Dupage Policy Journal

New head coaches have been appointed in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) for the upcoming spring 2026 season. Carthage, Carroll, and Millikin announced changes to their baseball and softball programs, each bringing in leaders with a history of collegiate involvement and a focus on athlete development.

John Lequia has been named the 16th head baseball coach at Carthage. He has worked as a part-time assistant with Carthage since 2009 and also trains young athletes at Hitters Baseball in Racine. Lequia played his senior year at Carthage after transferring from Bradley, earning recognition as an American Baseball Coaches Association second-team All-Central Region and second-team All-CCIW player. He graduated from Carthage in 2009 with a degree in secondary education.

Ericka Hess was selected as the fifth head softball coach for Carroll on June 24. Hess comes from Hillsdale, where she spent three years as an assistant coach managing team logistics, practice planning, and youth camps. Her earlier experience includes serving as head varsity coach at Iroquois High School and working as a softball instructor for Erie Elite Athletic Academy. Hess graduated from Geneva in 2019 after four years on their softball team and held the position of Vice President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

Millikin introduced Brian Levin as its new head softball coach on August 6. Levin brings over a decade of coaching experience, having led teams to several NCAA Division II Tournament appearances and conference championships while earning GLVC Coach of the Year honors twice. His background also includes two years as an assistant coach at Iowa and prior service in the military for 20 years, including time with the 5th Special Forces Group.

According to CCIW officials: "Carthage, Carroll, and Millikin each introduced accomplished coaches who bring a blend of collegiate experience, competitive success and dedication to developing student-athletes on and off the field."