Stewart’s swings secure MAC Player of the Week

By Claire Valenti, Sports Reporter

April 15, 2025

NIU softball junior utility player Danielle Stewart prepares to hit a pitch against Bowling Green State University on April 5. Stewart earned MAC Player of the Week after logging seven hits in the Huskies’ three-game series against the University at Buffalo, which wrapped up on Saturday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

NIU softball junior pitcher/utility Danielle “Dee Dee” Stewart captured MAC’s Player of the Week honor on Tuesday after an electrifying weekend outing at the University at Buffalo. This is Stewart’s first time receiving the honor after previously being named MAC Pitcher of the Week in March 2023.

Stewart (3-10) proved her versatility for the Huskies after batting .700 in the three-game series against the Bulls. She helped the team reach a history-making 20 RBIs in the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader, tacking on two for NIU. Both RBIs helped senior middle infielder/outfielder Jenna Turner break another school record for most runs scored in a single game, tallying five runs in five innings.

Across the board, the Frankfort, Illinois, native went 7/10 at the plate. She scored 1 run, but nabbed 4 RBIs. Of her 7 hits in Buffalo, two were doubles. She was left on base five times.

With Stewart’s recognition, this marks the Huskies’ second straight week of being awarded by the MAC. She joins junior pitcher Lily Cassell as the second NIU softball player honored by the conference this season.