KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The undefeated Patriots of Cumberlands from Kentucky have made headlines by securing the top position in the 2024 NAIA Women’s Soccer Coaches Poll, concluding the regular season with an impressive record of 15 wins and no losses. This remarkable achievement marks only the second time since 1999 that a team has dominated the national rankings for the entire season, putting the Patriots in an elite category alongside Lindsey Wilson of Kentucky, who last accomplished this feat in 2015. Meanwhile, the rankings saw Tennessee Southern make a significant leap to fourth place, while Aquinas from Michigan fell slightly to fifth position. Despite the fluctuations, no team managed to rise more than three places in the final rankings of the season; however, UC Merced from California made its entrance into the top 25 after earning enough votes to be recognized.
Poll Methodology:
- The NAIA Women’s Soccer Coaches Poll serves primarily as a publicity tool and holds no influence over the selection process for the national championship tournament.
- A dedicated panel comprising head coaches from various conferences and the Continental Athletic Conference (Independents) cast their votes to determine the rankings.
- The Top 25 teams are evaluated using a points system that awards 30 points for each first-place vote, 29 points for second-place votes, 28 for third, and continues in descending order.
- To ensure unbiased rankings, the highest and lowest position received by each team (excluding non-ratings) is omitted from their overall score.
- Teams earning only a single point in the voting process are not counted as “receiving votes”.
Dropped From Top 25: MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.)
Receiving Votes: The Masters (Calif.) 57, Mid-America Christian (Okla.) 54, MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) 35, Hastings (Neb.) 31, Benedictine (Kan.) 20, LSU Shreveport (La.) 13, Tennessee Wesleyan 10, Clarke (Iowa) 10, Oregon Tech 8, Grace (Ind.) 7, Xavier (La.) 4, Bethel (Tenn.) 3, Eastern Oregon 2
### Interview with head coach of the Patriots Women’s Soccer Team, Sarah Thompson
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Coach Thompson. Congratulations on your team’s outstanding performance this season, finishing top of the NAIA Coaches’ Poll! How does it feel to have achieved this milestone?
**Coach Thompson:** Thank you! It feels incredible. Our team has worked tirelessly this season, and finishing undefeated with a record of 15-0 is truly a testament to their hard work, dedication, and teamwork. Being ranked first for the entire season is an honor that not many programs can claim, and we’re thrilled to be in this elite group.
**Interviewer:** The last team to hold the top spot the entire season was Lindsey Wilson in 2015. What do you think made this season different for your team?
**Coach Thompson:** Every season presents its own unique challenges, but this year’s chemistry and commitment really stood out. The players have built a strong bond both on and off the field, which has translated into some incredible performances. We also focused heavily on our training and preparation, ensuring that we were ready for each opponent.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the strong bond within the team. Can you elaborate on how that has influenced your coaching strategy this season?
**Coach Thompson:** Absolutely. As a coach, I believe in fostering a supportive environment where players can thrive. This year, I emphasized communication and collaboration during practices and games. It encouraged them to not just focus on their individual skills but also to understand their roles within the team. This unity has been a key factor in our success.
**Interviewer:** With Tennessee Southern jumping to fourth and other teams fluctuating in the rankings, how do you maintain focus and motivation within your team?
**Coach Thompson:** It’s all about sticking to our goals and values. We don’t let the rankings distract us. Our focus is on improving each day and preparing for our upcoming matches. I remind the team that every game is an opportunity to showcase our strength and determination. Plus, we love the challenge that comes with being at the top; it pushes us to continue giving our best.
**Interviewer:** As you prepare for the national championship tournament, what strategies or adjustments are you considering to keep your team sharp?
**Coach Thompson:** We plan to keep our training consistent while also making sure we don’t overwork the players. Balancing intensity with recovery is key. We’ll continue to review game footage and study our opponents closely. The goal is to remain adaptable and ready for any situation that comes our way.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your insights, Coach Thompson. Best of luck in the upcoming tournament!
**Coach Thompson:** Thank you for having me! We’re excited for what lies ahead.
