ALISO VIEJO, Calif. - Cal State San Marcos' women's soccer student-athlete Natalie Paulson has been voted the 2025-26 CCAA Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
 
The award is voted on and selected by the Faculty Athletics Representatives (FARs) from the Conference's member institutions. It recognizes student-athletes for their excellence in the classroom, community involvement, and athletic accomplishments.
 
Paulson concluded one of the most accomplished academic careers in Cal State San Marcos women's soccer history by graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in Political Science and a minor in Criminology and Justice Studies.
 
"We are so proud of Natalie and the leader she has been for our department," said Morod Shah, Cal State San Marcos' Director of Athletics. "Natalie is an elite-level student-athlete in the classroom and on the soccer field. She exemplifies what it means to be a CSUSM Cougar, and I am happy to see her recognized for this amazing award as the Scholar-Athlete of the Year for the CCAA."
 
Her excellence in the classroom earned recognition at every level. Paulson was a 2023 CSC Academic All-America Second Team selection and a three-time CSC Academic All-District honoree. She also earned three CCAA All-Academic selections, three appearances on the CCAA Fall Academic Honor Roll, and two Division II ADA Academic Achievement Awards. She received the 2025-26 Dr. Hal Charnofsky Memorial Award, presented annually to Cal State San Marcos' top graduating female student-athlete.
 
Paulson's leadership extended well beyond the soccer field. She served as president of the Cal State San Marcos Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) during the 2025-26 academic year while helping organize numerous campus and community initiatives. She led a Basic Needs Drive benefiting the Brother Benno Foundation, participated in Surfrider beach cleanups, organized a charity dodgeball tournament supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and has served as a Best Buddies mentor and tutor since 2015. She also remained active as a member of the university's Student Philanthropy Club, Pre-Law Society and Global Studies Club.
 
A four-year standout defender, Paulson established herself as one of the premier players in NCAA Division II women's soccer. She earned United Soccer Coaches First Team All-America and D2CCA Third Team All-America honors in 2023 after being named both the CCAA Player of the Year and CCAA Defender of the Year. She was twice selected to the All-CCAA First Team, earned honorable mention recognition in 2024, was voted the 2023 CCAA Tournament Most Valuable Defensive Player, and helped lead the Cougars to a conference tournament championship.
 
"Natalie exemplifies everything the CCAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year award represents," said Cal State San Marcos head women's soccer coach Bobby Renneisen. "She excelled academically while competing at the highest level on the field and consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership through her service to our campus and community. Her commitment to excellence in every aspect of her collegiate career made her an invaluable leader for our program."
 
A two-time team captain, Paulson was widely respected by teammates and coaches alike for her leadership, competitiveness and professionalism.
 
Following graduation, Paulson plans to continue working as a legal assistant with Webb Law Group while earning her paralegal certification, preparing for the LSAT and applying to law school.
 
Paulson becomes the second consecutive Cal State San Marcos student-athlete (Madison Murr, women's golf) to earn CCAA Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors, adding another milestone to one of the most distinguished careers in Cougar athletics.
 
To be nominated for the CCAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year award, individuals must have a 3.5 grade-point average or higher at a conference institution, complete their final season of eligibility and participate in a CCAA-sponsored sport.