MOSCOW, Idaho - Idaho goalkeeper Paula Flores has been named the first Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Week of 2026 after helping the Vandals with a pair of shutout victories to open the season. 

Flores played all 180 minutes in goal as Idaho opened the season 2-0 for the first time since 2021, earning a clean sheet in both a 3-0 road victory over Washington State and a 1-0 win over CSUN in the Vandals' home opener. 

The senior keeper for Idaho faced five shots on goal across the two matches and turned away all five, finishing the opening week with a perfect 1.000 save percentage and a 0.00 goals-against average. 

Flores and the Idaho back line opened the year by holding Washington State scoreless on the road before holding CSUN to just two shots on goal in their home opener. 

The honor adds to an accomplished career for Flores, who earned her first Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week recognition in 2024 after posting consecutive shutouts against Weber State and Idaho State, and her most recent Player of the Week honor came after the first week of conference play where she tied her career high of eight shutouts, which moved her into a tie for 2nd place in Division I.  

Flores started all 20 matches for Idaho in 2025, logging 1,820 minutes in goal, finishing the season with eight shutouts. She entered 2026 with 20 goals allowed and a 1.10 goals-against average following her junior season. 

Flores returns to action against Western Michigan at the Outrigger Invitational looking to defend her past two perfect performances in Honolulu, Hawai'i. 

UP NEXT 

The Vandals play Western Michigan for its first meeting in program history on Tuesday at 7 PM (4 PM HT).  

FOLLOW THE VANDALS    

To stay up to date with Idaho Soccer, follow the team on Instagram (@vandalssoccer), X (@vandal_soccer), and visit govandals.com