Waterville, ME: The North Atlantic Conference (NAC) announced its 2024 Women's Volleyball All-Conference Awards, with four SUNY Cobleskill Fighting Tigers receiving honors for their performances and leadership this season.

Three second-year players earned spots on the NAC Second Team All-Conference: Emma Hinze (Altenburg, Mo./Saxony Lutheran), Baylee Kirschberg (Lindenhurst, NY), and Kathleen Smart (Nashville, Tenn./Pope John Paul II Prep). Additionally, junior setter Jade Ward (Miami, FL/Felix Varela) was named to the NAC All-Sportsmanship Team. Head Women's Volleyball Coach Rachel Chandler highlighted the players' impact, stating, "Emma, Kathleen, and Baylee have been key contributors to our success this season. Their consistent leadership and competitiveness have fueled our young team to compete to the best of our ability."

Emma Hinze led Cobleskill's offense, posting a team-high 2.27 kills per set with 161 kills and finishing the season with 199 total points. Defensively, she added 155 digs, averaging 2.18 digs per set, ranking among the team's top players in this category. Coach Chandler praised her commitment and perseverance, noting, "Emma is an outstanding all-around player. Despite facing an injury, her commitment never wavered. She disciplined herself to rehab and return before postseason, demonstrating her natural leadership and work ethic. Even with missed time, Emma's impact on our team's growth and success was immense."

Baylee Kirschberg anchored the team's offense as the primary setter, leading the Fighting Tigers with 393 assists and averaging 4.32 assists per set. A versatile contributor, Kirschberg also tallied 36 service aces and 167 digs. Coach Chandler emphasized her leadership, saying, "Baylee is the heart and soul of our team, giving 100% every day and every play. She has not only led our offense but stepped up as an opposite hitter when needed, showing her fierce competitiveness and versatility. Her impact on this program will be lasting."

Kathleen Smart was another crucial asset at the net, leading the team in kills, digs, and service aces. She finished the season with 187 kills (2.08 kills per set), 269 digs (2.99 digs per set), and 48 service aces. Coach Chandler commended Smart's competitive drive, stating, "Kathleen is a playmaker and a leader on both ends of the court. Her competitive spirit is infectious, and she has been instrumental to our success. She deserves this honor, and we are excited to see her continued growth."

In addition to these three honorees, Jade Ward was named to the NAC All-Sportsmanship Team, a distinction that celebrates athletes for integrity and positive impact. Chandler recognized Ward's role on and off the court, saying, "Jade has a daily drive to seek self-improvement, and as our only upperclassman, she provides an environment where our young team can develop. Her work ethic and selflessness make her a valued leader in our program."

The Fighting Tigers will compete in the NAC Championship this Saturday as they host Maine Maritime Academy on November 16^th at 1:00 p.m. in the Iorio Gymnasium.