LA MIRADA --- Biola men's water polo goalkeeper Cooper Smith earned WWPA Defensive Player of the Week honors after a standout opening week in goal for the Eagles.

Smith helped anchor Biola's defense as the Eagles opened the 2026 season with a 2-1 record. The goalkeeper appeared in all three contests and posted a 2-0 record in goal.

The Texas native collected 15 saves across his three appearances while recording a .500 save percentage. Smith also contributed one steal and one assist during the opening week.

"Cooper was great for us all weekend," stated head coach Jens Cole. "He was extremely consistent in reading the defense and timing his blocks. His passing fueled our offense. Specifically, Cooper was big for us in the Chapman game, securing a penalty block and a 1VG counter attack block that fired the whole group up and fueled an intense defense stand in the 2Q and 3Q."

"That said our goalie play overall and the preparation from all four of our goalies has been fantastic," said Cole. "Shout out to coach Samantha who has done an elite job of training and coaching our goalies at a very high level."

Smith and the Eagles return to action on Thursday at the Pepperdine Round Robin.