Bella Campos Makes History as Three-Time RMAC Women's Soccer Player of the Year

Bella Campos Makes History as Three-Time RMAC Women’s Soccer Player of the Year

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Bella Campos makes history with third straight RMAC Player of the Year title

Colorado School of Mines forward Bella Campos has achieved a feat never before seen in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. According to a Tuesday announcement from the RMAC, Campos has been named the conference’s Women’s Soccer Player of the Year for the third consecutive season. This marks the first time any player in the history of the conference has secured three straight Player of the Year awards, according to rmacsports.org.

The senior forward’s dominance in 2026 was defined by sheer volume. Campos finished the regular season with 26 goals, leading the RMAC in both goals and shots (121). Her impact reached beyond the conference borders; minesathletics.com reports that she led all of NCAA Division II in goals per game (1.42) and points per game (3.26). Her offensive output wasn’t just a product of single bursts of brilliance, but rather a sustained threat, evidenced by a stretch where she scored in six consecutive matches between October 26 and November 12.

The accolades for the 2026 season extend well beyond Campos, highlighting a year of significant individual and program shifts across the league. While the Colorado School of Mines saw multiple players honored, Regis University also saw major recognition with head coach Jeff Frykholm named Coach of the Year and Maggie Payne earning Goalkeeper of the Year honors.

Oredigger defense anchors a championship contender

While Campos provided the firepower, the Colorado School of Mines relied on a disciplined defensive unit to maintain its position at the top of the standings. Teammate Natalie Rouse was named the RMAC Defensive Player of the Year, marking the third time in her career she has received this specific honor. Rouse, a redshirt senior, played a dual role this season, contributing seven goals while anchoring a defense that allowed only 10 goals during conference play.

The statistical profile of the Mines’ defense suggests a highly controlled style of play. The team committed only 93 fouls, the second-fewest in the RMAC, and allowed an average of just one goal per game. This defensive stability has been a cornerstone for a program that has captured two consecutive RMAC Women’s Soccer Championships. As the No. 3 seed entering the 2026 RMAC Tournament, the Orediggers are currently positioned to attempt a third straight title.

Regis University claims top seed and coaching honors

The landscape of the conference shifted significantly this year as Regis University emerged as a dominant force. Under the leadership of Jeff Frykholm, the Rangers secured a 15-2-1 overall record and remained undefeated in conference play with an 11-0-1 mark. This performance earned Regis the No. 1 seed in the RMAC Championship and the right to host both the semifinal and championship rounds—the first time the program has hosted the tournament since 2017.

A major component of the Regis success was the performance of Maggie Payne. The Overland Park, Kansas, native was named Goalkeeper of the Year after recording an .923 save percentage, a figure that ranks fourth nationally in NCAA Division II. Payne allowed only seven goals throughout her season, including just two during conference play, while racking up 84 saves and seven solo shutouts.

Award Recipient School
Player of the Year Bella Campos Colorado School of Mines
Defensive Player of the Year Natalie Rouse Colorado School of Mines
Goalkeeper of the Year Maggie Payne Regis
Freshman of the Year Ivy Agee Black Hills State
Coach of the Year Jeff Frykholm Regis

New talent emerges in the RMAC tournament race

The 2026 season also highlighted the rise of incoming talent, specifically Ivy Agee of Black Hills State University. The freshman from Powell, Wyoming, was named RMAC Freshman of the Year after a debut season that helped propel the Yellow Jackets to their first-ever appearance in the RMAC Women’s Soccer Tournament. Agee ranked second in the conference in shots (84) and third in both goals (14) and points (32).

UCCS Sports – RMAC Championship – Women's Soccer vs Colorado School of Mines, lower res

The intersection of veteran dominance and freshman emergence sets a high bar for the upcoming post-season. As the tournament bracket takes shape, the central question remains whether the offensive juggernaut of Campos and the Mines can overcome the defensive precision of the top-seeded Rangers. The upcoming matches will determine if the historical individual achievements of players like Campos and Rouse translate into a third consecutive team championship for the Colorado School of Mines.

Full Game Highlights at Colorado School of Mines (RMAC Tournament Quarterfinals)

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