The University of the Cumberlands volleyball team has a rich history of competition and excellence in the collegiate athletic world. As a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the team has consistently demonstrated its prowess on the court, earning numerous accolades and recognition.
Program History and Achievements
The University of the Cumberlands volleyball team was established in 1984, and since then, it has grown into a formidable force in the NAIA. Over the years, the team has won several conference championships, including the Mid-South Conference (MSC) titles in 2005, 2006, and 2011. In addition, the team has made multiple appearances in the NAIA National Tournament, with its most recent appearance in 2019.
Coaching Staff and Player Development
The University of the Cumberlands volleyball team is led by an experienced and dedicated coaching staff. The current head coach, Lauren Bell, has been at the helm of the program since 2018 and has brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. Under her guidance, the team has shown significant improvement, with multiple players earning All-Conference and All-Tournament honors.
The coaching staff places a strong emphasis on player development, both on and off the court. The team's training program is designed to help players improve their skills, increase their strength and endurance, and develop their mental toughness. The coaching staff also prioritizes academic success, with a focus on helping players achieve their academic goals and pursue their desired careers.
Notable Alumni and Current Players
The University of the Cumberlands volleyball team has produced several notable alumni who have gone on to achieve success in their respective careers. Some notable alumni include:
- Emily Alfrey, who played professionally in Europe and is now a successful business owner.
- Lauren Coffey, who is a certified athletic trainer and works with the University of Kentucky's volleyball team.
- Samantha Lee, who is a registered nurse and works in the healthcare industry.
As for current players, the team is led by several talented athletes, including:
- Junior outside hitter, Morgan Christopher, who was named to the All-MSC Second Team in 2020.
- Sophomore middle blocker, Sydney Davis, who was named to the All-MSC Freshman Team in 2019.
- Senior libero, Kayla Casey, who is a two-time All-MSC selection and has been named to the NAIA Scholar-Athlete Team.
Facilities and Equipment
The University of the Cumberlands volleyball team plays its home matches in the O. Wayne Rollins Center, a state-of-the-art facility that features a spacious playing surface, modern locker rooms, and excellent lighting and sound systems. The team also has access to a fully equipped training room and a strength and conditioning area.
The team's equipment is top-notch, with high-quality volleyballs, nets, and other training tools. The coaching staff is committed to providing players with the best possible equipment and resources to help them succeed.
Schedule and Results
The University of the Cumberlands volleyball team competes in the Mid-South Conference, which includes teams from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio. The team's schedule typically includes 20-25 regular-season matches, as well as postseason tournament play.
Recent results for the team include:
- 2020: 15-10 overall record, 8-4 in MSC play
- 2019: 20-12 overall record, 10-4 in MSC play
- 2018: 18-14 overall record, 9-5 in MSC play
Recruiting and Tryouts
The University of the Cumberlands volleyball team is always looking for talented players to join its roster. The coaching staff actively recruits high school players, junior college transfers, and international students who are interested in competing at the NAIA level.
Tryouts are typically held in the spring and summer, and interested players can contact the coaching staff to schedule a tryout. The team also hosts several camps and clinics throughout the year, which provide players with the opportunity to develop their skills and get a feel for the team's culture and coaching style.
Conclusion
The University of the Cumberlands volleyball team is a competitive and dynamic program that offers players the opportunity to develop their skills, achieve academic success, and compete at the highest level. With a rich history of competition and excellence, the team is committed to continuing its tradition of success and providing players with an exceptional athletic and academic experience.
What is the University of the Cumberlands volleyball team's conference affiliation?
+The University of the Cumberlands volleyball team competes in the Mid-South Conference (MSC) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
What are the team's practice and training facilities like?
+The team practices and trains in the O. Wayne Rollins Center, a state-of-the-art facility that features a spacious playing surface, modern locker rooms, and excellent lighting and sound systems.
How can I try out for the team?
+Tryouts are typically held in the spring and summer, and interested players can contact the coaching staff to schedule a tryout. The team also hosts several camps and clinics throughout the year, which provide players with the opportunity to develop their skills and get a feel for the team's culture and coaching style.