Bowling Green, KY – Recently retired University of the Cumberlands Head Baseball Coach Brad Shelton has been named the recipient of the Mid-South Conference Coaching for Significance Award, recognizing his exemplary impact as a teacher, mentor, leader, and role model throughout his distinguished coaching career.  This award is given annually to a coach who is an outstanding teacher, an exemplary role model, and a dynamic leader and Coach Shelton becomes just the second coach in MSC history to earn this distinction twice.
 
"I am very appreciate of the recognition.  It's been an honor to represent UC and to be called 'coach' for so long," said Coach Shelton. "I hope I have made a positive impact on the game and the people I've worked with over the years. Thank you to those who nominated me and to the representatives at the Mid-South Conference who selected me."
 
Shelton retired this summer following 31 seasons as a collegiate head coach, including the past 25 seasons leading the Patriots. During his tenure at Cumberlands, he became the winningest coach in program history, compiling a 961-419 record while finishing his career with 1,150 victories overall. Under Shelton's leadership, the Patriots developed into one of the nation's premier programs, capturing ten Mid-South Conference regular season championships, seven MSC Tournament titles, three NAIA Opening Round Championships, and making three consecutive appearances at the NAIA World Series from 2023-25. He was named Mid-South Conference Coach of the Year eight times and ABCA/ATEC NAIA Regional Coach of the Year on three occasions.

"Coach Shelton's legacy has never been defined solely by wins and championships," said Athletic Director Chris Kraftick. "He built a culture centered on faith, character, accountability, and serving others. His players consistently left this program as better men than when they arrived, and that is the greatest measure of a coach's success. This recognition is a fitting tribute to the impact he has made on hundreds of student-athletes and everyone fortunate enough to be part of his program." 

While his accomplishments on the diamond are among the most impressive in NAIA baseball, Shelton's greatest influence came through the relationships he built with his student-athletes. His program emphasized character, discipline, servant leadership, and academic success, producing countless graduates who have gone on to successful careers while remaining connected to the baseball program long after their playing days ended. Coach Shelton's impact stretched beyond the diamond as he has been a pillar in the Williamsburg community and takes on several community outreach projects, including the baseball team's trunk-or-treat that they have done every Halloween. 

Shelton's impact on the Patriots baseball program goes beyond the numbers. He coached 26 All-Americans, seven Mid-South Conference Players of the Year, seven MSC Pitchers of the Year, and helped 22 players earn opportunities in professional baseball. His teams consistently excelled in the classroom as well, earning ABCA Academic Team honors while producing numerous NAIA Scholar-Athletes and Mid-South Conference Academic All-Conference selections.
 
Throughout his career, Shelton fostered a family atmosphere within the Patriots program, earning the trust and respect of generations of student-athletes through his commitment to their development beyond baseball. His leadership helped shape young men into leaders in their communities, reflecting the values that define the Coaching for Significance Award. 
 
Shelton earned this honor for the second time in his stellar career, earning it in 2019.  Shelton 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.
 
For the latest and most up-to-date information on University of the Cumberlands Athletics. Please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com. Follow us on Twitter- @UC_Patriots and @UCPatsGameday, Instagram- @UCPatriots, TikTok- @ucpatriots, Youtube- Cumberlands Patriots, and Facebook by searching University of the Cumberlands Athletics.
 
What People Are Saying:

"Coach Shelton is much more than a baseball coach; he's someone who invests in every person in his circle. He challenges the people around him to be their best on the baseball field but more importantly he teaches guys to be disciplined, accountable, and selfless in all phases of there life. This award is a reflection of the impact he's had on so many players and coaches. He is a faithful, servant leader of others, and I can't think of anyone more deserving." – Jared Martin, Head Baseball Coach

"Coach Shelton was more than just a coach, he was a father figure, not only to me but to every player on our team. He taught us lessons that went far beyond the game of baseball. He instilled values like integrity, discipline, accountability, and perseverance that I continue to carry with me every day. He showed me what it means to be a true leader by leading through his own example and encouraging us to always give our best, both on and off the field. His unwavering belief in his players and his commitment to helping us grow as young men made a lasting impact on my life. I am grateful for everything he has taught me, and I know many others feel the same way." – Caden Petrey, Patriot Infielder

"Coach Shelton's legacy will not simply be measured by the games he won, but by the people he influenced and the example he set every single day. Brad has always represented what coaching is supposed to be. In a profession where it is easy to let success define you, he has remained humble, genuine, and full of integrity. While his accomplishments speak for themselves, what has always stood out to me is the way he carries himself. He treats everyone with respect, leads with humility, and has never allowed success to change who he is. His impact reaches far beyond the baseball field, and our conference is better because of the example he has set." – Cory Ruff, Head Men's Wrestling Coach