Bowling Green, KY – As a testament to her exemplary leadership, integrity, and service both on and off the field, University of the Cumberlands second baseman Carly Oliver has earned the 2024-25 Mid-South Conference Women's Character First Award, conference officials announced Friday.  Oliver becomes the fourth straight UC student-athlete, and the first Patriot softball player, to earn this distinction, which began in 2015.
 
"Winning the Mid-South Conference Character First Award is one of the most humbling and meaningful honors I've received. For the past four years, I've had the privilege of calling the University of the Cumberlands home," said Oliver. "It is a place that not only gave me the opportunity to grow as an athlete, but also challenged me daily to become the best version of myself off the field."

Oliver has been one of the leaders of for the Patriots, starting all 49 games this past season with a career-best .423 average to go along with 60 hits, 17 doubles, and 50 RBI.  The grad student notched eight home runs and produced a .725 slugging percentage on the season.  During this season, Carly broke the program's career home run record with 25 and doubles with 54, while ranking third in program history with 129 RBIs and fourth with 159 runs scored. Oliver was a vital part producing an 18-0 record in conference play en route to capturing the MSC regular season and tournament titles as well as advancing to the NAIA World Series for the third straight year. 
 
"Carly embodies literally every facet of being a student athlete. And was and will always be one of the best to wear a Pat uniform," said former Patriots softball coach Bailey Dillender. "Her servant's heart and calling for people are what makes her so incredibly special. I'm a better person and Coach because I've had the opportunity to spend the last four years walking side by side with her! There is nobody more deserving of this prestigious award than Carly Oliver."

The Georgetown, KY native has earned a plethora of accolades for her success on the field including being a NAIA First Team All-American and the Mid-South Conference Player of the Year this season. Oliver is a two NFCA Second Team All-American, two-time NFCA Gold Glove recipient, a four-time MSC First Team All-Conference selection, and a three-time MSC Gold Glove winner.  She was named the NAIA SB Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. In her time with at Cumberlands, Carly helped the Patriots to a 138-23-1 record with three MSC regular season titles, a pair of MSC tournament titles, winning a trio of NAIA Opening Round, and three straight NAIA World Series appearances.
 
Oliver added, "This award is a reflection of the coaches who believed in me, the teammates who stood beside me, and the community that constantly encouraged me to lead with integrity, compete with heart, and serve others with purpose. It reminds me that character isn't just built in the wins and stats. it's formed in the early mornings, the quiet sacrifices, and the moments when no one is watching."
 
Beyond the field, Carly has inspired others around her and been a shining example of servant leadership.  While playing in the inaugural season for the Northwoods softball league during 2024, Oliver ran multiple camps/clinics/meet & greets for kids ages 5 all the way to 16. She also shared her experiences as a collegiate athlete with local schools in Eastern KY.  Carly, who graduated from UC with a nursing degree balanced her clinical rotations with the demands of being a student-athlete and flourish in both.  Her impact on Cumberlands campus led to her capturing the 2024 Patriot Award during the PATS Award, which is given to the student-athlete that excels in academics and athletics, while being a pillar in the community.  This past year, Oliver served as a Game Operations Graduate Assistant in the Patriots Athletic Department. 
 
The Georgetown, KY native has earned Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors as well as was named to the MSC Academic All-Conference Team in each of the past four years.  In addition, Carly was a three-time CSC Academic All-America selection, including earning First Team honors in each of the past two seasons.
 
The Female Character First award is presented annually to a student-athlete who has displayed integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. Through consistently demonstrating these character traits in word and action, the student-athlete has made a profound impact on their team, their institution, and their community.
 
Oliver will now be in the running for the NAIA Dr. LeRoy Walker Award, which will be announced on September 15 as part of the NAIA Awards Day.
 
What People are Saying:
 
"This is an incredible and well-deserved honor for Carly, who is a leader both on the field and in the community. Carly is a person that inspires others to want to be better, while leading by example and I've seen that first hand over the past few years especially as a Graduate Assistant in our department this past year."   – Assistant Athletic Director Christie Brewers
 
"Carly is the epitome of what you look for in a student-athlete. Her work ethic on the field and in the classroom is unmatched and she embraces her role as a high-profile athlete in a small community. She is very deserving of this honor and we are proud to have her representing the Patriots. " – Athletic Director Chris Kraftick.
 
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