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 21 – October 28, freshman Meah Cuddihy from the women's soccer team and Tayshawn Benson from the football team have been recognized for their standout performances.

Freshman forward Meah Cuddihy from the Chowan women's soccer team delivered a standout offensive performance in the Hawks last regular season game of the year, scoring twice to help the Hawks secure a 3-2 comeback victory over Ferrum College on October 24. Trailing 2-0 early in the second half, Chowan began their comeback when Takiyah Raynor found the back of the net in the 49th minute off an assist from Amy Cotton. Cuddihy then took over in the closing minutes, scoring in the 83rd minute off an assist from Ellis Baxter to even the score before finding the back of the net again in the 87th minute to complete the comeback and give the Hawks the victory. Cuddihy finished the contest with two goals on four shots, including two shots on target, recording four points in the victory. Her performance helped Chowan close the regular season with a win. Cuddihy's performance capped an impressive freshman campaign in which she led Chowan with eight goals and 18 points across 17 appearances. She also recorded two assists, 20 shots, 13 shots on goal and three game-winning goals, establishing herself as one of the Hawks' leading offensive threats throughout the season.

Junior defensive back Tayshawn Benson had a huge game for the Chowan football team against UNC Pembroke on October 24, finishing with seven total tackles, including six solo stops. The Palm Bay, Fla., native made play after play on defense during the contest, recording four tackles for loss totaling 23 yards and two sacks for 18 yards. Benson consistently disrupted the Braves' offensive attack, putting pressure on the quarterback and creating negative plays behind the line of scrimmage. His four tackles for loss were the most recorded by a Chowan player in a single game this season, while his two sacks tied for the most in a single game alongside teammate Darian Whitaker. Benson's performance highlighted his impact on the defensive side of the ball and capped an impressive individual outing against the Braves.

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)
Oct. 29 – Meah Cuddihy (WSOC) | Tayshawn Benson (FB)