University of Illinois Director of Athletics Mike Thomas has announced the hiring of Ron Garner as the Fighting Illini's women's track and field head coach.

The Fighting Illini had a very memorable 2013 season, finishing 14th in both the indoor and outdoor NCAA Championships, winning the indoor Big Ten title and finishing second outdoors.

The Big Ten Conference recognized 43 Illini student-athletes with the Big Ten Distinguished Scholar Award on Wednesday. 2012-13 Big Ten Distinguished Scholars |

University of Illinois senior Marissa Golliday earned third-team Capital One Academic All-America honors for Division I.

Former Illinois women's track and field athlete Gia Lewis-Smallwood (1998-01) won her first national discus title at the USA Outdoor Championships to advance to her second IAAF World Championships which take place in Moscow, Russia in August 10-18.

Sophomore Ashley Spencer continued her incredible track season as she qualified for the IAAF World Championships in the 400m.

Freshman Morolake Akinosun turned in another great performance at the USA Junior Championships, as she finished second in the 200m with a new lifetime best time of 23.18.

Just two weeks after helping the Illini finish 14th in the NCAA, freshman Morolake Akinosun continued her success as she won the 100m crown at the USA Junior Outdoor Championships.

Sophomore Ashley Spencer was named one of 10 semifinalists for the female Bowerman Award, announced by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

Two Illini will compete in Des Moines, Iowa this weekend as defending NCAA champion Ashley Spencer will run in the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships while freshman Morolake Akinosun will look for a USA Junior title at the same track.