IRVINE, Calif. – Three members of the UC Santa Barbara Women's Soccer team received postseason honors as The Big West announced its 2026 All-Conference selections.
Emily Caughey earned a spot on the All-Big West Second Team, while
Allison Gonzalez and
Alondra Talamantes were recognized on the Big West All-Rookie Team.
Caughey capped off her collegiate career with her fourth consecutive All-Big West honor, earning second team recognition after another standout season anchoring the Gaucho defense. The senior started all 17 matches she appeared in, totaling 1,501 minutes on the pitch. Beyond her defensive contributions, Caughey made her presence felt offensively, registering two goals and an assist for five points. She found the back of the net on a free kick against Fresno State and added another goal during conference action, including a game-winner against a Big West opponent.
Gonzalez made an immediate impression in her debut season with the Blue and Gold, securing a place on the Big West All-Rookie Team. The freshman defender saw action in all 20 matches, earning 12 starts and accumulating 1,132 minutes. A consistent presence along the backline, Gonzalez helped Santa Barbara record seven shutouts throughout the season. She also picked up her first collegiate assist in the Gauchos' 1-0 victory over San Jose State.
Talamantes joined Gonzalez among the conference's top newcomers following a productive freshman campaign. Appearing in all 20 contests, Talamantes provided an offensive spark for Santa Barbara, finishing with two goals and one assist for five points. Both of her goals came against Big West competition, including a game-winning strike. She also tallied 19 shots, placing seven on target, as she established herself as a contributor to the Gaucho attack.
The Blue and Gold concluded their 2026 campaign with an 8-5-7 overall record, finishing eighth in The Big West standings with a 3-4-4 conference mark. Despite falling short of a postseason berth, Santa Barbara saw contributions from both its veteran leaders and emerging newcomers, with three Gauchos earning All-Big West recognition to close out the season.
