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.

The Aces' A'ja Wilson reacts after making a basket against the Dream during the first half on Aug. 30, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP)

Column: WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson — channeling her inner Michael Jordan — took a slight and turned it into greatness

September 20, 2024 at 6:00 a.m.

What we’re seeing from Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson this season is nothing short of greatness.

Northern Illinois coach Thomas Hammock speaks to his players at the end of practice on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Ill. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

By doing things ‘the hard way,’ NIU coach Thomas Hammock instills belief in the No. 23 Huskies

September 18, 2024 at 6:00 a.m.

Northern Illinois players credit coach Thomas Hammock’s straight talk and honesty for the program's culture of loyalty.

Oregon running back Noah Whittington reacts to his 100-yard punt return during the second half against Boise State on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Lydia Ely)

Column: Like Midwestern chili in the fall, Big Ten football in Week 2 was a little spicy

September 9, 2024 at 10:10 a.m.

No. 7 Oregon was favored to handily beat Boise State but it took a last-second field goal for the Ducks to win.

Kickoff ensues for a game between the Northwestern Wildcats and Miami (Ohio) Redhawks at Martin Stadium on the Northwestern University campus on Aug. 31, 2024, in Evanston. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Column: A ‘picturesque’ debut for Northwestern at its temporary stadium — and for the new Big Ten

September 2, 2024 at 7:19 a.m.

Northwestern football kicked off the 2024 season in its new, temporary home on the lakefront — Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.

The football game schedule is shown on screen during a preview of Big Ten’s new centralized replay center in Rosemont on Aug. 27, 2024. (Tess Crowley/Chicago Tribune)

Previewing the very big Big Ten: What’s new this football season and what to know about all 18 teams

August 28, 2024 at 9:27 a.m.

Here’s our look at the new, very big Big Ten ahead of the 2024 college football season.

Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter on May 8, 2024, during media day at Wintrust Arena. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Chennedy Carter has a coach who trusts her in Teresa Weatherspoon — and it’s taking the Chicago Sky guard to new heights

August 15, 2024 at 7:31 a.m.

Throughout this Chicago Sky season, the relationship between coach Teresa Weatherspoon and guard Chennedy Carter has been on display.

Former Illinois running back Jim Grabowski on July 9, 2024, at his home in Inverness. He was the 1965 winner of the Chicago Tribune Silver Football, left. The football he's tossing was given to him in 1965 after he broke the Big Ten career rushing record during a game against Indiana. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Catching up with Jim Grabowski, the 1965 Silver Football winner from Illinois

August 11, 2024 at 7:38 a.m.

Jim Grabowski was the fifth Illinois player to receive the Chicago Tribune Silver Football, but he doesn't look back on his time in Champaign in terms of individual accomplishments.

Sophomore quarterback Braxton Miller, shown on the practice field on Dec. 3, 2012, led Ohio State to a 12-0 record in the 2012 season. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune)

Catching up with Braxton Miller, the 2012 and 2013 Silver Football winner from Ohio State

August 11, 2024 at 7:38 a.m.

For former Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller, the 2012 season coincided with a seismic change in the Buckeyes program.

Harold "Red" Grange in 1925. He won the inaugural Tribune Silver Football award in 1924. (AP)

How the Silver Football was born — and how the selection process has evolved over 100 years

August 11, 2024 at 7:39 a.m.

One hundred years after its inception, the Chicago Tribune Silver Football remains one of the highest honors a Big Ten player can receive.

Fans stand in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs and the bases loaded by the White Sox against the Cubs at Guaranteed Rate Field on Aug. 9, 2024. White Sox designated hitter Andrew Vaughn flied out to center field for a 7-6 loss. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Have Chicago White Sox fans moved from disappointment to apathy? Taking the mood of the ballpark.

August 10, 2024 at 3:26 p.m.

For Chicago White Sox fans, the agony of defeat has happened far too often the last few years and to some, hope seems like a laughable idea.

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