Buffalo State head softball coach Sandra Hollander was presented with an Award of Valor at the annual State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) awards dinner on Monday in Saratoga Springs, NY.

In January 2006, Hollander was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and underwent a six-week, 24-hour-per day chemotherapy/radiation treatment program. In that season, Hollander was in the Bengals’ dugout for all 42 games and led the team to a 30-12 overall record and a third-place showing at the SUNYAC Championships.

In January 2007, Hollander was back in the doctor’s office and it was discovered that the cancer had spread to her lungs. This time, she embarked on a much more extreme, six-month chemotherapy treatment. Once again, Hollander did not miss a single game, leading her Bengals to a 27-11 overall mark and their sixth-consecutive SUNYAC playoff appearance, where they placed third.

In 2008, Hollander was unable to travel to Florida with her team as she recovered from surgery, but returned to the dugout when the Bengals opened regular season play. She was her same fiery self, keeping umpires on their toes and led her team to a 28-15 overall record and an appearance in the SUNYAC Championship game. In recognition of the outstanding accomplishments of her team, Hollander was recognized as the SUNYAC Coach of the Year for the third time in her tenure.

During her 20-year coaching career at Buffalo State, Hollander has established herself as one of the top coaches in Division III softball, accumulating more than 450 wins and ranking among the top-25 coaches in all-time victories. In addition to winning two SUNYAC titles, she has guided her Bengals to seven NCAA playoff appearances and 15 20-win season, including six straight.