Softball Adds MAAC Rookie of the Year Tabitha von Kolen to the 2026 Roster
5/29/2025 6:40:00 PM | Softball
BUFFALO, N.Y. – The University at Buffalo softball Head Coach Chelsea Plimpton announced the addition of Canisius transfer Tabitha von Kolen (Phoenix, Ariz.) to the 2026 roster.
After an exceptional freshman season at Canisius, von Kolen heads across town to join the Buffalo roster after earning MAAC Rookie of the Year, MAAC All-Rookie Team and All-MAAC First Team honors. She was just the second player in Canisius program history to take home all three of these honors in the same season. The lefty outfielder led all MAAC freshmen in batting average, runs scored, hits, triples and stolen bases. von Kolen started all 49 games for the Golden Griffins in centerfield. In her first collegiate season, the Phoenix, Ariz., native hit .378 with 59 hits, seven doubles, six triples, 38 runs scored and 18 runs batted in. She also stole 21 bases, which is tied for the team lead and ties for the second-most steals for any player in the MAAC this season.
von Kolen recorded 18 multi-hit games, highlighted by her five-hit performance against Quinnipiac April 9, an effort that made her one of 22 players in the NCAA this season to record five-or more hits in a game. Her six triples are the most for a Canisius freshman since 2013.
For all the latest on UB Softball, follow @UBBullssoftball on Twitter/X, @ubbullssoftball on Instagram and like the UB Softball Facebook page.
Click here for information on the Blue & White Fund and how you can help UB Athletics.
After an exceptional freshman season at Canisius, von Kolen heads across town to join the Buffalo roster after earning MAAC Rookie of the Year, MAAC All-Rookie Team and All-MAAC First Team honors. She was just the second player in Canisius program history to take home all three of these honors in the same season. The lefty outfielder led all MAAC freshmen in batting average, runs scored, hits, triples and stolen bases. von Kolen started all 49 games for the Golden Griffins in centerfield. In her first collegiate season, the Phoenix, Ariz., native hit .378 with 59 hits, seven doubles, six triples, 38 runs scored and 18 runs batted in. She also stole 21 bases, which is tied for the team lead and ties for the second-most steals for any player in the MAAC this season.
von Kolen recorded 18 multi-hit games, highlighted by her five-hit performance against Quinnipiac April 9, an effort that made her one of 22 players in the NCAA this season to record five-or more hits in a game. Her six triples are the most for a Canisius freshman since 2013.
For all the latest on UB Softball, follow @UBBullssoftball on Twitter/X, @ubbullssoftball on Instagram and like the UB Softball Facebook page.
Click here for information on the Blue & White Fund and how you can help UB Athletics.
UB Softball vs. Akron Double Header (4/30) @ 1pm
Thursday, April 24
UB Softball vs. Canisius Double Header (4/23) @ 1pm
Tuesday, April 22
UB Softball vs. Toledo (4/20) @ 12pm
Monday, April 14
UB Softball vs. Northern Illinois doubleheader (4/12) @ 1pm
Thursday, April 10
