SAN MARCOS, Calif. – Kiara Hernandez of women's golf and David Ruiz of men's soccer have been named the Cal State San Marcos Student-Athletes of the Month for September 2025.
 
The CSUSM Student-Athlete of the Month awards are determined through a vote of all Department of Athletics coaches, administrators and staff. Each in-season program nominates a student-athlete to be considered for the award each month.
 
Hernandez posted two runner-up finishes in CSUSM's first two tournaments of the season. She was named the FloCollege CCAA Co-Golfer of the Week in the first week of competition after finishing in a tie for second with a 2-under 142 (70-72) at the RJGA Shootout at Estrella. Hernandez took second once again at the Lady Bulldog Desert Classic at Avondale with a 1-under 215 (70-73-74). She has shot even or under par in three of the five rounds played so far this season.
 
Ruiz tied for the team lead in goals (3), assists (1) and points (7). He was named the FloCollege/CCAA Offensive Player of the Week after scoring all three of his goals in a single week, beginning with two goals in CSUSM's 3-2 win at Concordia University Irvine in which he scored the game-winner on a last-second shot. Ruiz ended the month with a goal in the Cougars' 2-2 draw against then-No. 7 Cal State San Bernardino.
 
This is the first CSUSM Student-Athlete of the Month honor for both Hernandez and Ruiz.
 
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