle the best

By Meghan Rest, Staff writer November 6, 2017
ILLordle: Play now