Featured Hawks: Diva Datta
Every Monday through Thursday for the month of July, Chowan Athletics will spotlight select student-athletes and coaches in a series called Featured Hawks. This series highlights Hawks who exemplify excellence in the classroom, in competition, and within the Chowan community. Student-athletes were selected based on their academic achievement, athletic performance, leadership, character, and overall standing with the university. Coaches have the opportunity to share their coaching journey, discuss their programs, and provide insight about their vision for the future.
Fans will learn more about the individual experiences and stories of our student-athletes and coaches at Chowan. Beginning in August, Fridays will transition to Feature Fridays, continuing the spotlight series by highlighting one individual throughout the school year each week.
July 29th, 2026
Diva Datta is a freshman Sport Management major from Ghaziabad, India and a member of the Chowan women's tennis team. After joining the Hawks in the Spring 2026 semester, Datta made a seamless transition into collegiate competition. An outgoing and dedicated student-athlete, she has quickly become a valued teammate through her hard work, positive attitude, and commitment to excellence both on the court and in the classroom. With four years ahead of her, Datta looks forward to growing as a student-athlete and taking advantage of the opportunities Chowan has to offer.
What does being a Hawk mean to you?
Being a Hawk means being part of a family that pushes me to be better every day. On the field, it means grit. It means fighting for every point and every rep, no matter what the score is. Off the field, it means community. My professors know my name, and they care about my academic performance. My friends check on me before my matches and before my exams. My coach knows me and cares about me for who I am, not just what my stats are. Being at Chowan and playing a sport means you're representing more than yourself. You're wearing Chowan's name on your chest, and you're carrying that pride with you in your matches, in your practices, in your classrooms, and, I'm sure, throughout your life even after graduation.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering Chowan University?
I know this is a hard decision, but come here with an open mind. The community here is small, but get ready to build relationships that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. You're going to build a family here, and you'll never have to worry about being alone. There are people here who genuinely care about you and who will become some of your best friends.
Who has had the greatest impact on your journey at Chowan, and why?
Two people who have had the greatest impact on me during my time at Chowan are my tennis coach, Adam Moneypenny, and our pastor, Mr. Jason Fowler. Coach Moneypenny has taught us that being a good coach doesn't just mean being strict or yelling at your team. It means pushing your players to be better every day, even when things aren't going their way or they're losing, and reminding them that they'll get through it and come out stronger. The second person is our pastor, Mr. Jason Fowler. He goes above and beyond for his students, always making sure they feel at home. He treats everyone like family and works to ensure every student is happy and enjoying their experience at Chowan.
