Cobleskill, NY – The SUNY Cobleskill Athletic Department has named Kyra Pence (Randolph, NY), a junior captain on the Fighting Tiger women's basketball team, as its 2025-26 Sportswoman of the Year. Pence was recognized at the department's annual Athletics Awards Ceremony.

The Sportswoman of the Year award is presented to the female student-athlete who best exemplifies sportsmanship and leadership through her actions in competition, in the classroom, and throughout the campus community.

A cornerstone leader on and off the court for the Fighting Tigers, Pence has made a lasting impact that extends well beyond basketball. This season, she was named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team for her outstanding work in the classroom, while also playing an important leadership role within the Cobleskill Student-Athlete Advisory Committee as Co-Vice President. Pence was also inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, the national college athlete honor society, in recognition of her academic and athletic excellence.

On the court, Pence helped lead the Fighting Tigers to their sixth straight postseason appearance, starting 22 of the team's 24 games during the 2025-26 season. Cobleskill finished the year with a 15-11 overall record and advanced to the semifinal round of the North Atlantic Conference Tournament. Pence averaged 20.9 minutes per game while contributing 2.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.3 steals per contest.

Fighting Tiger Head Women's Basketball Coach Megan Bowman praised Pence's leadership and the impact she has had on the program.

"Kyra Pence's leadership extends far beyond the locker room and the court. Through her involvement in SAAC and throughout the campus community, her voice and presence have made a positive impact everywhere she goes. The growth she has shown during her time here has been remarkable, and she truly embodies what it means to represent our program with class and character, while still being a fierce competitor."

Pence's leadership, commitment and steady presence have made her a respected representative of SUNY Cobleskill Athletics and a deserving recipient of this year's Sportswoman of the Year honor.