Saint Mary’s College of California women’s soccer team earned nine West Coast Conference (WCC) All-Academic Honorable Mention selections for the 2026 season, ranking third in the conference behind Portland and San Diego. Portland led the conference with 12 selections, while San Diego had 10.
Redshirt junior goalkeeper Kate Plachy and senior defender Molly Silva received honorable mention honors for the second consecutive season. Junior midfielder Maddie Lucas earned honorable mention after being named to the All-Academic First Team in 2025. Six other Gaels players earned honorable mention honors for the first time, including Brooke Fairbanks, Taylor Farnum, Brittany Holden, Maren Hoovel, Brooklyn Smith and Ashlyn Vaughn.
The WCC all-academic squad selection requires student-athletes to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.20. They must also be significant contributors to their teams and be at least in their second year at their institution. Student-athletes who met the criteria but were not selected to the all-academic team received honorable mention recognition.
CSB Take
Saint Mary’s Gaels women’s soccer program continues to demonstrate commitment to academic excellence alongside competitive athletics, as evidenced by its nine Honorable Mention selections in the tough West Coast Conference. Maintaining such a high standard reflects the scholars’ dedication and the program’s culture of balance between sport and study. This academic recognition complements the Gaels’ on-field efforts and helps position the program as one that develops well-rounded student-athletes poised for meaningful success beyond college.
Source: Original report
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