Cobleskill, NY – The SUNY Cobleskill Athletic Department honored junior Aliyah Neeser (Forest Lake, Minn./Forest Lake Area) of the Fighting Tiger softball team and junior Emma Hinze (Altenburg, Mo./Saxony Lutheran) of the Fighting Tiger women's volleyball team as the 2025-26 Co-Female Athletes of the Year during the department's annual Athletics Awards Ceremony held earlier this spring.

Hinze and Neeser received the Fred Bennett Outstanding Female Athlete Award, presented annually to the department's top female athlete in recognition of outstanding athletic performance over the past year.

Hinze put together a standout season for the Fighting Tigers, earning First Team All-North Atlantic Conference honors while establishing herself as one of the most complete six-rotation players in the league. A steady force in every phase of the match, Hinze led Cobleskill in nearly every major statistical category and played a key role in helping guide the Tigers to the NAC Semifinal round.

The junior finished the season with 219 kills, 240 digs, 36 blocks, 47 service aces and 289.5 points while averaging 3.08 points per set. Her all-around production placed her among the conference's top performers, ranking in the top 10 in hitting percentage, total kills, kills per set and points. Hinze was also named to the NAC All-Tournament Team for her postseason performance and earned College Sports Communicators Women's Volleyball Academic All-District Team honors for her work in the classroom.

Head Women's Volleyball Coach Rachel Chandler praised Hinze's impact on the program and the standard she set throughout the season.

"Emma was everything we needed her to be this season. She brought consistency, toughness and leadership every time she stepped on the court, and her impact was felt in every part of the game. What makes Emma special is not just the numbers she produced, but the way she competed, led and carried herself for our team every day. She earned every bit of this recognition, and I am incredibly proud to see her honored as one of the top female athletes in our department."

Neeser delivered one of the most productive offensive seasons for the Fighting Tiger softball program, earning First Team All-NAC honors while serving as one of the Tigers' top bats in the lineup. The junior outfielder was a consistent run producer throughout the season, combining power, plate discipline and speed to help lead the Cobleskill offense.

Neeser led the Tigers at the plate with a .376 batting average, while posting a 1.031 OPS, .550 slugging percentage and .481 on-base percentage. She totaled 41 hits, 31 runs and 31 RBIs, led the team with 11 doubles and added four triples. Her strong season carried into postseason play, where she was named to the NAC All-Tournament Team.

Head Softball Coach Morgan Flamholtz spoke highly of Neeser's recognition and continued impact on the program.

"It was amazing for Aliyah to be recognized as Co-Female Athlete of the Year. This award shows that her impact in our conference is recognized within our department. I am looking forward to her senior year, and the continued impact Aliyah has made within our program."

With their standout seasons, conference recognition and impact on their respective programs, Neeser and Hinze earned their place among SUNY Cobleskill's top student-athletes and were deserving recipients of the 2025-26 Co-Female Athletes of the Year honor.