Kansas City, MO – After leading the fifth-ranked Patriots to their first Mid-South Conference regular season title in 13 years and their third straight trip to the NAIA Final Site, UC guards Kassie Monday and Kaylie Monday have been named NAIA All-Americans, it was announced Monday.  It marks the fourth time in program history and first since the 2011-12 season that UC had multiple players earn NAIA All-American honors in the same season.

"I'm so proud these young ladies that worked so hard and showed so much determination, courage, and trust in the Lord that makes them such tremendous role models for any athlete out there who is not given much of a chance. They are truly a blessing," said Head Coach Rick Reeves.

Kassie Monday made program history becoming the first Patriots player to earn First Team All-American honors in back-to-back seasons, while she is just the second Cumberlands player to garner All-American honors three times.  The Clarkrange, TN native averaged 14.6 ppg this season, to go along with a career-high 229 assists and 126 rebounds.  Monday ranked second in the NAIA with 7.2 assists per game and 229 assists, both of which also broke the program's single season record.  The senior notched five double-doubles on the season and scored in double figures in 28 games this season.  Monday dished out 21 assists during the Patriots postseason run to surpass the single season assist record.

"Being named an All-American is an incredible honor, and I'm beyond grateful for this achievement. Above all, I want to thank God for blessing me with the ability to play the game of basketball," said Kassie Monday.

This wraps up an historic career for Kassie, as she etched her name into the Patriots record books.  The Clarkrange, TN native is Cumberlands career leader with 782 assists, after tallying 200+ assists in each of the past three seasons.   She also is ranked third in program history with 1924 points, averaging 14.8 ppg over her career.  Monday is the second UC player to earn MSC First Team honors four times, she was the 2022 MSC Freshman of the Year, and 2024 MSC Character First Award recipient.  Additionally, Monday was named 2024 NAIA First Team All-Tournament after helping the Pats reach the Fab Four.

Monday added, "I'm also extremely thankful to my coaches, teammates, and family for their endless support and belief in me along the way. I couldn't have done it without them by my side. I'm forever thankful to represent the University of the Cumberlands."

Kaylie Monday become the fourth Patriot player to earn at least Second Team All-American honors in program history.  Monday had a career year for the Patriots leading the team averaging 15.3 ppg, along with 6.5 rebounds per game and 98 steals.  The senior recorded nine double-doubles on the year, including back-to-back 20+ points, 10 steals, and 9 rebound performances against Union and Milligan.  Her 98 steals ranked 11^th in the NAIA and led the MSC, while she ranked fifth in the conference in points and seventh in rebounds.  Monday also converted 42.0% from behind-the-arc, which ranks eighth in program history.

"I'm beyond thankful for being named a NAIA Second Team All-American. I couldn't have done it without God, my coaches, teammates, and my family by my side," said Kaylie Monday. "I want to thank everyone that has supported me through my four years here at UC. So thankful for the University of the Cumberlands and all the opportunities it has given me. Forever a Pat!"

Kaylie Monday concluded an historic career at UC as well being named MSC All-Conference honors three times.  The Clarkrange, TN native holds both the single season (109) and career (357) mark for steals, while netting 1,583 points, which is fifth most in program history.  She is also ranked top-five in program history for three-point percentage at 39.1% and free throw percentage 81.2%.  Monday was the 2023-24 Mid-South Conference Student-Athlete of the Year and earned MSC Player of the Week honors a record 12 times.  Her performance also earned her NAIA Second Team All-Tournament honors in 2024.

Cumberlands finished the year with a 26-6 record, including a 10-2 mark.  The Monday twins have led UC to four straight NAIA Tournament Appearances, including three consecutive trips to the NAIA Final Site.  They were a key part of the Patriots 2023-24 run where UC reached the Fab Four for the first time in program history.

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