Greenville, SC – The NCCAA is pleased to recognize Lani Schoper of the University of Northwestern (UNW) as the 2026 Deb Thompson Award recipient for Softball.
 
On the field, Schoper has been fantastic for the Eagles, batting an impressive .453 average with 62 hits, 18 doubles, two triples and four home runs, along with scoring 53 runs, the most in the NCCAA and 16^th in the NCAA Division III rankings. The Mankato, Minnesota native has also driven in 31 runs and has been almost impossible to get out on the basepaths, going 19-for-20 on stolen base attempts this season and 43-45 in her career. Schoper was a 2025 NCCAA All-Regional selection, and a member of the 2025 Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) Defensive Team, as the infielder has recorded 116 putouts and has turned seven double plays in her career, holding a career fielding percentage of .952. 
 
Off the field, the senior has earned a 3.91 GPA while majoring in business administration, and is a two-time NCCAA Scholar-Athlete, along with being named to the UMAC Academic All-Conference Team and as a College Sports Communicators Academic All-District selection in 2025. Schoper has also served her community in various roles, serving as a mentor and in children’s ministry to young girls, working at several food centers, and helping to lead game nights at Eagle Crest Senior Center. 
 
Schoper’s career almost ended before it could begin for the Eagles, as, while playing softball as a freshman at Minnesota State-Mankato, she shattered her leg while sliding into home and required emergency surgery with a titanium rod being placed into her leg. This led to many complications and caused Schoper to miss almost two years of playing time before transferring to the University of Northwestern. 
 
Alicia du’Monceaux, Head Softball Coach at UNW, says “The Lord drew so near to Lani during her recovery, and she learned so much of what it looks like and means to have complete dependency on the Lord. When she completely surrendered her entire life to Jesus, she was blown away by His kindness, and it forever changed her life. God has provided so much physical and spiritual healing regarding that injury, and it has been such a blessing to be able to live life and play softball with her amazing sisters in Christ to honor Him.”
 

Other Finalists
Georgina Carillo, Dallas Christian College
Tristan Phillips, Columbia International University
 
Award Description
Deb Thompson became head coach at Spring Arbor University in 1987 and built a legacy through impacting players for Christ, while creating a winning culture on and off the field. She was awarded the NFCA Regional Coach of the Year on four occasions, received numerous NCCAA district/regional awards, and was the NCCAA Coach of the Year in 2005 when her Cougars captured the NCCAA National Title. Deb has over 800 career wins and counting and was inducted into the Spring Arbor University Hall of Fame in 2002. She has and continues to serve selflessly while nurturing the student-athletes who have had the benefit of calling her coach. The NCCAA is proud to present this award in recognition of Deb Thompson’s legacy of service.