Cobleskill, NY – The SUNY Cobleskill women's basketball team is set to tip off the 2026-27 campaign as the Fighting Tigers prepare for their inaugural season in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC).

Cobleskill enters the new season looking to build on a successful 2025-26 campaign that saw the Tigers finish 15-11 overall and 11-7 in conference play. The team secured its sixth consecutive postseason appearance and fifth straight winning season, extending the longest streak of above-.500 finishes in program history.

Head coach Megan Bowman, entering her eighth season at the helm, is excited about the challenge ahead as the Tigers transition into the SUNYAC.

"While our conference has changed, our mindset and standards have not. Our expectation is to compete to win every game and put ourselves in a position to compete for championships year in and year out," said Bowman. "We are continuing to develop into a player-led team, and I believe we have the depth, competitive mentality, and culture necessary to move this program forward another big step."

The Fighting Tigers return eight players from last year's roster, highlighted by All-Conference selections junior captain Jaiyla Colon (Worcester, MA) and senior captain Hannah Bonczkowski (Gilbertsville, NY). Colon returns after an impressive sophomore campaign in which she led the Tigers in assists, steals, free throw percentage and defensive rebounds. She averaged 9.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Bonczkowski also looks to build on a strong 2025-26 season that saw her lead the Tigers in scoring, averaging 10.0 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game.

"Hannah returns following an All-Conference season and gives us another important piece offensively," said Bowman. "Jaiyla was a major force for us throughout last season, and we believe the pieces around her this year will create opportunities for her and our entire team to be more effective."

Alongside Colon and Bonczkowski, Cobleskill will rely on the leadership of fellow captains Kyra Pence (Randolph, NY), Alyssa Martin (Castleton, NY) and Sydney Delisle (Mechanicville, NY) as the Tigers prepare for their first season of SUNYAC competition.

"Our five captains have been incredible leaders both on and off the floor. Each brings a different leadership style and a unique impact on our team's success," said Bowman. "Alyssa Martin is a tremendous example of our program's culture. Sydney and Kyra have both continued to develop their game heading into this season and will play important roles for us on the floor."

In addition to their experienced returning core, the Fighting Tigers welcome a talented group of newcomers expected to make an immediate impact. Bowman's incoming class features a strong combination of transfers and first-year players, adding depth, versatility and championship experience to the Cobleskill roster.

Highlighting the incoming class is Kieonna Christmas (Fultonville, NY), who arrives with an impressive résumé that includes SUNYAC Rookie of the Year honors and NJCAA First Team All-American recognition. Fellow transfer Hannah Vanderzee (Ravena, NY) brings championship experience after helping SUNY New Paltz capture two SUNYAC titles while also earning All-Conference honors. Meagan Schuermann (Cooperstown, NY) joins the Tigers following a Second Team All-Little East Conference (LEC) selection, while Cloey Dopp (Mayfield, NY) adds further depth to the talented transfer class.

First-year players Olivia Plonka (Norwood, NY) and Ali Payne (Albany, NY) have also impressed the coaching staff during the preseason and will look to contribute as they begin their collegiate careers.

"This is one of the strongest recruiting classes we have brought in, combining an impressive group of transfers and true freshmen," said Bowman. "The mentality has been consistent: it doesn't matter who scores as long as we find a way to win. Our transfers bring impressive experience and resumes, and we expect them to continue building on that success in orange and black."

The Fighting Tigers face a challenging 2026-27 schedule, highlighted by matchups against nationally and regionally recognized opponents. Cobleskill opens the season at the Susquehanna University Tip-Off Tournament on November 7-8, beginning with a matchup against preseason No. 12 Christopher Newport University on Saturday, November 7, at 8:00 p.m.