Bowling Green, KY — After being a vital of the Cumberlands women's soccer program for the past four years, midfielder Carola Fontan closes out her stellar Patriot career by earning the 2025-2026 Mid-South Conference Women's Student-Athlete of the Year, conference officials announced Thursday.  Fontan becomes the 11^th UC student-athlete to garner this honor and the first Patriots women's soccer to earn this distinction since 2006.
 
"Being named the MSC Student-Athlete of the Year is incredibly meaningful because it recognizes both athletic and academic success. Throughout my time at UC, I have worked hard to be the best athlete, student, and teammate that I could be, so receiving this award is very rewarding," said Fontan. "I am thankful to my teammates, coaches, professors, family, and everyone who has supported me along the way. This recognition reflects not only my efforts but also the incredible community that has helped me grow throughout my collegiate career."

The senior was a cornerstone of the Patriots' lineup over the past four season, helping UC to a 71-9-9 record, highlighted by four NAIA Final Site appearances and two trips to the national championship game.  Known for her composure, tactical awareness, and leadership on the field, Fontan helped guide the Patriots a 17-5-3 record on the year.  The Les Franqueses del Valles, Barcelona, Spain native tallied seven goals and 10 assists during the 2025 campaign helping UC reach the NAIA Final Site for the sixth straight season.  During the Patriots run to a National Runner-Up finish, Fontan recorded three goals and a pair of assists, including being involved in all three of UC's game-winners, to be named the NAIA's Most Outstanding Offensive Player of the Tournament and earn NAIA All-Tournament honors.

"The past season challenged me and helped me grow. Looking back, what I will remember most is not just the wins, but the relationships we built, the team culture we created, the long bus rides and hotel sleepovers, the laughs, the cries, and the challenges we overcame together. UC gave me a community that shaped me not just as an athlete, but as a person. Those moments that nobody sees behind the scenes are the ones I'll carry with me the longest," Fontan added.

Fontan has been a Patriot standout since arriving in Williamsburg in 2022.  The senior is a three-time NAIA Second Team All-American, a three-time MSC First Team All-Conference selection, and was named the 2022 MSC Freshman of the Year, while earning MSC Second Team All-Conference honors.  Fontan was part of three Mid-South Conference regular season championship teams along with the 2024 MSC Tournament Championship.  She was also a member of Cumberlands 2023 NAIA National Championship Team, bringing home the first Red Banner in school history. 

The senior has etched her name into the Patriots record books, being ranked second in program history with 36 career assists, while her 108 points is fourth in program history. 

Off the field, Fontan has been just as dominant. A top student in the classroom, Fontan earned a double major in Fitness & Sport Management as well as Exercise and Sport Science. She has earned CSC Second Team Academic All-America honors, while being a three time NAIA Scholar-Athlete and MSC Academic All-Conference honoree.  Additionally, Fontan was a member of J.T. Vallandingham Scholastic Honor Society as well as a Hutton Scholar. 
 
"Carola is the complete definition of a student-athlete, and I can't think of anyone more deserving of being named the Mid-South Conference Student-Athlete of the Year. Excelling in the classroom, while competing at an elite level is an extraordinary accomplishment, and she has consistently set the standard for excellence," said Head Coach Steve Hamilton.  "Her achievements on the field speak for themselves. What I'm most proud of, though, is the person she is. Carola is a relentless competitor who is committed to giving her very best every day, without excuses. Her attitude and work ethic are contagious, and she has a unique ability to elevate everyone around her. She has been an outstanding representative of the University of the Cumberlands, and she's truly deserving of this award and everything she has accomplished."
 
Fontan becomes the 11^th Patriot student-athlete to earn this honor and the third in the past four years.
 
Fontan will remain at UC to serve as a graduate assistant with the women's soccer team.  The Patriots will kick off its 2026 season on Thursday, August 20^th, when they host Milligan.
 
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What People are Saying:

"I am so proud of Carola. This award is a reflection of the player and person she has been for our program over the past four years. Every time she put on our uniform, she competed with passion, pride, and an unwavering commitment to her teammates. Her love for the game, this team, and our school was evident in everything she did. Carola consistently pushed herself to be the best version of herself, always putting the success of the program ahead of individual recognition. Her legacy at UCWSOC will be felt for years to come, and she is incredibly deserving of this honor." – Samantha Sokolove, Teammate

"What stands out most about Carola is her desire to learn and grow. Beyond her own achievements, Carola is the type of student every professor hopes to have in class. She leads through her actions and consistently represents the University of the Cumberlands with character and integrity." – Dr. BJ Temple, HESS Professor

"Carola has had a huge impact on the Women's Soccer team and UC in general. She has always been someone to never give up, no matter the challenge she has and will always fight her way through it. Carola is a big example for the team on and off the pitch. All her abilities on the field and her strong mindset off the field make her a fantastic teammate and soon to be coach.  Without Carola this team wouldn't have had the success it has had. Carola was always very focused on winning games and losing games together as a team, this is just one of the reasons she is such a good teammate." – Noah Paalman, Teammate

"I've had the privilege to watch Carola transform into a leader on and off the field over the past four years.  She worked tirelessly to perfect her skills on the field, while excelling off the field, embracing the values of the Patriots Pledge.  I'm thrilled for her to earn this honor and looking forward to watching her as Graduate Assistant this year."  - Christie Brewers, Associate Athletic Director