The BIG EAST Conference made waves on Thursday by unveiling its postseason honors for the 2025-26 season, showcasing standout performances from a range of talented athletes. Among the highlights, Savannah Catalon and Mariana Valenzuela earned unanimous selections to the All-BIG EAST First Team, while Catalon also secured a spot on the All-BIG EAST Defensive Team and made the All-Freshman Team.
Catalon’s remarkable junior year for Seton Hall solidified her status as a key player on the court. The guard achieved career highs across several statistical categories, including points, rebounds, assists, steals, and shooting percentage. With a consistent performance that led her to be named to the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll five times, she has been a driving force for the Pirates this season. Currently, she ranks in the conference’s top-10 for points and steals, and notably leads the BIG EAST in free-throw percentage. Catalon is on the verge of reaching a significant milestone, needing just 48 points to become the 26th player in Seton Hall history to accumulate 1,000 career points. Her defensive prowess is highlighted by her outstanding achievement of 79 steals this season, which ties for the sixth-most in Seton Hall history.
Valenzuela’s addition to the team proved invaluable. After not starting a game in her previous 80 appearances at Florida State, she embraced her role as a starter for all 29 games this season, averaging 12.9 points and team-leading 7.4 rebounds. Her contributions have earned her recognition on the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll twice and she was named Player of the Week on December 29. Valenzuela also recorded four double-doubles this season, demonstrating her versatility and ability to impact the game.
Completing the trio, Zahara Bishop continues Seton Hall’s trend of featuring freshmen prominently, as she becomes a member of the All-Freshman Team. Her first collegiate season has seen her average 8.4 points and 3.3 rebounds while appearing in all 29 games, making 16 starts along the way. Bishop was named BIG EAST Freshman of the Week three times, including a standout game where she scored a career-high 21 points against DePaul on January 17.
The season’s honors not only spotlight individual achievements but also reflect the growing talent and competitiveness within the BIG EAST Conference. With several players recognized for their exceptional contributions, the future of women’s basketball in the conference looks bright and promising. The outstanding performances highlight a commitment to excellence, underscoring the potential for success in the seasons to come.