NAPERVILLE — Weekly softball honors for the opening week of the 2026 season were announced Monday afternoon by the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW), as Carthage senior Clare Rettler was named Hitter of the Week and North Central senior Sam Schilf earned Pitcher of the Week recognition following strong performances in non-conference play.
 
Hitter: Clare Rettler, Carthage
Rettler opened the season with a strong offensive showing for Carthage during four games in Clermont, Fla. A senior outfielder from Appleton, Wis., Rettler batted .643 (9-for-14) with eight runs scored and nine stolen bases. 
 
Her week included a leadoff inside-the-park home run against Curry, and she went 3-for-5 during Sunday’s doubleheader. Rettler helped the Firebirds to wins over Penn State Brandywine and Curry.
 
Pitcher: Sam Schilf, North Central
Schilf earned the conference’s pitching honor after posting a 1.50 ERA over 9.1 innings at THE Spring Games. 
 
The senior from Warrenville, Ill. made two appearances, including one start, and held opposing hitters to a .156 batting average while allowing five hits. She also delivered 5.2 scoreless innings in relief against Rhode Island College, giving up two hits with three strikeouts. Schilf helped North Central secure its first win of the season against Skidmore.

2026 CCIW Softball Student-Athletes of the Week
Hitter
March 9: Clare Rettler, Carthage
March 2: Kayla Lorenz, North Park

Pitcher
March 9: Sam Schilf, North Central
March 2: Makayla Wall, Carroll