Shakeia Taylor

Shakeia Taylor is a former Deputy Senior Content Editor at the Chicago Tribune whose work focuses on the intersection of sports and culture.

Loyola coach Drew Valentine talks to players during practice on campus on Oct. 24, 2024. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Loyola is on a ‘race to maturity’ with a younger roster. Can the Ramblers keep pace in the Atlantic 10?

November 3, 2024 at 3:32 p.m.

Though last season didn’t end with an NCAA bid or a championship trophy, it gave Loyola coach Drew Valentine something to build off and helped him learn to manage expectations...

Illinois coach Brad Underwood yells at his players during a game against Northwestern at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston on Jan. 24, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Who’s new — and who’s ranked: What to know about Big Ten basketball as the men’s and women’s seasons get underway

November 2, 2024 at 7:22 a.m.

The men's and women's college basketball seasons open Monday, with 14 of the 18 Big Ten men's teams in action and 11 of the women's teams. Here's what you need...

Director Spike Lee attends Game 1 of the American League Championship Series between the Cleveland Guardians and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Oct. 14, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Column: How the popularity of Yankees and Dodgers baseball caps have evolved from the field to fashion

October 30, 2024 at 8:44 a.m.

How did the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers logos become singular fashion caps?

Indiana quarterback Tayven Jackson runs during the second half against Washington on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Column: Big Ten football teams are making the case for College Football Playoff rankings in Week 9

October 27, 2024 at 5:34 p.m.

A week out from the first College Football Playoff selection committee rankings, the Big Ten has a strong case for four teams in the playoff field.

Northern Illinois running back Antario Brown waits with teammates during practice at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb on Sept. 17, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Antario Brown is part of a long line of great NIU running backs — and he hopes to carry that tradition to the NFL

October 25, 2024 at 6:00 a.m.

Antario Brown's relationship with coach Thomas Hammock kept the Northern Illinois running back from entering the transfer portal last winter.

Torrie Cox Jr. of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates with Matthew Bailey after an interception during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 19, 2024, in Champaign, Illinois. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Column: Illinois football took on the past — and the present — in a history-making win over Michigan

October 21, 2024 at 6:58 a.m.

Illinois football got to notch a piece of history themselves by beating Michigan on Saturday — this time, in their favor.

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar is hugged after an overtime win over USC on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Column: Who is the Big Ten’s best team? With QB Drew Allar and the offense emerging, it may be Penn State.

October 14, 2024 at 6:37 a.m.

If Saturday’s overtime thriller against USC is any indication, Penn State might have found its groove.

Indiana coach Curt Cignetti walks the sideline in the fourth quarter against Northwestern on Oct. 5, 2024, at Martin Stadium in Evanston. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Curt Cignetti is quickly building a winning culture at Indiana. What is undefeated Hoosiers’ ‘blueprint’?

October 7, 2024 at 6:40 a.m.

Brought in to a program that was fighting for relevance in the Big Ten, coach Curt Cignetti has made an instant impact at Indiana.

Michigan running back Kalel Mullings rushes during the second half against Minnesota on Sept. 28, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Column: Michigan’s Kalel Mullings is an early standout in a competitive Big Ten — but he’s not alone

September 29, 2024 at 12:27 p.m.

Michigan running back Kalel Mullings isn't the only early standout in the Big Ten. Here are four others to watch in Week 6.

Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon reacts after calling a timeout during a game against the Wings at Wintrust Arena on June 20, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Firing Teresa Weatherspoon is just another head-scratching decision by the Chicago Sky

September 27, 2024 at 5:44 p.m.

While Teresa Weatherspoon's firing may seem like an answer for the Chicago Sky, it’s just an example of the organizational incompetence that has persisted for years.

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