Bowling Green, KY – Legendary coach John Wooden once said "A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life" and that is exactly what Patriots Head Women's Wrestling Coach Sarah Allen has done with the University of the Cumberlands women's wrestling program.  For her efforts, Coach Allen was named the 2024-25 Mid-South Conference Women's Coaching For Significance recipient, it was announced by the conference office Thursday.  This award is given annually to a coach who is an outstanding teacher, an exemplary role model, and a dynamic leader.
 
"I am deeply honored to receive the Coaching for Significance Award. This recognition means the world to me because it reflects more than just wins and losses, it celebrates the growth, resilience, and academic success of my student-athletes," said Coach Allen. "Being a part of my athlete's journey on the mat and in the classroom has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. I am grateful to be a part of the Cumberlands community and humbled to contribute to a sport and a program that I hold so dearly."
 
Coach Allen led the Patriots to a third-place finish at the 2025 NAIA National Championships, which is their highest finish in program history.  As part of this incredible run, UC had six wrestlers garner NAIA All-American honors, including Katie Gomez, who finished as the national runner-up.  Additionally, Gomez was named the MSC Freshman of the Year and was one of six Cumberlands wrestlers that earned MSC All-Conference honors during the season.  The Patriots finished runner-up at the MSC Tournament before their stellar showing at nationals.
 
"I couldn't be more proud of Coach Sarah for winning this award. I've had the unique honor of being both her athlete and now her assistant coach, and I've seen firsthand just how much she pours into her team," said Assistant Coach Jesse Kirby. "She truly cares about her athletes as people first, then as students and wrestlers. The impact she's making goes far beyond the sport, and this award couldn't have gone to a more deserving person."
 
Allen has been ingrained with the Patriots women's wrestling program for the past 12 years as both a Hall of Fame athlete, an assistant coach, and now the head coach.  She took over the Head Coaching role in 2023 and under her guidance, the team has flourished not just on the mats, but in the classroom and in service to others.  On the mat, she has coached three wrestlers to over 100 wins (Bridgette Duty,  Jesse Kirby, and MaQuoia Bernabe), has coached multiple national champions, and has had a plethora of All-Conference selections. Academically, the Patriots have over 40 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes, including seven this season.
 
Additionally, the Patriots women's wrestling program has fully embraced Cumberlands #OneBigTeam manta through a culture of character and commitment. Her wrestlers are known not only for their strength and discipline but also for their sportsmanship, community involvement, and visibility as they cheer on fellow Patriot teams.  The program has been earned the PATS Award for Team Champion of Character twice as well as won the inaugural #OneBigTeam award last season.  Additionally, they won the NAIA Team Sportsmanship Award in 2021. 
 
"What sets Coach Allen apart is her unwavering dedication to developing the whole person," said Cumberlands Athletic Director Chris Kraftick. "She teaches her athletes to strive for excellence in every facet of life. This award is a testament to the lasting influence she has on everyone around her."

Allen becomes the fifth Patriots coach to garner this distinction, joining Matt Rhymer, Kathryn Hart, Brad Shelton and Bailey Dillender. Allen will now be in the running for the NAIA Coach of Character Award, which will be announced on September 15 as part of the NAIA Awards Day.
 
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