Mari Williams Named Conference Offensive Player of Week
The Indiana University Northwest senior forward earned the honor following three goals and an assist during the week.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Soccer
The Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference selected Indiana University Northwest senior forward Mari Williams as its offensive player of the week. Williams secured the award after contributing to two conference victories between October 12 and 18.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights a standout performance for the RedHawks, who currently maintain a strong second-place position in the conference standings as the season progresses.
Williams recorded 3 goals and 1 assist during the designated week, fueling a 5-2 win over Saint Xavier and a 2-0 victory against Judson. The team holds a 6-1 conference record and a 10-4-1 overall standing this season.
The players
Mari Williams
She is a senior forward for Indiana University Northwest and a Round Lake Beach, Illinois native.
Indiana University Northwest
This is a public regional university in Gary that competes in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.
Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference
This is an intercollegiate athletic conference that is part of the NAIA.
The details
Williams fueled the offense by netting two goals and one assist in the win against Saint Xavier University, followed by an additional goal against Judson University. These efforts helped Indiana University Northwest sustain their second-place standing in the league.
Timeline
October 12-18, 2026: Williams recorded three goals and one assist.
October 20, 2026: The conference announced the weekly award.
Season Trajectory
This accolade signals the high level of competition within the conference as teams jockey for position in the NAIA postseason rankings. The win puts the RedHawks in a favorable spot to challenge for the top seed as the regular season concludes.
With a 10-4-1 record, Indiana University Northwest's recent performance solidifies their current second-place standing in the conference. This momentum positions the team to maintain their ranking in upcoming matchups as the season nears its final stages.
The takeaway
Individual accolades reflect a high-performing offense capable of maintaining consistency against conference rivals. Supporting key playmakers remains a primary factor for programs looking to secure top-tier playoff seeds.
Further reading
Follow the team’s progress and league updates on the Soccer page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pantagraph.
