SXU Student-Athlete Named CCAC Women's Basketball Defensive Player of the Week
Date:01/28/2026
For the second week in a row and the third time overall this season, Saint Xavier
University (SXU) freshman forward Alaina Peetz was named the Chicagoland Collegiate
Athletic Conference (CCAC) Women's Basketball Defensive Player of the Week.
Across the week of January 19, Peetz averaged 9.5 rebounds, 3.0 blocks, and 1.5 steals
per game in two contests for the Cougars. She achieved a game-best 12 rebounds (nine
defensive), blocked a career-high five shots, and recorded three steals. Peetz also
tallied eight points on 4-for-8 shooting with an assist in a victory over Governors
State University.
Through 20 games, she leads SXU in total rebounds (178), rebounds per game (8.9),
steals (46), and blocks (40). Peetz is the conference leader in blocks, is No. 2 in
total rebounds and defensive rebounds with 132, and is No. 3 in rebounds per game
and total steals.
Peetz is thrilled to be making such a significant contribution to her team as a rookie.
"It feels really great [to achieve the honor], especially with how well our team has
been doing this year. Despite a couple of recent losses, we've also had some big games,"
Peetz said.
As a native of Lockport, Ill., playing collegiate basketball at Saint Xavier University
was a simple decision. Being close to home and having her family in the stands rooting
her on was what she wanted most. Now in the thick of her first season, she has seen
herself blossom due to the welcoming community she's surrounded by.
"During my recruiting, I really loved the coaches and the girls on the team. It was
also close to home, so my family could watch my games. I've now seen myself grow as
a player in my communication skills on the court and with my teammates. I think as
the season has gone along, I've become even more confident in my skills and therefore
able to talk more on the court," Peetz said.
Upon graduating from high school, Peetz had every intention of majoring in political
science, but made a change once she started classes at Saint Xavier. She realized
she had a deep love for helping people, and certain classes sparked her passion for
biology pre-health.
"I actually decided to change my major to bio pre-health at the beginning of the season.
I chose it because I know I want to do a hands-on job that helps people, specifically
kids and families. I am also taking multiple sociology classes, which will help me
understand people better," Peetz said.