Cobleskill, NY – The SUNY Cobleskill Athletic Department honored junior Kathleen Smart (Nashville, Tenn.) of the Fighting Tiger women's volleyball team as the 2025-26 Female Performance of the Year recipient during the department's annual Athletics Awards Ceremony.

The Performance of the Year award recognizes the most outstanding individual effort in a single contest during the athletic season.

Smart earned the honor for her standout all-around performance in Cobleskill's 3-1 victory over SUNY Morrisville on Nov. 5. The junior delivered on both sides of the net, finishing with a double-double of 12 kills and 14 digs while adding two blocks and hitting .242.

Her performance helped set the tone for the Fighting Tigers, as she provided steady offensive production, strong defensive coverage and consistent energy throughout the four-set win. Smart's ability to impact the match in multiple areas made her effort one of the top individual performances of the year.

Head Women's Volleyball Coach Rachel Chandler praised Smart's complete performance and the impact she had in the victory.

"Kathleen was outstanding that night and gave us exactly what we needed in a big match. She made an impact in every part of the game, from finishing points at the net to keeping rallies alive defensively. Her energy, competitiveness and consistency helped lift the entire team, and that performance was a great example of the determination and leadership she brought to our program throughout the season."

Smart's all-around effort, leadership and impact in Cobleskill's win made her a deserving recipient of the 2025-26 SUNY Cobleskill Female Performance of the Year award.