The Lebanon News | Anthony Stevens | Photo Credit: Submitted Photos
KANSAS CITY — A couple days ahead of competing in the round of 16 at the NAIA National Tournament, the Cumberlands women’s basketball team is being recognized for the academic achievement. The Patriots have a program record 13 student-athletes garner Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors, released recently by the national office.
Among the honorees is former Honaker High School star LeeAnna McNulty, who earned the honor in her first year of eligibility at Cumberlands.
University of Cumberlands Destiny Haworth and Channing Lewis garnered this honor for the third time in their career. The duo have been joined by Brittni Allison, Whitney Caldwell, Casey Coleman, Kassie Monday and Kaylie Monday, who garnered this honor for the second straight season.
Joining McNulty as first-year recipients from Cumberlands are Mackenzie Babb, Lakin Burke, Kylie Fultz, Joy Kendrick, and Kaedlee Potter.
The Patriots have excelled in the classroom as they have compiled a 3.61 team GPA this fall.
UC is 24-9 on the season and advanced to the NAIA Round of 16 after defeating Bryan 86-65 in the second round of the NAIA Tournament Saturday afternoon. The Patriots finished second in the MSC after compiling an 8-4 record, reached the finals of the conference tournament, and hosted the NAIA First and Second Round for the first time in program history.
The 13 honorees are tied with Concordia and Mayville for the second most in the NAIA this season. In total, over 8887 women’s basketball student-athletes from across the NAIA were recognized. To be eligible, student-athletes must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.50 and must have attended one full year at said institution.