Illini Sports Night is committed to telling the stories of student athletes and coaches on campus. Our purpose is to showcase highlights but to ultimately dive deeper into Illinois Athletics. We are passionately committed to creative storytelling by collaborating and working together as a team.
Illini Sports Night | Season 6 | Episode 4
As the postseason approaches, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are preparing for the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament and Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament while fighting for the best possible seeding in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament and NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament.
In this episode, we break down the latest tournament outlook, reflect on emotional Senior Day moments, and look at teams whose seasons are coming to a close. We also shift to the diamond as Illinois baseball and softball begin their seasons and look to build momentum early.
Illini Sports Night | Season 6 | Episode 3
We’ve got all the highlights and storylines heading into March Madness. Plus, the gymnastics and tennis teams continue their strong seasons. And with spring around the corner, it’s almost time to swing the bats—baseball and softball are on deck. All that and more, tonight on Illini Sports Night.
Illini Sports Night | Season 6 | Episode 2
It was a night of highs and heartbreak in Champaign.
A gold medalist thrilled the crowd inside State Farm Center, showing off elite talent on the same floor where legends have played. The electric atmosphere gave fans plenty to cheer about as Illinois celebrated excellence on a big stage.
But when it came to the main event, it was a different story.
Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball suffered a last-second, heartbreaking loss that left the Orange and Blue faithful stunned. After battling back and trading blows down the stretch, the Illini came up just short in the closing moments, as a final play swung the outcome the other way.
From gold medal glory to buzzer-beater agony, it was an emotional night in Champaign.
All that and more on this edition of Illini Sports Night.
Illini Sports Night | Season 6 | Episode 1
It’s officially our first episode of 2026 — welcome back to Illini Sports Night!
On the Season 6 premiere, we break down a wild week for Illinois Athletics. Illinois men’s and women’s basketball battle through some intense moments on the court, while men’s and women’s gymnastics face a tough stretch of high-level competition. Plus, a former Illinois soccer standout is carving her path overseas — this time on the ice in Milan.
All that and more on the Season 6 premiere of Illini Sports Night.
Illini Sports Night | Season 5 | Episode 8
Illini Sports Night | Basketball Season Preview plus Soccer, Volleyball & Hockey
We’ve got a full lineup as we preview the start of both Men’s and Women’s Basketball seasons — and trust us, those are two coaches who are very happy with their teams’ performances!
Plus Illinois Soccer and Volleyball, as both programs continue to battle through the fall season.
A look inside Illinois Hockey, where a new goaltender is making waves — and we sat down with him tonight to learn more about his journey to Champaign.
Don’t miss all the highlights, interviews, and inside analysis from your home for Illini athletics — Illini Sports Night!
Illini Sports Night | Season 5 | Episode 7
Illini Teams Punch Their Tickets to the Postseason
A big weekend win means Illinois football is officially bowl bound — but they’re not the only team heading to the postseason. Said Bravo takes a look at how the Illini women’s soccer team is preparing for the NCAA Tournament. And Our Zach Shapero introduces us to the voice of Women's Basketball.
Producer Mazie Gierat
Director Addison Petrinos
Advisor Kenneth R. Erdey
Illini Sports Night | Season 5 | Episode 6
Playoff Push and Season Reflections
Illinois women’s soccer is heading to the playoffs with their best record in program history — and the excitement is building. Meanwhile, Illinois football looks to regroup and refocus with postseason hopes slipping away. All that and more on this week’s
Illini Sports Night!
Producer Tony Fanara
Director Addison Petrinos
Advisor Kenneth R. Erdey
Illini Sports Night |Season 5 | Episode 5
Original Airdate October 20, 2025
With a bye week for Illinois Football, Illini Sports Night shifts focus to the court, the field, and the ice.
We check in with Men’s Basketball, celebrate the end of a great Soccer season as playoffs approach, highlight a Volleyball team showing strength and power, and recap a dominant performance from the Women’s Hockey team against Arkansas.
This is Illini Sports Night.
Producer Andrew Burkey
Director Addison Petrinos
Advisor Kenneth R. Erdey
Illini Sports Night |Season 5 | Episode 4
Illini Sports Night | Original Airdate: October 13, 2025
It’s a big week for Illini Sports Night! We sit down with University of Illinois alum and donor Larry Gies, who shares what inspired his $100 million donation to Memorial Stadium and what it means for the future of Illini Athletics.
Then, legendary Fox Sports play-by-play announcer Gus Johnson joins us in studio with his advice for the next generation of sports journalists.
Plus, Illini Volleyball and Soccer continue their winning streaks — we break down the highlights and what’s next for both teams.
All that and more, right here on Illini Sports Night.
Illini Sports Night | Overtime |Larry Gies
The clock ran out before we could air the full interview on Illini Sports Night, so we’re heading into Overtime. Mazie Gierat sat down with Larry Gies to talk about Josh Whitman, Illinois sports, the importance of giving back to Illinois, and of course, that $100 million gift to Memorial Stadium.
ILLINI SPORTS NIGHT | Seaon 5 |Episode 3
This week on Illini Sports Night, Illinois Football faces its biggest challenge yet — a showdown with the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes. We’ll also check in with Illinois Women’s Volleyball and Women’s Soccer as both teams keep their winning streaks alive. And believe it or not, basketball season is right around the corner! Hear from Coach Brad Underwood and Coach Shauna Green as they preview what’s ahead for their squads. All that and more, right here on Illini Sports Night!
Illini Sports Night
Original airdate: September 29, 2025
Producer Tony Fanara
Director Addison Petrinos
Advisor Kenneth R. Erdey
Illinois Football pulled off a last-second win against USC, and now the focus shifts to the battle for the Cannon this weekend against Purdue. But it’s not just football making noise—Illinois Women’s Soccer and Volleyball are also on a roll. What’s fueling their success? Illini Sports Night reporters Namari Shepherd and Zach Shapero break it all down.
Illini Sports Night
Original airdate: September 22, 2025
Producer Mazie Gierat
Director Addison Petrinos
Advisor Kenneth R. Erdey
Illinois Football is ready to bounce back after a tough week against the Indiana Hoosiers. The Illini look to regroup and deliver for the homecoming crowd this weekend. Meanwhile, Illinois Volleyball put together a strong showing over the weekend and now sets its sights on a challenging Big Ten stretch.
SPORTS HEADLINES
SEPTEMBER 22, 2025
Award-Winning Illini Sports Night
Illini Sports Night took home First Place at the INBA Student Awards (SINBA) for its October 24, 2024 episode. From the rich history of Illinois athletics to the icons who shaped it—and the fans who keep the spirit alive—the award-winning show captured it all with passion, storytelling, and Illini pride.
Best Sports Television Program - First Place
Executive Producer Emily Richie
Producer John Shay
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