ODESSA, Texas (October 5, 2026) – Thanks to the generosity and support of Edgardo Madrid & Associates, The University of Texas Permian Basin Athletics Department has announced Lorena Etxeberria (Women's Golf), Cassandra Ramirez (Women's Soccer) and Layne Horak (Football) as the September Student-Athletes of the Month.

Etxeberria birdied her last two holes to win individual medalist honors by one stroke at the Oklahoma Women's Intercollegiate (Sept. 19-20) while also leading the Falcons to their first team title in program history. She was just the second golfer in program history to win an individual title, and is the first since 2022. Etxeberria had the only round under par (-1) in the field and finished with a 76-70—146 card. She was also tops in the tournament in birdies (seven) and par-5 scoring average (4.38). She was subsequently named the LSC Women's Golfer of the Week, the fifth time in program history a Falcon women's golfer has been named player of the week in the LSC.

UTPB Head Golf Coach Paul Chavez said, "I think Lorena definitely deserves this great honor. She has worked extremely hard to achieve everything she has to this point. She is an excellent student, and now she is becoming a great golfer. I am definitely proud of her accomplishment, and I look forward to many more."

In 10 matches to open the season, Ramirez totaled five goals, one assist, 11 points, 20 shots, 14 shots on goal and one game-winning goal. Her five goals scored are a new career-high for a single season while her 11 points ties her career-high for a season. In the LSC, Ramirez was tied for eighth in goals and shots on goal and was tied for 11th in points after the first month of the season. Ramirez began the year with a season-opening hat trick in just 26 minutes in a 7-1 win over the University of the Southwest (Aug. 27), the fifth hat trick in program history (fourth player in program history to record a hat trick; first since 2022). She was subsequently named the LSC Offensive Player of the Week, becoming the fourth player in program history to be named a player of the week in the LSC. In the very next match, Ramirez scored the game-winning goal in the 26th minute a 1-0 win over Wayland Baptist University (Sept. 2) to move into sole possession of fourth place on the Falcons' career goal list. It was Ramirez's fourth game-winning goal of her career (one in all four seasons). Ramirez helped the Falcons achieve the first 3-0 start to a season in program history (NCAA DII era) and earn its first three-match winning streak since the 2009 season. As UTPB moved into conference play, Ramirez delivered the assist on a corner kick on the game-winning goal on a header by sophomore Emily Morales in the final 10 minutes in a 2-1 win over Eastern New Mexico University (Sept. 19), and then an impressive goal by Ramirez scoring off her weak foot tied the match at 1-1 in the final 10 minutes of the first half and helped the Falcons win 2-1 over The University of Texas at Dallas (Sept. 26). It was Ramirez's 15th goal of her career, putting her just three goals away from tying for third on UTPB's career-goals list. This is the second-career Student-Athlete of the Month award for Ramirez, and her first since September 2024.

UTPB Head Women's Soccer Coach Garrett Kull said, "We are incredibly proud of the hard work Cassandra has put in. She has been a great contributor, and I am glad she will receive this award in her final season with the Falcons. Cassandra's performances have only been matched by her leadership of the team. She has been incredible selfless in her role. We are incredibly excited for her."

Horak made his mark in the UTPB record books with an interception in three straight games vs. Western New Mexico University (Sept. 12), at Sul Ross State University (Sept. 19) and at Eastern New Mexico University (Sept 26), including back-to-back games to open conference play with an interception returned for a touchdown against the Mustangs and the Lobos. He is the second player in program history to record an interception in three consecutive games, is the first with back-to-back pick-sixes, and has already set a school record with 135 interception return yards on the season. In the win over the Mustangs during UTPB's home opener, Horak had an interception he returned 95 yards for a touchdown, forced a fumble and recorded one tackle for loss to lead UTPB's defense. The next week vs. the Lobos, Horak returned a pick for a touchdown for the second straight week (60 yards). The following week vs. the Greyhounds, Horak added an interception for the third week in a row (touchback in the endzone). Horak's three interceptions are tied for the third most in a single season in program history, and are just one off the school record. In all during the first four games of the season, Horak totaled 15 total tackles, 11 solo tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss, and one forced fumble. He is also a starter on two UTPB special teams units. After the first month of the season, Horak was tied for first on the Falcons in solo tackles and was sixth in total tackles. He was also tied for first in the conference in interceptions and was first in interception return yards. He has helped lead the Falcons to a 3-0 start in conference play.

UTPB Head Football Coach Chris Softley said, "Layne Horak absolutely maxed out his September. As a 3.40 GPA student-athlete, Layne took the same discipline and study habits he brings to the classroom onto the field and put together the greatest three-game stretch for interceptions (3), return yardage (135) and touchdowns (2) in school history – and among the best in the nation. His coaches and teammates did an excellent job putting him in positions to be successful, and Layne took full advantage. The preparation and work ethic he brings to the classroom translated directly to the field and paid huge dividends for our team, our program and our university. Layne is an outstanding student-athlete and a fantastic representative of UPTB Athletics. We are proud see him recognized as the UTPB Athletics Student-Athlete of the Month."