Purdue Northwest has officially named Claire Schapker as the head coach of its softball program after a remarkable 2026 season where she served as interim head coach. Under her leadership, the Pride achieved a 30鈥�27 record, marked by a 16-win improvement from the prior year and a third-place finish in the GLIAC Softball Tournament. Schapker has been instrumental in fostering a strong culture and has guided numerous athletes to individual accolades, emphasizing academic and on-field success.

By the Numbers
  • The team recorded a 30鈥�27 overall record in the 2026 season.
  • Purdue Northwest set program records with 507 hits, a .320 batting average, 89 doubles, and 83 stolen bases.
State of Play
  • Schapker is entering her third season with the team and her second as head coach.
  • Seven players received All-GLIAC honors in the 2026 season, showcasing the program's competitive strength.
What's Next

With Schapker at the helm for the upcoming season, expectations are high for continued growth and success. The focus will be on building on the previous year's achievements and further developing talent within the program. Future recruiting efforts are expected to enhance the team's competitiveness.

Bottom Line

Claire Schapker's appointment signals a new era for Purdue Northwest Softball, reinforcing a commitment to excellence both on and off the field. Her leadership style and recent successes provide a strong foundation for the future of the program.