Highlighting players who took a leap toward stardom in the division this spring.
June 18, 2026 by Kiana Hu in Awards
Each year, Ultiworld presents our annual College Awards. Our staff evaluates the individual performances of players from throughout the season, talking to folks around college ultimate, watching film, and look at statistics, voting upon the awards to decide those to be honored. The regular season and the college Series are both considered, with extra emphasis for performances in the competitive and high-stakes environment at Nationals.
The Breakout Player of the Year recognizes rising juniors and seniors who made themselves known in a new light this season. While our nebulous definition of “breakout” reflects an evolving set of criteria, rather than celebrating the improvement of those from whom big things were already expected, we aim to use this award to celebrate the emergence of those who previously have not been on the national radar. Whether it be through growth in ability, role, or both, the Breakout Player of the Year and runners-up honor those who rose to the occasion with improved and high-impact performance on a new level this season — putting them squarely in the spotlight moving forward.
- All-American First Team
- Player of the Year
- All-American Second Team
- Offensive Player of the Year Award
- Defensive Player of the Year Award
- Breakout Player of the Year Award
- Rookie of the Year Award
- Coaches of the Year Award
- Full Awards Voting Breakdown
D-I Women’s 2026 Breakout Player Of The Year
Simone Pierotti (Colorado)
An already seasoned U20 youth player by the time she arrived in Colorado, Pierotti had perhaps been somewhat overshadowed by the star power of a dominant Quandary team. Even then, she has undoubtedly become a focal point, standing out with her steadfastness, tenacity, and grit. Pierotti wields a multifaceted tool bag as a reliable center handler but also an athletic receiver and capable deep defender, just to name a few of the roles she’s filled.
After a relatively lackluster regular season, Colorado’s impressive run to quarterfinals propelled Pierotti into the spotlight. In their opening matchup against the eventual champions Carleton, Pierotti often played both ways for Quandary, and she was instrumental in keeping the game close until the end with her precise throws in the wind and a 3A/4D stat line. In their quarterfinal stand against UBC, Pierotti was a key contributor with two goals and an assist, at times appearing to simply outwill her way past the defense on various upline and continuation cuts.
By no means is this the first elite showing from Pierotti, but she has clearly established herself as one of the dominant forces in the division and will look to lead a young Quandary team back to the bracket next year.
– Kiana Hu
First Runner-Up
Mara Hindery-Glasinovic (Oregon)
Many fans of the sport may already be familiar with Hindery-Glasinovic’s uncanny ability to get open in the end zone from her high school days playing with South Eugene, but it wasn’t really until this season where she became a force to be reckoned with on Fugue. Tied for the highest in goals on the team at 11, Hindery-Glasinovic was nigh unstoppable as a finisher, with impeccable timing and plenty of athletic skying grabs. In their universe win over UNC in prequarters, Hindery-Glasinovic showcased her elite skillset with a 3G/4A/1B statline, including an assist for the final winning score.
– Kiana Hu
Second Runner-Up
Lia Romeo (Cal Poly SLO)
SLO Motion made waves with their first Nationals appearance last year on the talents of several graduating players, but Romeo was most certainly one of the key reasons for their return in 2026. A true field marshal, she was more often than not dictating the offense, directing her cutters. A variety of polished throwing options allowed her to sling the disc in different manners: soaring hucks, quick high release backhands, and laser inside throws that did wonders in the trap corner against zone defense. Lest you think Romeo was merely an offensive powerhouse, she posted the third-most blocks in the division with 14, many of those coming from an acute awareness of the other team’s preferred angles of attack.
– Kiana Hu
