FULLERTON, Calif. – The Big West announced the 22 individuals named as the 2025-26 Big West Scholar-Athletes of the Year. Two student-athletes from each institution - one male and one female - were honored by The Big West and their schools for their accomplishments on the field of play, in the classroom and in their communities. From Cal State Fullerton, women's soccer midfielder Isabella Cruz and baseball catcher Max Ortega are the two honorees. 

The Big West Scholar-Athletes of the Year represent the nearly 2,700+ Big West student-athletes who made the Commissioners Honor Roll, which requires a 3.0 GPA or better. Nearly half of those on the Honor Roll had a 3.5 GPA or better.

Isabella Cruz
Cal State Fullerton midfielder Bella Cruz compiled seven goals and five assists on the season for 19 points as the Titans went 14-3-3 overall and 6-2-2 in conference play. Cruz, a three-time All-Big West First-Team honoree and a two-time Big West Scholar-Athlete of the Year, sports a 3.94 GPA while pursuing a master's degree in professional communications. Cruz aspires to work in sports communications and/or marketing after pursuing a professional soccer career. 

"Bella has been an awesome example of what it means to be a student-athlete. Her dedication to excellence on the field, in the classroom and to the community was always at the highest level," said Demian Brown. "Her level of play and competitive spirit within the women's soccer program was amazing. Bella could always be counted on to lead and perform even in the most challenging of situations. Bella will continue to serve as a model for current and future players as to what it means to be a Titan.

Max Ortega
Cal State Fullerton catcher/first baseman Max Ortega played in 48 games with 44 starts and recorded 32 hits, five doubles, 15 RBI and 12 runs. The senior from Stockton, Calif. helped the Titans earn a spot in the 2026 Big West Baseball Championship. Ortega plans to pursue a professional baseball career.

"Max has been a cornerstone of our baseball program throughout his four years at Cal State Fullerton. He has consistently set the standard for his teammates through his work ethic, dedication and commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom," said Jason Dietrich. "Watching him develop into an outstanding student-athlete and exceptional young man has been incredibly rewarding, and his impact on the Titan program will be felt for years to come."

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