HILBERT, WIS. - Stewart, the First Year from Essex, Il., was awarded with the Midwest Conference Player of the Week award following a week where she shined on the defensive end of the pitch.

Gwendolynn Stewart helped Knox play 80 shutout minutes of soccer against Illinois Wesleyan, who is ranked 8th regionally, and stopped multiple attacks from Ripon in Knox's 1-0 win in the conference opener.

"Gwen immediately stepped into a crucial role as a First Year. She has consistently shut down top attackers and has been impactful in every game. This week she held a dominant IWU attack to just one goal and was a huge reason Ripon only got four shots. I am very proud of her performance each game and this honor is well deserved," said Coach Gerdes.

Knox has been tasked with some incredible competition throughout the non-conference part of the season and the defense has been up to the test with their disciplined brand of soccer.

You can catch Stewart and the Prairie Fire in action on Wednesday night when Jorge Prats Field plays host to Knox and Grinnell at 6:00 p.m.

To read the Midwest Conference's release, visit https://midwestconference.org/news/2026/9/21/general-mwc-performers-of-the-week-september-21-2026.aspx