GALESBURG, Ill. ­— The Knox College athletics department announced its Male and Female Athletes of the Week for events that occurred between March 3-9 with first-year Hayden Derlein earning the honor for the men and all of the Prairie Fire female athletes being honored for the women in recognition of International Women's Day.

Derlein, who hails from Oregon, Wisconsin, helped Knox sweep a doubleheader at Eureka on Sunday (4-3 and 8-3) by going 4-for-6 with a double, walk and a hit by pitch. Much of that damage came in the nightcap when the shortstop went 3-for-4 with his two-bagger and scored twice as the Prairie Fire won their fourth straight game to open the 2025 campaign, their best start in 26 years. Derlein has hit safely in all four games thus far while hitting an even .400 on the young season. The rookie was also named the Midwest Conference Postion Performer of the Week yesterday.

International Women's Day, celebrated on Saturday, March 8, is a day dedicated to the advancement of women worldwide. The day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, and it marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality. Knox has dozens of young women competing on its varsity teams, and it salutes each and every one of them for their dedication to and passion for their respective sports.

The Knox Athletes of the Week will continue every Tuesday afternoon throughout the athletic calendar.