Phoenix Strong Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all athletic teams held their season during the spring semester. In total, Cumberland had 23 men’s and women’s teams compete in the NAIA conference from January through May 2021. Although many sports seasons were condensed due to the virus, our athletes continued to rise above the many obstacles and outshine their competition.
Lindsey Donnell Award Winner Sarah Haddock The Lindsey Donnell Award is presented annually to a CU student-athlete who excels in both academics and athletics. This year’s award was presented to senior women’s soccer player Sarah Haddock. Haddock, a senior from Newtownards, Northern Ireland, is one of the most decorated women’s soccer players to come through the program. She has been named Mid-South Conference Defensive Player of the Year three times and is a two-time NAIA All-American and four-time First Team All Mid-South Conference recipient. In addition to her accomplishments on the field, Haddock holds a 3.5 GPA, has earned a spot on the Dean’s List every semester since arriving at Cumberland and earned Academic All-MidSouth Conference three times and NAIA Scholar-Athlete twice.
Wrestling has Highest Finish in Program History The Cumberland Wrestling team had the highest finish in program history in the National Tournament placing fifth in the NAIA. The team set a program record with five All-Americans after day one of the tournament, including a national runner-up. Junior College transfer and two-time All-American Esco Walker competed in the 133-lb weight class in the tournament and made it to the national championship before being defeated by Indiana Tech’s Conner Gimson. The Phoenix finished the tournament with five All-Americans, Esco Walker, Patrick Depiazza, Carter Cox, Anthony Maia and Cole Smith. To stay up-to-date with Phoenix athletic news and events, visit www.gocumberlandathletics.com. 26
