NAIA Preview Series: #6 Cumberlands
Cumberlands Jessica Kirby. Photo courtesy of Cumberlands Athletics.
by Jeremy Eusterwiemann
Twitter: @wiems19
University of the Cumberlands finished 8th at last year’s NAIA Championships. For the Patriots there were some wonderful things that happened throughout the 2021-2022 season. They are incredibly talented and decorated at their upper weights. Those women will no doubt be an anchor throughout their season.
There is no denying that the Mid-South Conference is loaded with talented teams, Cumberlands looks forward to the challenge and hopes to use that to propel them to their national aspirations. Adding much needed depth at the lower weights and snagging some top-notch recruits will no doubt help them get closer to those goals.
Here is an interview I had with Patriot Coach Donnie Stephens:
What are your reflections on last season?
Last season we had a young team, and went through some growing pains, but our team dealt well with the adversity. Cumberland as a team finished third in the Mid-South Conference and 8th at the NAIA National invitational. Returning most of our starters, we hope to see a big jump in our performance in the earlier parts of the season.
Talk about your returning class. Who are some of the women you have high expectations for this year?
Our strongest and most experienced returners are led by returning NAIA 170-pound champion
Dymond Guilford who has been on fire winning the Pan Ams, U.S. Open, Final X and the U23 World Team Trials. We also have Chamira Cooper a 2x All-American at 170 and our depth in the upper weights continues at 191 with 3x All-American Jesse Kirby and All-American Maquioa Burnabe. We expect big things from returner Elizabeth Dosado at 101 and last year’s 109 pounder Alexis Medina who was third at the NAIA Nationals. We will also see the return of Pan Am medalist Aliyah Yates who has recovered from an injury and is looking to continue the success she has had in the past.
Talk about your incoming freshman class, who are some of the women you have high expectations for this year?
We have a great group of underclassmen and freshmen who should strengthen our lower and middle weights. Girls like sophomore Courtney Pittman and freshman Sidney Dizon are both looking to get some time in at 123, sophomore Madison Dow is expected to drop to the 130-pound weight class and has been working extremely hard to contribute to the team’s success. Freshman, Olivia Hogan, who will see time at 123/130, has been impressive through training and will add needed depth in our middle weights. Leah Brown is one you should keep your eye on at 143, she is a 2x California state champion and U23 All-American who should be making serious waves in this weight class.
How do you feel about your preseason?
Pre-season has been going smoothly so far. The girls are working hard, getting better and staying healthy, which is key to our success. I am excited to see the improvement everyone has made from last season.
Talk about some of your team’s goals this season. Are there any specific events you are excited about?
We want to win the Mid-South Conference and in doing so we will have to go through defending National Champs Campbellsville and through ranked teams such as Life, Indiana Tech, and Brewton Parker. This conference can be a huge help in preparing our girls for the National Championships. If we can win our conference, we like our chances at winning it all.
What are some things you’ve built into your program that you credit for the success you have had so far?
Leadership development which is a huge part of our mission here at Cumberlands. We have a great leadership structure with our coaching staff, team captains and squad leaders, and they have created a great culture to thrive in. This team takes ownership of its destiny and that is something I admire about them. The way that our team loves one another is what I am most proud of and is the biggest key to our success. Coach Sarah Allen holds the girls to such high standards, and I love it and the same with our assistants Jay Perez and Marlon Jefferson.
Who are some of the personalities in the room that are providing leadership and shaping your culture
Having Dymond Guilford walk her journey alongside her sisters here is invaluable. Dymond is a natural leader, there is something powerful hearing it from someone who is in the trenches with you. She brings a lot of enthusiasm and excitement to the family. Our coaching staff gives the best example of what it means to be a true servant leader and the girls buy into this. Our team captains Jesse Kirby, Jaine Stephens, and Maquioa Burnabe have all been leading this group. They pour life into the team consistently and have created a welcoming culture where there is no “us and them” only us “one pulse, one heartbeat.”
Anything else you would like to mention?
We appreciate everything you do for wrestling and especially all you do for the female athlete!