ODESSA, Texas (February 9, 2026) – Thanks to the generosity and support of Edgardo Madrid & Associates, The University of Texas Permian Basin Athletics Department has announced Nico Turner (Men's Swimming) and Jessica Cantrell (Softball) as the February Student-Athletes of the Month.

Turner, a freshman from Victoria, Texas, played a part in all four relay records (800 freestyle relay, 200 medley relay, 400 medley relay, 200 freestyle relay) set by men's team to go along with one individual record (men's 100 backstroke – relay leadoff split) at the 2026 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championship. Turner also helped UTPB earn second-team all-conference in the 200 freestyle relay (4th place). His best individual finish was fifth place in the 100 backstroke. Turner was third on the Falcons (T48th overall) in scoring (19 points) and set four personal bests at the RMAC Championship. He is ranked second on the team and 51st in the RMAC according to FINA points.

• RMAC Championship Results:
  • 800 freestyle relay – A Final – "A" relay – fifth place – 6:45.38 (Alt Ad 6:40.58) (School Record) (swam second)
  • 200 medley relay – A Final – "A" relay – fifth place – 1:30.29 (School Record) (swam leadoff)
  • 400 medley relay – A Final – "A" relay – fifth place – 3:19.85 (Alt Ad 3:19.45) (School Record) (swam leadoff)
  • 200 freestyle relay – A Final – "A" relay – fourth place – 1:21.59 (*Second-Team All-RMAC) (School Record) (swam second)
  • 400 freestyle relay – A Final – "A" relay – fifth place – 3:03.34 (swam second)
  • 50 backstroke – 22.71 (Personal Best) swam during leadoff in 200 medley relay)
  • 100 backstroke – 49.47 (Alt Ad 49.37) (School Record, Personal Best) swam during leadoff in 400 medley relay)
  • 100 backstroke – A Final – fifth place – 49.51 (5th in prelims, 49.99)
  • 100 freestyle – B Final – 12th place – 45.76 (Personal Best) (T15th in prelims, 46.44)
  • 50 freestyle exhibition – 20.73 (Personal Best, 1st among exhibition swimmers, would have ranked 10th in prelims)

UTPB Head Swimming Coach Brian Schroeder said, "Nico is a great talent to have on our team. He sets his expectations high and works hard to achieve them. He had an outstanding conference championship meet and we are really proud of him."

Cantrell, a sophomore right-handed pitcher from Elgin, Texas, made eight appearances in the circle with six starts during the first month of the season. She was 5-1 with five complete games, two shutouts, 55 strikeouts (7.97 K/9), a 1.74 ERA and a .99 WHIP. In all, she allowed 34 hits, 12 runs and 14 walks in 48.1 innings. After being named a Lone Star Conference Pitcher to Watch for the second season in a row, Cantrell led the Falcons in starts, wins, complete games, inning pitched, strikeouts, ERA and WHIP during the month, and had at least one win in each of the first four weekends of the season. Cantrell also led the conference in ERA (1.74) and was second in opponents' batting average (1.92) and third in strikeouts (55) during the opening month. As impressive as she was pitching, Cantrell also contributes to the team offensively. In eight games and 24 at bats during the month, she totaled eight hits, five RBI's, three runs scored, two home runs and two walks. She hit .333 with a .385 on-base percentage and a .583 slugging percentage. Most importantly, Cantrell led the Falcons to a 9-6 overall record during the first month of the season, including marks of 5-1 at home and 2-4 in the LSC. In all, the Falcons began the season 7-2, marking their best start to a season in program history since at least 2011.

Cantrell began her season with a four-hit, complete-game shutout featuring 10 strikeouts in a 4-0 season-opening victory over Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Cantrell then tossed her second complete game in as many days and allowed eight hits, one run and two walks while striking out a career-high 12 batters in a 10-1 win over Adams State University. In all during opening weekend, Cantrell was 2-0 with two completes games, one shutout, a 0.72 ERA and 25 strikeouts across 19.1 innings. In UTPB's home opener, Cantrell struck out nine batters and allowed just three hits in a 5-1 victory over Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

Cantrell helped UTPB close out its first weekend of LSC action with a 2-0 shutout win – her fourth complete game and second shutout of the season – in game one at Midwestern State University. It was the Falcons' first road conference win since April 21, 2023, at Texas A&M International University. Lastly, in UTPB's first home conference game of the season, Cantrell pitched all 10 innings and allowed three hits, one run, two walks and six strikeouts in a 2-1 extra-inning win over Texas A&M University-Kingsville. It was the first win for UTPB against TAMUK since March 4, 2017.

UTPB Head Softball Coach David Martinez said, "We are proud of Jessica. All of her hard work is paying off, and we look forward to her continuing to set the example for our team and lead our pitchers."