Francisco Named to Big West All-Preseason Team, ‘Eaters Picked Second
August 24, 2026 | Men's Water Polo
IRVINE, Calif. – Junior attacker Cole Francisco was placed on the Big West All-Preseason squad after a standout campaign in 2025.
Last season, Francisco earned All-Big West Second Team honors after ranking second on the team with 69 points on 31 goals. He also led the squad and ranked third in the Big West with 38 assists, while his 1.4 assists-per-game average tied for the conference lead. The attacker averaged 2.6 points per game, the seventh-best mark in the Big West.
Francisco also earned Big West Player of the Week honors on Oct. 22 after recording 10 points on four goals and six assists against two top-15 ranked teams. Following his preseason recognition, Francisco will look to lead the 'Eaters to another successful season in 2026.
UC Irvine was picked to finish second in this year's Big West Preseason Poll.
The 'Eaters received 19 points, including one of the six first-place votes. Long Beach State sits atop the ranking with 24 points and four first-place votes, while California Baptist and UC San Diego tied for third, with UC San Diego receiving one first place vote. UC Santa Barbara and Cal State Fullerton rounded out the poll in fifth and sixth, respectively.
The 2026 campaign for head coach Dan Klatt and the 'Eaters begins at home at the Anteater Aquatics Complex with the UCI Invitational, Aug. 28-29.
Last season, Francisco earned All-Big West Second Team honors after ranking second on the team with 69 points on 31 goals. He also led the squad and ranked third in the Big West with 38 assists, while his 1.4 assists-per-game average tied for the conference lead. The attacker averaged 2.6 points per game, the seventh-best mark in the Big West.
Francisco also earned Big West Player of the Week honors on Oct. 22 after recording 10 points on four goals and six assists against two top-15 ranked teams. Following his preseason recognition, Francisco will look to lead the 'Eaters to another successful season in 2026.
UC Irvine was picked to finish second in this year's Big West Preseason Poll.
The 'Eaters received 19 points, including one of the six first-place votes. Long Beach State sits atop the ranking with 24 points and four first-place votes, while California Baptist and UC San Diego tied for third, with UC San Diego receiving one first place vote. UC Santa Barbara and Cal State Fullerton rounded out the poll in fifth and sixth, respectively.
The 2026 campaign for head coach Dan Klatt and the 'Eaters begins at home at the Anteater Aquatics Complex with the UCI Invitational, Aug. 28-29.
Players Mentioned
Attacker
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