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.
