Illini Host Two Top-25 Opponents for Alumni Weekend

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Fighting Illini will return to Huff Hall for two competitions this weekend, as the team celebrates 50 years of Illinois Women's Gymnastics. On Friday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. CT, the Orange and Blue will face off against No. 18 Ohio State in the Alumni Recognition & Self-Love Meet. Then, on Sunday, Feb. 9, Illinois takes on No. 9 Missouri for the first of two times this season. 

About the Buckeyes

The Buckeyes are entering this meeting on a two-meet losing streak, with Ohio State coming off losses to No. 4 Michigan and No. 19 Michigan State. The then-No. 16 Ohio State women's gymnastics team fell to No. 19 Michigan Friday, Jan. 31 at the Crisler Center, 196.600-196.025. The Buckeyes led for the first two rotations but were unable to hold off the Wolverines in the end. Tory Vetter won the all-around, scoring a combined 39.325 on the night. She added another event title on vault with a 9.850. The redshirt junior tied for second on floor, scoring the Buckeyes' only 9.900 of the meet. Freshman JJ Coleman earned her second career event title, and second on vault, tying Vetter.

About the Tigers

The Missouri Tigers are coming to Champaign after a 198.000-197.125 loss to No. 3 LSU, but they've also secured an impressive upset victory over No. 6 Kentucky in their SEC home opener, winning 197.200-196.800. During that home opener, Jocelyn Moore posted the highest vault score for the Tigers, tying for the event title with a 9.900. The senior also posted a 9.925 on floor, closing out the meet for Missouri from the anchor spot—marking her 30th time reaching or exceeding a 9.900 on the apparatus. Additionally, senior Amari Celestine won the uneven bars title with a 9.900 and shared the floor title with teammate Moore, as both posted scores of 9.925.

Last Time Out

The Fighting Illini were defeated by No. 24 Penn State 196.325-195.900 on Jan. 31. The Fighting Illini had a strong start on the uneven bars, securing five of the top scores in the event. Senior Makayla Green led the way with a career-high 9.925 to claim the top spot, while freshman Chloe Cho finished fourth with a 9.850. Arielle Ward and Kennedy Brown tied for fifth with matching scores of 9.775. On vault, sophomore Mareli Muller earned a 9.850 to secure the event title. Sophomore Olivia Coppola followed closely behind, finishing in third place with a 9.800. The Orange and Blue closed out the night on beam, where Chloe Cho earned a career-high 9.925 to claim first place. Cho also secured the all-around title with a 39.400, tying her personal best and finishing 0.600 ahead of the next highest competitor. 

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 two-time winner of the Big Ten Freshman of the Week award winner (Jan. 18, Jan. 31) after big performances vs. Nebraska and at then-No. 8 UCLA.
• Cho has earned six event titles just four 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.

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.

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: 155-187-1 (.453), 21st season
At Illinois: 91-61-1 (.598), Eighth season
Big Ten: 70-60-1 (.538), Eighth season

Complete Illinois Notes (PDF)