SEASIDE, Calif. – Klayre Barres has been a cornerstone of the Chico State women's soccer program since her freshman season, appearing in every match of her career since 2021. Unfortunately, an injury sustained last summer sidelined her before her senior campaign even began. Though the setback was difficult for the Eureka native, it ultimately became a blessing in disguise — allowing her to continue her academic and athletic journey and earning her recognition as the 2025 CCAA Elite 13 Award recipient for her excellence both on the field and in the classroom.

A double major in political science and criminal justice, Barres has exemplified the balance of academic commitment and athletic dedication throughout her career, representing Chico State Athletics with distinction and class.

"The Elite 13 Award, formerly the CCAA Championship Scholar Award, recognizes the academic and athletic achievement of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the conference championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers.

Instituted in 2017-18, the award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the final CCAA championship site in each conference-sponsored sport."

Barres started all 18 matches of the regular season for the Wildcats, helping lead the team to its best conference finish since 2022 and securing the No. 2 seed for the 2025 CCAA Tournament. She contributed three assists during the campaign and played a key role in six shutouts, including a monumental clean sheet against No. 1 Cal Poly Pomona at Kellogg Field.

Set to graduate with her undergraduate degrees in May 2025, Barres chose to continue her academic journey and return this fall to utilize her final year of athletic eligibility. She now joins an esteemed list of Wildcats to earn the CCAA Elite 13 honor under head coach Kim Sutton, alongside former recipients Mackenzie Gill and Sarah Emigh.