Letter From the Editor in Chief
Welcome back to a new school year! We at The Patriot are so excited to provide our readers with accurate, engaging, and thought-provoking stories that highlight the voices, achievements and experiences of our school community this year. Some of you might remember me from last year when I served as Managing Editor. This year, I’m thrilled to step up as Editor-in-Chief. It is truly an honor to take on this responsibility and I am committed to doing my best to fill the shoes of those who came before me.
A little bit about me, I am an international student-athlete from Sweden, a senior double-majoring in communications with an emphasis in journalism and psychology. Outside academics, I am on the swimming & diving team, spending most of my time in the pool. If you don’t see me in the pool, you will most likely find me downtown at the Coffee Spot. My go-to coffee order is an iced vanilla latte with oat milk. I usually sit down there and work on homework, hang out with friends, and catch up on reading or plan for upcoming projects.
This year, we are adding two new sections to the newspaper. The first one you will see next to this letter is News Briefs, which will give you quick updates on news, important events and highlights from around our school and community. The following new section is My Culture, My Story (page 6), highlighting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our campus community. Each article will feature a student sharing their personal story, cultural heritage and how it shapes their identity. This section celebrates diversity, promotes inclusion and gives readers a chance to learn from different perspectives. Since I am from Sweden, it is important for me to include and highlight the different cultures around UC.
If you are interested in writing, photography or graphic design, I highly recommend that you come to our next newspaper meeting on Sept. 22 at 4.30 p.m. We’re looking for volunteers to help tell the stories of our school community. Whether you’re into sports, music, student life, or investigative reporting, there’s a spot for you in The Patriot newsroom. It is a great way to create your portfolio, get your work published, make your voice heard and cover real campus stories. If you are interested in The Patriot or coming to the next meeting, email thepatriot@ucumberlands.edu and we will answer you as soon as possible!
Let’s have a great year in the classroom, on the athletic field and celebrating new friendships. Go Pats!
Lots of love, Filippa Malmström Editor-In-Cheif
Staff
Editor- in- Chief Filippa Malmström
Managing Editor
Ally Kennedy
Staff Writers
Katrina Campbell
Jillian Cross
Sydney Dingus
Eli Dunn
Lily Fabela
Ximena Melendez Hernandez
Taylor Moren
Sydney Taylor
Emily Zecchini
Staff Photographers
Kurstyn Ison
Abigail McKamey
Faculty Advisor
Jeremiah Massengale
September is Suicide Prevention Month. You can read more about it on Page 4. Scan the QR Code to make a free appointment at the UC Counseling Center.
Hello Pats,
UC Launches New Media & Sports Communication Degrees
University of the Cumberlands announces new programs starting fall 2025. The communication department recently added two emphases in Sports Communication and Media Production. Sports communication is a unique major that blends media, journalism, and communication skills with a deep understanding of the sports industry. It’s an excellent fit for students who enjoy sports but are also passionate about storytelling, media production, public relations, or digital content creation. Media production is a hands-on major that focuses on creating content across multiple platforms. Coursework often includes screenwriting, advanced video production, advanced graphic design, and a corporate internship, giving students both creative and professional experience. Fits students who want to go into the field of film, television, video production and much more.
Library Coffee Shop Adds Smoothies
Campus Local
Starting the fall semester, the coffee shop in the library offers a new menu with smoothies. Students can get a variety of protein smoothies for a meal swipe. Their signature shake, The Patriot, is made with mixed berries, banana, and vanilla whey protein. The updated menu features seven different smoothies, but students also have the option to customize their own blend. Options include whole foods like strawberries, bananas, spinach, blueberries, peanut butter, and PB Lite. For protein, students can choose vanilla or chocolate whey or plant-based vanilla protein. Core Sore supplements such as Raw Energy and Get Lean can also be added for an extra boost.
Patriots Softball Welcomes New Head and Assistant Coaches
Women’s softball announces not only two new assistant coaches, but also a new head coach for the 25-26 season. New head coach Bruce Lenington joins the Patriots after a successful coaching career for Our Lady of the Lake University’s softball program. During his five seasons for the Saints, the program earned four conference titles, two NAIA World Series appearances, and made history at the 2024 NAIA National Championship.
Serving as the assistant coaches for the season, Cassie Valdez and Gilbert Alvardo both played and graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University in 2024. Valdez finished her collegiate softball career as a NAIA National Champion, the 2024 NAIA Pitcher of the Year, a threetime NAIA All-American, and the MVP of the 2024 World Series. In addition, Valdez played professionally for the Mexican National Team during the 24-25 season. Alvardo primarily worked with outfielders, covering first base coaching responsibilities and hitting preparation. During his time with the Saints, the OLLU softball program earned four Red River Conference championships, two RRCC Tournament championships, two NAIA Regional Opening Round championships, two NAIA Region II Coaching Staff of the Year awards, NAIA ATEC X NFCA NAIA National Coaching Staff of the Year, and NAIA World Series Champions.
New UC President Steps Into Role
After 20 years, the University of the Cumberlands president, Dr. Larry. L Cockrum is retiring from his position. Dr. Cockrum has dedicated more than two decades to the University of the Cumberlands, including ten years serving as its 10th president. Although he is retiring, Cockrum will still serve the school as President Emeritus, working on strategic projects and initiatives to drive the university’s growth and foster innovation. Quentin Young, who has been serving as the Executive Vice President for Finance and CFO, has been named President-elect. Young, along with his family, took the stage at UC Opening Engage on September 10 to discuss the UC Engage program. He will assume the role of the 11th President of the University on October 16, 2025.
Opportunities for Students in Sport Business
Sport Business Club is a new club on campus that provides students with opportunities to explore careers in sports management, marketing, media and other related fields. The club aims to give members practical experience, professional networking opportunities and insights into the business side of sports. Open to all students with an interest in sports, the club welcomes those pursuing majors in sports management, marketing, communications or anyone passionate about the industry. This semester, the Sport Business Club will host a variety of events and activities, including networking workshops, hands-on projects, and opportunities to collaborate on marketing and promotional campaigns for campus athletic events. By participating, students can gain real-world experience, build connections with peers and professionals and prepare for future careers in the dynamic sports business world.
Five Years of Skincare Success
The Face Lab, located in downtown Williamsburg, is celebrating five years in business. It all began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Williamsburg natives Stephanie Manning and Corissa Dyer launched the business together. Together, they came up with the idea to open a medical aesthetic spa, mainly focusing on facial aesthetics, cosmetic injections, acne treatments and advanced chemical peels. They are now celebrating five years of growth and success in business.
Farm-Fresh Dining Now
Downtown Williamsburg recently opened another local eatery. The Hunt and Harvest is located on downtown Main Street, where students, residents, and locals can enjoy a locally sourced, farm-to-table menu. Adam Howard and Nick Bishop, coming from two very different careers, are the co-owners of The Hunt and The Harvest. Howard, an attorney with over a decade of practice in the area, and Bishop, a seasoned chef with more than twenty years of experience in kitchens across the country, share a common goal: to create a fresh, inviting space for the community to enjoy.
Williamsburg’s Streets Full of Tradition
Williamsburg, Kentucky, recently hosted the 42nd Annual Old Fashioned Trading Days from September 4–6, 2025. The festival transformed the downtown area into a vibrant marketplace, showcasing the rich Appalachian culture through arts, crafts, music, and cuisine. Visitors explored a variety of handcrafted goods from local and regional artisans, enjoyed live performances by bluegrass and gospel bands, and indulged in classic festival foods such as barbecue, funnel cakes, and Polish sausages. The event also featured family-friendly activities, making it a fun outing for all ages. Read more about the Old Fashion Trading Days on page 5.
Campus Life
Students Struggle with Dorm and Parking Challenges
Campus Life Under Pressure
BY: JILLIAN CROSS STAFF WRITER
As the fall semester begins, the University of the Cumberlands faces growing frustrations from some students over limited parking and a shortage of dorm space. While these are common problems at popular colleges across the nation, the overflow has left some UC students commuting from off-campus despite originally planning to live on-site, creating stress beyond the classroom.
Some students who had looked forward to the full on-campus college experience are now being encouraged to commute, due to a shortage of available housing and policies that prioritize
students who live farther away. With the incoming class exceeding expectations, housing was not available for some local sudents that live just minutes from campus.
Sophomore Jonathan Gambrel, lived on campus previous years and is now a commuter. “This really affects me because it forces me to have to spent money on gas that I, as a college student, do not have. Considering I have to pay for both gas and other living expenses, I now have to pay for meal swipes in addition to being forced to commute,” Gambrel said.
Freshman Lauren Cox says she is struggling to find parking on campus, something that surprised her, given the impression she had during her recruiting visit. Cox is one of many students facing limited parking options this school year, as an increase of new students has led to overflow that’s left lots full and frustration high.
“I went to Walmart the other day during mid-day and when I came back there was no space for me to park my car,” Cox said.
Many report difficulty finding spaces near classrooms or residence halls, particularly later in the day. Cars often end up parked several lots away from where students live, turning what should be a quick walk into an inconvenient trek and creating what some describe as a daily competition for parking.
Regarding concerns, Travis Wilson, executive vice president for operations, buildings & grounds and chief operating officer, shared updated numbers from the Office of Public Safety, which oversees parking. According to Wilson,
the university currently houses 1,674 residential students, including 1,331 in traditional residence halls and the rest in campus apartments. Parking access is provided at each apartment complex and residence hall.
Wilson said the University of the Cumberlands offers 1,098 designated parking spaces at traditional residence halls. That number closely matches student demand, as 1,072 residential students registered vehicles for the fall semester. ”These lots would be about 97 percent full if all registered vehicles were parked,” Wilson said, noting that the number of spaces slightly exceeds the number of vehicles recorded during fall registration. Additional residential parking in nearby lots could also be reassigned if needed.
“From a capacity standpoint, the university is providing enough spaces for all registered residential students, with a small buffer in place,” Wilson said. He added that while the numbers show sufficient capacity, frustrations often arise from location preferences, peak class times or convenience factors.”
While the university has provided detailed parking data, questions remain about housing availability. No official numbers have been released to clarify how many students were impacted by overflow housing this semester. In the meantime, students continue to adapt their routines to a campus life shaped by limited space, balancing official assurances with lived experiences that tell a more complicated story.
September Marks Suicide Prevention Month
BY: SYDNEY TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
UC Encourages Mental Health Awareness and Support
September marks National Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated not only to suicide awareness but also to shedding light on all mental health issues and erasing the stigma surrounding them. Mental health is a serious issue that affects everyone. According to the Centers for Disease Control’s website, over 49,000 people died by suicide in 2023. That means there was one death every 11 minutes. Suicide rates reached a record high in 2022, following several years of decline.
For college students, especially, balancing school, sports, work and relationships can be overwhelming. Prioritizing your mental wellness is essential. Unfortunately, many mental health issues are accompanied by stigma, which discourages individuals from reaching out and seeking help. This month is a crucial reminder that promoting open conversation and community support can make a difference in removing the stigma around mental health.
The University of the Cumberlands offers free counseling services to all students. The Counseling Center is located in the Browning Annex across from the Ward-Correll Science Building. In addition to the counseling services, help numbers are posted throughout campus and online. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or thoughts of suicide, reach out to those around you. Coaches, professors, teammates and friends are all around, and embracing this community can help with feelings of loneliness. You are never alone in your fight. Reach out. Speak up. The world is a better place with you in it.
Senior Morgan Roberts shares her experience by saying, “Suicide prevent month is a great time to become QPR certified. I took the QPR class after I lost my brother to suicide so that I could be better equipped to prevent losing someone else in the future. The class taught me to become comfortable with asking anyone if a person is suicidal, for the purpose of preventing action on suicidal plans.” She went on to say that “the counseling center is really easy to get a new
appointment with. When I first started going, I was reassured that nobody would be told that I had appointments there”
Junior Sarah Zoellner also reflected on her experience at the UC counseling center, saying, “The counseling center has been extremely helpful for me. They are great at giving an unbiased opinion and really searching through the issues with a calm and thoughtful approach.”
At the University of the Cumberlands, community is valued. Embracing that connection and having people in your corner can have a powerful impact. Simply being there for someone and checking in can make a significant difference in their life. Being able to recognize the warning signs of suicide is also important. Some indicators may include withdrawing from friends and activities, increasing mood swings, substance abuse or expressing feelings of hopelessness. Everyone has a role to play in breaking the stigma around mental health. By starting conversations, sharing resources available, and fostering compassion, we can all create a more supportive and stigma-free environment.
PHOTO BY ABIGAIL MCKAMEY
Campus Life
Shining Souls and Brand-New Soles
UC’s
Shoes 4 the Soul Event is an Impactful Success
BY
BY: SYDNEY DINGUS STAFF WRITER
Shoes 4 the Soul is often considered the University of the Cumberlands’ biggest ministry event. UC hosts elementary students from nine Whitley County schools to provide students with a new pair of shoes.
As soon as children enter the O. Wayne Rollins Gymnasium, UC faculty, staff, and student volunteers dance with waiting children, wash their feet, fit them with new socks and shoes, and go through different activities with them. These hundreds of children also receive a Cumberlands T-shirt, a backpack filled with school supplies and hygiene items like hand sanitizer, deodorant, and toothbrushes.
Shoes 4 the Soul has a 14-year legacy and this year’s event was impactful and rewarding for more than just the students who left with new shoes on their feet. Alaina Johns, is an elementary education major at UC. The Cumberlands senior has served as a part of Shoes 4 the Soul every year. Johns said, “The whole experience is always really good.” She stated that her favorite part is “To just connect with all the students in different ways, and to have conversations with them.” When asked how she feels to see the kids with their new shoes,
she said that their joy is contagious because “... it’s really exciting to get to see them get their new shoes and just how excited they get and how they jump around and test their shoes”.
UC’s Campus Ministries takes months to get ready for Shoes 4 the Soul. Hannah Baldauff is the Ministry Coordinator for this office. Baldauff described how Campus Ministries is involved with all the behind the scene work for the event along with donors and several community partners including Ken-Ten Advertising, Forcht Bank, Shoe Sensation, Dayspring Health, The Williamsburg Health Department, and Whitley North. Baldauff stated that her favorite thing about the event is “...how it’s centered on Christ”. She said that for the visiting students, getting their feet washed is a tangible picture of how the Son of God submitted himself to do humble jobs for people he loved. Baldauff stated that “It focuses in on his last night with his disciples where he willingly took a step down and humbly served his disciples by washing their feet”.
This Season of Service event ministers to students whose teachers and family resource coordinators identify them as high need. Neeka Holcomb is with Partners for Rural Impact
and works at Whitley Central Primary School. Holcomb had high praise for Shoes 4 the Soul and the way it “...brings us together as a community”. She said that she believes the event is a good partnership between local schools and the University of the Cumberlands “Because it also allows our students to visit the campus, which typically they would not, or maybe they would not do that.” She also emphasized the value of kids being able to positively interact with their college student “buddies” throughout the day. She said “I think it’s really good for our kids to receive one-on-one attention that sometimes they don’t always get at school or home”.
Overall, the Shoes 4 the Soul event was a huge success and an excellent start to the rest of the Cumberland’s Season of Service events.
PHOTO
KURSTYN ISON
My Culture, My Story
BY: XIMENA MELENDEZ HERNANDEZ STAFF WRITER
Ghana, a country on the West Coast of Africa, is known for its vibrant traditions, colorful festivals, and strong sense of community. “Life back home is a vibrant tapestry of diverse ethnic groups, festivals, community, and social life. I can confidently say that I come from a warm and welcoming culture,” said Abdulah Adamas, a sophomore midfielder on our university’s soccer team.
For Adamas, home will always be the capital city of Accra, where he was born and raised. He fondly remembers the delicious jollof rice with mixed salad, family gatherings and the warmth of his community. Yet, his journey has not been easy. After losing both his father and stepmother, Adamas had to learn independence at a very young age.
The Story of Abdulah Adamas
“I started living alone at nine years old. It’s part of our culture, and it made me stronger,” Adamas said.
That strength and resilience carried over into the sport that defines him: soccer. “What is Abdulah without fútbol?” he often asks himself. For him, soccer is not just a game but a lifeline. Without it, he believes he might have ended up in the army, but instead, the sport gave him direction, purpose and hope.
Adamas passion for soccer began when he was a child, and it eventually led him to the university team. A head coach discovered his talent through video clips and recruited him to the States just as he was preparing to move to Europe. During his freshman season, he appeared in 14 games, making seven starts and logging 605 minutes of play. He contributed one assist in the team’s 3–1 victory over Georgetown.
“Being part of this university soccer team has been an incredible experience. It’s going to transform me, not just athletically, but also personally and academically,” Adama said.
One of his proudest memories so far is winning the conference championship and placing fourth at the NAIA nationals. The Patriots men’s soccer team ended their historic 2024 postseason run in the NAIA National Championship 2024 Semifinals with a 4-0 loss to No. 1 Dalton State, finishing the season 15-3-3. UC recorded eight shots, including five on goal, but couldn’t find the back of the net. Although the team fell short, their deep postseason run had a significant impact on the program and on Adamas, marking a major accomplishment to reach that stage of the tournament.
Off the field, Adamas is equally committed to academics. He is majoring in Information Technology of Science (Cyber Security) and minoring in Coaching, with the possibility of pursuing a double major. “Soccer is my passion, but I’m also eager to learn software skills that will enhance my future. Balancing academics and athletics is challenging, but it’s shaping me into a stronger person,” Adamas said.
Adapting to a new country and culture hasn’t always been easy. “While English is widely spoken, the accents can sometimes make it difficult to understand. My advice to any international student coming here is to be self-disciplined and focus on what brings you here,” Adamas said. Still, he sees his time in the U.S. as a chance to grow and to embrace new perspectives.
When asked about what motivates him, Adamas’s answer was simple: passion. “The love I have for soccer always drives me to keep playing. It brings me joy and makes me sometimes forget my difficulties. Academics, on the other hand, prepare me to face challenges that lead to personal development, resilience and confidence.”
Looking ahead, Adamas’s dream is to return to Ghana to share what he has learned with the younger generations. “I want people to know where I’m from, and I want people to come visit Ghana. In the next few years, I see myself contributing to my community, growing in my career and continuing my education,” Adamas said.
For Abdulah Adamas, culture, history, and soccer are inseparable. His story is a reminder of how resilience, passion, and identity can shape not only a career but also a legacy that inspires others.
From Kentucky Roots to Hollywood Dreams
Abigail Fierce’s Journey of Grit and Grace
BY: EMILY ZECCCHINI STAFF WRITER
Before Abigail Fierce starred in the Hulu teen drama as Wendy in “Love, Victor,” or even before producing hit songs like “Girl
in the Mirror,” she was a Kentucky kid playing outside and honing her creativity. Now she’s armed with acting and songwriting and says her Kentucky upbringing has helped keep her grounded in her journey. Fierce has always spent her time storytelling. From writing to performing, she always knew what she wanted to pursue.
“In life, we kind of have to hold our emotions in front of other people, even though it’s the most human thing about us. The thing I love most about performing is that you get to be emotional in front of other people,” Fierce said.
When it comes to Kentucky and Hollywood, they couldn’t be more different. But for Fierce, her Kentucky roots gave her the grounding she needed to navigate the “grandiose” world of L.A. with a genuine humanity. “I give 110% to everything I do because I’ve never had it handed to me,” Fierce said.
The journey didn’t come without challenges, but the rewards have made it
worthwhile. Rejection is a performer’s biggest fear, and Fierce faced plenty of it in the beginning. “I’d pick myself apart and wonder what was wrong with me,” Fierce said.
Despite all that, the most rewarding part has been seeing her work connect with others. “It’s always funny to me when people tell me my music makes them feel less alone, because I write these songs when I feel alone, so knowing that listeners connect to it is what makes me feel less alone,” Fierce said.
Fierce isn’t the only one who can pursue their dreams in performance. She stands as a symbol that even those from small towns can succeed with determination. Fierce has always wanted to be a good role model for others and said she hopes to continue making a positive impact on the world. “It’s important to me to help them see their worth,” Fierce said, proving that even small-town kids can make a huge impact.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ABIGAIL FIERCE
PHOTO COURTESY OF UC SPORTS INFOMRATION
Old Fashion Trading Days
A Weekend of Music, Food and Community Fun
BY: KATRINA CAMPBELL STAFF WRITER
For 42 years, the Williamsburg community has come together to celebrate the OldFashioned Trading Days during the first weekend of September. With local vendors, artists, musicians, food trucks, and plenty of games and activities, there is never a shortage of entertainment. Although rain showers fell on Thursday and Saturday, it was not enough to dampen the spirit of Williamsburg residents. Despite the weather, each day of Old-Fashioned Trading Days brought an exciting and unique experience.
Starting on Thursday, gospel artists endured the rainy weather to fill downtown with sounds of praise. Meanwhile, local artists hosted workshops on the Main Street stage. Friday’s events started much earlier, with local schools performing. The performances included Whitley
County Central fifth graders, University of the Cumberlands band, and the Williamsburg High School band and choir. There was a break in the performances, but by evening, the sounds of Bluegrass and Country Rock overtook the two stages.
On Saturday morning, rain complicated the planned events such as the beauty pageant, auction, and cornhole tournament. Thankfully, the weather cleared up by evening, allowing the musicians to perform as scheduled.
Although rain complicated the festival, the spirit of Williamsburg residents persisted. Rick McKinney, a local vendor and University of the Cumberlands professor, said Old-Fashioned Trading Days “gives an opportunity for the whole community to come out and celebrate Williamsburg’s diversity.” He added that the festival is “a great place to see the talents and abilities of young and old,” and praised the variety of food. McKinney and his wife, Jane, have been vendors
for four consecutive years. Their booth began with Jane selling quilts and aprons, but her collection has grown to include table runners, purses, wallets, potholders and more. McKinney started by selling woodworking birdhouses and signs and has since expanded to jewelry and pens crafted from silverware.
“The best part is always the people. We love meeting people, finding out about them, and most of all sharing Jesus with them,” Mckinney said.
At the end of the day, that’s what OldFashioned Trading Days is all about: a time and a place for this community to come together and share their talents, food, music, hobbies, and most of all, love, with one another. Regardless of the weather, the citizens of Williamsburg came together and enjoyed Old-Fashioned Trading Days. It is events like this that remind us of the importance of tradition and of people.
PHOTO BY KATRINA CAMPBELL
PHOTO BY KATRINA CAMPBELL
PHOTO BY KURSTYN ISON
Sports
Zampedri Hits 1,000-Goal Milestone
UC Volleyball Remains Undefeated at 12-0
BY: LILY FABELA STAFF WRITER
The University of the Cumberlands volleyball team kept its perfect season alive Thursday night, sweeping Boyce College 25-9, 25-10, 25-17 at home and giving junior Sara Zampedri a milestone moment, her 1,000th
career kill. Zampedri started the match by serving, and the Patriots quickly seized control, scoring the first point. Kara Gipson followed with a powerful spike, and Davey Slaughter delivered an ace to extend the lead. Behind strong defensive play from Brynnley Bryant, Alana Shiery, and Savanah Jolly, the Patriots built an 11-4 lead before Bryant caught fire on offense. She racked up kills throughout the set, and Shiery capped it off with a swing to give UC a 25-9 win.
The Patriots carried that momentum into the second set. Bryant, Elaina Fischer, and Shiery combined for a quick 4-0 run, forcing Boyce to play from behind. An ace by Yarber widened the gap, and Cumberlands’ balanced attack proved too much for the Bulldogs. UC took the set 2510, moving one step closer to a sweep. Boyce fought back in the third, keeping the score tighter with improved defense. But Cumberlands’ depth once again made the difference. Jolly directed the offense with precision, dishing out a match-high 35 assists, while Shiery and Gipson anchored the front line. The Patriots closed the set 25-17 to secure the sweep.
Zampedri, who finished with nine kills on the night, reflected on joining the 1,000-kill club after the match. “It was one of the many goals I set for myself, and I’m proud to have achieved it,” Zampedri said. “But volleyball is a team sport, there’s no spike without a dig and a set. It wouldn’t have been possible without my teammates.”
She also credited her coaches, teammates and family in Italy for their support, adding that a moment of trust from head coach Kathryn Hart during last year’s conference semifinal gave her the confidence to play at her best. “It feels incredible, most of all because we beat the No. 17-ranked team in the NAIA,” Zampedri said. “That win helped us get ranked for the first time in program history and I couldn’t be happier to have achieved that goal in such a crucial game for us. It’s not only my success but the whole team’s success.” With the win, Cumberlands remains unbeaten at 12-0 while continuing to rise in the NAIA Top 25 rankings.
Celebrating the Spirit of a Patriot UC Honors Athletes On and Off the Field
The University of the Cumberlands celebrated the ninth annual PATS Awards with an evening filled with recognition, pride and community. The event highlighted not only the achievements of hard-working athletes in competition but also their dedication in the classroom, leadership and impact on campus life.
The awards honored standout performances across all sports, with categories for both men and women in performance of the year, newcomer of the year, athlete of the year, team of the year and distinguished career. Special recognition was also given for the Patriot Award, spotlighting recognition of character, dedication and
the true spirit of a Patriot.
Senior golfer Ginevera Copa reflected the essence of the event. While the victories matter, the values behind being a Patriot matter more. During the award ceremony, Capo won the Women’s Individual Regular Season Performance Award after earning Medalist honors at the LTU Heritage Hill Collegiate, where she carded a 218 (+2) over 54 holes, closed with a 71 (-1) in the final round, sank 11 birdies and was named NAIA Golfer of the Week.
“I hope future athletes will learn from my experience that patience is the key to achieving all the goals they will set for themselves,” Copa said.
The Athlete of the Year awards went to soccer alumna Jayden Boelter, one of the most successful soccer players in UC history. During her time as a patriot, Boelter was named the 2024 NAIA Player of the Year, a two-time NAIA First Team All-American and a five-time All-MidSouth Conference First Team honoree. She set program records with 101 career goals, 233 points and 28 game-winning goals, becoming the only player in school history to surpass 100 goals. In her senior season, Boelter scored 30 goals and tallied 66 points, leading the NAIA in game-winners. At PATS Awards, she won 2025 Women´s Athlete of the Year ear Award and the 2025 Women´s Distinguished Career Award.
The awards carried deep personal meaning. “To me, it represents more than just athletic performance but also reflects the hard work, dedication and countless hours I’ve put in both
on and off the field. It means that the sacrifices, early mornings, late nights and challenges were all worth it. Most importantly, it reminds me of the amazing teammates, coaches and supporters who have helped me along the way,” Boelter said. Beyond celebrating accomplishments, the PATS Awards aim to inspire future generations. The event is more than giving out awards; it’s about motivating athletes who will represent Cumberlands in the future.
“The PATS Awards highlight the comprehensive success that the department and the university have had. What’s special beyond the awards is getting to come together as a department and highlight the incredible achievements that were accomplished over the previous year, and that goes beyond just their sport. The awards demonstrate Cumberlands’ commitment to see our student-athletes succeed not only on the field but also in the classroom, while continuing to be pillars in our community,” Assistant Athletics Director Tommy Chasanoff said.
As the night concluded, one thing was clear: The University of the Cumberlands Patriots aren’t just athletes; they are leaders, teammates and role models whose impact will last far beyond their time at UC. The awards are a reminder that the Patriot legacy is not solely built on records and wins, but on the character, resilience and spirit shown by each student-athlete, from freshmen just starting their journey to seniors closing out remarkable careers. Each student has demonstrated what it truly means to love the logo.
PHOTO BY LILY FABELA
BY: TAYLOR MOREN STAFF WRITER
PHOTO BY FILIPPA MALMSTROM