Cyclone soccer player Samantha Bombardiere, who battled ovarian cancer following her freshman year, has been named Colonial States Athletic Conference’s (CSAC) female scholar-athlete of the year.  Bombardiere becomes the first Centenary female student-athlete to win the award and the second Cyclone overall. This acknowledgement arrives on the heels of her being named one of four finalists for the 2019 Honda Inspiration Award, a national recognition for female student-athletes who have persevered through physical and emotional adversities while demonstrating athletic success. Presented by the Collegiate Women Sports Awards program, the final award selection will air on CBS Sports on June 18 at 8 pm. The 32^nd annual inspirations award highlights collegiate female athletes across all three NCAA divisions. 

After reporting pains in her back at the end of her freshman year, Bombardiere—who earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology summa cum laude in May — was sent for an MRI when numerous therapies proved ineffective. Doctors found a cancerous, grapefruit-sized tumor on her ovary and scheduled surgery immediately. The surgery began a vigorous recovery process for the Toms River, N.J., native, who endured chemotherapy and a break from the sport she loves. With a tremendous network of support, both on and off the field, the Division III athlete fought every day for an entire year, returning to action with the Cyclones for her junior year.

Throughout her illness and recovery, Bombardiere was a constant presence on the Cyclone sideline. As a freshman, she had appeared in 18 games, making 13 starts under head coach, Kevin Davies. “Cancer for Samantha was a temporary inconvenience in her life,” said Davies. “She took the attitude of ‘let’s get this thing over with so I can go back to normal and play my favorite sport.’ Her attitude for most of her illness was, ‘I’m going to beat this.'”

Bombardiere closed out her college career last fall by being named the CSAC’s Defensive Player of the Year after helping the Cyclone defense post eight shutouts in conference play. The Cyclones set the school record for single-season shutouts with 12, and  went on to win their first conference championship since 2010, advancing to the NCAA Tournament. 

The dedicated student-athlete is just as talented in the classroom. During her sophomore year, Bombardiere was eligible for a medical hardship waiver, which allowed her to maintain her strong academic standing. Despite her health issues, she maintained a 3.92 GPA and graduated on time with the Class of 2019. She also earned the Stutzman Prize, an award presented by Centenary University to students who demonstrate academic aptitude and commitment to the field of science.