ODESSA, Texas (August 18, 2025) – Following the conclusion of the Falcons' Spring season, Head Coach Garrett Kull has announced that Natalia Salas and Cassandra Ramirez will serve as captains for The University of Texas Permian Basin women's soccer program next Fall with another captain to be named later.

Having taken the helm back in January, Coach Kull spoke about not only his selections for captain, but the progress the team has made so far.

"I have been really impressed by everyone on the roster this Spring," said Kull. "Each of them has shown progress in a number of areas and have really supported me and my vision for the program. Each of our returning players will play a key role in leading us next Fall, but Natalia and Cassandra have really established themselves as crucial voices on the field and in the locker room."

Salas is a rising senior from San Jose, Costa Rica, who has been a key Falcon since joining the team in 2022 with 45 matches and over 3,000 minutes played.

"Natalia brings a strong leadership style to our squad and is really promising in organizing our team," said Kull. "Her experience is incredibly valuable and she really sets the tone when it comes to our physicality. She has definitely been a guiding voice for us this Spring, but also connects with everyone in the locker room."

Ramirez is a rising redshirt Junior and native of Odessa, Texas, who has represented the Falcons in over 30 matches with over 2,800 minutes and over 100 shots in her career.

"Cassandra brings a bit of different leadership style to our squad with her ability to be incredibly relatable and positive," said Kull. "She has really been someone the team has rallied around and she goes the extra mile to help everyone feel included. She is someone that everyone respects because she is so willing to extend a helping hand."

Kull said that he also expects many other returners to continue to rise to the occasion of leading the team this season.

"While Natalia and Cassandra have set themselves apart as leaders, there are other voices in the locker room that we are going to count on next Fall in our leadership group," said Kull. "Everyone has a role to play on this team, and we think for the group we have returning that each of them brings something unique and valuable to our squad. It becomes our challenge to piece that together to help guide us through next Fall, and we have not overlooked that some new additions may also be stepping into leadership roles."

The Falcons will welcome a rebuilt squad next Fall, having graduated 11 players this past year and with some others choosing to enter the transfer portal.