Bowling Green, KY – Legendary coach John Wooden once said "A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life!" Patriots Head Women's Volleyball Coach Dr. Kathryn Park has transformed the UC volleyball program into a national contender, while having an enormous impact on the lives of Cumberlands student-athletes.  On the heels of an historic season, Coach Park has been named the 2025-26 Mid-South Conference Women's Coaching for Significance recipient, it was announced by the conference office Tuesday.  This award is given annually to a coach who is an outstanding teacher, an exemplary role model, and a dynamic leader and Coach Park becomes just the second coach in MSC history to earn this distinction twice.
 
"I am truly humbled and grateful to receive the Coaching for Significance Award. This recognition is a reflection of the incredible people I get to work with every day—our players, coaching staff, and the University of the Cumberlands community," said Coach Park. "I'm thankful for the way our team continues to lead with purpose, serve others, and represent something bigger than ourselves. I'm proud to be part of a university that values not only excellence, but also meaningful impact in the lives of those around us."
 
Coach Park guided the Patriots to their best season in program history compiling a 36-1 record culminating in their first Mid-South Conference regular season title and their second Mid-South Conference Tournament championship. Cumberlands went on to host the NAIA Opening Round, where they defeated Columbia International 3-1 to advance to the NAIA Final Site, where they posted a 1-1 record with a 3-0 sweep over #17 Midland.  The 36-match win streak was the longest in program history as UC closed out the year ranked ninth, their highest ranking in program history.  As part of this incredible run, Sara Zampedri became the program's first NAIA First Team All-American, while the Patriots garnered five MSC top honors.  Coach Park was named the MSC Coach of the Year, Jung Park was named the MSC Assistant Coach of the Year, Zampedri repeated as MSC Player of the Year, while Savanah Jolly and Davey Slaughter earned MSC Setter and Defensive Player of the Year, respectfully. 
 
"I'm thrilled for Kathryn for being named the MSC Coaching for Significance recipient," said Athletic Director Chris Kraftick.  "Coach Park has built a culture centered on a true player-first approach that prioritizes the success of her student-athletes both on and off the court.  It is remarkable to see the trajectory that the volleyball program is on."
 
Park is entering her 14^th season guiding the Patriots volleyball program.  She is the program's career wins leader compiling a 283-140 record, with three NAIA Tournament appearances and two MSC Coach of the Year honors.  The Patriots have posted five straight 20+ win season, including consecutive 30+ wins seasons.  Under her tutelage, UC has had three MSC Players of the Year, five MSC Defensive Players of the Year, and a MSC Setter of the Year.
In addition to the success on the court, the Patriots have flourish in the classroom consistently posting one of the highest team GPA's on campus.  Volleyball has earned a trio of PATS Awards for Highest Team GPA.  In addition, Cumberlands Volleyball was named the 2017 NAIA Team Champion of Character recipient. 
 
Beyond her role in athletics, Coach Park serves as an Adjunct Professor in the HESS Department for over a decade, teaching Sports Management, Sports Facility Management, and Social Issues in Sports. 
 
Park earned this honor for the second time in her stellar career, earning it in 2018.  Park 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.
 
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What People Are Saying:

"Coach Park saw who I could become before I ever did. She didn't just help me grow as a volleyball player, she helped shape the person and leader I am today." – Davey Slaughter, Former Player and Current GA

"Coach Park embodies everything that a 'Coach' should represent. When you watch her teams compete, you can tell they compete for one another, demonstrating true togetherness. How her teams conduct themselves is a direct reflection of her leadership.  Their success on the court is only matched with how they represent their program in the classroom, on campus, and around the community.  I could not be happier for Coach to receive this recognition because no one could be more deserving." – Matt Daniel, Patriots Men's Basketball Coach

"Coach Park has always seen more in me than just the athlete on the court. Because of her guidance, I've gained confidence and values that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life!" – Savanah Jolly, Patriots Setter

"Coach Park has been a transformational leader who has made a positive impact on the lives of her student-athletes every day. She leads with integrity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to developing all aspects of the student-athlete experience. Her impact within the volleyball program and Patriots Athletic Department is immeasurable and this award is a testament to the difference she continues to make within our program, our campus, and the Mid-South Conference." – Tommy Chasanoff, Associate Athletic Director Sports Information