SAN MARCOS, Calif. – Nani Kia'aina of women's soccer and Ryan Meinardus of men's soccer have been named the Cal State San Marcos Student-Athletes of the Month for September 2023.
 
The CSUSM Student-Athletes of the Month awards are determined through a vote of all Department of Athletics coaches, administrators and staff. Each in-season program nominates a student-athlete to be considered for the award each month.
 
Kia'aina led CSUSM with seven points and three assists while scoring two game-winning goals. The Torrance native had a three-point day in which she tallied an assist and the game-winning goal in the Cougars' season opener against Fresno Pacific. Kia'aina's other game-winning goal came in the Cougars' final game of September in which CSUSM earned a 2-1 win at Stanislaus State. She also tallied two assists in CSUSM's 5-0 win against Westmont. Kia'aina's three assists are currently tied for fourth in the CCAA.
 
Meinardus led CSUSM with four goals and nine points in September. The Placentia native's four goals are the most by a CSUSM player since 2019. Meinardus scored the eventual game-winning goal on a penalty kick in the season opener against CUI and followed that up with another goal less than six minutes later. He is currently tied for the fourth most goals in the CCAA while his nine points are tied for the ninth most in the CCAA.
 
This is the first CSUSM Student-Athlete of the Month honor for both Kia'aina and Meinardus.