After four years of being one of NIU’s most complete players, senior pitcher and utility player Danielle “Dee Dee” Stewart has put together her best season as part of her curtain call.
Stewart, a four-year starter, has been one of the Mid-American Conference’s most consistent two-way players since her 2023 freshman season. Stewart finished the 2026 season second in the MAC in batting average, on-base plus slugging and on-base percentage.
“This year I’ve been trying to enjoy my last year, and my big focus is just trusting that I’m a good hitter and not trying to overthink it,” Stewart said. “If I’m not getting it done, I know that all my teammates are going to get it done.”
That mindset has allowed Stewart to stay grounded, despite her breakout season. Her focus on the team’s goals rather than her own statistics has helped propel the Huskies to a MAC tournament berth.
“I tried to stay away from the stats,” Stewart said. “But I’ve had a couple people show me stuff and drop it towards me, and it’s easy to overthink stats, but I’ve learned to just let them tell me and drop it and just focus on trying to help my team out and support everybody.”
Stewart’s discipline at the plate has also played a key role in her success. While she studies scouting reports, she also trusts in her own approach.
“Obviously we do scouts and watch a lot of film during practice, but I usually try and know what the scouts are, and also know what I’m looking for personally,” Stewart said. “I’ve had a decent amount of success on the inside, so I’m just trying to look outside. But if I do get an inside pitch, I do what I can with it.”
Stewart’s success did not appear overnight. As a freshman, she emerged as one of the MAC’s top pitchers, leading the Huskies in earned run average (3.06) while also earning an All-MAC First Team selection.
She followed that up in her sophomore season by earning another All-MAC First Team selection, throwing NIU’s first no-hitter since 2006 and continuing to evolve as a hitter.
Now in her senior season, Stewart has elevated her offensive production further while leading her team to the MAC tournament.
As one of the team’s veterans, her impact has extended beyond the plate and the circle. Stewart said her senior class has focused on guiding the younger players while also building a positive culture where everyone feels valued.
“I’d say, trying to be the best leaders that we can,” Stewart said. “Lead by example, while also being able to share wisdom where we can try and make sure everybody knows that everybody’s important.”
This team-first mentality stood out to NIU softball head coach Kathryn Gleason throughout the season.
“You can see it in her eyes,” Gleason said. “She’s such a competitor, and she doesn’t care about the numbers. She just wants to win for her team. That’s who you want up to bat in that position.”
Stewart’s impact has helped drive the Huskies to the MAC tournament during Stewart’s final season with the program. While NIU was eliminated in back-to-back games in the MAC tournament, the Huskies’ 18 conference wins marked the program’s highest win total since 2000.
As her collegiate career came to an end, Stewart said she tried to focus more on appreciating the moments she had left with her teammates on Senior Day.
“Obviously it is sad that softball is coming to an end,” Stewart said. “But I was just more excited that I got to spend the day with my teammates and embrace the moment, and try to create more memories.”
