Softball | May 26
DeKALB, Ill.—Five members of the Northern Illinois University softball program were named to the Academic All-District team by the College Sports Communicators (CSC) as announced on Tuesday (May 26).
Danielle Stewart (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln-Way East) earned her third straight honor from CSC while
Jenna Turner (Marengo, Ill./Marengo),
Rylie Hartman (Kankakee, Ill./Herscher), and
Katy Ramage (Germantown Hills, Ill./Metamora Township) collect their second honor.
Madison Carlson (South Beloit, Ill./South Beloit) received her first recognition from CSC.
Stewart led the team at the plate this season, hitting at a clip of .451, which is the third best single-season average in NIU history. Stewart became the second player to earn First Team All-MAC honors four times and the third to earn NFCA All-Region honors. Stewart was one of three Huskies to start all 43 games this season while having a .752 slugging percentage and .522 on-base percentage.
Turner started all 43 games this season for the Huskies and recorded a batting average of .325. Turner scored 37 runs, while recording 49 hits and her first career home run, a grand-slam on April 11. Meanwhile, Ramage started 41 games for NIU, while appearing in all 43, as she had a batting average of .350. Ramage had 28 runs, 43 hits, four triples, and four home runs while collecting 74 putouts.
Hartman made appearances in 35 games this season with 32 starts as she spent the season primarily at catcher. Hartman marked a .352 batting average with 32 hits, 11 doubles, and 150 putouts.
Carlson, who earned First Team All-MAC, made 25 appearances in the circle with 17 starts. Carlson recorded a record of 11-2, seven complete games, 80 strikeouts, and set her career-high eight strikeouts during senior weekend at Mary M. Bell Field. Carlson led the Huskie pitchers with a 3.09 ERA and held opponents to a batting average .250.
The 2026 Academic All-District® Softball Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the diamond and in the classroom. Outstanding student-athletes are nominated for Academic All-District recognition by communications directors and must have a minimum 3.50 GPA and meet high athletic standards.
