Williamsburg, KY – University of the Cumberlands Athletic Director Chris Kraftick as announced that Bruce Lenington as the new head coach of the Patriots softball program Monday afternoon. Lenington brings a wealth of coaching experience, a passion for player development, and a championship pedigree and becomes just the third Patriots Head Softball Coach since 2002.
 
Lenington joins the Patriots after spending the past five seasons at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) in San Antonio, Texas, where he transformed the Saints into a national power in the NAIA. Under his leadership, the Saints captured four conference titles, two NAIA World Series appearances, and capped off a historic run with the 2024 NAIA National Championship. 
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"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Lenington to Cumberlands," said Coach Kraftick. "Coach Lenington brings World Series Championship experience to our program along with his proven ability to develop well rounded student-athletes.  His leadership, integrity, and vision for the program will help us continue to take the next step­­."
 
Known for his focus on fundamentals, team culture, and academic excellence, Lenington has earned a reputation as one of the top minds in collegiate softball. Lenington compiled a 238-65 record at OLLU, including an impressive 57-3 mark during the 2024 national championship run, which was the program record for wins in a season.  Lenington has garnered numerous accolades including being named the 2024 NAIA Coach of the Year and three-time RRAC Coach of the Year (2022, 2023, & 2024). 
 
"I would like to thank Chris Kraftick, President Cockrum and President-Elect Young and all of the members of the selection committee for trusting me to lead the Cumberlands softball program.  During my visit, it was clear to me that the level of excellence expected at Cumberlands aligned perfectly with the standards present in my previous programs and it didn't take long to feel like this was where the next chapter of my career belonged," said Coach Lenington. "I can't wait to meet the players that make UC Softball so fun to watch and pursue national championships with them.  Go Pats!"
 
Lenington brings over a decade of collegiate coaching experience to UC with stops Lawrence Tech as well as NCAA DI experience with Michigan State and University of the Incarnate Word.  In addition to his coach duties, Lenington also served as a Kinesiology Professor at both Incarnate Word and OLLU. 

Coach Lenington added, "I would also like to thank the Westside of San Antonio, Our Lady of the Lake University and the many Saints players, past and present, that have made this opportunity possible for myself and my family.  What we built at OLLU was special and I will forever be a Saint." 

Lenington takes over a Patriots team that has transformed into a national contender.  Cumberlands is coming off a 40-9 record in 2025 in which they captured both the Mid-South Conference regular season and tournament titles, before advancing to the NAIA World Series.  The Patriots have won three straight conference titles and have won their opening round to reach the NAIA World Series in each of the past three years.



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