The Daily Illini: Spring Sports Edition 2022

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Freshman trio sets new team standard

By Theo Gary Staff Writer

It’s been a rough decade for Illinois swim & dive. The Illini haven’t finished better than second to last in the Big Ten since the 2013–2014 season. For a program with so little recent success, it’s strange to see a coach stick around as long as the former head coach Sue Novitsky did.

She coached Illinois’ swimmers for 28 years, first as a volunteer assistant in 1994 and then as an assistant coach in 1997. Before the 2000–2001 season, she got the full-time gig. Novitsky left last spring after 21 years with the most Illinois swim wins of all time and a losing record — 114-120-2 — attributable more to longevity than anything.

Novitsky’s last recruiting class provides a counter-weight to a tenure that could be measured as successful or unsuccessful depending on one’s point of view; all 22 of Novistky’s teams were either excellent or superior in their team GPA, as rated by the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America. The freshmen that she signed — Jillian Wilson, Liv Dorshorst, Sara Jass and Alexis Wendel — have all made a substantial impact on the team.

Already as freshmen and all in the same meet, Dorshorst, Jass and Wendel broke Illinois records. Jass finished with the second-fastest backstroke in Illinois history, Wendel swam the fifthfastest 200m butterfly, and Dorshorst finished with the seventh-best 1650 relay.

But these swimmers now swim for coach Jeana Kempe who got the job after Novitsky’s retirement. She came in, and things have changed. Not that Illinois is winning a lot so far — they aren’t — but things have changed internally. Team culture, that phrase every college coach slobbers over, that’s different.

“We actually had a team retreat at the beginning of the season where we talked about goals for the season.” Jass said. “And one of the major goals was team positivity. I think the leaders on the team were able to start that, and everyone followed.”

Positivity, while helpful, doesn’t win meets on its own. But coupled with new training, new workouts and a new process — that’s where visible in-the-water changes happen.

“Everyone just feels stronger,” Jass said. “The training’s a lot different from what they’ve done in the past. Coach Jeana and Kyle have brought some new

aspects to training … It’s very specific training that they know what they need for each person. So I think that’s really helped each person improve individually, because the coaches know what they need to succeed.”

Training isn’t just more targeted; practices are longer and more intense, a better preparation for the grueling three or four day meets swim & dive routinely competes in.

“We’ve been doing a lot longer practices,” Dorshorst said. “The other day we did an 8K practice.”

Because of this training, the swimmers are pushed out of their comfort zones, are more positive and getting better.

“Everyone’s just really motivated to get better,” Dorshorst said. “So we all push each other, because we want to get better as a team.”

The next level, like in any other college sport, requires high-level recruiting. And Kempe has already signed a class of her own: 11 swimmers, some

from Illinois, some from out of state and some from countries as distant as Slovakia.

Illinois has a unique advantage. The top recruit in the 2022 cycle according to swimcloud.com, Carly Novelline, attended New Trier high school in Wilmette, Ill., in the northern suburbs of Chicago. And Dorshorst, who according to the same service was the seventhbest recruit in Illinois, is from Killdeer, Ill., just west of Chicago. Jass is from Geneva, Ill., northwest of that same city, and Wendel went to New Trier too.

If you’re sensing a pattern, there is one: the Chicago suburbs produce a ton of talented swimmers.

“Illinois, as a state, is one of the best states at swimming,” Dorshorst said. “And I think a lot of people who live in Illinois have connections to (the University), which makes people want to go here. So I feel like that’s really nice. And I feel like the swim community is kind of small, and we all know each other. So they see some people going to Illi-

nois, and then other people want to go.” Jass, whose father attended Illinois, had just that sort of family connection.

“My dad went to Illinois and (so did) a lot of my extended family,” Jass said. “And so I was really looking here for sure. And then when I came here on my visit, I really fell in love with the campus and the girls on the team who were all super welcoming. You can tell, they really just wanted this team to become better, to succeed. I think that really drew me in.”

New practices, new players, a new culture — it’s all new for Illinois swim & dive. What comes of that? Only time will tell, but it’s bound to be better than a decade in the Big Ten basement.

“I see the team just growing up,” Dorshorst said. “Our recruits coming in next year were really good. I just feel like it’s going to keep on going up especially if our team keeps the same energy and passion.”

SYDNEY LAPUT THE DAILY ILLINI

Freshman Liv Dorshorst reaches for the wall during a meet against Indiana State in October 2022. Dorshorst, a newcomer to the Illini, broke the record for the University’s swim team 1650 relay, earning seventh place.

Illini rebuild ahead of 2023 season

ald said. “I love being here, and I want to win here. I want to leave my mark here, and (I) want to leave the program better than we found it.”

By Adam Rosen Staff Writer

As spring is coming around the corner, the turf saturated with rain and shine, it’s time for Illinois baseball to throw heaters and hit dingers. The Illini have much more time to get into the bullpen and do some batting cage work with their brand-new training facility, which opened in October.

The team will begin the 2023 season on Feb. 17 as they embark on a southern tour with stops in North Carolina, Mississippi, Texas and South Carolina. Head coach Dan Hartleb is entering his 33rd season with Illinois baseball and 18th as head coach of the program.

In November, Hartleb was rewarded a four-year contract extension that runs through 2027. Hartleb spoke about how “blessed” he is to be at Illinois.

“The administration has done a great job of supporting myself and my family personally,” Hartleb said. “(I) just am very fortunate to continue on with my career. We have enjoyed our team here, and we are so passionate about the program and the athletic department.”

Hartleb is the second-winningest coach in the history of Illinois baseball, earning his 500th win during the 2022 campaign, and just 12 more wins will put him at the top of the record books. During Hartleb’s career with the Illini, the team has experienced historic success, especially in the last decade with a win percentage of 61%.

The 2023 team possesses a mixture of both youth and veteran presence, as it is bringing in multiple new faces during the offseason to combine with some returning players.

One of the key returners is senior infielder/outfielder Cam McDonald, who has provided constant offensive firepower in his time with the team. Last season, McDonald set the program record for most consecutive games getting on base in his 58thstraight appearance.

“When I started getting close to

the on-base record that weekend against Nebraska, it was getting to me throughout the week,” McDonald said. “I meet every week with Jim Maurer, our sports psychologist, and he got me to come back down.”

McDonald is one of nearly two dozen returning players for the Illi -

ni along with several additions via the transfer portal and the incoming freshman class. For McDonald, coming back for another year was a lot about building a legacy in Champaign.

“The biggest reason I stayed is the guys, and I love the coaches,” McDon-

McDonald was top three in almost every offensive statistic for the Illini last season, finishing with a slash line of .363/.561/.413 in 212 at-bats. McDonald smacked seven home runs to go along with 59 runs batted in.

One of the many newcomers to the team, graduate student right-handed pitcher TJ Constertina was excited to get to Illinois and begin working for the team he supported as a kid.

“I have been a fan (of Illinois) since I was a little kid. It is a dream come true to be here. My dad went here, and my brother goes here now,” Constertina said. “Out of high school, I did not really have any attention from bigger schools, so once I got offered from Illinois, I was thrilled to have that opportunity to represent my home state.”

Constertina grew up in Arlington Heights, Ill., and attended Buffalo Grove High School with fellow graduate transfer John Lundgren. Constertina spoke about getting the chance to play with his former high school teammate.

“I knew John from a pretty young age,” Constertina said. “We played high school baseball together, and I am thrilled to be playing with him again this year.”

Constertina previously pitched as a reliever for the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, and he believes he will fit in well with the Illini in a similar role. Constertina finished with a 1.19 earned run average in 22.2 innings for the Tommies last season.

Looking back on the 2022 season, the Illini finished 31-22 overall with a 17-7 record in conference play. However, the team struggled when not at home, with a 12-10 record on the road and 3-8 on neutral ground. The team was the fourth seed in the Big Ten tournament before bowing out after losing both games.

2023 looks to be another year of success for the Illini. With one of the winningest coaches in the nation and a roster compiled of a balanced youth and veteran presence, the Illini have much to look forward to on the diamond.

New roster expected to succeed under Hartleb’s coaching

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDY WENSTRAND / ILLINOIS ATHLETICS

Senior infielder/outfielder Cam McDonald follows through on a swing during a game against Northwestern in April 2022. Last season, McDonald set the record for most consecutive games on base.

“I love being here, and I want to win here. I want to leave my mark here, and (I) want to leave the program better than we found it.”

Cam McDonald

Veteran experience returns to Illinois so ball

By Ben Fader Staff Writer

As students begin to settle in for the 2023 spring semester, spring sports teams continue to prepare for the quickly approaching season. Illinois softball debuts in less than a month, with its Feb. 10 opening tournament in Clearwater, Fla.

The Illini are coming off of a season where they finished 34-22 and 15-7 in conference play, which is their most conference wins in a season since 2010. The 2022 squad’s impressive record paved the way to Illinois’ fourth NCAA tournament appearance in seven years.

The team is poised to not only solidify the program as NCAA tournament regulars in 2023 but also make a run deeper than it has in years past. The The Illini will return eight of their top 10 starters in the field from last year and all three of their main pitchers. While the returning nucleus is deep and experienced, a few players stand out who can take this team to the next level.

Fifth-year second baseman Avrey Steiner is statistically the best returning hitter. Steiner hit .391 in 2022, tal-

lying 77 hits, which is the second most all-time in a single season in Illini history. She has improved each year as an Illini and is an on-base machine at the top of the lineup.

In preseason rankings, Steiner was also ranked as the No. 14 second baseman in the country.

Senior third baseman Delaney Rummell is the main power threat in the lineup. What she lacks in average, she makes up for with production, as Rummell led the team in home runs and finished second in RBI and slugging percentage. Her numbers slipped a little in 2022 with a slight increase in workload, but the senior is capable of doing damage for the Illini and can win them ball games.

With Steiner and Rummell ready for big seasons at the plate, the pitching staff has some equally talented players who can limit opponents while the offense puts up runs.

Fifth-year pitcher Sydney Sickels led the team in most pitching statistics, but most importantly in innings pitched, ERA, batting average and strikeouts. The ace of the team, Sickels pitches whenever her arm allows, appearing

SIDNEY MALONE THE DAILY ILLINI

Fi h-year senior Sydney Sickels pitches against Penn State in May 2022. Last season, Sickels led the Illini in innings pitched and ERA.

in over half of the teams’ games last year. When the Illini have success this season, Sickels is sure to be in the middle of it, especially if she improves on an already impressive 2.13 earned runs allowed per game.

Sophomore Lauren Wiles and junior Tori McQueen round out the rest of the staff, as the two were impressive in their own right. Helping the trio combine for a sub 2.50 ERA, they should be atop the conference as a group now with each one’s experience.

In addition to returning stats, the Illini added four freshmen, including infielder Adisyn Caryl (No. 44 in Extra Innings recruiting rankings) and infielder Eileen Donahue (No. 54 in Extra Innings recruiting rankings). The freshmen will provide great depth to an already deep infield unit and add talent on the bench to replace injuries or pinch hit in big moments.

There isn’t much time before Illini fans will get to see the improvement of returning starters, as the competition will heat up immediately. The NFCA Leadoff Classic in Florida will host three Power Five opponents in the first week. The tournaments will get the Illini warmed up before their home debut on March 15 where they host Valparaiso at Eichelberger Field.

@benfader7 bfader2@dailyillini.com

for housing in Champaign-Urbana

Yeah begins final year with No. 70 ranking

championship with senior Josie Frazier and picking up three singles wins at the ITA All-American Championships. These performances resulted in Yeah being designated as the 70th-best singles player in all women’s college tennis going into the spring season.

By Conor Blount Assistant Sports Editor

For most, the decision of where to play Division I sports relies on the state of that University’s program. How nice are the facilities? Will I be winning a lot of games? Do I believe this program will give me the tools to take me to the next level?

But on top of all of these questions, senior Ashley Yeah of Illinois women’s tennis was also weighing the academic side of her options. Throughout her childhood, Yeah forged a lifestyle that allowed her to excel both on the tennis court and inside the walls of Los Gatos High School. She saw no reason why her dual success could not be replicated at the next level.

“Throughout my life I’ve always put both school and tennis high up,” Yeah said. “I always focused on school as well. One of the main reasons I chose to come to Illinois was also because of the stellar computer science program. My priority is to always keep both school and tennis at a high level, and I think being used to that since high school, it was not too bad of a transition for me. I think school here has a pretty good program for both school and tennis so it makes it easier for me to reach out and balance my schedule because everyone is so accommodating.”

Being able to succeed at a Division I tennis program on top of the inherent course load of a computer science major, let alone a top computer science program in the country, is nearly unheard of.

Perhaps the most simple way to view Yeah’s progress as a player while at Illinois is to compare her two outings at the Wahoowa Invitational. Yeah began her collegiate tennis career in September 2019 with a trip to Charlottesville, Va., where she won one of her seven matches against competitors from Virginia, NC State, Kansas, Princeton and Oklahoma. However, when Yeah returned nearly three years later to the day to kick off the 2022 fall season, she did not lose a single match.

Yeah built on this start to the 2022 fall season in tremendous fashion, winning the UTR College Circuit doubles

The growth of Yeah’s game has been a steady path upwards throughout her entire collegiate career, and although she is happy about the first-time ranking, Yeah believes there is even more she can do.

“I think going into college tournaments, everyone wants to be ranked,” Yeah said. “That’s always the goal, but it’s not how you get there. I think all the experience I have been able to build up throughout every season here has ultimately put me in this situation. I am really grateful for that, but there is still a lot of room to go up from here.”

While very few would try to argue that an athlete’s journey comes easily, it is evident that Yeah had to battle against additional adversity during her time at Illinois. Beginning her career in fall 2019 meant her first spring season was outright canceled due to the pandemic after just 14 matches while her sophomore year saw no fall season and the spring season was limited to Big Ten play only.

Despite the sheer magnitude of missed opportunities to work on her game, Yeah’s improvement has yet to falter, particularly in singles play, where just last year, Yeah set a personal record of fewest losses in a season (five).

As the upperclassmen continue to move on from a pair of irregular seasons, one may assume an individual leader or two have risen up to help guide the team through ups and downs. However, Yeah believes it is the group as a whole rather than a single person that will be there for the Illini as they look to make their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2017.

“The first two seasons we had weren’t really like the real ‘normal’ season,” Yeah said. “But I think last year was great to get through all of that and take on more of a leadership role. It’s not too bad for our team because we are pretty close and everybody gets along. It’s really about everyone pushing everyone. So it is not like we have the biggest leadership role because (the team) makes it pretty easy, the chemistry has really helped with that aspect.”

Senior strikes balance between academic, athletic success

SIDNEY MALONE THE DAILY ILLINI

Senior Ashley Yeah serves against Rutgers in March 2022. Yeah says she has always kept athletics and education at equal importance, which contributed to her commitment at Illinois.

“I have been able to build up throughout every season … but there is still a lot of room to go up from here.”

Shannon leads by example

Senior guard hopes to make impact at NCAA tournament in March

By James Kim Assistant Sports Editor

The Illini faced a tall task heading into the 2022-23 season.

After losing 10 total players, including all five of its regular starters from last season, a big question mark remained as to where Illinois was going to find its points this year.

As it turned out, the answer was the addition of senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr.

Before deciding to spend his final collegiate year with Illinois, Shannon spent his last three years at Texas Tech. During his time as a Red Raider, Shannon averaged 11 points and 3.6 rebounds. He also helped Texas Tech make it to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament in 2021-22, an achievement that caught the eye of an Illinois program that has struggled to make it past the second round in the last two years.

“TJ is a winner who will bring a wealth of experience to our roster,” head coach Brad Underwood said after Shannon’s commitment. “He is an accomplished student who fits the tremendous academic profile we have here at the University of Illinois.”

As the Illini prepared to showcase a younger, new-look roster, Shannon entered the program and immediately shouldered a mountain of attention from across the Big Ten. He had been on Illinois’ radar long before this year as a native of Chicago and was recruited by Underwood back in high school before he ultimately chose Texas Tech. For his final year, it was time for Shannon to come home.

“It’s special, playing for my home state,” Shannon said heading into the season. “I’m back home, and everybody that I went to high school with can come watch me play now — it’s special. Even when I committed to Texas Tech, all the Illinois fans congratulated me and wished me luck, so I felt like we already had a connection even before I committed here.”

With Illini fans ecstatic to see Shannon added to the ranks, the former Red Raider came into 2022-23 with high expectations. The Chicago native was named to the Preseason All-Big Ten

Team and was set to take on a leadership role on the team. Despite the pressure of coming into the season as one of the highest-rated transfer players in the country, Shannon quickly got to work.

The guard excited fans after opening his Illini scoring account with 24 points against Eastern Illinois, but he wasn’t finished there. On Nov. 14, Shannon dropped a career-high 30 points against Monmouth, and four days later, he shocked the nation with an AllAmerican level 29-point performance against No. 8 UCLA. The Illini’s 79-70 upset over the Bruins also saw Shannon snag 10 rebounds and score eight three-pointers, the latter of which tied

the program’s single-game record.

On Dec. 6, Shannon’s clutch abilities were on full display during Illinois’ upset over No. 2 Texas. Despite scoring a mere four points during regulation, the senior guard came alive during overtime and took on the Longhorns nearly on his own. He scored 12 of the Illini’s 17 total points in the third period and clinched the team’s 85-78 victory late in the contest.

So far this season, Shannon has averaged 17.6 points and 5.7 rebounds in 18 games played. The 6-foot-6-inch guard brings an aggressive playing style on offense and specializes in getting to the rim. In addition to consistently drawing fouls, Shannon’s sharp reading of the

game and explosive speed frequently leads to steals and points off turnovers. Illinois hasn’t seen a player as quick in transition since Ayo Dosumnu, who currently plays for the Chicago Bulls.

“They’re similar,” Underwood said back in November. “I think they’re every bit as fast, and Ayo was just so elite. I think that Terrence has a chance to accomplish everything that Ayo did in terms of nationally being one of the top players in transition. Ayo probably doesn’t pull up and shoot it as well as Terrence does in transition, but we’re also talking about a guy who’s starting for the Bulls. He’s pretty good, but Terrence is definitely right there.”

Lately, the Illini are on a hot streak in the Big Ten and have only lost one of their last five games. Shannon has averaged over 20 points across the last four games and continues to improve his draft stock as he enters the final stretch of his college career.

Halfway through the season, Shannon is projected to be drafted in the 2023 NBA Draft and with the way he’s played thus far, it’s not hard to see why. The size, talent and overall explosiveness the guard has showcased has been an instrumental part of Illinois’ success. Shannon’s play has also earned him a spot on the 2022-23 Oscar Robertson Trophy midseason watch list.

However, the big question regarding Shannon is how far he’ll be able to lead Illinois during this year’s edition of the NCAA tournament. Recent years have seen the Illini win the Big Ten title as well as the Big Ten tournament title, but the one competition the program hasn’t truly performed well at yet recently is the biggest one that college basketball has to offer.

Just like in years past, March is going to be a big test for Illinois’ younger squad. However, with the arrival of experienced veterans Shannon and fifth-year Matthew Mayer, the Illini have a chance to do something special at the 2023 edition of the NCAA tournament.

“Just mentally I feel like I can help our younger guys,” Shannon said. “They won the Big Ten (last year), they did something. I never won my conference before. But just being there in March, we have to keep our composure and if we’re winning, we have to keep our foot on the gas. We’ve always got to be alert and ready.”

SIDNEY MALONE THE DAILY ILLINI

Senior guard Terrance Shannon Jr. leaps for a dunk against Wisconsin on Jan. 7.

JAMES HOECK THE DAILY ILLINI

Shannon dishes the ball to a teammate against Indiana on Thursday.

DANIEL ZHOU THE DAILY ILLINI

Shannon goes in for a layup against Indiana’s Trayce Jackson-Davis.

SIDNEY MALONE THE DAILY ILLINI

Shannon fires up his team against Michigan State on Jan. 13.

SIDNEY MALONE THE DAILY ILLINI

Shannon surveys options at the top of the key against Michigan State on Jan. 13.

Illini carry fall momentum into spring

Coach Dancer hopes to build team chemistry among diverse roster

By Martin O’Connor Staff Writer

After a solid fall season, Illinois men’s tennis has opened its 2023 spring season on a high note, currently sitting with a 2-2 record, only losing to top-four teams. The team picked up 16 wins to start the season at the Sun Devil Hidden Dual and followed that up by winning their doubleheader versus Wichita State and Bryant University. This hot start can be credited largely to the environment and mentality head coach Brad Dancer is building within the team.

The roster this year is fairly diverse. There’s a healthy mix of recruits and transfers as well as varying grade levels on the team. Getting a team to compete and execute together can be a difficult task, and it takes a good coach to help achieve the team’s full potential. Dancer has watched his team throughout the season continue to strive for success.

“We’re in a good place in terms of our processes — the things we’re doing, how we’re competing,” Dancer said. “We’re talking a lot about what it’s like to be a part of our program, the mentality you have to have to be a part of our program, the winning mentality that is associated with our program.”

Unique to tennis is the NCAA-mandated break that takes place between the fall and spring seasons, something Dancer heralded as “the most frustrating aspect of our season.” This can make it hard to prepare for the spring season, but so far the Illini have proved strong. The team got put to the test in its match versus No. 2 Ohio State — its first Big Ten away match this season. Despite the loss, the team gained valuable experience on what to expect.

“The next step is going to be how tough we are,” Dancer said. “I think for us, we did a great job in the first weekend of going out and having a winning mentality and being ready for that. We have to continue to do that and go look to win these matches on the road. It’s always a little bit more difficult to play on the road.”

This first road test didn’t offer the convenience of a home or neutral game. However, Dancer wanted to see how his team’s winning mentality reacts to competing away. Traveling far dis-

tances is never convenient, but with the chance to learn from some of the best in the country, the Illini did not shy away from the challenge.

After already playing a fall season together, Dancer also reflected on how the team has become closer.

“I think the team’s coming togeth-

er,” Dancer said. “There’s definitely a closeness to them, and I think they’re excited.”

Having a unified team is important for the journey of a whole season, especially in a rebuild. This helps foster a good team environment and mentality. Oftentimes, that takes place behind

the scenes of the action on court, but it is still just as important for helping a team reach their potential. Dancer understands the significance of good team chemistry, and he sees great things for the Illini in the future.

“We talk a lot about ... building the future, and we are not trying to live up to any past or anything else,” Dancer said. “They’re just building their own future, and we’re excited about what these guys can do.”

SIDNEY MALONE THE DAILY ILLINI

Men’s tennis head coach Brad Dancer walks away after conferring with current sophomore Gabrielius Guzauskas and alumni Alex Brown at a match against Purdue in April 2022.

“We talk a lot about ... building the future, and we are not trying to live up to any past or anything else.”

Coach Brad Dancer

Young backcourt propels Illini to new heights

By Drew Friberg Sports Editor

In early 2022, an incredible opportunity fell into Brad Underwood’s lap.

Then-high school senior Skyy Clark de-committed from Kentucky after a long knee injury rehab that caused him to miss months of action. After Adam Miller’s transfer in 2021, Ayo Dosunmu’s success in the NBA Draft and Trent Frazier’s impending departure after the 2022 season, some serious recruiting in the backcourt was needed.

Underwood secured Clark’s commitment later that spring, along with two other recruits for the backcourt in freshman guards Sencire Harris and Jayden Epps. With Clark’s impact expected to be immediate, much of the hype remained on the Los Angeles native, while the other two quietly put in offseason work.

However, when it came time for the regular season, it was Epps and Harris that made a great impression with the Illini faithful, as well as the coaches, following elite performances to begin the season. Epps in particular proved that he could score in different ways

and make his presence known in the college game as a freshman.

After an easier start to the season, with an average of 35-point wins against their first three opponents, the Illini suited up for their first real test at the Continental Tire Main Event in Las Vegas, where they took on No. 8 UCLA.

After a spotty first-half performance that saw the Illini down nine points at the half, Underwood looked to his freshman contingent for a bit of help.

Enter “Mr. 94 Feet”: Harris subbed into the match against the Bruins and helped the Illini take over the second half. After guarding UCLA’s Tyger Campbell for just two minutes, Harris helped force two steals and dished out an assist to junior forward Coleman Hawkins. Harris shifted the team’s momentum and propelled his team to a nine-point victory.

“He’s an ultra competitive kid,” Underwood said. “He is so athletic and his quickness is elite. When you put elite and tough together, in terms of elite athleticism and toughness, you’ve got a guy who can make some plays.”

Fast forward to January, and the trials and tribulations of recent weeks see

the Illini now sitting in the middle of the Big Ten with an even .500 record in conference. Clark has since left the program for the time being, and now the duo of Harris and Epps shoulder even more weight. After an 0-3 start in conference play, Epps dropped 15 points against then-No.14 Wisconsin, helping the Illini to another ranked win and their first conference triumph of the season.

“We dug ourselves into a hole early,” Epps said. “The key for us was just staying together and not giving up. Just practicing hard, and playing with effort.”

Harris now starts every game for Illinois, and has started to improve his scoring, while Epps has been a force off the bench. If the first half of the season is any indication on how the rest of Big Ten play will go, Epps and Harris will be at the heart of any Illini win.

“(Settling in) feels great,” Harris said. “My team knows what I’m gonna do, and they expect that every time from me.”

@DrewFriberg9 friberg3@dailyillini.com

JAMES HOECK THE DAILY ILLINI Freshman guard Sencire Harris goes for a layup against Indiana on Thursday.

BY ALAN MASSENGILL & DOUG PETERSON

Faucet problems

Cries of dismay

Medicinal shrub

Gush forth

Place for a pawdicure

Word with mail or box

Salon sound

Bi- quadrupled

Place for a clutch

Musical arcade game, for short

Let her Cook

Junior guard Makira Cook thrives at Illinois a er transferring from Dayton University

By Rachel Oh Staff Writer

Illinois is No. 22, 15-4 overall and 5-3 in conference play. The team is off to its best start in Big Ten play since the 2012–13 season, in which it had a 6-3 start. After a bottomfeeding Big Ten season in 2021–2022, nobody could have predicted the team would have this upside.

It’s no secret that Shauna Green coached at Dayton University before making her transfer to Illinois. However, she brought junior guard Makira Cook and sophomore forward Brynn Shoup-Hill with her. Alongside Green, Cook and Shoup-Hill have proved to be just as influential as the coaching change.

Illinois would not be where it is without Cook. Cook is from Cincinnati and attended Dayton University before transferring this season. She received many honors and awards at her last stop, including the 2021–22 Atlantic 10 Most Improved Player, 2021–22 Atlantic 10 Second-Team All-Conference and 2022 A-10 Championships all-tournament team.

Although Cook stands only at 5-foot-6-inches tall, she has shown nothing but hard work and determination throughout this season. Cook has set many season highs including scoring 33 points in her game against Indiana in December, nine rebounds in her game against Alcorn in November and tallying 10 assists in her game against Delaware in November. Coach Green began starting Cook after her hot start, and the team has gone 5-2 in its past seven matches starting her.

“I don’t mind change, and I like challenging myself,” Cook said in November about her transfer. “I knew this would be a challenge, even if I was familiar with the coaches. I kind of was like, ‘Let’s do this thing. I want to be surrounded by love.’”

And Green certainly loves having Cook in Champaign.

“I think now she’s on this big stage and she gets to play against these big teams more than we got to play against this caliber team at Dayton,”

Green said. “She’s thriving in the moment.”

Fast forward a few months, and Cook continued to thrive. She led her team to its first ranking in years. In a postgame interview after playing Minnesota, Cook was asked about her thoughts on becoming a ranked team under Coach Green.

“Just playing under her two years previously, I feel like I had faith in her,” Cook said. “With faith, you just got to take leaps sometimes. So I trust her, and I’m happy I came. I mean, we’re doing some pretty good things now, and I’m having fun.”

As far as instant-impact transfers come, Cook is at the top of the list. In her you get a scorer, a leader and someone who can propel her team to the next level.

“As a veteran, I guess you could call me, I just have to be big on my leadership,” Cook said. “And just keep us together with energy.”

rfoh2@dailyillini.com

JACOB SLABOSZ THE DAILY ILLINI

Junior guard Makira Cook makes a layup against Indiana on Jan. 18. Since transferring to Illinois, Cook has had an immense impact on the team, including helping to gain its first ranking in years.

Junior guard Makira Cook inbounds the ball against Indiana on Jan. 18.

JACOB SLABOSZ THE DAILY ILLINI

Standout newcomers to watch this spring

By Sports Staff

With the transfer portal in full swing and Illinois’ coaches churning out talent, it can be hard to keep up with each sport’s successes. Illinois coaches have brought in new talent everywhere, but some get more attention than others. Here are our top new Illini to look out for this spring:

Arielle Ward

Women’s gymnastics

Arielle Ward, a freshman allaround gymnast from Frisco, Texas, has been an immediate impact performer for the Illini on vault. Against Missouri on Jan. 8, her first collegiate meet, she scored a 9.82 on vault — a very strong performance. In the Arizona Quad Meet a week later, Ward improved her vault and led the Illini in that category, posting a 9.825.

In high school, she was a two-time Junior Olympic Qualifier and Westerns Qualifier. In 2017, she was the Level 9 Texas State Champion.

“She’s got ice in her veins,” women’s gymnastics head coach Nadalie Walsh said. “So having her, as a freshman, make this debut and just really lead our team on some of the events that she’s doing has been really fun to watch. We really trust her.”

Amari Sewell

Men’s gymnastics

Sophomore Amari Sewell is one of new head coach Daniel Ribeiro’s strongest weapons. Illinois men’s gymnastics already sits in the top three programs in the country, and adding Sewell to that roster is just unfair.

In his two seasons at Iowa, Sewell found his best events. Although listed as an all-arounder, Sewell dominates the vault and is very solid on floor. As a Hawkeye, he earned two vault event titles and has already earned one in his time with the Illini.

In his first two events with Illinois, he has contributed to both victories, won the vault title at the Windy City Invitational and set a new personal best of 13.600 on the floor. More greatness is sure to come from this sophomore transfer.

Violeta Martinez Women’s tennis

The lone freshman and only newcomer to head coach Evan Clark’s squad has the potential to make an immediate impact. Martinez was a highly recruited prospect coming out of high school, consistently being ranked within the top 25 of her class. Clark has proven in the past that he will not shy away from playing freshmen who are worth their salt, with sophomores Kasia Treiber, Megan Heuser and Kida Ferrari all playing a significant role last year. Despite seeing limited action in the fall season due to injury, Martinez’ ability and Clark’s willingness to trust freshmen means her playing time

will not be hindered.

Especially while being pigeonholed to the bottom singles courts due to talented upperclassmen, Martinez should have no trouble providing Illinois with key points this season.

Karlis Ozolins Men’s tennis

After joining the Illini in January 2022, Ozolins didn’t see any action on the court and instead took the time to train. However, this spring could prove to be a major one for Ozolins, as the Latvia native has seen an elevated role, playing Illinois’ Court 2 in singles and doubles play.

The sophomore is no stranger to winning and brings Illinois a championship mentality. In 2019, he won the Grade 1 Tournament and has only continued to improve. Ozolins has competed at high levels in both singles and doubles play, and in 2020, he was a singles semifinalist and a doubles finalist at the Junior Australian Open.

Arguably the biggest achievement of Ozolins’ career was when he earned a career-high ranking of number six in the world from the International Tennis Federation. Illinois has quite a player in the sophomore, and his first season of play with the program will be one to watch.

PHOTO COURTESY OF @ILLINIMGYM ON TWITTER

Sophomore Amari Sewell sticks his landing during his floor routine at the Orange and Blue Meet on Dec. 9.

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