All-Decade Team: Women's Soccer

Williamsburg, KY – One of the teams that saw the biggest improvement throughout the course of the past decade was the UC Women’s Soccer team that posted four seasons of at least 10 wins and set numerous program milestones.  The Patriots compiled a 81-92-11 record over the past ten years with their strongest stretch coming from 2015-2019 under the direction of current Head Coach Steve Hamilton, who has guided the Patriots to a 57-30-8 overall record, including a 21-10-5 record in conference play. UC’s recent success has come in part of having a slew of talented players that garnered countless honors, including three NAIA All-American Honorable Mention Honors. The player that represents the women’s soccer team on UC’S All-Decade Team is midfielder Shara Randez. 

Randez is one of the most decorated players in program history as the only two-time NAIA All-American Honorable Mention in program history, a three-time Mid-South Conference All-Conference selection, and the 2017 MSC Freshman of the Year. In addition to those accolades, Randez has etched her name in Cumberlands career record book as she is ranked fifth in assists with 17 and points with 66 over her first three years with the Patriots. The Alfaro, La Rioja, Spain native has put together one of the most balance career stat lines recording 24 goals, 18 assists, and 66 points. Overall, Randez has netted five multigoal games, including one hat trick for Cumberlands.

She started her Patriot career recording four goals and six assists in her freshman campaign.  Randez’s shined in one of the biggest games of that season as she netted a pair of goals to help the Patriots knock off 23rd-ranked Lindsey Wilson 2-0 on October 21, 2017. It was UC’s first win over the Blue Raiders since October 8, 1999 and first shutout against Lindsey Wilson in 19 years.  That performance helped the Randez earn MSC Freshman of the Year honors, becoming the first Patriot to achieve that accolade, and a spot on the Second Team All-Conference list. 

Randez continued to progress in her sophomore season, where she netted a team-high 12 goals and 27 points. The sophomore helped pace the Patriots to a 15-2-2 record, the highest winning percentage by a team in program history, and UC their first 15 win season since 2007.  Randez notched a pair of multigoal games, including needing just 32 minutes to net her first career hat trick in a 4-0 win over Olivet Nazarene.  For her performance during the 2018 season, Randez garnered MSC First Team All-Conference accolades and became the first Patriot player to be named a NAIA All-American Honorable Mention. 

Last season was filled with numerous program first, capped of by their first trip to the NAIA National Tournament and the first tournament win in program history.  Randez tallied eight goals, nine assists, and 25 points throughout the season to help UC post a 15-4-1 record. Her nine assists ranked fourth in program history as Randez tallied at least one point in nine of Cumberlands final ten games of the season.  The junior excelled in the postseason assisting UC’s first goal in the 3-1 win over Tennessee Wesleyan before netting the equalizer in the  58’ against Southeastern. Her performance throughout the season helped Randez become the Patriots first two-time NAIA All-American Honorable Mention selection. 

Randez is a rising senior for the Patriots and will be returning in Fall 2020 for her senior season.  She is currently majoring in Business and Exercise Sport Science.  Randez is on track to graduate in Spring 2020.

The UC All-Decade Team was determined based on stats, awards & honors received, and significance to the program in addition to input for members of the UC Athletic Department. It will include one representative from every sport and be comprised of 29 student-athletes. The all-decade team looked at everything from the 2010-2011 season through the 2019-2020 season.