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  September 17 – September 24, Diana Rodriguez of the volleyball team and Laura Hulme of the women's soccer team, have been recognized for their standout performances over the past week of competition
 
Diana Rodriguez | Libero/Defensive Specialists | #1 | Senior | Volleyball | Tijuana, Mexico
Diana has been a consistent defensive force for the Hawks, leading Conference Carolinas with 221 digs on the season. Over the past week, she has recorded double-digit digs in each of Chowan's three matches. Against Erskine last Friday, the senior posted a match-high 29 digs, followed by another team-best 21 digs the very next day against North Greenville. She continued her strong play on Wednesday with 19 digs against Francis Marion, once again pacing the Hawks defensively. The Tijuana native's impact extends beyond digs, as she also contributed multiple assists and service aces throughout the week, showcasing her all-around versatility.


Laura Hulme | Midfield | #10 | Junior | Women's Soccer | Huddersfield, England
Laura Hulme has been a key offensive component for the Hawks this week, finding the back of the net in each of the last three matches. She now leads the team in scoring with four goals in just six games this season. In Wednesday's match against Barton, Hulme converted a penalty kick in the final two minutes to secure a 2-0 win for Chowan. She carried that momentum into Saturday's contest against Young Harris, scoring unassisted early in the second half. In Tuesday night's shutout against Mount Olive, Hulme capped off the 4-0 victory by scoring the final goal of the match.

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)