- Taryn Vrieling, Volleyball
Vrieling was the volleyball team’s breakout star last year. The junior was fourth on the team in kills and improved throughout the season. She led Idaho in kills as a freshman before coming to Wazzu. Assuming she stays in Pullman, she will be looked to as a team leader as they will need to replace the production of Katy Ryan and Sage Brustad.
- Sam Renner, Men’s Golf
Renner won two tournaments in the fall, becoming the first male golfer in WSU history to win back-to-back individual titles in tournaments. The junior is continuing to improve among the top collegiate golfers on the West Coast, and will now look to become the first WSU golfer ever to win three tournaments in a season.
- Isaiah Watts, Men’s Basketball
When he returns from injury, Watts will be the X factor for this WSU basketball squad. The sophomore guard has all the talent in the world. He played a key role in the Cougars March Madness run last year and could be the boost Wazzu needs to go on a winning streak as the season comes to an end.
- Tara Wallack, Women’s Basketball
Wallack continues to step up for the women’s basketball squad. The Canadian senior is second on the team in scoring, averaging 12.4 points and seven rebounds a game. With WSU still contending for a WCC title and an NCAA tournament bid, Wallack will play a huge role down the stretch.
- Kendall Campbell, Soccer
As a freshman last fall, Campbell scored four goals, finishing third on the team in points. Her .250% shooting percentage was impressive, and it is clear Campbell has endless potential. Next year, Campbell will be a must-watch player for the Cougs soccer squad.
- Ethan Price, Men’s Basketball
The veteran leadership of Price cannot be overstated. The senior from England does a bit of everything; he can shoot, he can play defense, he can get to the rim and he makes his free throws. While not as flashy as Nate Calmese or LeJuan Watts, Price has been the Cougs’ most consistent player in 2025. His solid presence on the court will be a key factor if the Cougars are able to make any sort of noise in the postseason.
- Emma Barbero, Volleyball
As a sophomore, Barbero emerged as a leader on the volleyball team, serving as the team’s libero and defensive leader. She won WCC defensive player of the week, and shined on the court, often pulling off impressive diving saves. She will play a huge part of the Cougs volleyball squad going forward.
- Eleanora Villa, Women’s Basketball
Villa leads the Cougars in points and threes and has continued to grow, building off a strong 2024 campaign. If Villa sticks around in Pullman next year, she will be the star of the women’s basketball team. She’s the biggest reason why the Cougs have been able to compete in a strong WCC this year.
2. Zevi Eckhaus, Football
With Eckhaus set to return and take over as the Cougars starting quarterback in 2025, it’s time to start getting excited about him. The senior threw three touchdown passes and ran for one as the Cougars scored 35 points in the Holiday Bowl last December. Although Eckhaus did not play much last year, it is clear that he has a very similar style of play to John Mateer, and the success of the WSU football team will mostly depend on what Eckhaus is able to make happen from under center.
- Nate Calmese, Men’s Basketball
Calmese has emerged as the star of Wazzu hoops. The former Husky has broken out in a huge way. With Cedric Coward now out for the year, Calmese is the Cougs leading scorer. He became the first Cougar in five years to score 20+ points in three straight games. But will the Cougars be able to keep Calmese on the Palouse when the season ends, or will he paid elsewhere? If Calmese returns next year, he will be the biggest star in Pullman.
