Cobleskill, NY– The SUNY Cobleskill Athletic Department recognized sophomore Aliyah Neeser (Forest Lake, Minn.) of the Fighting Tiger softball team as the 2024-25 Female Comeback Player of the Year at the department's annual Athletics Awards Ceremony held earlier this May.

The Comeback Player of the Year award honors a Fighting Tiger student-athlete who has overcome injury through dedication to the rehabilitation process and returned to make a significant impact in competition.

Neeser suffered a season-ending injury during her freshman year but returned in 2025 to deliver one of the most impactful performances in the North Atlantic Conference. She was named First Team All-Conference after leading the Fighting Tigers with 37 RBIs while hitting .358 with a .509 slugging percentage and a .939 OPS. She connected for three homers, including a grand slam. On the defensive side, she contributed 50 putouts and 55 total defensive plays.

Her performance helped guide SUNY Cobleskill to a record-breaking season that included the program's first-ever trip to the NAC Championship Game and a new single-season record of 22 wins.

Fighting Tiger Head Softball Coach Morgan Flamholtz praised Neeser's journey and leadership.

"Aliyah embodies the comeback player of the year," said Flamholtz. "Not only did she see her season cut short last year, but she came back and made an impact right away. I am excited to see her continue to positively influence the team moving forward."