SEASIDE, Calif. — Following one of the most successful seasons in program history, Cal State Monterey Bay men's soccer standout Mason Ward was named the CCAA Midfielder of the Year, highlighting eight Otters selected to the 2026 All-CCAA Men's Soccer Team.
 
Ward also earned All-CCAA First Team recognition, while goalkeeper Griffin Welch, defender Damon Smith and midfielder Sylas Sells received second-team honors. Cameron Fisk, Olof Larsson, Josh Moll, Kai Martin and Philip Wolny rounded out the Monterey Bay honorees with honorable mention selections.
 
The recognition caps an impressive campaign for Ward, a fifth-year midfielder from Temecula who emerged as one of the Otters' top offensive threats. Ward finished the regular season with six goals and three assists for 15 points, including three game-winning goals, ranking among the conference leaders.
 
Ward's play helped fuel Monterey Bay's eight-match unbeaten streak (7-0-1), which featured seven consecutive victories and propelled the Otters into the CCAA Tournament. His season included a two-goal performance at Cal State East Bay and a decisive goal in the Otters' 2-1 road victory over nationally ranked Cal State San Bernardino.
 
Welch, a junior goalkeeper from Long Beach, earned second-team honors following a strong season between the posts. Welch ranked among the CCAA leaders in saves per game and delivered several standout performances, including eight saves in Monterey Bay's 4-2 victory over Cal Poly Humboldt and five stops in a 3-0 shutout of Cal State East Bay.
 
Smith, a senior defender from Palmdale, also collected second-team recognition after anchoring a Monterey Bay back line that recorded multiple shutouts throughout the season. Smith provided an offensive spark as well, scoring a key goal in the Otters' 2-1 victory over No. 9 Cal State San Bernardino.
 
Sells, a senior midfielder from Fresno, rounded out the Otters' second-team selections. His work in the midfield helped establish Monterey Bay's attacking rhythm, recording 10 points on three goals and four assists.
 
Fisk earned honorable mention recognition as a defender after playing an important role in the Otters' defensive success. He also added an offensive dimension to his game, finishing among the conference's assist leaders with five.
 
Larsson and Moll received honorable mention honors in the midfield. Larsson delivered timely offensive production, including a goal in Monterey Bay's 2-1 victory over Fresno Pacific, while Moll emerged as one of the Otters' top playmakers with five assists.
 
Martin collected honorable mention recognition at forward after leading Monterey Bay with eight goals during the regular season. His scoring ability helped power an Otter attack that ranked among the CCAA's best, including multiple two-goal performances throughout the campaign.
 
Wolny rounded out the CSUMB selections with honorable mention honors at forward. He led the conference with eight assists and finished the regular season with five goals and a team-high 18 points, establishing himself as one of the league's most productive offensive players.
 
CSUMB 2026 All-CCAA Honorees

• Mason Ward (5th, MF) — CCAA Midfielder of the Year, All-CCAA First Team.
• Griffin Welch (Jr., GK) — All-CCAA Second Team.
• Damon Smith (Sr., D) — All-CCAA Second Team.
• Sylas Sells (Sr., MF) — All-CCAA Second Team.
• Cameron Fisk (D) — All-CCAA Honorable Mention.
• Olof Larsson (MF) — All-CCAA Honorable Mention.
• Josh Moll (MF) — All-CCAA Honorable Mention.
• Kai Martin (F) — All-CCAA Honorable Mention.
• Philip Wolny (F) — All-CCAA Honorable Mention.