The Big 12 Conference has announced its latest soccer players of the week, with UCF, Arizona State and Kansas State producing the standout performances. UCF’s Naomi Clark captured Offensive Player of the Week, Arizona State’s Emmie Ennis earned Defensive Player of the Week, Kansas State goalkeeper Maddie Sibbing was recognized among the league’s best at her position, and ASU freshman Mya Angus claimed the freshman honor.
The awards reflect an impressive week for three programs that are making early statements in the 2026 season. UCF’s Clark delivered one of the most spectacular individual performances of the week, while Arizona State continued its unbeaten start behind strong defensive play. Kansas State, meanwhile, received another major contribution from Sibbing, whose consistency between the posts has quickly made her one of the conference’s most reliable goalkeepers.
Naomi Clark Makes UCF History
Clark was arguably the biggest offensive standout of the group after recording her first career hat trick against UAB. The Oklahoma transfer needed only 27 seconds to score her opening goal before adding two more in the 71st and 79th minutes.
Her three-goal performance was particularly significant for UCF because it marked the program’s first hat trick since 2018. Clark has wasted little time establishing herself as one of the Big 12’s most dangerous attacking players following her arrival in Orlando.
Through four matches, Clark has scored six goals, averaging 1.50 goals per game. She also leads the Big 12 with 14 total points and is averaging 3.50 points per game, a figure that currently ranks her first nationally.
The weekly award is another milestone because Clark becomes the first UCF offensive player to receive the conference’s weekly honor since the Knights joined the Big 12 in 2023. Her early-season production has immediately strengthened UCF’s attacking credentials and could become increasingly important as conference play intensifies.
Ennis Helps Arizona State Stay Unbeaten
Arizona State’s Ennis earned Defensive Player of the Week after playing a central role in two victories. The Sun Devils defeated LSU 1-0 before recording a 2-0 victory over Cal Poly, with Ennis contributing at both ends of the field.
Against LSU, Ennis scored the decisive goal to give Arizona State the narrow victory. She then supplied an assist against Cal Poly as the Sun Devils completed another clean defensive performance.
ASU’s defense limited both opponents significantly, allowing a combined four shots on goal across the two matches. Ennis’ recognition is historic for the program as she became the first Arizona State defender to win the Big 12’s weekly defensive award.
The results also underline Arizona State’s excellent start. The Sun Devils have now extended their winning streak to three matches and remain unbeaten at 4-0-1.
Maddie Sibbing Continues K-State Goalkeeping Run
Kansas State’s Sibbing earned goalkeeper honors after producing another standout performance during the Wildcats’ 0-0 draw with Nebraska.
The junior goalkeeper recorded six saves, including a crucial penalty-kick stop, while securing her third consecutive clean sheet. The penalty save was particularly notable because it represented the first time since 2021 that a Kansas State goalkeeper prevented an opponent from converting a penalty-kick opportunity.
Sibbing’s numbers have been exceptional early in the season. She currently leads the conference with a 0.20 goals-against average and has already recorded three shutouts.
This is also her third career Big 12 weekly honor, following two recognitions she received during the previous season. Her continued form gives Kansas State a strong defensive foundation as the Wildcats move deeper into the schedule.
ASU Freshman Mya Angus Adds Another Award
Arizona State’s strong week was capped by freshman Angus receiving the conference’s freshman honor. She appeared in both of the Sun Devils’ matches and scored her first collegiate goal during the 2-0 victory over Cal Poly.
Angus found the net in the 82nd minute after receiving a pass from Ennis, giving the freshman a memorable first collegiate goal while helping ASU secure another victory.
She becomes the fourth Arizona State player to win a weekly conference award this season and the second consecutive Sun Devil to receive the freshman recognition. That early depth has been one of the most encouraging developments for Arizona State.
Big 12 Soccer Enters Another Competitive Week
The latest honors arrive as the Big 12 prepares for another busy week of competition, with matches scheduled for Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
The conference is also enjoying an impressive presence in the latest IWSOC/United Soccer Coaches Top 25, where six Big 12 programs are ranked. West Virginia is No. 7, UCF No. 13, BYU No. 14, TCU No. 19, Baylor No. 22 and Colorado No. 24. Kansas and Texas Tech are also receiving votes.
That national representation highlights the depth of the conference and suggests the race for postseason positioning could become highly competitive. The Big 12 entered the 2026 campaign with significant expectations after eight of its teams earned NCAA Tournament bids in the previous season, matching the conference record for tournament representatives.
Big 12 Soccer Players of the Week Sept. 2
- Offensive Player: Naomi Clark, UCF
- Defensive Player: Emmie Ennis, Arizona State
- Goalkeeper: Maddie Sibbing, Kansas State
- Freshman: Mya Angus, Arizona State
With Clark dominating offensively, Ennis and Angus contributing to Arizona State’s unbeaten run, and Sibbing anchoring Kansas State’s defense, this week’s awards showcase the growing strength of Big 12 soccer. The performances also provide an early indication that UCF, Arizona State and Kansas State could have important roles to play as the 2026 campaign develops.
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