University of the Cumberland Recruit’s Corner
Women’s Soccer at University of the Cumberlands

Winning records 6 out of the 11 years from a young program that only began play in 1994 shows a program on the rise. The women’s soccer program is looking to establish itself as one of the top teams in the country. The plan to achieve this is already in place. The plan is to continue to add tougher opponents to the schedule including top ranked teams from NAIA teams outside the Region and NCAA Division II teams and add high quality recruits. Players are recruited on their ability to fit into our unique system of play that requires a great level of tactical and technical ability. University of the Cumberlands women’s soccer will be known for its attractive and intelligent attacking soccer along with its physical and hard working defense that mirrors the play similar to the Dutch and English.

The Team

Great chemistry is expected and developed on & off the field, and a high level of motivation, desire, commitment, and discipline are key ingredients for University of the Cumberlands’ players. The Fall season is followed by a 12 week soccer specific strength and conditioning program that is designed to increase the athleticism of each player. This begins at the start of the 2 nd semester. Additionally during that time is an 8 week Spring season that includes training and four matches. Players are given a summer conditioning program and expected to do it in its entirety. Prior to the start of pre-season, players are given a fitness test to assess their fitness level. Players that need additional fitness work must do so during training camp and throughout the season. This fitness test is given several times through the fall season to track fitness level of players. Twenty-four players are selected for the varsity roster and with two top-level coaches give us the ability to train at a high level. Functional training of players by role is a staple of the program with high emphasis placed on execution.

Program Philosophy

Though the ultimate goal is to produce many wins, the program will be known for a sound ethical approach toward the game. The team’s motto is “to pursue excellence in athletics while developing strong character”. Team members are treated with dignity and respect and are expected to treat others in the same way. Sportsmanship and fair play take precedent over winning games, and the value of winning emerges as a by-product of doing things the right way.

Great Level of Play

We are really looking for Division I caliber players who choose to be a part of our program because the quality they see here. The excitement is building in our program as players and recruits see special things taking place. There is a standard of excellence in the program that isn’t limited to being an NAIA team. The Women’s Soccer Program seeks to excel and compete at the national level in NAIA. Players at University of the Cumberlands will be committed to high standards in training and team play to be able to compete as a program at these levels.

The Recruiting Process

We are committed to finding top level players who fit University of the Cumberlands. The team is chosen through the recruiting process as opposed to open tryouts when school starts, so it is important for interested high school SR’s or college transfer to understand that process. For interested players, we would suggest the following:

*Make a campus visit with your parents. You can schedule through our admissions office at (800) 343-1609 or (606) 539-4241 and make an appointment through them to talk with us and possibly workout with the team while here on campus.

*Come to one of our identification camps that will begin the summer ’06. Camp is the best way for you to learn more about us, and for us to be able to see you play, and work with you as a player.

*Send a highlight tape of you playing. Particularly if you live more then 2 hours away or do not play on a club team that goes to major tournaments such as Raleigh, Germantown Invitational, Orange Classic, or Blue Chip Showcase. We can’t get out to see everyone who would like us to see them play. Looking at a tape of you allows us at least something to go on, which may be helpful in evaluating your ability to play here. This feedback on your ability from a video also might be useful for you on deciding to visit the campus or not in particular if you do not live close to the school.

*If possible plan to see us play. While it is difficult for me to meet with you on game days, it is of great benefit for you to see us play and get a first hand look at the level of play, the team’s style, and the atmosphere surrounding the game.

Timing

We spend portions of the JR year Spring, summer and then Fall of a player’s SR year in high school to evaluate players and their fit to University of the Cumberlands and our program. We try to narrow the group we’re interested in to approximately 25 players by December, and then spend a significant time getting to know those players better and having them get know us in the same way. We are normally done by early February; having by that time offered scholarships and roster spots to the number of players we’re looking for in that particular year.