SAN BRUNO, Calif. 026 026 026 026 026 026 026 026 Saint Mary’s College of California men’s soccer team celebrated academic excellence as four players earned Honorable Mention recognition in the 2026 West Coast Conference (WCC) All-Academic selections. Surafel Abebe and Sam Bentley received the honor for the second consecutive year, while Henry Beatty and Rafael Suarez earned it for the first time in their collegiate careers.
Redshirt junior Surafel Abebe, team captain and starting center back before a season-ending injury, and junior goalkeeper Sam Bentley, who started 12 games and recorded 47 saves, exemplify experienced leadership. Sophomore Henry Beatty played in 14 games and scored a career-high two goals. Sophomore midfielder Rafael Suarez anchored the midfield with 16 starts and also scored two goals.
The WCC All-Academic distinction requires student-athletes to maintain at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA, be significant contributors to their teams, and be in at least their second year at school. Those who meet the academic criteria but do not make the all-academic team receive honorable mention honors.
The honorees hold impressive GPAs: Beatty with a 3.32 in History, Suarez with a 3.59 cumulative GPA, Bentley with a 3.71 in Business Administration, and Abebe with a 3.48 in Finance.
CSB Take
Saint Mary’s men’s soccer program demonstrates commitment to academic and athletic excellence by having four players earn WCC All-Academic Honorable Mention honors. This blend of seasoned leaders and emerging talent underscores the Gaels’ strong culture of student-athlete success. The balance maintained between solid academic performance and significant on-field contributions bodes well for the program’s future competitiveness and reputation within the West Coast Conference.
Source: Original report
More coverage: Saint Mary’s Gaels.
