After another deep national tournament run last season, the University of the Cumberlands women’s basketball team has reloaded and is excited to kickoff their 2025-26 campaign Friday. The Patriots compiled a 26-6 record last season, including an 10-2 mark in MSC play. UC captured their first Mid-South Conference regular season title since the 2011-12 season and reached the final site of the NAIA National Tournament for the third straight season. Head coach Rick Reeves enters his eighth season at the helm with the program riding five straight national tournament appearances has seen the program grow into one of the nation’s elite.
The Patriots closed out last season eighth in the NAIA averaging 80.5 ppg, including hitting 36.7% from behind-the-arc, which ranked sixth in the country. The Patriots grabbed 30.2 rebounds per game, which ranked fifth in the NAIA, along with ranking second in the NAIA with a 13.7 rebounding margin.
According to Coach Reeves, UC will be relying on senior leadership throughout the season to help set the tone. Seniors Zaram Fredricks, Lakin Burke, Joy Kendrick, and Mackenzie Babb have each embraced leadership roles in unique ways but have all provided a strong presence both on and off the court. With a team that features nine underclassmen, the veteran leadership will be key for the Pats if they make another strong run this season.
Lakin Burke has gotten better in each of her first three years at UC and the Patriots are expecting that upward trajectory to continue into her senior campaign. Burke had a strong junior campaign where she tallied career highs in almost every statistical category and was a MSC First Team All-Conference selection. The Rose Hill, VA native averaged 11.4 ppg, which ranked third on the team, while grabbing a team-high 234 rebounds, 49 steals and 19 blocks. Burke became the 30th Patriot player to net 1,000 career points and currently ranks third in program history shooting 55.7% from the field. Burke was fourth in the MSC in rebounds per game a season ago and will continue to be a pivotal contributor on both ends of the court throughout the season.
Joy Kendrick had a breakout junior campaign, where she averaged 26.0 minutes per game, 9.5 ppg to go along with 5.4 rebounds per game and 2.4 assists per game. Kendrick broke the single season program record and was fourth in the NAIA converting 48.1% from three-point range on the year. The Albany, GA native recorded a pair of double-doubles on the year. Her versatility of being able to play the one through the four position provides the coaching staff with options throughout the season.
Senior Zaram Fredricks has been a steady force for the Patriots defense for the past few seasons and UC will continue to count on the senior this year. Fredricks is second in program history with 110 blocks and is looking to climb into the top spot currently held by Cumberlands standout Jennifer Nagy, who had 117 blocks. The Lagos, Nigeria native has also grabbed 444 rebounds and was a vital part of Cumberlands rebounding, that was top-ten in the NAIA last season. According to Coach Reeves, the Patriots are looking for Fredricks to be an even bigger force on the glass this season and has been challenged to lead the country in both rebounds and blocked shots.
Behind the senior core, several returners are poised for expanded roles. Babb brings inside-out scoring as a stretch post, and Amy Thompson will provide depth in the frontcourt. In the backcourt, second year players Darcie Anderson and Ava Schureman will have expanded roles and will be key contributors for the Patriots this season.
Meanwhile, the Cumberlands coaching staff expects major contributions from four freshmen: Jaydyn Carrico, Peyton Mounce, Aden Clark, and Noel Smith.
This incoming class of newcomer brings versatility and depth to the Patriots lineup. Coach Reeves highlighted this freshman class stating that Jaydyn Carrico attacks the rim with toughness; Peyton Mounce brings high basketball IQ and defensive length; Aden Clark adds shooting and athleticism at the point guard position; and Noel Smith provides energy and rebounding reminiscent of former Patriot standout Channing Lewis.
Cumberlands’ non-conference slate features both new and familiar faces, including programs the Patriots haven’t met in more than a decade. Reeves intentionally built a schedule to test his young group early while positioning UC for postseason success. The Patriots slate this season features 15 games against opponents that are ranked or receiving votes in the NAIA Preseason Coaches’ Poll.
With experienced leadership, a balanced system, and a talented new class, the Patriots enter 2025–26 with confidence and continuity. The expectation remains the same—compete for championships and do it the right way.