ODESSA, Texas (November 2, 2026) – UT Permian Basin kicker Diego Chavarria was named the Lone Star Conference Special Teams Player of the Week after the Falcons' win over Angelo State University on Saturday, October 31.

Chavarria made two field goals, including a season-long 45-yarder in the fourth quarter to secure a 20-10 win over Angelo State. Chavarria, who wins the league's top weekly special teams award for the second time this season, also made both of his extra-point attempts. In addition, he handled kickoff duties and registered two touchbacks. His first field goal was from 34 yards as time expired in the first half, giving the Falcons a 17-3 lead.

UTPB Head Football Coach Chris Softley said, "Our special teams took the step we needed to this week and special congratulations go to Diego Chavarria for his excellence in the kicking game. Diego along with all of our special teams' players have put in the time to show marked improvement this season, and we are grateful we are playing our best football here at crunch time."

Chavarria is currently 9-for-11 on field goals and 38-for-39 on PAT's this season.

Chavarria is the first player from the conference to earn multiple LSC Special Teams Player of the Week awards this season. In addition, this is the Falcons' third overall LSC Special Teams Player of the Week award of the year.

UTPB improves to 6-3 overall and 5-3 in the Lone Star Conference with the win. Next up, UTPB will take on its final road game of the season as the Falcons travel to Wichita Falls, Texas, for a matchup against second-place Midwestern State University starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 7.