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

Rachel Spencer

Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor

My name is Rachel Spencer and I’m currently majoring in English. I started working at The Daily Illini second semester of my freshman year. During that time, I covered women’s golf and the following fall I was a beat reporter covering volleyball. I also briefly worked on softball before being hired as Assistant Sports Editor. When I’m not in the Illini Media office, you can spot me in the English Building doing English Major Things or singing at the Krannert Center with Women’s Glee Club. My favorite sport is golf and visiting Augusta National Golf Club is at the top of my“sports bucket list.” I’m extremely excited to see what this year will bring and can’t wait to see what lies in store for me and the entire sports staff.

[email protected]

Sophomore pitcher Sydney Sickles pitches during Illinois game against Illinois State at Eichelberger Field on April 3, 2019.

Sickels named Big Ten Softball Pitcher of the Week

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor February 13, 2020
Senior Carolyn Nye pole vaulting at the Armory.

Track and field kicks off 2020 season

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor January 22, 2020
Hartleb, Acton pick up preseason honors

Hartleb, Acton pick up preseason honors

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor January 7, 2020
Josh Whitman, UI Director of Athletics, meeting with the press in the Hall of Fame Room at the Bielfeldt Athletics Administration Building on Mar. 8, 2018.

Change is coming: Paying college athletes

By Rachel Spencer, Staff writer November 18, 2019
Ashlyn Fleming spikes the ball during the Illini’s game versus the Wolverines at the Cliff Keen Arena on Saturday. The Illini lost 3-1.

Illinois falls to Michigan on the road

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor November 11, 2019
The Illini celebrate after scoring a point vs Ohio State at Huff Hall on Saturday.

Huff Hall houses home-court advantage for Illini

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor October 30, 2019
Illinois wide receiver Trevon Sidney runs for a season-opener touchdown against Akron on Aug. 31. Sidney sustained an injury on his left leg on Oct. 5, ending his 2019 season.

Sidney ends first Illini season early

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor October 24, 2019
Over the summer, the Illini tested their skills abroad, playing against teams in the United Kingdom and The Netherlands. The Illini were able to learn about other cultures from players across the world.

Players come together for international exhibitions

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor October 3, 2019
Baseball head coach Dan Hartleb (24) looks on to the field before the baseball game against Purdue at Illinois Field on Saturday, April 11, 2015. Illinois won 10-5.

Hartleb introduces Canadian club team to Illinois

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor September 30, 2019
Junior Ali Morallos drives during the Illini’s practice at the Lauritsen/Wohlers Outdoor Golf Practice Facility. The women’s golf team finished fifth as a team at the Glass City Invitational on Tuesday.

Up to par: Illini place fifth in first tournament

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor September 19, 2019
The Illinois Rugby team faces off against Michigan State on Saturday.

New coach, program conquer adversity

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor September 16, 2019
The women’s cross country team kicks off its fall campaign on Friday. Both the women’s and men’s teams dominated the Illini Open.

Loud, Craddock win Illini Open

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor September 3, 2019
Illinois cross country teams prepare for a meet on Aug. 16. Both the men’s and women’s teams will begin their seasons at the Illini Open on Friday.

Illini start season on home course

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor August 29, 2019
Former Illini sprinter Jonathan Wells kneels in a starting position during practice. Wells and fellow graduate sprinter Devin Quinn concluded their spring seasons at the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships in July. Quinn graduated from Illinois in May while Wells has one year left of eligibility.

Quinn, Wells run at USATF Outdoor Championships

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor August 26, 2019
Students eat at Merry Ann’s Diner located at 701 S. Gregory St. on Sept. 30. Merry Ann’s is a popular late-night destination.

Experience CU in a meal with your parents

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor August 23, 2019
Pedestrians walk toward Memorial Stadium alongside the Marching Illini on Oct. 18. Synonymous with school spirit itself, the Marching Illini accompany many scenes of Illini pride like football games and Quad Day.

Get your spirit on as a new Illinois fan

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor August 20, 2019
Catcher Jacob Campbell (right) celebrates with third baseman Grant Van Scoy (left) after hitting a homerun during game one of the doubleheader against Maryland at Illinois Field on April 6. The Illini won 5-1.

Baseball drops two at NCAA regional

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor June 2, 2019
Kouma commits to Illinis class of 2019

Kouma commits to Illini’s class of 2019

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor May 31, 2019
Pitcher Andy Fisher delivers the pitch during the game against Indiana State at Illinois Field on  September 24. Seven Illini, including Fisher, signed with professional teams following the MLB draft earlier in June.

Illinois earns NCAA regional spot

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor May 28, 2019
Taylor Edwards speaks to one of the Softball coaches at Eichelberger Field on April 3. Illinois defeated Illinois State 2-1. This game marked the end of a seven-game losing streak for the Illini.

Illinois breaks seven-game losing streak

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor May 2, 2019
Tristyn Nowlin golfs at the Women’s Invitational in Medina, Illinois, on Oct. 9, 2019.

Augusta National: The LPGA’s Final Frontier

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor April 22, 2019
Illionois head coach Chris Tamas talks to his team during the match against Michigan at Huff Hall on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018. The Illini won 3-2.

Illinois faces Purdue again in spring campaign

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor April 9, 2019
Illinois outside hitter Jacqueline Quade (center) points to setter Jordyn Poulter (left) after scoring a kill during the match against Nebraska in the Final Four of the NCAA tournament at the Target Center on Dec. 13. Nebraska defeated Illinois 3-2.

Illinois volleyball set to play spring schedule

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor March 29, 2019
Illinois head coach Chris Tamas smiles during a timeout in the match against Nebraska in the Final Four of the NCAA tournament at the Target Center on Dec. 13. Nebraska defeated Illinois 3-2. Several players on the team will be going abroad to join the U.S. national team.

Volleyball players earn spots abroad on national team

By Rachel Spencer, Assistant Sports Editor March 28, 2019
Illinois outfielder Carly Thomas hits the ball during the game against Iowa at Eichelberger Field on April 21. The Illini won 6-5.

Thomas outhits doubles record

By Rachel Spencer, Staff writer March 14, 2019

Friday games incite energy for Illini

By Rachel Spencer, Staff writer March 4, 2019
Illinois infielder Annie Fleming (99) swings at the pitch during the game against the University of Wisconsin-Parkside at Eichelberger Field on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. The Illini won 8-0.

Illini cruise in early season action

By Rachel Spencer, Staff writer February 18, 2019
Illinois outside hitter Jacqueline Quade spikes the ball from the back row during the match against Louisville in the second round
of the NCAA tournament at Huff Hall on Saturday. The Illini won 3-1.

Illinois to play Friday in Sweet 16

By Rachel Spencer, Staff Writer December 6, 2018

No. 3 volleyball enters NCAA tournament

By Rachel Spencer, Staff Writer November 29, 2018
Illinois head coach Chris Tamas talks to his team during the match against Michigan at Huff Hall on Oct. 19. The Illini won 3-2. The team continues to pick up wins on the road and now heads home to compete as the No. 4-ranked team in the country.

Volleyball to face Rutgers, Penn State

By Rachel Spencer, Staff Writer November 8, 2018
Illinois defensive specialist Morgan O’Brien gets ready to dig the ball during the match against Iowa at Huff Hall on Sept. 28. OBrien became the third player to receive Big Ten Player of the Week accolades this season.

O’Brien’s play aids in recent victory

By Rachel Spencer, Staff Writer November 1, 2018
Volleyball wins in emotional weekend

Volleyball wins in emotional weekend

By Rachel Spencer, Staff Writer October 22, 2018
Illinois outside hitter Jacqueline Quade hits the ball from the back row during the match against Nebraska at Huff Hall on Sept. 29. The Illini lost 3-1.

Quade continues to reach new heights

By Rachel Spencer, Staff Writer October 18, 2018

Illinois embraces road game challenges

By Rachel Spencer, Staff Writer October 11, 2018
Illinois middle blocker Ali Bastianelli tips the ball during the match against Northern Iowa at Huff Hall on Sept. 14. The Illini take on No. 5 Wisconsin on Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Volleyball falls to No. 5 Wisconsin

By Rachel Spencer, Staff Writer October 6, 2018
Illinois outside hitter Jacqueline Quade (7) celebrates during the match against Northern Iowa at Huff Hall on Sept. 14, 2018. The Illini won 3-0.

Quade rules the court

By Rachel Spencer, Staff Writer September 26, 2018
Volleyball shoots hoops in free time

Volleyball shoots hoops in free time

By Rachel Spencer, Staff writer September 24, 2018
Jordyn Poulter begins her serve during Illinois’ game against Wisconsin on Nov. 17.

Business as usual for Illini

By Rachel Spencer, Staff writer September 10, 2018
Senior Dana Gattone takes a swing of her Callaway club. The Illini golfers carry their clubs and so much more onto the course.

A look inside the Illini’s golf bag

By Rachel Spencer, Staff Writer April 16, 2018
Women’s golf takes fifth at Meadow Club

Women’s golf takes fifth at Meadow Club

By Rachel Spencer, Contributing writer March 11, 2018
Womens golf heads back out west

Women’s golf heads back out west

By Rachel Spencer, Contributing Writer March 5, 2018
Spring season start shows potential

Spring season start shows potential

By Rachel Spencer, Contributing writer February 28, 2018
ILLordle: Play now