NAPERVILLE - The College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) announced its 2025 Softball All-Conference awards on Wednesday. Four Firebirds were selected to the All-Conference Teams, and Clare Rettler was named the Offensive Student Athlete of the Year.


CLARE RETTLER I OF I OFFENSIVE STUDENT ATHLETE & FIRST TEAM ALL-CCIW

Rettler, a junior from Appleton, Wis., showcased a standout season at the plate. Securing CCIW hitter of the week honors three times this season, Rettler leads the CCIW in batting average (.734). With 169 at-bats this season, Rettler has collected 124 hits, 31 RBIs, and 67 runs. Additionally, Rettler leads the CCIW in stolen bases with 78. Rettler recorded a 32-game hitting streak, tying for sixth all-time in the NCAA Division III with Lisa Cancilla of Chapman, who had a 32-game hitting streak in 1996. Rettler's hitting streak ended on April 5, 2025, and started on April 20, 2024, totaling 67 hits during the streak. 

Additionally, Rettler collected a 12 consecutive hit streak beginning with a five-for-five day against Augustana on April 5, another five-for-five performance in game one against North Central (April 8), and started game two going two-for-two against the Cardinals. With Rettler's hitting performance, Rettler is tied for fifth all-time at the NCAA DIII level for consecutive hits. Rettler has also claimed All-CCIW First Team honors for the 2025 season. 

IZZY HERNANDEZ I 1B I SECOND TEAM ALL-CCIW

Izzy Hernandez, a graduate student from Aurora, Ill., collected 43 hits, 29 runs, and 27 RBIs across 35 games (.371). Hernandez recorded a game high of three hits against Augustana on April 5. Additionally, Hernandez leads the CCIW in sacrifice flies with 14. 

GWEN HENDRICK I OF I SECOND TEAM ALL-CCIW

Gwen Hendrick, a junior from Appleton, Wis., collected 56 hits, 29 runs, and 38 RBIs across 40 games (.431). Hendrick recorded a game high of five hits against Concordia Chicago on March 25. Additionally, Hendrick leads the CCIW in doubles with 23 and is currently in second for hits at 66. 

OLIVIA HRISTOV I P I SECOND TEAM ALL-CCIW

Olivia Hristov, a junior from Shorewood, Ill., saw 123.2 innings in the circle for the Firebirds. Hristov collected 13 wins with 48 strikeouts. At the plate, Hristov collected 22 hits, 14 runs, and 16 RBIs. Additionally, Hristov is ranked fifth in the CCIW for pitching with an ERA of 2.68. 

RYLEE BOYD I 3B I RESPECT AWARD

Rylee Boyd, a freshman from Shorewood, Ill., was named Carthage's recipient of the CCIW RESPECT Award, which recognizes student-athletes who exemplify leadership, character, and inclusivity on and off the field. Boyd collected 17 hits, 14 runs, and 14 RBIs at the plate this season (.279). 


The Firebirds return to action at home, at the CCIW Tournament on Thursday, May 8, against North Central. First pitch is scheduled for noon. For more information, visit our athletics.carthage.edu.