Austin, TX – The University of the Cumberlands Women's Volleyball program continues to set the standard nationally both on the court and in the classroom, as a pair of Patriots were recognized as part of the 2025 CSC Academic All-America® teams, officials announced Tuesday. It marks the first time since 2019 that a Cumberlands volleyball student-athlete has earned CSC Academic All-America® honors and the first time in program history that multiple Patriots have been recognized in the same season.
 
Sara Zampedri and Davey Slaughter each garnered CSC Second Team Academic All-America® honors following standout seasons that helped propel Cumberlands to their most successful year in program history.
 
Zampedri earned CSC Academic All-America® recognition after putting together a historic season as one of the Patriots primary offensive weapons. The junior appeared in 112 sets and ranked among the team leaders with 415 kills, averaging 3.71 kills per set, while posting a .269 attack percentage. She also contributed 76 service aces, 310 digs, and 33 total blocks, finishing the season with 508.5 points. Zampedri became the first Patriot in program history to be named a NAIA First Team All-American, further cementing her place in the record books. Her consistent production was instrumental in Cumberlands dominant 36-1 campaign and unbeaten conference run.
 
Slaughter garnered CSC Second Team Academic All-America® honors after serving as a key contributor in the Patriots backcourt throughout the season. Appearing in 116 sets, Slaughter recorded 500 digs, averaging 4.31 digs per set, while adding 71 service aces and 112 assists. Her defensive presence and serve-receive consistency were critical to a Cumberlands squad that limited opponents to just 9.34 kills per set. For her efforts, Slaughter was named a Mid-South Conference First Team All-Conference selection and earned MSC Defender of the Year honors.
 
The Patriots closed the 2025 season with a 36-1 overall record, including a 12-0 mark in conference play, while advancing to the NAIA Final Site for the first time ever. Cumberlands finished the year top five in the NAIA in several statistical categories, including opponent attack percentage (.103), aces per set (2.6), and blocks per set (1.9).
 
The CSC Academic All-America® program recognizes student-athletes who excel both academically and athletically, requiring a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 and significant on-court achievement. Zampedri and Slaughter's selections further highlight the commitment to excellence within the University of the Cumberlands volleyball program.
 
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