BOWLING GREEN, Ky. -- Cumberlands (Ky.) women's soccer student-athlete Carola Fontan has been named the 2025-26 Mid-South Conference Female Student-Athlete of the Year, MSC officials announced on Friday.

The Mid-South Conference Female Student-Athlete of the Year award is presented to a graduating student-athlete and selected based on academic and athletic performances, leadership qualities, and their demonstration of the five core character values of the NAIA. Pinnacle Financial Partners sponsors the Mid-South Conference Student-Athletes of the Year award.

Fontan earned NAIA All-America Team honors each of the last three seasons while helping the Patriots win the 2023 NAIA National Championship and finishing runner-up in 2025. She was selected as the NAIA National Tournament's Outstanding Offensive Player during last season's run to the title match.

In the Mid-South Conference, Fontan earned all-conference honors all four of her seasons on the pitch and was named the 2022 MSC Women's Soccer Freshman of the Year. She concluded her stellar career in Cumberlands' top five in assists (36) and points (108).

"My time at Cumberlands taught me that excellence is not one big moment -- it is a daily choice," Fontan said. "It is showing up, working hard, and staying committed even when things get tough. I am proud of what I have accomplished, but I am even more grateful for the lessons and relationships that helped me become who I am today.

"As I continue my education and begin my career, I carry with me the values of resilience, leadership, and service -- values that I hope to pass on to others in the future," she added.

Fontan was a three-time recipient of both NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athlete and Academic All–Mid-South Conference honors. She earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-America® Team honors twice.

"What stands out most about Carola is her desire to learn and grow. She was highly engaged in the classroom and consistently participated in discussions," Cumberlands Professor of Health and Exercise Science Dr. BJ Temple said. "Carola is the type of student every professor hopes to have in class. She is supportive of others, respectful, and contributes positively to the learning environment. She leads through her actions and consistently represents the University of the Cumberlands with character and integrity."

Fontan graduated cum laude in May with a bachelor's degree in both exercise and sports science and fitness and sports management. She earned the J. T. Vallandingham Scholastic Honor Society -- the highest academic honor that a Cumberlands student can receive.

"Carola exemplifies determination, initiative, responsibility, and servant leadership in both

athletic and academic settings," Cumberlands women's soccer coach Stephen Hamilton said. "Whether leading by example on the field, supporting her teammates, or excelling in the classroom, she consistently puts the needs of others ahead of her own while holding herself to the highest standards. These qualities are not situational -- they are central to who she is as a person."

Fontan earned the Hutton Scholar distinction -- reserved for Cumberlands graduates who performed 200 or more hours of community service.

Fontan is the 11th Cumberlands student-athlete to earn Mid-South Conference Female Student-Athlete of the Year.