Patriots Alum Kody Swann Named Second Men’s Lacrosse Coach in Program History

(Story provided by Cumberlands Sports Communications)

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – University of the Cumberlands Athletic Director Chris Kraftick has announced that Kody Swann has been named the new Head Coach for the Patriots men's lacrosse team, Monday morning.  Swann becomes just the second head coach in program history, which is entering it's tenth season. 
 
"Kody has been part of this program as a player and a graduate assistant, he has tremendous pride in our school and our logo," said Kraftick.  "He understands our mission and we're excited to see what he does with his opportunity."
 
Swann returned to Cumberlands in July as an assistant coach before being elevated to the head coach position. Prior to returning to UC, Swann spent two years at Columbia College, where he served as the interim head coach during the 2024 season.  While with the Cougars, Swann helped guide them to the 2023 KCAC Tournament title after they defeated Ottawa 15-14.  In his two years at Columbia, the Cougars compiled a 12-13 record.
 
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to lead this program and school that I love," said Swann.  "We have an extremely talented roster and a tight-knit locker room and I can't wait to see what we accomplish this year and the years to come."
 
Swann began his coaching career as an assistant coach with the Patriots, where he spent three years after graduating from UC. During that span, Cumberlands compiled a 25-13 record, including a 11-5 mark in AAC play.  The Patriots reached the semifinals of the NAIA Invitational in both 2021 and 2022.  He has coached multiple All-American and All-Conference players over that stretch.
 
Kody had a standout career for Cumberlands prior to getting into coaching.  He was a two-time NAIA Second Team All-American as a faceoff specialist as well as a four-time AAC All-Conference selection.  Additionally, Swann holds the program record for faceoff wins with 713 and a 60.6% faceoff win percentage throughout his career.  He also holds the Patriots single game faceoff record of 23 wins against Tennessee Wesleyan (4/26/19) and Missouri Baptist (4/5/19) as well as the most faceoff wins for a season with 214 during the 2018 season. He was part of a pair of teams that qualified for the NAIA Invitational, including the 20019 team that won the AAC regular season title.
 
Swann graduated University of the Cumberlands in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in management and has his Master's of Coaching.
 
Cumberlands is coming off a 14-5 record during the 2024 season, including reaching the semifinals of the NAIA Invitational. UC will open its 2025 season on February 9th, when they host Concordia.