The University of the Cumberlands (UC) Women's Wrestling program is known throughout the nation for its historical tradition.  With numerous national championship contenders, national champions, and Olympic qualifiers, the Patriots are looking to continue that tradition as they have hired Donnie Stephens as their new head coach.  

Coach Stephens hails from Colorado Springs, Colorado.  He began his high school career at Pueblo East High School in Pueblo, Colorado before moving to West Covina, California and completing his high school career at West Covina High School.  During his high school career, he impressed highly as he was a California High School State Place winner and the FILA Junior California State Champion.  He went on to receive a scholarship to wrestle at Cal State Bakersfield (CSU). 

After his time at CSU, he became the head coach of both the men and women's wrestling teams at his alma mater West Covina High School where he stayed for 19 years.  During his time there, Stephens accumulated 11 league championships, 5 CIF (regionals) championships, and 3 California State Women's Championships.  He also currently is a coach with the USA Wrestling Women's Cadet Pan Am team. 

Stephens left his position at West Covina to move back to Colorado as he owned a gym that specialized in mixed martial arts (MMA).  With this extensive background and his love of coaching, Stephens decided to leave his gym and come to Williamsburg and coach the Patriots. 

Coach Stephens commented, "I am truly excited to be a Patriot.  I am very impressed with the support and commitment that the team receives from the school.  UC has a lot to offer with its support of the school and its physical beauty.  I can't wait to get started on bringing home wins and college degrees.  I know that we will be able to have both of those very soon.  I have aspirations and visions that we can bring home a national championship within the next couple years."

UC Vice President of Athletics Randy Vernon added, "I am excited to have Donnie Stephens as our new women's wrestling coach.  Donnie brings a wealth of experience in women's wrestling from coaching high school to coaching with USA Wrestling.  I believe our women's team members will be very pleased at our choice of coaches, especially as they work will Coach Stephens and get to know him better."

For more information on the Patriot Women's Wrestling program along with other Patriot athletics, please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com.