Aquinas Athletics kicked off the 2026-27 season with a stellar performance, earning WHAC Player of the Week honors in three different sports. Women's volleyball star Cece Pelak, women's soccer goalkeeper Claire Fogarty, and men's soccer goalkeeper Dario Cela showcased remarkable skills during opening week competitions. Pelak led her team offensively, Fogarty demonstrated resilience with multiple saves, and Cela maintained a perfect save record in his season debut. This collective achievement highlights the depth of talent across Aquinas Athletics.

By the Numbers
  • Cece Pelak recorded 62 kills over 15 sets, averaging 4.13 kills per set.
  • Claire Fogarty made 13 saves on 14 shots, achieving a stellar 92.9% save rate in her debut.
  • Dario Cela faced six shots on goal and secured a 1.000 save percentage with a shutout in his first match.
Yes, But

While the individual performances were exceptional, the success of each athlete also underscores the contributions of their teammates and coaches. Team dynamics and collaboration were crucial in achieving these accolades, illustrating that individual honors stem from a collective effort.

State of Play
  • Aquinas teams are showing early promise, with victories and standout performances across multiple sports.
  • The recognition of three players from different sports sets a positive tone for the season ahead.
What's Next

Looking ahead, the Saints will seek to build on this momentum in upcoming matches, aiming to maintain high performance across all sports. Continued success is expected as the teams gel and refine their strategies for the season.

Bottom Line

Aquinas Athletics is off to a remarkable start, with multiple player honors setting the stage for what could be a highly successful season. This opening week spotlight not only celebrates individual athletes but also reflects the overall strength and potential of the entire athletic department.