MURFREESBORO, N.C. – Throughout the 2026-2027 Chowan Athletic season, the Chowan Athletic Department will feature the Ace Hardware Student-Athletes of the Week. For the week of August 26 – September 2, Riley Swanson of the football team and Anna Holcombe of the volleyball team, have been recognized for their standout performances over the past week of competition.

Freshman Riley Swanson, a native of Port St. Lucie, Fla., made his collegiate debut one to remember against West Virginia State on the road. With 46 seconds remaining in the second quarter and the Hawks facing fourth-and-10, Swanson lined up for his first collegiate field-goal attempt, a 47-yard try. Swanson delivered, splitting the uprights to put points on the board for Chowan before halftime. The successful kick tied the Chowan record for the longest field goal in a single game, matching a mark set five years earlier on September 11, 2021, against Tusculum. Swanson also recorded three kickoffs for 174 yards and converted all three of his PAT attempts, finishing his first collegiate game perfect on extra-point attempts and field goals.

Junior Anna Holcombe, a native of Wake Forest, N.C., showcased her versatility for the Hawks this past week at the Coker Cobra Classic, taking on a larger defensive role during the tournament while also known as a consistent outside hitter. Serving as Chowan's libero throughout the tournament, Holcombe provided a strong presence defensively while helping lead the Hawks in three matches. Across 12 sets, Holcombe recorded 57 digs, seven service aces, and seven assists. She opened the tournament against Saint Leo with 18 digs, one service ace, and one assist before turning in her strongest performance of the weekend against host Coker, where she posted 23 digs, five service aces, and two assists. Holcombe closed out the tournament against Valdosta State with 16 digs, one service ace, and four assists. Following her standout performances throughout the tournament, Holcombe was named to the Coker Cobra Classic All-Tournament Team alongside five additional student-athletes from opposing institutions.

Ace Hardware Student-Athletes of the Week: 

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