CSUMB women’s soccer three-peats in Weekly reader poll

By Mark Muckenfuss

For the third year running, Cal State Monterey Bay’s women’s soccer team has been recognized as the best college sports team in the Monterey County Weekly’s annual Best of Monterey County reader’s poll. 

The Weekly also gave CSUMB’s Renee Penalver, an associate professor of psychology, the award of Best Professor for the second-straight year. The university received the Best School award. 

Laura VanWart, head coach for the Otter women’s soccer team, said she wasn’t really sure why or how her team continues to win the prize, but that she and her players appreciate the recognition.

“Maybe we’re the incumbents now,” she said. “It's nice to be recognized. I think players play harder when there's community support. It was wonderful for the girls to hear.”

Athletic director Kirby Garry said such notoriety is important.

“To be honored by them,” he said, referring to the Weekly, “I think it’s wonderful.”

He said it is a boost not only to the team but to CSUMB’s athletics program

“Just to have the acknowledgement that we have a thriving NCAA Division II program here in Monterey,” he said. “The level of play is really high.”

This year’s team is off to a good start. In its last four games, it has not allowed a goal. The Otters played Cal Poly Pomona, the No. 2-ranked Division Ii team in the country, to a 0-0 tie. 

“I think it's our most cohesive team,” VanWart said of this year’s squad. “We get a lot of contributions across classes and positions. Our backline has been amazing, not giving up goals. We’re hoping to stay healthy and hope the ball bounces our way. Wish us luck.”

Best Professor Penalver said she is grateful for being honored a second time. 

“I am deeply grateful. Winning once was an honor, and receiving this recognition two years in a row makes it one of the most important professional recognitions of my entire career,” Penalver said. “I pour my heart into teaching, and this recognition affirms that the care, commitment and energy I bring are making a difference.”

She emphasized the award was not just about her own work.

“I’m grateful for this recognition, which gives me a chance to celebrate the exceptional colleagues I’m fortunate to learn from and work alongside,” she said. “It adds to the visibility my psychology colleagues are already bringing to CSUMB through their teaching, research, mentoring and service. It’s also a reminder of the exceptional teaching and mentorship available at a California State University, where access and opportunity are transformative.”

The students, she said, are always the focus.

“Above all, I want them to know that my investment in them extends beyond the classroom,” she said. “I am their biggest cheerleader, and I will always be rooting for them.”