NAPERVILLE - Three members of the Carthage softball team have been recognized in the 2026 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) postseason awards. The highlight of the recognitions was senior Clare Rettler, who was named First Team All-CCIW and the 2026 CCIW Offensive Student-Athlete of the Year. Senior Gwen Hendrick also earned All-CCIW honors, while freshman Rachael Setterstrom earned the CCIW RESPECT Award.

CLARE RETTLER | SENIOR | APPLETON, WIS. | OFFENSIVE STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR | FIRST TEAM

Rettler finished the 2026 season with a conference leading batting average of .618 with 84 hits, 65 runs scored, and 57 stolen bases. Rettler posted a slugging percentage of .809 with five doubles, six triples, and three home runs. Finishing with an OPS of 1.467, Rettler led the NCAA Division III level in hits, while ranking second in batting average, on-base percentage, runs, and runs per game.

GWEN HENDRICK | SENIOR | APPLETON, WIS. | FIRST TEAM

Hendrick led the Firebirds in 2026 with 13 doubles, three home runs, and 58 RBIs. The senior hit .438 with an OPS of 1.168. With an on-base percentage of .483, Hendrick stole 21 bases and was never caught stealing. Hendrick led the CCIW in RBIs and stolen base percentage this season.

RACHAEL SETTERSTROM | FRESHMAN | LENA, ILL. | RESPECT AWARD

Setterstrom has been named a recipient of the CCIW RESPECT Award. At the conclusion of every sport's season, each varsity program will recognize one student-athlete as their RESPECT Award honoree. RESPECT Award recipients have distinguished themselves as an integral member of the team, their institution, and community by upholding the values of Responsibility, Enthusiasm, Service, Pride, Excellence, Collaboration, and Trust. The RESPECT Award recognizes the intangible traits a student-athlete possesses that exemplify great character and encourage inclusiveness and a positive culture.



The Firebirds return to action on Thursday, May 7 in the 2026 CCIW Softball Tournament in Bloomington, Ill. The Firebirds will enter as the No. 5 seed and will face off against the No. 4 seed North Central Cardinals at 12 p.m. The winner of the opening game will advance to play against the top-seeded Illinois Wesleyan Titans later that day at 4 p.m. For more information, visit athletics.carthage.edu.