Williamsburg, KY – As the Cumberlands women's basketball team gets set to tip-off the 2026-27 season tonight, the Patriots are looking to build upon their recent success.  The Patriots compiled a 19-12 record last season and advanced to the NAIA National Tournament for the sixth consecutive year.  With a revamped roster, UC is looking to next another step forward this season.

Cumberlands returns three players that earned significant minutes last season and with one of their largest recruiting classes the Patriots will have a new look this year.  UC brought in ten freshman and a transfer to pair with returns Aden Clark, Jaydyn Carrico, and Noel Smith. In addition, sophomore transfer Abby Varney returns to the court after missing last year.

Head Coach Rick Reeves mention that while this team is young, he has already seen them make significant stride during fall camp.  "Our overall goal for this season would be continued improvement because we're such a young team."

The Patriots opens the season receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches Poll and were picked sixth in the Mid-South Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll. While Cumberlands only has one upper classmen on their roster, Coach Reeves believes that this could be one of UC's deepest teams in his tenure.

"There's that much parity between the first five and second five. So that's really pleasing," said Coach Reeves.

UC trio of returners combined for 19.1 points per game to go alone with 9.2 rebounds per game.  According to the coaching each of them are poised for a strong sophomore campaign. 

Clark finished last year third on team with 69 assists, to go along with scoring 7.7 ppg.  She has showcased her versatility, playing multiple positions a year ago, and has stepped up into a leadership role this year. 

Carrico is looking to build on her freshman campaign, where she averaged 8.8 ppg to go along with 3.9 rpg.  Carrico netted double figures ten times a year ago, including a season-high 22 points against Bethel

Smith came on strong last year grabbing 93 rebounds and 27 steals.  The Louisville, KY grabbed double-digit rebounds in back-to-back game.  The Patriots are looking for Smith to bring greater assertiveness on the offense end of the floor.

In addition to those returners, UC has 12 players that will touch the floor for the first time as Patriots.  Cumberlands depth at the guard positions include Varney, Taylor King, Riley Rarick, Gracie Clark, Annette Miller, and Addison Terry.  The Patriots front court will feature Eulalia Powell, Skylar Elliott, Olivia Onyemobi, Mya Yakubu, and transfer Nyajuok Chak. 

Varney, Onyemobi, and Chak bring collegiate experience to the Patriots lineup this year.  Varney averaged 8.7 ppg on 40.6% shooting and 36 assists during her freshman year at Georgetown, while Onyemobi is a transfer from Trevecca. Chak began her collegiate career at North Oklahoma Community College. 

The Patriots coaching staff believes the team's size and depth will allow Cumberlands to play more aggressive defense, particularly by applying pressure on the perimeter while relying on interior rim protection.  "We're hoping to be able to really defend people and get after people," added Coach Reeves.

Cumberlands opens their season tonight with the Patriots Classic against UT Southern. UC's 2026-27 schedule features 18 home games, with 15 games against teams that qualified for the NAIA National Tournament a season ago.

Fans can catch all of the Patriots home games on the UCSN.

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