Cumberland University Athletics Announces 2026 Sports Hall of Fame Class

Photo / Cumberland Athletics

LEBANON, TN - Cumberland University Athletics will welcome its 2026 class into the Cumberland University Sports Hall of Fame, honoring standout former student-athletes and the historic 2010 championship team for their achievements and lasting impact on Phoenix athletics.

The 2026 Hall of Fame class features Sam Lind (baseball), Nathan Jernigan (football), Jessica Roper (softball), Nate Croley (wrestling), and Kyle Delaune (wrestling), along with the 2010 Cumberland Baseball National Championship team.

Athletics Vice President Ron Pavan said the class represents the highest standards of Phoenix athletics. “I am incredibly excited about the 2026 Cumberland University Sports Hall of Fame class and the opportunity to celebrate these outstanding individuals and the historic 2010 Baseball National Championship team on October 2,” Pavan said. “This class represents the very best of Cumberland Athletics and serves as a testament to what dedication, perseverance, grit, and exceptional talent can accomplish.”

Lind, a key figure in Cumberland Baseball’s 2014 NAIA National Championship run, earned World Series MVP honors and put together one of the nation’s most dominant offensive seasons. Jernigan anchored the Phoenix defense in football, earning Mid-South Conference Defensive Player of the Year recognition twice and compiling 374 tackles across 44 games.

Roper helped lead Cumberland softball success as a powerful catcher and middle-of-the-order threat, earning NAIA All-America recognition in 2014. Croley and Delaune each left their mark in wrestling, combining high-level national competition with academic achievement and program growth.

For the team honor, the 2010 Phoenix captured the NAIA National Championship under legendary head coach Woody Hunt, finishing 58-9 and collecting numerous individual and team awards along the way.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for October 2 at the Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena, with honorees also recognized the next day at Cumberland Football as part of Homecoming festivities.