Fighting Tigers Volleyball Ready to Open 2025 Campaign

COBLESKILL — The SUNY Cobleskill women’s volleyball team is set to open the 2025 season after being picked fifth in the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Preseason Poll. The Fighting Tigers are coming off a memorable 2024 campaign in which they captured the NAC West Division Championship over SUNY Delhi before falling in the conference title match. Cobleskill finished the year with an 8-21 overall record and a 3-3 mark in league play.

With all seven starters returning, plus a core of key contributors from last season, head coach Rachel Chandler is eager to see her team take another step forward in her second year at the helm.

“With last year’s entire team returning and some newcomers added to the mix, we are locked in on improving our growth as a unit,” said Chandler. “The team’s energy has been endless, and their effort has been unmatched this preseason.”

The Fighting Tigers return a trio of All-Conference performers in junior Kathleen Smart (Nashville, Tenn./Pope John Paul II Prep), junior outside hitter Emma Hinze (Altenburg, Mo./Saxony Lutheran), and junior setter Baylee Kirschberg (Lindenhurst, NY). Smart led the team across the board last season with 187 kills (2.08 per set), 269 digs (2.99 per set), and 48 service aces. Hinze powered the Cobleskill attack, averaging 2.27 kills per set with 161 total kills and 199 points, while also chipping in 155 digs on defense. Kirschberg directed the offense as the team’s primary setter, dishing out 393 assists (4.32 per set), while also adding 36 service aces and 167 digs.

“Baylee, Emma, and Kathleen give 110% every time they step on the court,” Chandler said. “With Baylee’s ability to connect with our hitters, Kathleen’s all-around presence, and Emma’s dynamic swing, I’m excited to see how far they can take us this season.”

Additional key returners include junior outside hitter Hallie Gasner (Middleburgh, NY) and sophomore middle hitter Ciarra Jager (Stephentown, NY/New Lebanon), who will continue to be impact players for the Fighting Tigers with their strong play at the net. Senior captain Jade Ward (Miami, FL/Felix Varela) will also be pivotal, bringing leadership, poise, and veteran experience to guide the team both on and off the court.

The Tigers will also look to their newcomers to provide depth and spark. First-year Kaleigh Capasso (Ballston Spa, NY) and first-year Audrey Davis (Hudson Falls, NY) are expected to step in and contribute immediately.

“With a handful of newcomers ready and willing to make an impact, we are excited to get started,” Chandler said. “Kaleigh and Audrey are going to be big additions to our offense.”

Cobleskill opens the 2025 season at home on Wednesday, September 3, with a 6 p.m. matchup against MCLA inside Iorio Gymnasium at Bouck Hall.

NAC Preseason Coaches Poll

Maine Maritime Academy – 81 points

Husson University – 65 points

SUNY Delhi – 57 points

Thomas College – 52 points

SUNY Cobleskill – 48 points

UMaine-Presque Isle – 40 points

VTSU Johnson – 35 points

VTSU Lyndon – 15 points

Lesley University – 12 points