By Ethan Rubio, October 6, 2026
Cal Poly Pomona women’s soccer defender Angelina Santana earned her first FloCollege/California Collegiate Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Week honor for Sept.14 – Sept.20 after helping the Broncos secure wins over Cal State LA and San Francisco State.
Santana played a central role in CPP’s defensive performance, helping the Broncos control the tempo and secure wins in both games.
“She’s been one of the most consistent players, and it’s a testament to her hard work,” Coach Jay Mason said.
Against Cal State LA, Santana set up Charlie Gallardo’s goal in the 26th minute, one of two goals from the Broncos. She followed it with another assist against San Francisco State, finding Jenna Santos for her first goal of the year in CPP’s 4-1 victory.
“There’s a bit of a rivalry going on between us and them, and the team is always looking forward to playing Cal State LA,” Mason said. “Most of the girls know some of the other girls on the team whether it’s through mutual friends, club, etc. and I think that’s what makes the game even better, not just for me as a coach, but for the team.”
Across the two games, CPP totaled six goals and 33 shots, with Santana’s contributions marking a breakout moment nine matches into her first collegiate season.
“I honestly did not even know it was an award,” Santana said. “It made me feel recognized and feel like I had a presence on the team.”
Santana is no stranger to winning awards, as she was North Hills MVP and All-CIF SS while attending La Habra High School.
Santana credits her work over the summer for her early-season success, explaining that she spent the offseason training daily to prepare for the jump in speed and physicality, sharpening her defensive reads and building confidence when it comes to making decisions in game– she says have helped her stay connected and consistent.
That preparation has already shown up on the field. Through nine games, Santana has recorded her first two assists and earned starts in every match, becoming a key piece of a 5-0-6 Broncos team that remains undefeated in CCAA play.
“This past summer, I’d train every day knowing that the season was right around the corner with each day,” Santana said. “The fact that we’re a good team and having the opportunity to start each game was really motivating.”
She said the preparation has made it easier to adjust to the demands of conference play and earn trust from her coaches and teammates.
This season represents both a challenge and an opportunity to refine her game, contribute to a championship-level team and establish herself as a long-term piece of CPP’s defensive future.
Mason noted that Santana has adapted quickly to the challenges of college competition, explaining that she consistently studies opposing players’ tendencies, whether they rely on speed or physicality or quick combinations. He said her reliability on the field reflects the preparation she brings training and the maturity she shows as a first-year player.
“Freshman year comes with a lot of new challenges,” Mason said. “She really tries to take in the information regarding whether the player is fast or big. She’s one of the most consistent players, and it’s a testament to her hard work.”
Mason said Santana is one of the players who consistently demonstrates the team’s “Above the Line” mantra, a standard centered on accountability, execution and doing the small details correctly. He said her approach aligns with the program’s emphasis this season on discipline and decision-making in pressure moments.
With CPP currently ranked No. 5 nationally, Santana’s focus for the remainder of the season is contributing to the Broncos’ push toward the top of the conference standings.
“I hope our team can become the best in California, and I hope that as a player I can be one of those contributing factors in helping them reach that goal.” Santana said.
