MURFREESBORO, N.C. – Throughout the 2026-27 Chowan Athletics season, the Chowan Athletic Department will feature the Ace Hardware Student-Athletes of the Week. For the week of October 14 – October 21, Kylee Smith from the women's soccer team and Fernando Hernandez from the men's soccer team have been recognized for their standout performances over the past week of competition.

Junior goalkeeper Smith had an impressive week in net for the Chowan women's soccer team, recording 33 saves across three matches against Francis Marion, UNC Pembroke and Mount Olive. The Virginia Beach, Va., native opened the week with 12 saves against Francis Marion on October 14 before recording a career-high 16 saves in Chowan's 4-3 decision against UNC Pembroke during Homecoming on October 17. Smith's 16-save performance helped keep the Hawks within striking distance against a Braves offense that recorded 36 shots and 20 shots on goal. She continued her strong play on October 20 against Mount Olive, playing all 90 minutes and recording five saves to help Chowan secure a 0-0 draw and its first shutout of the season. Smith's performance against the Trojans helped the Hawks withstand 17 shots, including five on goal, to earn a point in Conference Carolinas play. Her 33 saves throughout the week highlighted her consistency and importance to the Chowan defense.

Freshman Hernandez put together a standout offensive week for the Chowan men's soccer team, scoring three goals across two Conference Carolinas victories. The Asheboro, N.C., native opened the week by finding the back of the net in Chowan's 2-0 shutout victory over Francis Marion on October 14. Hernandez continued his scoring momentum on October 20 against Mount Olive, recording a pair of goals in the Hawks' 4-0 shutout victory. He opened the scoring just 5:12 into the contest off an assist from Ken Naito, giving Chowan an early advantage. Hernandez struck again in the 69th minute, finishing a pass from Sam Deacon to extend the Hawks' lead to 2-0. Robbie Deighan scored just 18 seconds later, and Shoma Fujikawa added a late goal to secure the victory. Hernandez finished the Mount Olive contest with two goals on three shots, placing all three attempts on target. His three goals during the week helped Chowan secure back-to-back shutout victories and improve to 8-4-2 overall and 7-3-0 in Conference Carolinas play.

Ace Hardware Student-Athletes of the Week:

Sept. 3 – Riley Swanson (FB) | Anna Holcombe (VB)

Sept. 17 – Andre Camargo (MSOC) | Alexa Fricker (VB)

Sept. 24 – Tyler Adkins (FB) | Andrea Krgovic (VB)

Oct. 1 – Gabriel Ansley (MGOLF) | Ellis Baxter (WSOC)

Oct. 8 – Malachi Howell (FB) | Robbie Deighan (MSOC)

Oct. 22 – Kylee Smith (WSOC) | Fernando Hernandez (MSOC)