The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced the 2011 - 12 Division I Women's Basketball All-America Teams last week. The selections are made by the NAIA Women's Basketball Coaches' Association All-America Committee and comprises a First, Second, Third and Honorable Mention Team.  

University of the Cumberlands had two All-American recipients in senior Lauren Wombles (London, KY) as a First-Team member and senior Jade Howard (Salyersville, KY) as an Honorable Mention selection.  With a total of three Mid-South Conference players awarded First-Team accolades and 6 honorable mentions, the University of the Cumberlands proved why they are at the top of one of the best conferences in the nation.

Wombles, a four-year starter for the Patriot program, led the team in scoring with 19.8 points per game, 8.2 rebounds, 83 steals, as well as shot an impressive 48% from the field.  Already named the Mid-South Conference Player of the Year, an Academic-All Conference selection, an NAIA scholar athlete, as well as a WBCA All-American member, this was Wombles' second-consecutive honor as she was voted as a 3^rd Team selection last season.  Wombles now hold the school records for all-time leading scorer and rebounder for women's basketball. 

Howard, a senior transfer from the University of West Florida, averaged 11.5 points per game, and led the team in assists with 3.3 a game as well as behind the three-point line shooting a strong 37% on the season.  Howard was also recognized for her stellar play as she was named to the All-Conference First-Team for the Mid-South Conference.  Howard scored a game high 25 points in the MSC Tournament championship, leading the Patriots to yet another conference championship.

Head Coach Melissa Irvin commented, "It's a fantastic testament to the types of players that they both are.  Although we focus on team achievements first and foremost, these young ladies being honored as All-Americans really shows their individual talents.  We are very proud of them as well as all of our players for the year."

For more information on the Patriots women's basketball program as well as other Patriot athletics, please visit http://www.cumberlandspatriots.com.