Illini head to Zou to the Lou Quad, Iowa for Double-Meet Weekend

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Fighting Illini are set to travel to St. Charles, Mo., for the Zou to the Lou Quad on Friday, Feb. 14, at 6:30 p.m. CT. Illinois will face a competitive field, taking on Missouri, Alabama, and Iowa in the quad meet. On Sunday, Feb. 16, the Orange and Blue will face Iowa for the second time of the weekend in Iowa City, Iowa.

About the Tigers

The No. 9 Missouri Tigers edged out the Fighting Illini 197.200-196.675 on Sunday, Feb. 9, at Huff Hall. Illinois delivered season-best performances on both bars (49.475) and floor (49.475), but Missouri (7-3, 1-2 SEC) had five routines score 9.900 or higher, securing its fourth-consecutive victory over the Illini (4-4, 2-2 Big Ten). The Tigers' 197.200 ties their highest team score of the season and marks their third straight meet, surpassing 197.000. In last year's Zou to the Lou matchup, Missouri topped Illinois and Lindenwood but fell to then-No. 3 Florida. The Tigers now head into the quad with a 7-3 overall record and a 1-2 mark in conference competition.

About the Crimson Tide

Alabama enters the Zou to the Lou Quad with a 1-4 overall record despite delivering a season-best 197.075 in its last outing against then-No. 3 LSU. The Crimson Tide posted a season-high 49.500 on the floor but fell just short, 197.300-197.075. Junior Gabby Gladieux performed on the floor with a near-flawless 9.975, tying her career-high and securing her fifth event title of the season. Lilly Hudson and Chloe LaCoursiere each scored 9.900 on uneven bars, sharing the event title. Hudson also posted a 9.875 on vault before stringing together three consecutive 9.900s, finishing second in the all-around (39.575). Gladieux followed closely, taking third in the all-around (39.425).

About the Hawkeyes

The Iowa Hawkeyes enter the Zou to the Lou Quad on a two-meet win streak with an overall record of 2-2. In their last home competition, they dominated Rutgers, winning 195.975-194.450. Iowa claimed first place in every event, including the top three spots on vault. Junior Karina Muñoz led the charge, earning event titles on vault, beam, and floor. Muñoz also clinched the all-around title with a score of 39.350, while freshman Aurélie Tran took second in the all-around with a score of 39.250.

Last Time Out

The Fighting Illini had a busy weekend with two home meets, including an upset victory over then-No. 18 Ohio State during the Alumni Meet and a 196.675 team score, their highest of the season, despite falling to No. 9 Missouri. Olivia Coppola and Arielle Ward were standout performers, earning back-to-back event titles against the Buckeyes and Tigers. Coppola scored a 9.875 on the balance beam during the Ohio State meet, then surpassed that with a career-high 9.900 against Missouri. Meanwhile, Ward set a career-high 9.925 on vault against Ohio State and bested that with a 9.950 on vault against Missouri. Additionally, Ward tied her career-high on the floor against Ohio State on February 7th and again two days later. On bars, senior captain Makayla Green scored a 9.925 for the second-straight week, again tying a career-high against Ohio State. Against Missouri, Amelia Knight earned a 9.900 on the balance beam, marking a new season-high for her.

Changing the Game

• Head coach Nadalie Walsh was named the inaugural Game Changer for Women in Sports Leadership Award, Gameday Spirit announced on Feb. 5, 2025. The award recognizes "an outstanding women leader who has made a lasting impact on women's sports through mentorship, innovation, and advocacy." 
• The Game Changer Award was established to celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day and recognize women across the Midwest who elevate the presence and success of female athletes at all levels.
• Walsh was selected due to her dedication to "redefining coaching with her heart-first approach, ensuring that athletes feel valued, supported, and empowered."
• Finalists for the award included:
  • Cassie Arner– Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Fan Engagement, Fighting Illini Athletics
  • Sara Burton – Chief Sports Officer, Senior Woman Administrator, Fighting Illini Athletics
  • Shauna Green – Head Coach, Women's Basketball, Fighting Illini Athletics
  • Courtney Layne Brewer – Sports Reporter, WCIA 3
  • Amy Potter – Director, North American Partnerships, BMO Financial Group

The Cho Show

• Chloe Cho is a three-time winner of the Big Ten Freshman of the Week award winner (Jan. 18, Jan. 31, Feb. 11).
• Cho has earned seven event titles just six competitions into her collegiate career.
  • Won her first event title on vault at the Ball State Quad on Jan. 12 with a 9.850.
  • Earned titles on floor and in the all-around on Jan. 18 vs. Nebraska.
  • Event winner on balance beam (9.925) at No. 8 UCLA on Jan. 25.
  • Won the beam and all-around titles at No. 24 Penn State on Jan. 31.
  • Won floor wiht a career-high 9.950 against No. 9 Missouri on Feb. 9.

Look Out!

• Freshman Chloe Cho and junior Arielle Ward were named to the Big Ten's Gymnasts to Watch during the preseason.
• Cho was previously a Level 10 state champion and nationals qualifier. The Simi Valley, Calif., native competed in the 2024 U.S. Championships, where she scored personal bests in the all-around competition on back-to-back days.
  • In her collegiate debut at the Ball State Quad (Jan. 12), she earned her first event title on vault with a 9.850.
  • In the Illini's home opener vs. Nebraska (Jan, 18), Cho won two more titles: on floor and in the all-around.
  • Event winner on balance beam (9.925) at No. 8 UCLA on Jan. 25.
  • Won the beam and all-around titles at No. 24 Penn State on Jan. 31.
• Ward is entering her third season with the Illini after competing in all 16 meets last season, primarily on vault and floor. The Frisco, Texas, native won third place on vault (9.900) at the 2024 Big Ten Championships, earning her a spot on the All-Championship Team.
  • Ward took home the vault title in her season debut on the apparatus vs. Nebraska (Jan. 18) with a 9.850.
  • Ward set career highs on vault in back-to-back meets (Feb. 7 & 9) to earn back-to-back event titles vs. No. 18 Ohio State and No. 9 Missouri.

Give Her Five

• After four years in Champaign-Urbana, Amelia Knight thought her time with the Illinois women's gymnastics team was over. Instead, Knight received the opportunity to come back for one more year.
• Knight immediately stepped into the lineup as a freshman, making her debut on beam and floor during the Illini's first meet of the 2021 season. The following year, she grew more comfortable, confident, and consistent, appearing in all 13 meets while garnering Academic All-Big Ten honors for the first time.
• As a junior, Knight helped the Illini set the program's beam record with a career-high 9.925 while once again competing in every meet. Also finding success off the mat, she earned Academic All-Big Ten status for the second consecutive season while being named a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar.
• With increased expectations for herself and the team, Knight is ready to make a splash heading into the 2024-25 campaign.

Head Coach Nadalie Walsh

Division I Career Record: 156-188-1 (.454), 21st season
At Illinois: 92-62-1 (.597), Eighth season
Big Ten: 71-60-1 (.542), Eighth season

Complete Illinois Meet Notes (PDF)