Purdue Northwest Softball Head Coach Tristan Zink has officially name Claire Schapker as the new Assistant Coach for the softball program.

"We are so excited to have Claire join the softball program," said Zink. "She brings a wealth of knowledge and coaching to our team and she will be an amazing addition to the team.."

Schapker comes to Hammond from Calumet College of St. Joseph, where she served as assistant coach, primarily working with the pitching staff and on the recruiting trail for the NAIA program. 

During her four years with the Calumet College staff, Schapker started as a Recruiting Assistant from 2019-2021. In the fall of 2021, Schapker started as an Assistant Coach with the Crimson Wave and helped lead the team to two appearances in the CCAC Conference tournament in the 21-22 and 22-23 seasons.

A four-year member of the Calumet College softball team, Schapker was a starting pitcher three of those years. Schapker graduated with a bachelor's degree in business management in 2019 from CCSJ. After graduating, Schapker returned to her hometown of Bloomington, IN to attend Indiana University for graduate school, receiving a Master of Public Affairs degree with a concentration in Nonprofit Management and a Graduate Certificate in Philanthropic Studies from IUPUI in 2021.

In addition to being an assistant softball coach, in September of 2021 Schapker started as the Sports Information Director at Calumet College while also serving as the Senior Woman Leader and Student Athlete Advisory Committee advisor.