NAPERVILLE, Ill. — Carthage College freshman goalkeeper Owen Malinowski (Snoqualmie, Wash.) has been named the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Defensive Player of the Week, the conference announced Tuesday.

Malinowski earned the first weekly conference honor of his collegiate career after starting all three matches in goal for the Firebirds during the opening week of the 2026 season. The freshman played all 270 minutes, recording 16 saves while helping Carthage earn a win, a loss, and a draw.

Malinowski made his collegiate debut in impressive fashion, recording a shutout in Carthage's 4-0 victory over Marian (Wis.). He followed the performance with strong showings against Illinois Tech and Ohio Northern University, keeping the Firebirds within striking distance throughout both matches while facing a combined 49 shots.

Against Illinois Tech, Malinowski made eight saves despite the Firebirds suffering a 3-0 setback. He then recorded seven saves in a 2-2 draw against Ohio Northern, including several stops during a second-half barrage that helped Carthage secure a point.

Through the first three matches of his collegiate career, Malinowski owns a 1-1-1 record with a 2.00 goals-against average and a .727 save percentage. He has recorded one shutout and faced 49 shots, making 16 saves.

Malinowski becomes the first Carthage men's soccer student-athlete to earn CCIW Defensive Player of the Week honors to start the 2026 season.

The Firebirds return to action on Thursday, September 10 at 7 p.m. against Wisconsin Lutheran.