Purdue University Northwest Names Edgewood Graduate Claire Schapker as Head Softball Coach Following a historic 2026 softball campaign, Purdue Northwest Director of Athletics Rick Costello named Claire Schapker head coach of the Purdue Northwest softball program. During the 2025–26 season, Schapker served as interim head coach and propelled the Pride to one of the most successful campaigns in program history, finishing with a 30–27 overall record. The Pride posted a remarkable 16-win improvement from the previous year and capped the season with an electrifying postseason surge, earning victories over nationally respected programs including Grand Valley State, Davenport, and Parkside to secure a third-place finish in the 2026 GLIAC Softball Tournament. “Claire has done an outstanding job leading our softball program and cultivating a culture built on excellence, resilience and teamwork,” said Purdue Northwest Director of Athletics Rick Costello. “The accomplishments of our student-athletes under her leadership have been truly remarkable. From exceptional performance in the classroom to competitive success on the field, Claire has consistently shown that she is the right leader for Purdue Northwest Softball. We are excited for the future of the program under her direction.”
“I am beyond grateful and honored to be officially named the Head Softball Coach at PNW.” said Schapker. “This program, these players, and this community mean everything to me. None of this happens without the incredible young women who trusted the process and gave everything on the field this season. Thank you to Chancellor Holford, Rick Costello and Natalie Jarrett for the opportunity.” Schapker enters her third season coaching at Purdue Northwest and her second year at the helm of the program. She has been instrumental in strengthening the program’s competitive mindset while helping develop numerous All-GLIAC and Midwest AllRegion standouts. Schapker coached seven All-GLIAC selections during the 2026 season, including First Team All-GLIAC honorees junior Kylie Dugan (Buck Creek, Ind./William Henry Harrison) and freshman Gracie Jensen (Chicago Heights, Ill./Marian Catholic). Under Schapker’s leadership, the 2026 Pride offense rewrote the record book. Purdue Northwest set single-season program records in hits (507), batting average (.320), doubles (89), triples (25), stolen bases (83), RBIs (264), runs scored (292), games played (57), fielding percentage (.965) and saves (5).
Prior to Purdue Northwest, Schapker spent four seasons at Calumet College of St. Joseph, beginning as a Recruiting Assistant from 2019-21 before being elevated to Assistant Coach in the fall of 2021. During her time with the Crimson Wave, she helped lead the program to two CCAC Tournament appearances while primarily working with the pitching staff and recruiting efforts. A four-year member of the Calumet College softball team, Schapker was a three-year starting pitcher for the Crimson Wave. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from CCSJ in 2019 before attending Indiana University for graduate school. Schapker earned a Master of Public Affairs degree with a concentration in Nonprofit Management and a Graduate Certificate in Philanthropic Studies from IUPUI in 2021.
Indiana University Men’s Soccer Announces 2026 Schedule and Season Tickets are On Sale Now Indiana men’s soccer head coach Todd Yeagley announced the program’s 2026 season schedule Wednesday. IU’s slate includes 12 matches on its home pitch, Jerry Yeagley Field at Bill Armstrong Stadium. Fans can purchase season tickets to see all 12 regular season home matches for $48 ($24 for youth). Indiana boasts a 382-67-54 (.813) record at Armstrong Stadium since the facility opened in 1981. Nine of Indiana’s 18 regular season opponents finished top 60 in the 2025 RPI rankings, and seven appeared in last year’s NCAA Tournament. “Indiana Soccer has always been built on tradition, excellence and the unwavering support from Hoosier Army,” Yeagley said. “We are grateful for the impact that our fans have on our program and look forward to an exciting season together at Bill Armstrong Stadium. Let’s pack The Bill this fall as we pursue more championships.”
Indiana kicks off the 2026 season hosting five of its first six matches. The Hoosiers open the campaign at home August 20 against in-state foe Notre Dame, a matchup that’s been decided by one goal or draw in each of the last 10 meetings. It begins a three-match, in-state homestand at Armstrong Stadium with Evansville (Aug. 23) and Butler (Aug. 27) visiting Bloomington for game Nos. 2 and 3. IU will make a quick road trip down to Louisville (Aug. 31), before hosting Cal Poly (Sept. 4) and Denver (Sept. 7) in the adidas/IU Credit Union Classic.
Indiana will travel to play Michigan (Sept. 11) for their Big Ten Conference opener. A week later, IU will welcome reigning NCAA Champion Washington (Sept. 18) in its Big Ten home opener. In conference play, the Hoosiers host the Huskies as well as Penn State (Sept. 25), Maryland (Oct. 2), Northwestern (Oct. 23) and Michigan State (Nov. 4) – the regular season finale. IU has Big Ten away days at Michigan, Wisconsin (Oct. 22), Rutgers (Oct. 16), Ohio State (Oct. 20) and UCLA (Oct. 30).
In the middle of Big Ten play, Indiana will host the annual meeting with Kentucky on October 6. The matchup marks the third game of a crucial four-match homestand featuring Penn State, Maryland, Kentucky and Hanover College. Hoosier Army will get its first chances to see the 2026 squad in two home exhibitions. IU will host Bowling Green (Aug. 10) and Loyola Chicago (Aug. 15) in a pair of preseason scrimmages.
SEASON TICKET INFORMATION- Season tickets are on sale now, and fans can purchase online or by calling the IU athletics ticket office at 812-855-4006. Adult season ticket packages are $48, and youth ticket packages (ages 3-18) are priced at $24. Each order will also receive 10 priority points in the ‘Other Sports’ category. For more information on the Varsity Club’s Priority Points program, visit here. Single-match tickets will go on sale August 2. Indiana University faculty/staff and students receive free admission to home matches with a valid Crimson Card. Faculty and staff can claim their tickets through one.iu.edu by searching “IU Faculty & Staff Complimentary Athletics Tickets.”
Indiana Men’s Soccer Schedule by 2025 Year-End RPI
1. Washington*
8. Maryland*
20. Denver*
30. UCLA*
31. Michigan*
39. Notre Dame*
40. Kentucky*
41. Rutgers
57. Wisconsin
66. Northwestern
75. Penn State
77. Louisville
90. Evansville
92. Michigan State
98. Ohio State
101. Cal Poly
159. Butler
N/A. Hanover College
Indiana University Football Hoosiers land 4-star Defensive End Reinaldo Perez IU football has earned a verbal commitment from Ohio-based defensive end Reinaldo Perez, he announced on Wednesday afternoon. The 6-foot-6 and 260-pound Perez hails from Columbus, Ohio (Columbus Academy H.S.). In the average of the national rankings, Perez is a 4-star, the No. 317 overall player in the class, and the No. 32 defensive lineman. He made the All-Ohio first team in Division V last year.
Indiana now has a pair of 4-star edge rushers in the class, as Perez follows Myles Smith. The pair will arrive in Bloomington after Mikail Kamara led the nation in quarterback pressures in 2024, and Stephen Daley led the nation in tackles for loss in 2025. “It felt so right, and they checked off all the boxes for my family and I,” Perez told Rivals’ Greg Smith. “I’m looking forward the most to getting on campus, be coached by the best coaches, and be a part of the best team.”
Perez picked IU over offers from Ohio State, Michigan State, Stanford, Florida, USC, Purdue, Kentucky, Louisville, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, Virginia Tech, Tennessee, Georgia Tech, Arizona State, West Virginia, Rutgers, Cincinnati and others. According to his Rivals page, Perez took nine visits to Ohio State and was scheduled to take an official visit there later this month. He took an official visit to IU in April and visited Michigan State this past weekend. With the addition of Perez, Indiana now has 10 commits in the 2027 class, including three 4-stars.
Indiana University Men’s Basketball adds size with walk-on Ben Winker Indiana has added legit size to its 2026-27 roster to help prepare the frontcourt next season. Cal State Fullerton transfer forward Ben Winker has joined the IU basketball team as a preferred walk-on, he reported on Tuesday. The 6-foot-10 and 230-pound left-handed Winker is on campus and practicing with the team this week. Winker played sparingly for the Titans as a true freshman in 2025-26. He averaged .9 points and 1.8 rebounds in 4.4 minutes a contest, appearing in eight games. Winker attended Chaminade H.S. in St. Louis, Mo. Lindenwood, SIUE, Florida Gulf Coast, and Southeast Missouri State also offered Winker when he was in high school. He was a 3-star prospect and the No. 64 center in the 2025 class. During his time in High School, Winker played four-years on the varsity team while helping lead the program to three district championships and two final four appearances. It’s unusual to have a walk-on with Winker’s size, not to mention Division I experience. He’ll give IU big men Samet Yigitoglu and Aiden Sherrell support in practice, readying them for the size they’ll size against high major opponents. Since IU centers Yigitoglu and Clemens Sokolov will not be allowed to play for the Hoosiers when they represent Team USA in Peru next month, Winker could end up seeing some action.
Four Indiana University Football Players among ESPN’s top-100 Newcomers for 2026 On a mission to repeat as national champs, IU football has reloaded during the offseason. The Hoosiers have four of the top-81 newcomers throughout all of college football in 2026 according to ESPN, including three of the top-18. Quarterback Josh Hoover is the top player welcomed to a new team this year the outlet says, while Nick Marsh is the No. 2 newcomer at wide receiver, Tobi Osunsanmi the No. 4 edge, and Turbo Richard the No. 8 running back.
Writing for ESPN, Billy Tucker says each player is ranked based on a team’s need and what physical skill set they bring to their new team. Leading off the list is quarterback Josh Hoover, who ESPN says is the No. 1 overall newcomer in the sport for 2026. In arriving at that conclusion, here’s what ESPN said about Hoover:
Value: Hoover gives Curt Cignetti extensive experience, skill and production after throwing for 9,629 yards and 71 touchdowns at TCU. He is a confident gunslinger who thrives pushing the ball vertically and operating within RPO concepts. His swagger and aggressiveness should unlock explosive plays through the air, albeit with some volatility. Hoover has 42 career turnovers and only one season without double-digit interceptions.
Need: With Fernando Mendoza off to the NFL and backup Alberto Mendoza having transferred to Georgia Tech, the Hoosiers needed another experienced passer capable of sustaining College Football Playoff expectations in Bloomington. Indiana has become one of the portal’s premier destinations for quarterbacks, and Hoover, who transferred from TCU, is next in line after Kurtis Rourke and national champion and Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza.
One of Hoover’s primary targets will be Michigan State transfer wideout Nick Marsh. ESPN ranked Marsh No. 11 among all college football newcomers: Need: Marsh is a proven No. 1 receiver as the Hoosiers transition to a new era at the position after Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt moved on to the NFL. They couldn’t afford to wait on a younger, more projectable receiver. Marsh instead is a ready-made top target and established focal point. He should be the clear primary receiving option.
Value: A former ESPN 300 recruit, Marsh led Michigan State in receiving in back-to-back seasons, totaling 100 catches for 1,311 yards and nine touchdowns. At 6-3, 203 pounds, he brings Big Ten-ready size paired with vertical speed, allowing him to win downfield and on contested 50-50 opportunities. He is effective as a deep threat and as a physical receiver who can work through contact. Cignetti saw Marsh’s ability up close. He had 12 catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns across two games against Indiana, reinforcing his ability to elevate the passing attack immediately.
Coming in at No. 18 among all newcomers is Kansas State edge Tobi Osunsanmi, says ESPN: Need: Adding Osunsanmi, a Kansas State transfer, will help Indiana reload for its national title defense. The Hoosiers lost Mikail Kamara, Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt, creating a clear need along the defensive front. Osunsanmi is an ideal plug-and-play addition. The versatile pass rusher should translate fluidly to defensive coordinator Bryant Haines’ scheme.
Value: Osunsanmi suffered a season-ending injury that forced him to miss the second half of last season, but he flashed during the spring, creating havoc up front. He brings a strong combination of speed and power to pressure offensive tackles. His power allows him to play stout at the point of attack, set the edge or walk blockers back into the backfield to collapse the pocket. He also has the quickness and agility to win on loops and stunts, along with a motor that shows up in pursuit outside the box.
And rounding things out is the No. 81 overall top newcomer in college football, running back Turbo Richard: Need: The Hoosiers lost their two leading rushers from last season’s championship team with running backs Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black, who combined for 2,160 yards, off to the NFL. Though they return two other productive backs in Khobie Martin and Lee Beebe Jr., they also added production in the transfer portal with Richard, a Boston College back with a scheme-fitting skill set. The 5-8 rusher didn’t have many Power 4 offers out of high school, but one of the first programs to offer him was James Madison when Cignetti was at the helm.
Value: Richard had a very productive season in 2025 with 749 yards on the ground. He has a compact build that helps him play with a low center of gravity and the ability to break tackles. His running style is patient as he has a good feel to cut off the backside of blocks. He runs behind his pads and finishes runs with good demeanor. As a receiver out of the backfield, he also provides a reliable checkdown option. Cignetti noted that he liked what Richard did this spring as he will have the opportunity to be impactful and a reliable option at running back for an Indiana team that is looking to repeat.
Five Taylor University Baseball Trojans Named CSC Academic All-District The 2026 NAIA national-runner up Taylor baseball program had a maximum five student-athletes named to the College Sports Communicators NAIA Academic All-District Baseball Team, including seniors Jake Boyer, Sam Gladd, Ben Kennedy, Fletcher Roemmich and junior Nathan Frady. Boyer, a senior finance major who earned CSC Second-Team Academic All-American recognition last season, picked up his third career CSC Academic All-District honor with a cumulative GPA of 3.87. The right-hander was a key reliever for the No. 1-ranked Trojans this season, earning Crossroads League Pitcher of the Week twice. Boyer led the team in saves (5) and tied for the team lead in wins (8-2) and appearances (22). The Fort Wayne native recorded 55 strikeouts and just six walks in 47.1 innings.
Gladd, a senior exercise science major, earned his third career CSC Academic All-District recognition with a cumulative GPA of 3.88. After being tabbed as an NAIA Preseason All-American selection, the designated hitter went on to earn First-Team All-Crossroads League honors and a spot on the NAIA World Series All-Tournament Team. Gladd smacked 10 home runs and 10 doubles with a .315 batting average and 54 RBIs. The Columbia City native finished his career ranked second all-time in TU baseball history for most home runs (46). Kennedy, a senior majoring in human physiology and preventative medicine, received his first CSC Academic All-District honor with a cumulative GPA of 3.68. The shortstop posted a career season, earning Second-Team All-Crossroads League recognition and was twice named the CL Player of the Week. Kennedy tallied 12 home runs, with four of those during a six-game stretch in postseason play. The Evansville native tied for the team-lead in doubles (19) and triples (3), while hitting .366 overall with 64 RBIs.
Roemmich, a senior also majoring in human physiology and preventative medicine, garnered his first career CSC Academic All-District award with a cumulative GPA of 3.95. Hitting leadoff for arguably the nation’s best offense, Roemmich earned First-Team All-Crossroads League honors and posted career numbers while hitting .347 with 11 home runs, 13 doubles and 62 RBIs. The Elmhurst, Illinois native broke the TU single-season record for most runs scored (85). At one point, Roemmich had reached base safely in 61 consecutive games dating back to the 2025 season. Frady, a junior politics and law major, earned his first CSC Academic All-District recognition with a cumulative GPA of 3.95. The right-hander was selected First-Team All-Crossroads League and picked up one CL Pitcher of the Week award as the primary reliever on the top-ranked Trojans. The Bloomfield native made four appearances in six games at the NAIA World Series. Frady finished the year 6-1 with a pair of saves, totaling 58.2 innings of work, 52 strikeouts and 3.53 earned-run average.
All five individuals will advance to the CSC Academic All-America ballot. First-, second- and third-team Academic All-America honorees will be announced June 23, 2026. The 2025-26 Academic All-District® Baseball Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the court and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.
The Trojans have piled up several awards and honors for the 2025-2026 year. TU has garnered 64 Crossroads League, WHAC and MSFA Player-of-the-Week awards, six NAIA National Athlete-of-the-Week honors, 27 NAIA All-American honors, 127 all-league awards, two individual NAIA National Championships, seven individual Crossroads League Championships, two league players of the year, one CL Freshman of the Year, three CL Newcomers of the Year, one National Athlete of the Year, 180 NAIA Scholar-Athlete awards, 88 Academic All-League nods, 37 CSC Academic All-District selections and five CSC Academic All-Americans.
Taylor University Baseball Ranks No. 2 in NAIA Postseason Poll to Cap 56-Win Season The most successful season in Taylor baseball history earned a fitting place in the final standings. Following a national runner-up finish, the Trojans closed the book on the 2026 campaign ranked No. 2 in the GoRout NAIA Baseball Top 25 Postseason Poll. The ranking caps a season in which TU finished 56-7, a school record for wins that also led all NAIA teams this season. The postseason ranking extends a run of sustained excellence that has become the program’s identity. TU has now appeared in 22 consecutive polls dating to the 2023 season and has been ranked inside the top 10 in each of the last nine releases. The Trojans have produced five straight 40-win seasons and four consecutive 30-win seasons in conference play, compiling an overall Crossroads League record of 125-19 (.868) over that span. They have not dropped a CL series in five years — a streak of 46 consecutive.
Offensively, the 2026 squad was the most dominant in the country. The Trojans led the nation in runs (690), runs per game (11.3) and on-base percentage (.471) while ranking second in the NAIA in hits (716), fourth in both batting average (.350) and slugging percentage (.588), and sixth in home runs (105). On the mound, TU recorded the third-most strikeouts (538) among NAIA leaders and the fifth-best strikeouts-per-nine-innings rate (10.05). TU opened the year ranked ninth in the NAIA Preseason Poll and climbed to a program-record No. 1 ranking. The Trojans started 11-0 for the first time in program history, authored their best 25-game (22-3) and 30-game (27-3) starts on record, and matched the program’s longest win streak at 24. By season’s end, TU had won more regular-season games (45) than any team in program history, established program records for wins (56) and winning percentage (.889), and claimed more Crossroads League victories (33) than any Trojan club before it.
The schedule offered no shortage of competition against ranked opponents. The Trojans defeated No. 4 Lewis-Clark State, No. 10 Doane, No. 15 Arizona Christian, No. 18 Mid-America Christian, No. 19 William Carey, No. 22 Huntington and No. 23 Marian along the way. They swept a doubleheader at No. 24 Huntington, beat No. 24 Marian three times, swept a four-game series at RV St. Thomas and downed RV Indiana Tech twice. That body of work translated to hardware. TU won its fourth-straight regular-season Crossroads League championship and its third-straight CL Tournament title. The Trojans hosted the NAIA Opening Round for the fifth consecutive year and captured their second Opening Round championship in the past four seasons. The postseason carried TU to the NAIA World Series for the third time in program history, where the Trojans won four games before finishing as the NAIA national runner-up — the deepest run the program has ever made and the conclusion of a season that rewrote the record book.