MURFREESBORO, N.C. – Throughout the 2025-2026 Chowan Athletic season, the Chowan Athletic Department will feature the Ace Hardware Student-Athletes of the Week.
 
For the week of October 1 – October 8, Diana Rodriguez of the volleyball team and Kylee Smith of the women's soccer team, have been recognized for their standout performances over the past week of competition.
 
Diana Rodriguez | Libero/Defensive Specialist | #1 | Senior | Volleyball | Tijuana, Mexico
Diana has been unstoppable during Chowan's three matches this week. Last Friday against Young Harris College, she recorded a match-high 35 digs and led the team with two service aces. The following day, she added 21 digs and five assists against Shorter. Her outstanding performance earned her the Conference Carolinas Specialist of the Week honor, and she currently ranks first in digs in league play. On Wednesday night against UNC Pembroke, Diana made history by becoming Chowan's all-time career digs leader, finishing the match with 20 digs to bring her career total to 1,838, while also recording a season-high 5 service aces. She also ranks third in Division II NCAA digs per set, averaging an impressive 5.86.

Kylee Smith | Goalkeeper | #29 | Sophomore | Women's Soccer | Virginia Beach, Va.
Kylee has been a commanding presence in goal for the Hawks this season, earning recognition for her outstanding performances in Chowan women's soccer this week. On Saturday, she helped guide the team to a 0-0 draw against UNC Pembroke, recording six crucial saves to preserve the shutout. Then, on Tuesday against Barton, Kylee powered the Hawks to a 1-0 victory with a season-high 10 saves, once again proving herself as a key defensive force. For her efforts, she was selected as the Conference Carolinas Defender of the Week for Week Five.

Ace Hardware Student-Athletes of the Week
Sept. 4 –  Maurice Smith (FB) | Isaiah Fulton (FB)
Sept. 18 – Riley Donnelly (WSOC) | Jeevan Purewal & Cameron Letterlough (MSOC)
Sept. 25 – Diana Rodriguez (VB) | Laura Hulme (WSOC)
Oct. 2 – Malique Frazier (FB) | Demarcus Carroll (FB)
Oct. 9 – Diana Rodriguez (VB) | Kylee Smith (WSOC)