Baylor’s Aryanna Jimison (offensive), UCF’s Kalena Bellini (defensive) and Kaïna Cesar (goalkeeper), along with Texas Tech’s Lauren Alvarez (freshman) captured Big 12 soccer weekly honors for their performances in Week 8.

Jimison recorded her fourth career brace during BU’s 3-1 victory against Kansas. The junior netted a goal 46 seconds before halftime and another 77 seconds after the intermission, which marked her fifth and team-leading sixth goal of the season. The win extended BU’s undefeated streak to nine consecutive matches and six in Big 12 play. The Carrollton, Texas native earned her second career Big 12 weekly honor after securing the offensive title almost 365 days ago (Oct. 8).

 Bellini was one of five Knights to play all 90 minutes in the 2-0 shutout victory over then-No. 17 Colorado. The sophomore and the UCF backline held the Buffaloes scoreless and allowed only four shots on goal against a team that leads the league in scoring and averages 2.55 goals per game.  She also dished out an assist that led to UCF’s first goal of the night, marking her third of the season. Bellini is the first defensive player from UCF to be honored by the league this season.

Cesar helped UCF pick up a win over a top-25 opponent and defend their home turf in the team’s fifth annual Space Game. She grabbed four saves against CU, which ranked in the top-25 nationally in offense. The win marked her second shutout of the season for the Tours, France native who transferred from Lipscomb.

Alvarez scored her first collegiate goal as Texas Tech moved into a tie for first place in the Big 12 with Baylor and BYU following a 2-0 victory over Arizona State. Almost deadlocked with halftime approaching, the freshman netted the game-winning goal in the 41^st minute. The Frisco, Texas native also played every minute in the match, marking her first full-90 outing. Alvarez is the first Red Raider to capture the league’s weekly honor for freshmen since Oct. 15, 2025, and is the third TTU player to be honored this season.

Conference play reaches the midpoint this week with teams playing two league opponents this week.
 
2026 Big 12 Soccer Players of the Week - Oct.7
Offensive: Aryanna Jimison, Baylor
Defensive: Kalena Bellini, UCF
Goalkeeper: Kaïna Cesar, UCF
Freshman: Lauren Alvarez, Texas Tech