SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – For the first time in the 2026 season, a UC Santa Barbara student-athlete has been named Big West Player of the Week. After her performance against Cal State Bakersfield and California Baptist, goalkeeper Maddie Buckley has earned The Big West Defensive Player of the Week honor.
 
Last week, Buckley posted back-to-back shutouts while recording seven saves to earn the award. The senior has now recorded five clean sheets this season and 23 career shutouts, which ranks third in program history. Buckley and the backline did not allow CBU to record a shot on goal in their match on Saturday night, limiting the Lancers to just three shots total. Buckley now sits with a sub-1.00 goals against average while posting a 6-1-5 record in net thus far.
 
Buckley and the Gauchos extended their unbeaten streak to nine matches after a win over Cal State Bakersfield and a scoreless draw at California Baptist. The Blue and Gold will return to action on Saturday, October 10, as they travel to Cal State Fullerton to round out a three-match road swing.