AZUSA, Calif. -- Ten different Cougars were named to All-PacWest teams on Wednesday, while Sophia Emerson and Mayilen Salazar won special awards and Brooke Lincoln was named PacWest Coach of the Year.
Junior center back Sophia Emerson was named the PacWest Defender of the Year and a First Team All-PacWest selection, capping off a dominant junior campaign. Emerson started and appeared in all 17 matches, missing just seven minutes of play all season. She anchored a Cougar backline that recorded 10 straight shutouts—the longest streak in NCAA Division II this year—and 11 shutouts overall. Emerson was a driving force behind a defensive unit that held opponents to one or zero shots on goal in six different matches. A strong aerial presence and composed distributor, she consistently won headers, disrupted attacks, and initiated play with precise long balls out of the back. She also tallied an assist in a 2–0 win over Jessup and earned PacWest Defender of the Week once this season.
Freshman midfielder Mayilen Salazar was named the PacWest Freshman of the Year and earned All-PacWest Third Team honors after a standout debut season. Salazar appeared in 15 games, starting 14, and logged 1,037 minutes in the Cougar midfield. She recorded one game-winning goal and three assists, two of which were game-winners, totaling five points. A technical and composed playmaker, Salazar showcased excellent ball control and consistently held her own in the midfield as a true freshman.
Head Coach Brooke Lincoln was named PacWest Coach of the Year after guiding her team to a PacWest regular season title, the No. 1 seed in the PacWest Tournament, and two national top-25 rankings throughout the season. Under her leadership, the Cougars produced a program-record 10 consecutive shutouts, the longest streak in the country at the Division II level this season.
All-PacWest First Team
Senior forward Zoey Kuhn earned First Team All-PacWest honors after leading the Cougars' attack. Kuhn appeared in all 17 games and started 10 of them, totaling 794 minutes. She led the team with five goals, including three game-winning goals and a brace against Point Loma. A dynamic and athletic forward, Kuhn consistently stretched backlines with her pace and vertical, creating scoring opportunities and providing a dangerous attacking presence throughout the season.
All-PacWest Second Team
Redshirt freshman defender Jada Preston was named to the All-PacWest Second Team following a breakout year on the Cougar backline. Preston started 16 of her 17 appearances and logged 1,485 minutes, playing all 90 minutes in every conference game. Her speed, 1v1 defending ability, and confidence on the ball made her a crucial part of the defense, as she frequently closed down attackers, won difficult foot races, and drove forward out of the back. Alongside Emerson, she helped anchor a defensive unit responsible for 11 shutouts and the team's historic 10-game shutout streak.
Freshman midfielder Camila Hernandez earned All-PacWest Second Team recognition after an impactful first-year. Hernandez appeared in 16 matches, starting 13, and totaled 875 minutes. She scored two goals on the season—both game-winners—bringing immediate energy and composure to the midfield. Her decisive scoring moments and strong on-ball ability made her a consistent contributor in the Cougars' attacking build-up.
Junior goalkeeper Alexia Muniz was awarded All-PacWest Second Team distinction after boasting 11 shutouts on the season- 10 of them being consecutive. Muniz had the 3rd best goals against average in the PacWest (.529) and had the most shutouts in the conference. She also had an .820 save percentage.
All-PacWest Third Team
Graduate student forward Faith Crouse was named to the All-PacWest Third Team after a strong final collegiate season. Crouse started all 15 of her appearances and logged 1,031 minutes, collecting two goals and two assists. Known for her elite speed on the wing and exceptional dribbling, Crouse consistently stretched defenses, created scoring chances, and provided relentless attacking pressure throughout the year.
Junior midfielder Victoria Castro earned All-PacWest Third Team honors, starting all 15 of her appearances and totaling 764 minutes. Castro tallied one goal and two assists, contributing in possession, on set pieces, and in defensive transition. She recorded one game-winning goal and converted a penalty kick, cementing her role as a hardworking, dependable presence in the Cougar midfield.
Junior defender Anjolie Mayeda was selected to the All-PacWest Third Team for her strong, consistent performances along the backline. Mayeda appeared in all 17 games, starting 16, and totaled 1,215 minutes. A composed and reliable defender, she played a key role in one of the PacWest's top defensive units, helping the Cougars secure 11 shutouts on the season. Her positioning, decision-making, and steady presence were vital to the team's historic defensive success.
Junior defender Madison Woodward earned All-PacWest Third Team honors after a standout season on the wing. Woodward started nine conference games (14 starts overall) and totaled 1,103 minutes, contributing significantly to a backline that produced 11 shutouts, including the nation-leading 10-match streak. Known for her pace, aerial strength, attacking support, and strong 1v1 defending, she was a key component of the Cougars' defensive and transitional play.
