Dupage Policy Journal

North Park University’s Alexander Gahm and Millikin University’s Chase Mandra have been named the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Men’s Soccer Student-Athletes of the Week.

Gahm, a sophomore midfielder at North Park, was recognized for his offensive performance. He assisted on both goals in the final 15 minutes to help North Park secure a 2-1 comeback victory against Wisconsin-Whitewater last Friday.

On the defensive side, Mandra, a senior from Urbana, Illinois, played a key role for Millikin. Over three matches, he recorded 11 saves and posted a 0.40 goals-against average. His efforts included making three crucial saves in Millikin’s 3–1 win over Principia last Tuesday. Against Division I Bradley, Mandra kept the opponent scoreless through the first half with five saves, helping his team remain tied at halftime. He finished the week by earning a clean sheet in Millikin’s 3–0 win at Rockford, stopping all three shots on goal.

The CCIW also listed previous weekly honorees for both offensive and defensive categories throughout September.

"NAPERVILLE — The College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) announced its Men’s Soccer Student-Athletes of the Week on Tuesday, with North Park’s Alexander Gahm collecting offensive honors and Millikin’s Chase Mandra recognized on the defensive side."

"Gahm, a sophomore midfielder, assisted on both of North Park's goals in the final 15 minutes of a 2-1 come-from-behind win at Wisconsin-Whitewater last Friday."

"Mandra anchored the Big Blue defense with a standout week in net, recording 11 saves and a 0.40 goals-against average across three matches. He was instrumental in Millikin’s 3–1 win over Principia last Tuesday, making three key saves. He kept Division I Bradley off the board through the first half with five saves, helping Millikin stay level at the break."

"The senior from Urbana, Ill. capped the week with another strong outing in Millikin’s 3–0 victory at Rockford, stopping all three shots on goal to earn a clean sheet."

2025 CCIW Men's Soccer Student-Athletes of the Week include: Offensive—Sept. 23: Alexander Gahm (North Park), Sept. 16: Vidar Rydell (North Park), Sept. 9: Mathias Soerum (North Park), Sept. 2: Luke Vander Kolk (Wheaton); Defensive—Sept. 23: Chase Mandra (Millikin), Sept. 16: Griffin French (North Central) and Andrew Herringa (Wheaton), Sept. 9: Christian Smith (Millikin), Sept. 2: Kevin Perez (North Park).