Kansas City, MO – Following the completion of the NAIA National Championship, Marina Nagai was named an NAIA All-American, as announced by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.

The senior from Kanagawa, Japan helped lead the Patriots to one of the most successful seasons in program history, highlighted by the program's first-ever trip to the NAIA National Championship Quarterfinals. Nagai was a consistent force throughout the season, posting a 10-5 record at first singles, including a perfect 6-0 mark against Mid-South Conference opponents.

In doubles play, Nagai compiled a 15-4 overall record and finished 5-0 in MSC competition. Partnering with Bryndis Rosa during the national tournament, the duo played a crucial role in all three postseason matches, helping the Patriots secure the doubles point each round. The pair opened nationals with a 6-1 victory against Bethel (Kan.) before earning a 6-3 win over SCAD Savannah to help send Cumberlands to the national quarterfinals for the first time in program history. Against top-seeded Keiser in the quarterfinals, Nagai and Rosa secured the doubles point with a thrilling 7-6 (7-2) victory at No. 3 doubles.

Her outstanding play throughout the year earned Nagai MSC Player of the Year honors in addition to First-Team All-MSC recognition. The honor also marks the third NAIA All-America recognition of her career after earning Third-Team honors as a sophomore and Second-Team recognition as a junior. She closes her Patriot career as one of the top players in program history and adds another accolade to an already historic season for Cumberlands women's tennis.

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