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UNIVERSITY OF WEST ALABAMA ATHLETICS
FALL 2023

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Could you be
chosen too?
Kelly West
Madelyn Taylor
Shannon McKinstryNicholas SparksBenjamin Shadden

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“Creativity is taking complicated things and making them possible.” I have practically lived by this quote over
the past year because it reminds me that I am still equipped for the challenge, even when things are tough. And whew,
ZONE was a rollercoaster of a challenge, but oh, am I so honored to have been a part of it! I wouldn’t have believed
you if you told me a month ago that I would be where I am today. This is one of those things where you don’t see
the end until it gets here. I value the time in between, the countless hours of effort, and the persistence over these
past five weeks. I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity to be one of your editors. This time has been
beneficial for me and my colleagues. Many learning experiences have strengthened us as writers, designers,
editors, and photographers. I’ve always said, “IMC is like one big family.” Now we have a publication to prove
that working together is our biggest strength. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Without
you, there is no publication. So, thank you for that blessing in my life. I hope you enjoy the 8th edition
of ZONE Magazine as much as we enjoyed creating it.
Welcome to the 8th edition of ZONE Magazine. I am still trying to wrap my head around the fact
that we just published a sports magazine in five short weeks. Is this real? The early mornings, late nights,
and many hours in between have finally paid off. As the deadline shortened and daunted us, we powered
through, and I could not be more proud of the outcome that we have produced. I could not have done
this without the support given by everyone in IMC. Every day I walked into the lab, I heard, “I am so
proud of y’all. This is going to be great,” from Audrey Poole. Amanda Gilliland always asked, “How can
I help?” This program has become a support system and a family for me. Thank you to everyone who
helped us get here and pushed us through. I cannot wait for you to read this edition of ZONE Magazine.
Hope you enjoy!
Shannon McKinstry
Assistant Editor, ZONE Magazine
Lead Designer, ZONE Magazine
IMC- Graphic Design, Senior
Madelyn Taylor
Editor-in-Chief, ZONE Magazine
Assistant Designer, ZONE Magazine
IMC- Traditional, Senior
MEET THE STAFF
LETTERS FROM THE EDITORS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Madelyn Taylor
LEAD DESIGNER Shannon McKinstry
FACULTY ADVISOR Greg Jones, IMC Chair
FACULTY EDITORS Amanda Gilliland
Audrey Poole
Brandon Walker
Danielle Hailey
STAFF
Kamille Clark
Carla Leal
Diamond Paylor
Genesis Prestage
Isaiah Stevenson
Jaden Taylor
Kelly West
JoJo Young
FEATURE WRITERS
Arange Clemons
Kimberly Culpepper
Audrey Fondren
Maribeth Gray
Jessica Meeks
Mahkayla Young
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jordan Allison
Chelse Anderson
Katie Burrall
Joe Chance
Roe Ketchum
Shannon McKinstry
Matthew Narvaez-Paz
Uriah Ratliff
Trent Spruell
Madelyn Taylor
Brayden Pelkey
Kelly West
Mahkayla Young
ZONE is published annually by students in The University of West Alabama Integrated Marketing Communications program. Stories and photographs that appear in ZONE are
produced by these students. Views expressed in the magazine do not necessarily express the views of The University of West Alabama. The University of West Alabama is an
Equal Opportunity Institution and welcomes application for employment regardless of race, color, age, sex, disability or ethnic origin.

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Photo by Madelyn Taylor

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
by Kamille Clark
by Genesis Prestage
by Arange Clemons
by Jessica Meeks
by Kimberly Culpepper
by Mahkayla Young
by JoJo Young
by Jaden Taylor
by Mahkayla Young
by Madelyn Taylor
by Jessica Meeks
by JoJo Young
by Audrey Fondren
by Isaiah Stevenson
by Kamille Clark
by Diamond Paylor
by Carla Leal
by Shannon McKinstry
by Maribeth Gray
by Genesis Prestage
Standing in the Hall of Fame
Spirit of Game Day
Welcome Head Coach Eric Dubose

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On Saturday, March 18, UWA unveiled the newly-con-
structed Campora Athletic Complex in a ribbon-cutting
ceremony at Tiger Stadium, home to UWA’s football team.
The spacious complex offers fans an enhanced Tiger Club
experience where members enjoy pre-game, half-time, and
post-game festivities, which makes for a great atmosphere
at every home game.
Former West Alabama wide receiver and current
National Football League superstar Tyreek Hill returned
to Tiger Stadium to participate in spring game activities
and the grand opening of the Campora Athletic Complex.
During the following red and white football scrimmage,
guests were allowed to explore the Tiger Room Hospitality
Area in the complex.
“The Campora Athletic Complex is an essential addition
to Tiger Stadium,” said Brett Gilliland, UWA head football
coach. “The complex supports three areas we focus on in
our never-ending pursuit of excellence: recruiting, reten-
tion, and development. It is a first-class facility that we are
proud to have.”
Not only does the facility provide hospitality for game
day comfort and recruiting, but it also includes a new study
hall area dedicated to all athletic teams at the University.
“Our players now have an additional study hall area that
can be more targeted and intense. We can focus on certain
individuals and their needs,” said Gilliland.
The UWA campus has seen more major renovations and
new construction over the last few years than ever before.
Tartt Field introduced the Campora Hospitality Facility
last year as an opportunity for UWA baseball fans to watch
the Tigers play just feet away from the third baseline.
“We are so proud of this facility and what it adds to Tartt
Field,” former UWA head baseball coach Gary Rundles
said. “We believe that once Tiger fans get an opportunity
to visit the Campora Hospitality Facility, they will want the
chance to watch games from that vantage point.”
“Facilities like this greatly enhance the student experience
both for student-athletes and for fans and supporters,” said
UWA President Ken Tucker. “This adds an exciting element
of school pride for our campus for many years to come.”
“What Steve Campora and his family have meant to
UWA and our football program cannot be adequately put
into words. Their generosity comes from their heart and
the difference they want to help make for each of our stu-
dent-athletes. None of this would be possible without them
and their determination to ensure that UWA athletics are
first-class,” Tucker said.
Look good, p
Campora Baseball Facility
Photo by Roe Ketchum
by Kamille Clark
4

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lay better
Photo by Katie Burrall
“THE CAMPORA ATHLETIC COMPLEX
IS AN ESSENTIAL ADDITION TO
TIGER STADIUM”uuwwazone.comazone.com
5

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“Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in
muscles.” - Alex Karras
If you’re not taking care of your mind, does anything else
really matter?
A 2021 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
study on college athletes’ well-being found a high rate of
students dealing with mental exhaustion, depression, and
anxiety. Underperforming athletes may hide injuries out of
fear that they may lose their positions, which may lead to
feelings of anxiety and depression. Failure to seek profes-
sional help due to stigmas surrounding mental illness can
cause an athlete’s mental health to worsen overall.
Athletes may attempt to manage these unwanted emo-
tions through other means, such as overeating, skipping
meals, abusing illegal substances, and participating in other
self-destructive behaviors. As a result, relationships with
family and friends may suffer due to an athlete’s inability to
manage the influx of emotions. The sport the athlete once
loved may become one he now despises.
Stress is the key factor that leads to depression and anx-
iety. Striving for a balanced life is inherently stressful, but
athletes must balance numerous, tightly-scheduled respon-
sibilities on both the field and in the classroom.
Not many college athletes consider getting mental health
help due to the fear of missing practices and disappointing
coaches. According to the research, the primary triggers for
compromised mental health fall into predictable categories.
College athletes struggle to meet deadlines or have diffi-
culty studying. They often overeat or miss meals to control
their weight. Many complain they do not even have enough
time to eat. Some college athletes wrestle with making the
transition from high school to university. Sleep schedules
may change, leading to sleep loss and fatigue.
While these triggers are arguably common among all
undergraduates, athletes also face fears of career-ending
injuries, not getting enough playing time, or being cut from
the team.
Jaden Taylor, junior defensive back, said,
“It is a struggle at times going from learning
schoolwork to learning the playbook. During
my freshman year, I realized that my mental
health as a college student started to become
worse. I was not in the right headspace, but
it got better when I surrounded myself with
better people.”
“I wouldn’t eat as much as I used to due to my schedule.
At practice, we have weigh-ins, and due to practicing, I’d eat
and lose it. I was stressed because I was not at the weight
that I wanted to be,” said Taylor.
Taylor also battled with injury: “Having an injury as a
college student affected my mental health. It caused depres-
sion, and I pushed people away. But to cope with my mental
health, I like to play video games, workout, read my Bible,
and hang out with friends.”
Athletes may become withdrawn and begin pushing loved
ones away. Loss of friends and significant others can lead
to feelings of loneliness. No longer being favored and vali-
dated by others may lead to feelings of worthlessness, which
increases the risk of depression. Unfortunately, without
proper treatment for depression or anxiety, athletes often
get caught up in a never-ending cycle of problems that limit
their happiness and success on the field.
Most athletes receive mental health screenings from
UWA Counseling Services to evaluate whether they need
wellness or life skill management assistance.
Phyllis Lewis, coordinator of counseling services, offers
on-campus individual and group counseling in addition
to motivational and enrichment workshops and seminars.
by Genesis Prestage
COUNSELING SERVICES
FOUST HALL 7
MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM-5PM
(205) 652-3651
COUNSELING@UWA.EDU
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Quality Workmanship
Personalized Service
The Best Source for
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As the season begins, fans demand news from the college.
UWA met that demand by hiring Layton Jackson, the new
assistant athletic director for Athletic Communications.
Jackson, 32, joined the team in June. Jackson oversees
publicity for six sports, including football, women’s bas-
ketball, baseball, men’s and women’s rodeo, and women’s
tennis. Jackson and his assistants streamline the official
website and ensure the college has a strong social media
presence. “Everything is communicating to every channel
out there,” Jackson said.
Jackson said, “I wanted to be a teacher for most of my life.
I was a history major when I started at Samford, but after
seeing the sports administration curriculum, I thought my
talents were best served being a part of something that I
love to do.”
In his senior year, Jackson worked as a Samford under-
graduate intern at the Gulf South Conference. “In GSC,
I did tennis, volleyball, and cross-country,” said Jackson.
Since UWA is a member of the GSC, fate brought Jackson
to the University. While keeping score and compiling free-
lance statistics at the Gulf South Conference softball tour-
nament, he met Kent Partridge, director of athletics, and
Janet Montgomery, senior associate director of athletics.
“We had an opening, and I wanted to get to know him,”
Partridge said. “He was recommended to me by people
in our league and our staff. People on our staff knew him
before I did.”
Jackson aims to highlight each student-athlete by work-
ing with different departments to save pictures and videos
for quick retrieval. He communicates with coaches regu-
larly to delegate assignments. Jackson said, “It’s not just
about day-to-day stats. It’s what the sports administration
staff does to help out a department on the administration
level.”
Jackson’s insightful approach to sports communication
champions creating content, building winning sports teams,
motivating student-athletes, assisting the University, and
fostering community connections. Jackson insists, “Once
you get a communication effort recovered and restarted,
it builds your confidence level.”
“Layton does a great job. If Layton needs help, I certainly
don’t mind helping out. I know what he does; he did it for
a long time. I am willing to help him with whatever he
asks,” Partridge said.
New UWA Assistant Athletic Director Leaps into Action for Sports Media
Photos by Chelse Anderson
by Arange Clemons
“Everything is
communicating to every
channel out there.”
8

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PURSUIT OF THE SHIRTby Jessica Meeks
The Intramural championship shirts holds considerable
value to the UWA student body. While intramural players
may not be student-athletes in the traditional sense, their
drive for competition remains with them forever.
Students who may have played sports in high school can
play organized games, compete with friends, and make new
ones. “I met more people that got me out of my shell,” said
intramural supervisor Caleb Witherspoon. “I only knew
my roommate when I first got here. He got me into playing
intramurals, and I enjoyed it.”
Since the 1950s, UWA Intramurals has allowed students
to get involved on campus. IM sports feature flag football,
volleyball, basketball, soccer, and softball.
Intramurals have evolved over the years to keep students
engaged on campus. Students have a voice in the program,
and those willing to try something new or laugh with their
friends are encouraged to participate.
Whether students want to play every sport or only cer-
tain ones, IM games offer something for everyone, even
non-athletic students.
Aside from sports tournaments, IM also offers events
outside Young Hall Cafeteria. In addition, gamers regu-
larly compete in a mini-tournament series featuring sports
games, such as Nintendo’s “Madden.”
“What makes our organization different is we truly do
provide something for everybody. There are no barriers to
participate,” said campus recreation director Troy Maddox.
“After COVID, we had to find the next new thing, which
was a lot of trial and error,” said Maddox. Even with the
pandemic affecting participation, students were drawn to
IM events.
Winning a championship game rewards the players for
their hard work throughout the tournament. “It’s like win-
ning the World Series. You get to take a picture that has
lasting memories,” said Witherspoon.
The saying “Pursuit of the Shirt” comes from a nation-
wide social media campaign for intramurals. Champions
earn a T-shirt and bragging rights that acknowledge their
hard work.
“It’s an accomplishment to know you got something done
this season,” said Maddox.
Intramurals also build bonds amongst the staff members
who transitioned from playing to officiating. “I learned how
to keep my composure and be understanding. I also learned
more about intramural rules,” Witherspoon said. “The staff
is more together. We enjoy each other and watching and
playing sports.”
Referees can work up to a supervisor position, allow-
ing them to have more responsibility and build personal
relationships with the players. Staff members control the
crowd, avoid conflict on the field, and uphold the organi-
zation’s integrity.
Student-athletes often form a family-like bond, and the
same can be said of intramural players who share the com-
mon experiences of working together, win or lose.
“Some of my best friends from college played intramurals
with me,” said Maddox. “You develop relationships with
your teammates and competitors. You have that respect
for each other.”
Photos by Jordan Allisonuuwwazone.comazone.com
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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
TO STAY UP TO DATE ON ALL
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
@UWACA
LUNCH
Thurs - Fri
11:00 - 1:30
DINNER
Wed - Sat
4:30 - 9:00

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Standing
in the
Hall Of Fame
UWA’s 2023 Sports Hall of Fame inductions were held on
September 30 before the game against Delta State in Tiger
Stadium. The 2023 esteemed inductees included James
Buonocore, Tyreek Hill, Deon Lacey, and the Women’s
Rodeo Team. Kent Partridge, director of athletics and Hall
of Fame committee member, said, “It’s a huge honor to be
recognized by your school. Each person is excited.” Since
its creation in 1981, UWA has only inducted 95 individuals
and two teams.
The Hall of Fame prides itself on representing every sport
at UWA. Partridge is hopeful that a soccer player will be
the next inductee as a representative of our newest sports
program.
Honorees stand out for their accomplishments at UWA
and their achievements after graduating.
James Buonocore, class of 1960, found his way to West
Alabama while hitchhiking home from California. The
football team was practicing, and the coach told Buonocore
to try out. As a result, he earned a scholarship and returned
for four years. While attending UWA, he played football,
baseball, and basketball.
After graduating with his BS degree in education, he
played for the Providence Steamrollers in the Atlantic Coast
Football League for four years, and then he coached two
high school teams. He led his New London teams to the
state tournament in 16 out of 17 years, bringing home three
state championships.
“I learned how to treat players, and that helped me
succeed within my career,” he said.
Tyreek Hill played football at UWA in 2015 and caught
27 passes for 444 yards in his senior year. His impressive
performance at UWA caught the attention of NFL scouts,
leading to his signing with the Kansas City Chiefs. Today,
Hill plays for the Miami Dolphins. His induction recognizes
his dedication to football.
Hill has also positively impacted his community by
creating the Tyreek Hill Family Foundation, which assists
hard-working students in achieving higher education
through scholarships.
Deon Lacey, a full scholarship student who attended
UWA for five years, had a record of 276 tackles during
his time at the University. Afterward, he played for the
Edmonton Eskimos, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and
Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Lacey advised those striving to achieve their goals to
“slow down and make the most of your time. Enjoy the
present moment, and don’t be too focused on the speed
of things.”
The Women’s Rodeo team made history this year,
winning the national championship and becoming only
the second team inducted into the Hall of Fame since the
1971 football team.
Coach Daniel Poole said, “Our induction is life-changing
for us.” Poole and the other coaches did their best to
encourage the women.
He credits the team’s success to their determination and
passion for the sport.
Poole said, “We try to say what we can to encourage
them, but the girls handle most of that themselves. They
are very determined to win. They have been doing this
their whole lives.”
Taycie Matthews led the team to victory at nationals by
winning the individual barrel racing title. During the week,
she scored an impressive 380 points, and on the final day,
she had a 13.94 run during the Short Go, averaging out
to 55.53.
Raven Clagg scored 155 points in barrel racing, and
Jaylie Matthews placed 12th in the barrel Short Go, which
brought her score to 160 points. Heather McLaughlin
placed 22nd in Goat Tying with a 21.2.
Photo by Uriah Ratliff
by Kimberly Culpepperuuwwazone.comazone.com
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The Texas Rangers rookie team granted athletic training
student Paley Lauck the opportunity to intern with their
baseball team this summer in Phoenix, Arizona.
“My dream is to be an athletic trainer for a professional
baseball team, so I was very grateful that I got the chance
to intern at the level I did,” said Lauck.
As an athletic training student in her senior year at UWA,
this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity came at the perfect time
to give her a look into the life of a Major League Baseball
athletic trainer (AT). Her duties included preventing
and treating injuries and creating rehabilitation plans for
injured athletes.
There are two certified athletic trainers for the Texas
Rangers’ Rookie team, Margarita Corrizalez and Michael
Theile. Lauck worked with both but worked directly under
Corrizalez. “We had a lot on our plates, and she was just so
instrumental in keeping both my and the other Certified
Athletic Training head above water,” said Corrizalez.
Lauck did not always know that she wanted to be an
athletic trainer. “When I would watch professional sports
on TV, I always wondered who the people were that ran
onto the fields to help athletes that got injured,” said Lauck.
After some research, she came across athletic training.
She always wanted to work in sports and medicine, so this
profession offered her the best of both worlds.
During her Rangers internship, she learned valuable new
skills. “She was so open-minded, absolutely loved learning,
and was not afraid of being wrong. That is what I loved
most about her,” said Corrizalez.
She learned to not only assess the injury in the area of
pain but also to follow up the kinetic chain. “For example,
if an athlete complains of an ankle injury, you should also
take a look at everything that is connected to the ankle
to see if something further up the chain is causing what
is going on,” said Lauck. She feels this knowledge has
improved her evaluation and rehabilitation skills.
Language barriers created a significant challenge for
Lauck, something she had not experienced working with
UWA athletes. When she started with the Rangers, she
quickly realized the importance of communication. “I
actually learned a lot of Spanish from just conversing with
the players,” said Lauck. A few translation apps also helped
make the job easier, she admitted. “Being able to properly
explain rehab exercises to injured athletes is critical to their
recovery,” said Lauck.
“She developed a really great relationship not only with
the Certified Athletic Trainers department but also with
the coaches and other departments. The players really took
to her. She definitely earned their trust,” said Corrizalez.
Lauck said her four years in the UWA athletic training
program prepared her well. “With how hands-on it is here
at UWA, I felt comfortable treating various injuries because
I have been able to treat so many while working all sports
at UWA,” said Lauck.
After Lauck graduates in December of 2023, she plans
to work full-time while also pursuing her master’s degree.
This experience provided her with many networking
opportunities with ATs and coaches in the professional
world, and she sees internships as valuable for her fellow
classmates: “I am very grateful for the opportunity to work
in a professional setting. I highly recommend that other
students in this field do the same if given the chance.”
“She definitely became a huge part of the team. Not only
did the players accept her but the staff also accepted her
into the team. She’s going to be one of the best Certified
Athletic Trainers in the field,” said Corrizalez.
RANGERS! RANGERS!
HERE COMES PALEY!
Photo by Mahkayla Young
by Mahkayla Young
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Photo by Madelyn Taylor
Tyler Smith, football running back, gives advice to incoming student-athletes: Find a
steady balance.
The 20-year-old has been an athlete since middle school. He enrolled at UWA in
2021 and began playing in 2022 as a sophomore.
Being a student-athlete has not been easy for Smith, especially throughout his college
career. He balances practices, games, class schedules, studying, and personal life. After
two years on UWA’s field, however, the student-athlete feels he has established a good
routine, and he believes other athletes could benefit from his advice.
“It was really hard starting off,” Smith admits, “but as time goes on, you get more
comfortable with the situation. Once you learn your schedule and how the daily
life of a student-athlete works, you get better with your
time management.”
Smith says that time management is the “most
important thing” for a student-athlete. He explains
that getting homework and studying out of the way
first helps students catch up with other commitments. He feels
having a routine is a student-athlete’s key to success.
He strongly advises freshmen not to get too caught up in their sports.
Rather than worrying about play time or being the “big man” on the field,
he suggests focusing on academics first.
Smith feels that freshmen come in not realizing how different the college
experience is for student-athletes.
Many, he explains, begin with a mindset based on high school experiences.
“You’re used to being that guy or that girl in high school,” Smith said. “In college,
you’re starting back on ground zero. It’s freshman year all over again. Focus on
the school stuff, and the athletics will take care of itself.”
Smith also warns incoming players that focusing too much on athletics can have
consequences for the sport. He explains that so much attention goes towards the
game that athletes lose playing eligibility. Then, athletes must put in extra effort to
“dig themselves out of a hole” to regain eligibility.
As stressful as being a student-athlete can be, Smith says it makes him a better
student. He hopes his experience inspires others to put in the hard work and be
successful.
“Seeing what other people have been through motivates you to do better. Others
can look at you and say, ‘Well, if he can do it, I can do it, too.’”
“Focus on the school stuff, and the athletics will
take care of itself.”
Photo by Madelyn Taylor
by JoJo Younguuwwazone.comazone.com
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UWA Athletics is committed to providing the highest
quality game-day experience for everyone attending an
event at Tiger Stadium. Every renovation or expansion
offers additional opportunities for an enhanced game day
experience. “I think any time you have new facilities anywhere
on campus, it shows growth and helps the University,” said
head football coach Brett Gilliland.
“The new addition to the home side of Tiger Stadium is a
very big deal for football, not only for the game day experience
for our fans, because that’s a lot of it, but also for our players
to have study hall to get some quality one-on-one tutoring in
the academic center. So, I think it’s going to continue to pay
a lot of dividends,” said Gilliland.
UWA’s stadium, with the athletic field as its focal point, is
home to many memories and milestones for UWA students
and fans. Prospective students take snapshots during campus
tours, and seniors feature the field in their graduation photos.
Improved learning environments and updated athletic
facilities positively impact student-athlete success and support
efforts to recruit diverse cohorts of competitive athletes and
traditional students interested in sports broadcasting, digital
media, and athletic training.
“Coach G” knows that quality outweighs quantity in
recruiting, which impacts student retention. “Things we
always try to improve are making sure we recruit quality
people and quality student-athletes. We put a structure around
them to retain them and give them the best chances to be
successful in the classroom. We also want to develop them
while they’re here to get a degree and set them up to succeed
when they leave. That’s the biggest focus right now, doing
things to push them towards their degree,” Coach G stated.
Competing with the best takes money and a lot of it.
Everyone from administrators to alumni to fans has helped
with the costs. “Well, the University kicked in some, and with
the addition to the stadium, there were some student fees that
helped pay for part of that, and the other part was all private
donors,” said Coach G. “It was getting out and meeting with
people that are alumni, or fans of our institution, and just
seeing what they were willing to donate. The bulk of it came
from private donors writing checks with their hard-earned
money because they care about this place and the student-
athletes.”
As a small university, the biggest challenge is finding enough
people who can and will financially support new initiatives.
Coach G explained, ”Everybody’s money is their money, and
it’s what they’ve earned, so whatever they plan to do with it
is completely up to them. Being able to give them a vision of
what we’re trying to do with our student-athletes, how we are
trying to help them on and off the field, and how they can
have a lasting impact on that with their financial support is
what helps.”
“They have to believe in it. If they believe in it, then they’ll
support it, and that’s the thing. A lot of our donors are greatful
to West Alabama for getting their degrees and getting set up
for life. This gives them an avenue to give back but also to
have a passion for what they’re giving to,” said Coach G. The
support from the local community inspires everyone, from
student-athletes to the coaching staff, to be the best versions
of themselves.
The next big thing on Coach G’s wish list is a tall order,
but new football locker rooms are necessary and achievable.
Among student-athlete recruits, one of the most talked about
items is the appeal of the ill-equipped locker rooms, which
fail to reflect UWA’s achievements. Coach G understands the
need and is advocating for the new locker rooms. He stated,
“We are now on a campaign to raise money for that, and we
have a lot of support. Our next big step is to expand Homer
Fieldhouse to create a new locker room.”
The overall theme is student-athlete success. Better facilities
increase student retention and influence recruiting. Coach G
explained, “Overall, we want to make sure that all sports are
receiving the support to retain and push students toward their
degrees. We make sure all their coaches are speaking that and
believing that. Each sport has facility needs, not just to be
successful, but for student-athletes to have a great experience
while they’re here.”
ADDITIONS IN
PROGRESS
by Jaden Tayloruuwwazone.comazone.com
19

Page 22

JOIN THE NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
The UWA National Alumni Association supports academic excellence, best
interests, and traditions of the University of West Alabama. Support for the NAA
allows us to provide engaging and enjoyable alumni gatherings and events and helps
build scholarship opportunities for students to attend UWA.
JOIN ONLINE TODAY!
uwa.edu/alumni/naa
A L U M N I
O F F I C E O F A L U M N I A F F A I R S A L U M N I  U W A . E D U
A L U M N I
The University of West Alabama has named alumna Banks
Gordy as the new director of Alumni Affairs. A two-time
graduate of the University, Gordy will lead alumni engage-
ment efforts including chapter development, a schedule
of alumni networking opportunities, special recognition
programs, and alumni scholarship initiatives.
Gordy comes to the Office of Institutional Advancement
from the College of Education, having served as coordinator
for the UA/UWA Inservice Education Center since 2019.
Gordy joined the UWA staff in 2014 in the Office of Public
Safety in an administrative support role for UWA Police
Department. She supported the College of Education’s Proj-
ect REP as an administrative assistant and then program
coordinator. Prior to joining the University staff, she was a
classroom teacher in two west Alabama elementary schools.
Gordy earned a bachelor of science in elementary education
in 2003 and a master’s in 2022. In addition to her role in the
College of Education, Gordy has also served as director of
the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce since 2021, de-
veloping and implementing strategies to support member-
ship, financial goals, and annual operations of the Chamber.
Alumna Banks Gordy named Director of Alumni Affairs
“It is such an honor to have the opportunity to serve my alma
mater and fellow alumni in this role. I have a deep love for
this University and the west Alabama region. I look forward to
connecting with alumni to help strengthen our programming and
engagement in so many areas while helping to make them proud
to be connected to the University.” - B A N K S G O R D Y

Page 23

Spirit
OF GAMEDAY
Here comes the WAMB, otherwise known as the West
Alabama Marching Band. Through music and cheers,
WAMB strives to bring spirit and energy to the stadium
on game days.
Tyler Strickland, director of bands, is entering his second
year at UWA. As an undergraduate, Strickland played
in Auburn University’s Marching Band, a 380-member
ensemble and one of the oldest programs in the U.S.
Strickland later worked as a graduate assistant for the
famous University of Iowa’s Hawkeye Marching Band.
While in that position, he designed drills and arranged
music for half-time shows.
Fans may not realize what goes into everything played
on game day. “Every time we are on offense, and we get a
first down, we play a first down cheer that I arranged with
the end of the fight song,” said Strickland.
Each song matches specific field scenarios to energize
the crowd. For example, when UWA is on defense on
third down, the goal is for the crowd to get loud to distract
the opposing team. WAMB uses the end of “The Eye of
the Tiger” to encourage fans to stand up and cheer. By
repeating these songs for the same plays each game, the
band hopes fans will anticipate the cheering that comes
with that play. Stickland hopes this tradition unites the
fans with the band’s music as they look forward to the song
they know is coming.
The half-time show is the big event for WAMB at
football games. This year, the band has curated three
shows. One show is Super Mario-themed, inspired by
the new Super Mario movie soundtrack. Another show
Strickland designed showcases songs by “artists of color”
from Beyonce, Bruno Mars (Silk Sonic), Bell Biv DeVoe,
and others. Strickland drew many of the show ideas from
member suggestions. The third show is band members’
choice.
“I love the spirit of game day here. It really ignites the
whole environment and makes me feel at home,” said band
member Sabino Galvan.
by Mahkayla Young
Photo by Joe Chance
Photo by Kelly Westuuwwazone.comazone.com
21

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EYES ON THE
In the summer of 2023, the UWA
Cheerleader squad welcomed Taylor
Ramsey as their new head coach and
athletic trainer (AT). Ramsey cheered at
Heidelberg University in Ohio, where she
also completed her undergraduate degree
in athletic training. According to Ramsey,
these experiences made her a skilled multi-
tasker.
Along with being the new head coach
and AT for cheer, Ramsey is the women’s
basketball AT. In addition, she holds a chair
position for the early career professionals
committee for the Alabama Athletic
Trainers Association (ALATA), and
she is a new UWA student advisor.
She also teaches two classes in the
AT program. Although there are
only 24 hours in a day, somehow,
Ramsey manages to balance it
all.
“The thing that helps me
the most is my support
system,” Ramsey explained.
Ramsey added that her
student athletic trainers,
along with Hudson Byrnes,
UWA head AT; Cameron
Wyatt, coordinator of
student activities; and her
boyfriend Brock Ward, have
helped and supported her in
different aspects of her life and
work.
Ramsey believes being
the head coach will better
her as an AT because she will be able to
see everything from the perspective of both
an AT and a coach. According to Ramsey,
there is usually a gap between the coach
and the AT students, but Ramsey can
bridge that gap and communicate with
them from both perspectives.
Before she assumed the role of head
coach, Ramsey met with each cheerleader.
She wanted to understand their goals and
expectations and communicate her goals
to everyone individually.
“I have high expectations,” said Ramsey.
The cheerleaders also have high
expectations for themselves. They received
a bid to compete at nationals, which will
be held in April 2024 in Daytona, Florida.
Ramsey said the team is already
practicing for nationals. “Their eyes are on
the prize,” she said. They want to win it all.
To help fund their trip to Daytona, the
team sold raffle tickets featuring gift cards
from local businesses and held a cheer
camp for ages 5-12. Other fundraisers are
planned to reach their goal of $12,000.
Along with high expectations, Ramsey
has big plans for this team.
She wants to connect with cheer alumni
more and give them opportunities to be
more involved. Ramsey said alumni can
attend practice and camps and just hang
out with the team on game days.
Ramsey knows support systems are
essential to success, and she wants her team
to have that in place.
by Madelyn Taylor
“I have high expectations.”
EYES ON THE PRIZE
Photos by Mahkayla Younguuwwazone.comazone.com
25

Page 28

Come home to Dog Street!
Tiger Bucks Accepted!
309 Monroe Street
in
Downtown Livingston
205-575-4506

Page 29

Coach John Schmidt accepted a new role as head coach
of UWA Volleyball, aiming to change the program’s future.
Schmidt grew up only a few minutes from where
volleyball originated in Springfield, MA. As a youth, he
participated in little league baseball and played in a few
volleyball club games.
Surprisingly, he never wanted to coach but wanted to
be a sports broadcaster because of his degree in writing.
“I went to my college coach about volunteering, and he
asked me to consider an assistant coaching position for
volleyball,” said Schmidt.
Since then, he’s coached for NCAA Division I and
Division II teams as an assistant and head coach. The Lord
led Schmidt to UWA to make the volleyball program here
one of the best.
In college, Schmidt worked several jobs to support
himself. Family, faith,
and academics
are priorities
he emphasizes
to his players.
“Academics are
important, and
we have good
academics here,”
Schmidt said.
Schmidt aims to change the stigma that athletes can’t
make mistakes. His primary principle is the “next play,”
meaning players should not focus more on the process
than the results. “Athletes get too much pressure from the
world,” Schmidt said. “I want them to have the freedom to
play and make mistakes.” He fully believes in the women’s
abilities and allows room for growth.
Just as he encourages the team, they do the same for him
with their smiles and sense of accomplishment. Schmidt
knows he’s doing well when they work hard and play
aggressively.
Other conference teams are more prominent and pull in
students from all over, but Schmidt is confident that UWA
has something special here, debunking the stereotype of
a small town.
Schmidt hopes to influence the game of volleyball in the
southern region and inspire the youth to participate, as
playing sports takes them away from the world’s negativity.
Schmidt hopes more fans will come out to watch them
play as they better understand and respect the game. “It’s
exciting to watch them play aggressively and with power,”
Schmidt said.
Schmidt is grateful for Livingston’s excellent coaching
staff, administration, and community. He plans to stay here
to continue his goal of influencing the future of women’s
volleyball.
“It’s exciting to watch
them play aggressively
and with power.”
by Jessica Meeks
Photo by Joe Chance
Photo by Madelyn Tayloruuwwazone.comazone.com
27

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Ever wonder how soccer players have
so much energy as they run up and down
a 120-yard field for two 45-minute halves
with only a 15-minute break?
They spend a lot of time exercising,
training, and hydrating to endure that
physical stress. If an athlete does not
consume the correct number of calories, he
may not be as strong, fast, or energized. He
could also lose weight, which can stop him
from gaining the right amount of muscle.
Fitness begins with good nutrition, as
UWA soccer players know.
Garrett “Wisey” Wise, our 6’1 men’s
goalkeeper, typically prepares scrambled
eggs with peanut butter toast for breakfast.
Lunch features some chicken and rice with
any sauce, and finally, for supper, he adds
chicken to pasta with alfredo sauce to carb
load for morning practice. He says he
benefits from mainly eating protein and
carbs to give him the most energy to get
through the day. Wise says that his athletic
trainers and coaches are not strict on his
calorie intake, but as collegiate athletes,
most players tend to eat freely to meet their
personal objectives.
Emily Callahan from Marietta, Georgia,
says that athletic trainers and coaches
encourage female soccer players to eat
at least 2,000 calories daily. The women’s
soccer team is encouraged to stay away
from energy drinks. Callahan’s day starts
with a buttered bagel, two eggs, and a
banana. For lunch, she eats a turkey
sandwich with chips or pasta. In the
evening, her go-to meals are chicken and
rice or spaghetti for supper. Sometimes,
she has a snack between meals to reach
her calorie intake. She benefits the most
from eating protein and carbs, the same as
Wisey, and says she feels like she has better
stamina and more focus on the field when
she eats more.
The Food
Pyramid
SchemeEver wonder how soccer players
have so much energy?
by Audrey Fondren
Photo by Mahkayla Young
Photo by Jordan Allisonuuwwazone.comazone.com
29

Page 32

UWA BUILDS TRACK
AND SOCCER COMPLEX
Photos by Ladeja Jones
by JoJo Young
30

Page 33

The University of West Alabama began constructing a
new field for the track and soccer teams earlier this year.
The $4.9 million project includes new locker rooms,
restrooms, concessions, scoreboards, and light towers.
The new field, located across from Moon Hall and
behind the Covered Bridge, stands in the center of campus.
Athletic Director Kent Partridge believes the project will
be complete in October. Athletes from both teams look
forward to the new facilities.
The soccer team previously practiced and played games
in Tiger Stadium, competing for time.
“Sometimes, it can be hard to schedule practices,” says
Mikayla Anderson, a women’s soccer player. “We share
the field with football, men’s soccer, cheer, and band. We
practice early in the mornings but have games in the middle
of the day, so we’re not really used to the heat.”
Anderson feels the new field will allow the soccer teams
more flexibility and accommodations. Natural grass
prevents the players from burning their feet since artificial
turf traps heat, which transfers to their cleats. Anderson
also appreciates natural turf because hard falls on the slick
artificial grass result in turf burn, a serious injury if left
untreated.
The soccer team has much to look forward to, but the
track team also anticipates more benefits from their new
field.
According to Jayson Lynch, a senior runner for the men’s
track team, practices will become much more convenient.
Previously, he says, the team practiced on Demopolis High
School’s track and the grassy field where the new field is
being constructed.
“Running on a grass track and running on a real track
are two different things,” the mid-distance runner explains.
“The grass track had a hill on it. It made us stronger, but it
came with difficulties. We weren’t equipped like the other
teams.”
“The track in Demopolis was eroded, and the travel time
was about an hour roundtrip,” he says.
Jentzen Moore, a junior men’s track runner, believes
having an on-campus track will help with team recruitment.
He thinks new team members will be attracted by the
privilege of running on a new field, and he admits that
access to an on-campus track often influences where
freshmen runners apply.
Because the field is centered on campus and between the
residence halls, team members can access the field at any
time, and the track team no longer has to travel. Games
and meets will gain attention from the road and foot traffic
passing by. The teams hope that this will bring in more fans,
especially students. After all, being cheered on by peers can
motivate the players even further.uuwwazone.comazone.com
31

Page 34

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Page 35

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KAMILLE CLARK ALIYAH DADE MARYANNE LOGSDON
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Page 36

Ready to make
Livingston home?
(205) 652 - 2010
Visit our website for listings!

Page 37

START OF A DYNASTYby Isaiah Stevenson
The Tigers Men’s Basketball are beginning to look like a
dynasty after winning back-to-back Gulf South Conference
championships with a 67-65 win against UWG on March 5.
As assistant men’s basketball coach Jake Jobling said, “It’s
a testament to what coach has established here with the
program, a measure of steady progress. In a motivational
sense, we feel like we belong in the national tournament.
It is a place that we should be every year. We have been to
the national tournament three out of the last five years.”
The Tigers were dominant in 2022, becoming the first
team in UWA history to finish a season with 27 wins, the
most wins in history since the 1982-83 team. After the
unfortunate loss in the national tournament, the Tigers are
ready to make a statement again this season.
Jobling praised the 2022 team and head men’s basketball
coach, Nick Woodruff, for their outstanding, historic
season.
West Alabama teams have always taken pride in playing
defense at a high level. The coaching philosophy in this
program is all about hard work and
competition. Jobling stated
that defensive success comes
from playing hard and taking
pride in playing defense.
The men’s basketball team
finished in first place in
team defense within the
Gulf Southern Conference
for four seasons in a row. In
the last nine seasons, men’s
basketball has finished either
first or second in the team
defensive standings. Last
year, the men’s basketball team
defended at a rate of 0.843 ppp,
turning opponents over at the
highest rate in the GSC (18.2%).
They limited their opponent’s
PPG to 62.8, which is 12th in the
national rankings and first in the
GSC rankings.
Woodruff returns nine players from
last year’s historic team that went 27-6
before losing eventually in the national
tournament to UAH. Woodruff and Jobling feel good about
last year’s progress and believe the team’s success potential
is at an all-time high. They hope to ride that momentum
from the two previous GSC championships this year.
The Tigers put a significant emphasis on their team
rebounding, and the new additions will help complement
their philosophy. The Tigers lead their conference in team
offensive rebounding, rebounding margin, and combined
opponent rebounds.
The Tigers look to move on from last year and write
a new chapter for themselves. “It is crushing when you
lose that game in the national tournament. We invested so
much, and then all of a sudden, it’s all over,” said Jobling.
“If you want to be good,” Jobling reminds players, “you
have no choice but to get back on the horse after a tough
loss.”
They begin their journey to the top by playing Central
State in their season opener on November 10.
59-19 Overall Record
2x GSC Champions
2023 GSC Tournament Champions
2x GSC Coach of the Year
2x NCAA Tournament Appearances
UWA Program Record 27-6 (2022-23)
UWA Program Record 19 GSC Wins (2023)
51 Wins in Last 2 seasons (79%)
Photos by Jordan Allison
THE
WOODRUFF
ERAuuww azone.comazone.com
35

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IN WE TRUST#12 by Kamille Clark
Senior guard Maryanne Logsdon has known nothing but
success in her high school and collegiate basketball career.
She graduated from Fort Pierce Central High School in
Fort Pierce, Florida, where she was named 2019 player of
the year in her senior year. Logsdon was named All-Area
four times, reached the 1,000-points club, and led her team
to become 7A District Champions.
Logsdon knew she wanted to play college basketball but
also needed to more development.
“I actually had a late start to basketball,” said Logsdon.
“Most girls start at the beginning of middle school or
before, but I didn’t start until 8th grade.”
Recognizing she lacked the fundamentals needed to be a
great collegiate player, Logsdon attended a junior college,
where she could take a couple of years to grow her game.
She hoped to attract better offers from more prominent
universities than she received in high school.
“College is different,” said Logsdon. “When you get to
college, everyone is just as good as you are. Being great in
high school meant nothing now because so was everyone
else. That’s how they got here. I knew none of my accolades
in high school mattered anymore and that I had to work
hard and compete every day because my spot was never
guaranteed.”
Her collegiate career began at Indian River State College,
where she played for three seasons. She played in a total of
76 games, starting in 69. She accumulated 879 points, 291
rebounds, made 100 steals, and dished out 251 assists. She
was named All-American Honorable Mention twice, First
Team All-Conference twice, First Team All-State twice, and
Second Team All-Conference.
Because of her JUCO performances and accolades,
Logsdon was heavily recruited like never before.
“I had several offers and schools to choose from after my
junior year. It’s always a good feeling when you see the hard
work has paid off over the years and when others notice
your success and development as well,” said Logsdon.
After visiting several programs and praying about what
school was right for her, Logdon committed to playing
basketball for UWA.
“I appreciated all of the universities who reached out
to me and wanted me to be a part of their program, but
no school gave me the feeling that West Alabama did. My
number one necessity was to be a part of a family-oriented
team. I wanted to be able to have great relationships with
my coaches just like I did at the River. On my visit, UWA
coaching staff was genuine, believed in me, and cared about
my goals and ambitions not only on the court but also in
life,” said Logsdon.
She came into the year with high hopes for the team and
herself, but things didn’t go as planned.
“Last season was my first time ever having a losing
record. I’m a winner and used to winning,” said Logsdon.
The Lady Tigers went 13-16 during the 2022-2023 season
after hitting a rough patch after Christmas break.
“This was my first time experiencing this ever in my life. I
didn’t know how to feel. Basketball means everything to me,
so when it wasn’t going well, I was miserable,” said Logsdon.
Luckily for Logsdon, she has a chance to redeem herself
this year and give it one last shot. “One last time,” she said.
“I have one last year to go hard, play with my teammates,
and win a ring. I know how defeated I felt last year, and I
never want to experience it again. I owe
it to myself, my family, my teammates,
and the coaching staff to give it
everything I have, and I plan on
doing just that.”
Senior guard and captain
M a r y a n n e L o g s d o n
knows what has to
be done to make a
championship run:
“We have the talent
and the winning and
competitive mindset
as a group that will
help us in the long
run. As long as we
continue to stay
together and
motivated, I
believe we can
get the job
done.”
Photo by Jordan Allison
36

Page 39

The University of West Alabama’s Wranglers brought back
two individual national championship titles and a women’s
national championship title at the College Nationals
Finals Rodeo. The Tigers competed at the Ford Wyoming
Center in Casper, Wyoming, this year. The UWA Women
Wranglers won the first team national championship in
West Alabama Rodeo history. The win earned the second
UWA national title in any sport.
Taycie Matthews and JT Ellison won individual national
titles. Ellison took home the men’s title in steer wrestling.
Matthews captured the top spot in intercollegiate barrel
racing by winning two of four events. Their individual
championships are the second and third in Tiger Wrangler
history.
Matthews, entering her senior year, said she is very
nervous as she is set to compete in December for the
national finals for rodeo. She is ranked fifth for all
professional rodeos. Winning the women’s national and
individual titles was everything to her. “It was awesome
that the team could win. It was even more special because I
am on a team with my sister, so that feeling was even more
than amazing,” said Matthews.
“The love came from riding ponies when I was a kid, so
when I found out I could attend school and be a part of
the rodeo team, it was perfect because rodeo has been in
the family for so long. My grandparents and my mom rode
barrel horses,” Matthews added.
Clarke Gordon, a UWA Men’s Wrangler, said he was
not shocked that the women won. “I knew they were very
competitive, and I was very confident in them. They have
the best team.”
The UWA rodeo team recruits from all over, including
high schools and junior colleges nationwide. Each team
consists of 15 competitors.
Head coach and former UWA Wrangler Daniel Poole
is entering his fifth year with the Tigers and said he is
incredibly proud of this program and always knew they
could do it. “I got the call in 2016 to come back to coach
the Wranglers, so I knew we had the potential. It took a
lot of hard work and dedication, but we came home with
a win, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
This year, he and his team eye another national title.
by Diamond Paylor
ROPING INROPING IN
Photos by Joe Chance
NATIONAL TITLESNATIONAL TITLESuuwwazone.comazone.com
37

Page 40

https://online.uwa.edu
Livingston, Alabama 35470
844-900-3037
APPLY NOW!APPLY NOW!
Choose from more than 70 degree and
certification programs at the University
of West Alabama Online.

Page 41

Katy De la Garza discovered the idea of tennis while
attending piano lessons when she heard a sound coming
from a nearby court. Upon investigation, she stumbled
across a woman playing tennis in complete concentration,
and that woman asked De la Garza to join her. Tennis has
been a love of hers ever since.
De la Garza realized she had a calling to tennis because of
her competitive nature. She is good at the sport and derives
satisfaction from winning.
She enjoys the unknown atmosphere and competition
of every match. As the sun’s heat causes her to sweat and
become frustrated, she becomes driven to finish the match
strongly.
De la Garza completed one year of tennis in 2017 at UWA
and then transferred to division one after COVID-19. After
another year of eligibility, her coach offered her the assistant
coach position, which she accepted. She loves being the
assistant coach of such a hard-working, dedicated team
at UWA.
With Tennis taking her worldwide, De la Garza loves
beautiful places like Paris and Strasbourg, which are very
different from what she’s used to in the USA and Monterrey,
Mexico, her hometown.
De la Garza loves the sport she plays, but she does get
homesick. She visits her family occasionally, but for the
last two years, she has resided in the United States, living
in New York for two summers.
Last semester was her first season as the assistant
coach, and her team won the GSC and the regular season
tournaments.
Her team confides in her and enjoys her leadership and
presence. Despite culture and language barriers, they are
patient with one another and have grown together as a
team, which gives De la Garza pride.
by Carla Leal
Photos by Jordan Allisonuuwwazone.comazone.com
39

Page 42

UWA BASEBALL TAKES ON
“THE REBRAND”
The 2024 season marks a rebrand for the UWA Baseball
team. “The Rebrand” slogan serves as the basis of the fall
practice season and sets the tone for their upcoming season
offering a new look, a new mentality, and a newfound
confidence.
Introducing two new baseball coaches has encouraged
the desire to improve team mentality. The UWA baseball
players are now led by head coach Eric Dubose, former
Orioles pitcher from Butler, Alabama, hitting coach
Cameron Chafetz, and returning pitching coach Brock
Ward.
Braxton Bullard, junior infielder, described “The
Rebrand” as “an attempt for a winning mentality, the
pursuit of positive attitudes for both players and coaches,
an increased work ethic, and a change of culture for the
better.”
To prepare for their season starting in early February,
the baseball players have instituted intra-squad games, or
scrimmages, to practice, get to know their teammates, and
learn the expectations for game day. During practice, the
baseball team puts in hours of hard work to accomplish
their goals, aligning with “The Rebrand.”
In addition to preparing for their approaching season,
players work in anticipation of the annual Dandy Don
World Series, coming in October at Tartt Field.
Bullard describes his confidence in stepping into the new
season with his “rebranded” mindset. He said, “I’m excited
to get the fall season going. We are growing closer as a team
week by week. The new players are stepping up and playing
big roles. We continue to learn about each other, forming
a really great group of guys.”
“The Rebrand” :
an attempt for a winning
mentality, the pursuit of positive
attitudes for both players and
coaches, an increased work ethic,
and a change of culture for the
better.
Photo by Joe Chance
by Shannon McKinstry
40

Page 43

WELCOME HEAD COACH
by Maribeth Gray
Eric Dubose, the new head baseball coach for the UWA
Tigers, wants the University community to know how
much he loves baseball and brings passion for the sport.
He stated, “Baseball has been a staple of my life forever.”
His twelve-year baseball career began at Patrician
Academy in Butler, Alabama. He then went to Mississippi
State and was a stand-out pitcher with an incredible legacy.
He led the pitching staff in strikeouts in all three seasons,
finishing with a career total of 428 KOs. Dubose had a
tremendous sophomore campaign, fanning 175 batters in
133.1 innings. He was then drafted to play for the Orioles
and played with the O’s until 2006. In 2020, DuBose was
inducted into Mississippi State’s Ron Polk Ring of Honor.
After his MLB career, Dubose began a successful coaching
career. He was the head coach at American Christian
Academy in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He recently worked as
director of pitching and player placement with the East
Coast Sox, a summer baseball program that helps lead men
closer to Christ while also helping them excel at baseball.
Coach Dubose brings to the Tigers a unique energy that
he has built upon everywhere he has been.
He exudes an energy that brings life into his players and
talks highly of the men he worked with in the past. He
speaks favorably about former UWA coach Gary Rundles
and the legacy he established.
Dubose wants all his players to know and feel the fun in
the game and reminds them, “There is no losing a game.
We just run out of time.”
First and foremost, Dubose wants to teach his players
how to be good men.
Photo by Brayden Pelkey
ERIC DUBOSE
41uuwwazone.comazone.com

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Page 45

West Alabama Tigers Softball won the GSC Series against
West Florida in April. In the final game, Tiger Softball
defeated West Florida 9-1. West had a total of 7 hits to
score 9 runs. Emily Cowart and Riley Sullivan both hit
home runs to add to those 7 additional hits.
In the first inning, the Tigers scored 4-0 with Cowart’s
triple hit, allowing the other runners to score. Hannah
Mynard’s double hit allowed Sullivan to score to make
the score 4-0. Cowart got a second hit in the third inning,
which was a double, allowing Kailey Hunt to score. In the
sixth inning, Kelsie Gilliam scored.
It has been 10 years since UWA has made it to regionals.
With a 23-1 record at home, their only loss was midweek.
Sweeping every conference series at home created
momentum going into the tournament. The Tigers were
on a great run, getting to the final and only losing 1-0 to
the #4 team in the country.
Head softball coach Stephanie Defeo said, “Replacing 21
home runs for us is tough, but I believe we will be as good
or better with our talent. The expectation this year is not
only just to compete and do well as we did last year. The
expectation is to win the Gulf South Conference, get back
to Regionals, and compete for a national championship.”
by Genesis Prestage
Photo by Jordan Allison
“Replacing 21 homeruns for us
is tough, but I believe with our
talent we will do better.”uuwwazone.comazone.com
43

Page 46

Call Us UWA
Worldwide
Tennis
Cross Country
Track
Baseball
VolleyballBasketballSoccer
21 Countries, 48 Athletes
13
26 22
1
2
2
Contact mdavis@uwa.edu
Interested in STUDY ABROAD?

Page 47

IMC SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mahkayla Young Jarion Rogers
Hometown: York, AL
Major: IMC Graphic Design
Jarion Rogers, known to his friends as "Bear,”
freelances as a sports photographer and videog-
rapher for athletes and athletic teams. Rogers
enjoys turning moments into memories with his
side hustle, Bear Visions Media. Bear appreci-
ates the dedication and skill of athletes, which
shows in his drive to overcome the technical
challenges of shooting in a fast-paced environ-
ment.
Hometown: Ocean Springs, MS
Major: IMC Traditional
In her role as assistant director of football
operations, Mahkayla Young spends much of
her time shooting and editing photographs of
UWA gridiron stars. Driven by athletes' reac-
tions to her photos, her artistic expression
allows her to accurately tell their stories by
documenting and preserving their personal
experiences, one frozen moment at a time.


  
   
 


Page 48

FIND YOUR
SOMETHING.
GET
INVOLVED.
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