NAPERVILLE, Ill. – The College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin announced its weekly honors, Tuesday, Oct. 13, with Illinois Wesleyan University men's soccer senior goalkeeper, Owen Boukalik (Northville, Mich.-Northville) named the league's defensive player of the week.

The senior transfer earned his first career conference award and is the second Titan to snag CCIW recognition this season, joining senior Faheem Mujahid (Saint Robert, Mo.-Waynesville). The last time IWU earned defensive player of the week honors was last season with Sam Kedizor in Sept. 2025. 

Boukalik starred in the 1-0-1 week for the Titans with a 4-nil win over Elmhurst University and a scoreless draw against nationally-ranked North Park University. He added two more clean sheets to his growing resume, as he faced 12 shots with three saves to average 0.875 in the net over the week. The Northville, Mich. native has earned five shutouts, helping the Green and White earn eight in total this season. Boukalik's strong presence in the net puts him at the top rankings of the CCIW, and the nation. He sits second in the country in goals against average, 10th in save percentage (0.882), and 22nd in shutouts. 

Boukalik and Illinois Wesleyan are back in action on Neis Field Wednesday, Oct. 14 as they welcome CCIW foe Millikin University. Game time is slated for 7 p.m.