Patriots Elevate Allen To Lead Women’s Wrestling Program
Williamsburg, KY – University of the Cumberlands Athletic Director Chris Kraftick has announced Sarah Allen as the new Patriots Head Women's Wrestling Coach, Friday morning. Allen, Cumberlands all-time winningest wrestler, becomes the programs fourth head coach in program history.
"After a national search, we're excited to announce Sarah Allen as our Head Women's Wrestling Coach," said Kraftick. "Sarah's incredible work ethic, knowledge base, and passion for this institution and program made her the clear choice. We look forward to watching the program flourish under her direction."
Allen has been given the reigns after spending the last six years on the Patriots staff as an assistant coach. In her time with UC, she has helped guide the Patriots to a 51-47-1 record, including a 20-12 record in Mid-South Conference matches. She has helped Cumberlands develop three NAIA National Champions, including Dymond Guilford, who became UC's first two-time NAIA National Champion after winning the 170 lbs. weight class in 2022 and 2023.
"I am truly excited about the opportunity to become the Head Coach at Cumberlands. When I came to UC back in 2013, I would have never expected taking over the program that I wrestled for ten years later," said Allen. "I am excited to continue coaching my current athletes and am looking forward to working with our incoming class this fall."
Allen has garnered multiple recognition and honors throughout her time with Cumberlands, including being named the 2022 Mid-South Conference Assistant Coach of the Year.
The Patriots have finished top-ten in the NAIA in each of the last four seasons, including a sixth-place finish at the 2023 NAIA National Championship, which was the first the year that women's wrestling was a championship sport in the NAIA. Allen has also helped guided the Patriots to the 2018-2019 Mid-South Conference regular season championship. Allen has worked with 14 wrestlers who have earned All-American honors, along with 15 MSC All-Conference selections.
Allen added, "We have a fantastic group of student-athletes on the team already, and I know that our incoming class is going to help elevate the team."
Prior to becoming an assistant coach, Allen finished an illustrious career at UC as the winningest women's wrestler in program history with 132 career wins from 2013 to 2017. Some of Allen's career highlights included being a two-time NAIA National Champion (2015 & 2016) and second-place finishes at WCWA Nationals (2016) and USA University Nationals (2017). Her accolades earned her a place on the UC All-Decade team for women's wrestling, which was announced in 2020.
Allen is rounding out her coaching staff with the addition of former Patriot Jesse Kirby, who is transitioning to an assistant coach after a stellar career at Cumberlands.
"I've gotten to work with Jesse in the aspect of her being a team captain, and I knew that she would be the right fit to be the Assistant Coach," said Allen.