Marshall County junior, KC Fuller, signed an official commitment letter Tuesday night in Evansville to play soccer for the University of the Cumberlands.
“It’s been a very exciting year for me”, says Fuller. “At the beginning of last year, I sat down and listed the top six things I want out of a university. I can honestly say the University of Cumberlands was at the top of all six requirements.”
Fuller says that a Christian environment, beautiful campus, outstanding soccer program, and great coach were top on her list. The University of the Cumberlands was established in 1888 and has been affiliated with the Baptist Ministries since its inception. The University of the Cumberlands is located in a rural setting in Williamsburg, KY on the Cumberland River. Coach Steven Hamilton has finished his seventh season with the patriots and has qualified for the NAIA National Tournament the last four years.
“We are very excited to have KC at UC! Her character and integrity are important attributes that we are looking for in a player. She is also a winner and comes from a winning program! On the field, she is only going to get better and brings an attacking threat that isn’t often seen in the women’s game. Most players are a little bit nervous to take a player 1v1. KC seems to cherish in those opportunities. With the right mindset, and hard work, she’s capable of achieving whatever she wants at the college level.” says Hamilton.
Fuller said that what impressed her most about Hamilton was his understanding of the game, emphasis on faith, and stance on work ethic. She remembers one of the topics that stood out in one of her visits was that hard work is rewarded and entitlement is not a part of his program.
Fuller, for the last year and a half has been selected to be a part of the United Elite FC out of Evansville, Ind.
“It has been an awesome experience playing for United”, said Fuller. “Both Coach Krissy Engelbrecht and Ben Dempsey were NCAA Division I soccer players. Coach Krissy was the women’s soccer coach at Southern Indiana University. They know what it takes to be successful at the college level, but more than that, they are player advocates and want to see each one of us experience success.”
Proof is that every one of Fuller’s teammates that are seniors have signed to a university or college. Coach Krissy Engelbrecht, Fullers’ coach last year, has this to say about Fuller. “I am extremely excited for KC. I think she has picked the perfect school for her both on and off the field and she is going to do great things at the University of the Cumberlands. She is extremely athletic, hardworking, and I can’t wait to watch her at the next level.”
Coach Dempsey has only had her for a few months but had this to say. “UC is getting a very committed and energetic player that is loved by coaches and teammates for her work rate. She has a positive attitude and does anything she can to help the team. UC is lucky to have a player of her caliber but also her high character. Looks to be a good fit on both sides, she will represent United FC very well.”
Fuller is signing early as a junior and is extremely motivated. She is not taking the confidence Hamilton has in her lightly.
“Coach listed some specific expectations of me that I intend to meet and exceed this year,” said Fuller. “I talked to my club coaches about his expectations, and they are going to help me get there. United is in an extremely competitive league (USYS Great Lakes Conference) and I am blessed to have the opportunities I have been given and I won’t take them for granted”.
