University of Massachusets Athletics
Eisenga and Watson III Selected as UMass Student-Athletes of the Week
September 29, 2026 | Field Hockey, Football, Athletics Department
AMHERST, Mass. – Two student-athletes earned this week's UMass Student-Athletes of the Week, presented by UMassFive College Credit Union. Neva Eisenga of field hockey and William "Pop" Watson III of football were both recognized for their oustanding performances in leading their teams to MAC wins.
There will be no luncheon this week, but both awards will be presented at next week's luncheon.Â
Neva Eisenga | Sr. | Defense |Â Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands / Erasmiaans Gymnasium
A key anchor of one of the nation's top defenses, Eisenga scored her fourth goal of the season in Sunday's 3-0 win at Central Michigan, converting off a penalty corner in the fourth quarter to give the Minutewomen important insurance. The victory improved UMass to 10-0 on the season for its best start since 1992. Defensively, Eisenga and the Minutewomen allowed just two shots across two games (120 minutes) over the weekend, with only one reaching the frame. UMass has now posted five consecutive shutouts while outscoring its opponents 25-0 during that stretch. The Minutewomen have held their opponents without a shot attempt in 11 of the last 16 quarters played. UMass has allowed just five goals all season while scoring 46, and has surrendered just three goals over its last nine games while holding a 43-3 scoring advantage. Eisenga owns four goals and one assist on the season.
Pop Watson III | Sr. | Quarterback | Springfield, Mass / Springfield Central
Watson III finished 11-of-16 for the game for 101 yards with a passing touchdown and no interceptions in Saturday's 35-6 win at Sacramento State. Watson III also rushed for 72 yards on seven carries with two touchdowns, which included a 32-yard run, to lead the Minutemen to a fourth consecutive victory to open the 2026 season. He now has ten touchdowns this season, including six passing and four rushing.Â
There will be no luncheon this week, but both awards will be presented at next week's luncheon.Â
Neva Eisenga | Sr. | Defense |Â Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands / Erasmiaans Gymnasium
A key anchor of one of the nation's top defenses, Eisenga scored her fourth goal of the season in Sunday's 3-0 win at Central Michigan, converting off a penalty corner in the fourth quarter to give the Minutewomen important insurance. The victory improved UMass to 10-0 on the season for its best start since 1992. Defensively, Eisenga and the Minutewomen allowed just two shots across two games (120 minutes) over the weekend, with only one reaching the frame. UMass has now posted five consecutive shutouts while outscoring its opponents 25-0 during that stretch. The Minutewomen have held their opponents without a shot attempt in 11 of the last 16 quarters played. UMass has allowed just five goals all season while scoring 46, and has surrendered just three goals over its last nine games while holding a 43-3 scoring advantage. Eisenga owns four goals and one assist on the season.
Pop Watson III | Sr. | Quarterback | Springfield, Mass / Springfield Central
Watson III finished 11-of-16 for the game for 101 yards with a passing touchdown and no interceptions in Saturday's 35-6 win at Sacramento State. Watson III also rushed for 72 yards on seven carries with two touchdowns, which included a 32-yard run, to lead the Minutemen to a fourth consecutive victory to open the 2026 season. He now has ten touchdowns this season, including six passing and four rushing.Â
Players Mentioned
D/M
/ Field Hockey
QB
/ FootballSaturday, October 03
Friday, October 02
Thursday, October 01
Thursday, October 01