Syracuse, NY – Chloe Thomas, a member of the SUNY Canton women's soccer team, has been chosen as a recipient of the 2025 State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Award of Valor. The award, which originated in 2003, is presented to those who have used perseverance, dedication and determination to overcome a life-altering event, and whose ability to overcome obstacles has served as an inspiration to others.

Thomas will be recognized by the conference and the SUNYAC Governing Body, along with the other 2025 award recipients, at the SUNYAC Awards Banquet in Syracuse on June 3, 2025. The Phoenix, N.Y., native will be one of three Award of Valor recipients from conference schools this year. An archive of the awards ceremony can be viewed HERE. 

Thomas had recently finished her freshman season of soccer, and after her first semester of making the transition from high school to college, she lost her mother, Autumn, in January 2025 to colon cancer. For many, this obstacle would be extremely difficult to overcome in your first year as a college student away from home. However, Thomas continued to stay strong as just a freshman, steadfast in her workload, her practice and team event schedule, and handling of her grief throughout the SUNY Canton women's soccer team's spring season. She knows she must be strong in her mom's memory and has continued to show up and work hard to be a good teammate to her Roos as they look to turn the program around amid a culture change.

Thomas was at the forefront of planning a 5K Cancer Run and Walk in memory of her mother, Autumn Thomas, and Andrea Pringle, the mother of a men's hockey player. She had a hand in partnering with her teammates and the men's hockey team in coordinating the event, from sponsors to donors, gift baskets, and t-shirt designs. The walk took place on April 27th on the SUNY Canton campus and the event raised over $2,100 for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, the very place where Thomas' mother Autumn spent many hours of treatment during her battle with cancer. Chloe continues to show her resilience and perseverance on and off the field since losing her mom just a few short months ago.

"I am truly honored to receive this recognition from the SUNYAC," Thomas said. "This means more than I can express, and I will continue to be strong in my mother's memory."
 
    Thomas was nominated for the SUNYAC Award of Valor by Assistant AD for Communications and Marketing Nate Hart and Head Women's Soccer Coach Matt Milograno.
   

Discover SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college's career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, public service, and veterinary technology. Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 25 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the SUNYAC. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.