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FALL 2025
THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST ALABAMA ATHLETICS

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LETTERFROM
THE
EDITORS
Haysley Gillespie
Production Editor
Madelyn Brasher
Content Editor
Lily Graham
Photo Editor
Anna Fancher
Advertising Editor
Neely Atkinson
Contributing EditorPhotos by CJ Jones

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Cover & Art Design
Haysley Gillespie
Faculty Advisor
Greg Jones, CCA Chair
Cover Photographers
Trey Deason
Trent Spruell
Zone Photographers
Trey Deason
Caroline Philips
Trent Spruell
CHARLES TRIPP
Darrell Redden Jr.
CJ Jones
Faculty Editors
Amanda Gilliland
Amy Jones
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.
In honor of our 10th edition, we are so proud to carry on the
legacy of ZONE Magazine. Each year brings a new team of editors
with fresh ideas and creative energy, but one thing always stays
the same—our love for UWA and the stories that make it special.
This issue celebrates the people, pride, and spirit that define our
campus. Thank you for supporting ZONE through ten incredible
editions. We’re honored to share this milestone with you.
The Editors of ZONE Magazine
THANK YOU
ZONE MAGAZINE 1

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TABLE OF
CONTENTS
READ ALL
PREVIOUS
ISSUESUWAZONE.COM
2

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4
5
6
10
12
16
18
24
26
30
32
36
38
42
44
46
54
MEET THE COACHES
TigEr DNA
MAJOR COMEBACK
BUCKNEr THE BULLPEN
DIAGNOSIS TO DETERMINATION
PASSING THE POM-POM
SERVING UP CULTURES
THE UNEXPECTED rUNNER
HOMETOWN TIgERS
ANOTHEr grIFFIN ON THE FiELD
COACHING FROM COURT TO DUGOUT
rODEO AND REC
SERVING SUCCESS
rUNNING FUEL
SOCCER OVERSEAS
TIgERS AROUND THE WORLD
ATHLETiC SUPERSTITiONS
ZONE MAGAZINE 3

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MEET THE
HEAD COACHES
Scott Cochran
Football
Nick Woodruff
Men's Basketball
Ross Nelson
Men's Soccer
Tiffany Morton
Women's Basketball
Ed Allen
Volleyball
Stephanie DeFeo
Softball
Jeff Beaman
Tennis
Daniel Poole
Rodeo
Sterling Martin
Cross Country
Track & Field
Eric Dubose
Baseball
Sam Wilson
Women's Soccer
UWAZONE.COM
4

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Commitment. Discipline. Effort.
Toughness. Holding up four fingers
represents the foundation implement-
ed in training the UWA Tigers. “And
then that brings in the thumb, which
is your pride. That's your fifth DNA
trait. The pride comes out in the fourth
quarter,” said head football coach
Scott Cochran. He finds himself at the
University of West Alabama after work-
ing at Louisiana State University, the
University of Alabama, and the Univer-
sity of Georgia. His experience working
for coach Nick Saban created heavy
buzz within the UWA community. Scott
Cochran has been serving as the head
coach at UWA for nearly eight months
and he is
cultivating a culture of honesty and
hard work. “Connection is the key. I be-
lieve that you cannot get players to do
anything unless you have a relationship
with them,” said Cochran.
To build this relationship, Cochran
met and talked to each player in
his office when he took over the
position. He stressed that he just
allowed each player to talk about
himself so that he could learn about
them, which was necessary to tailor
their training. Cochran is always hon-
est with the team.
He explained that before the North
Greenville game, insecurity and anxi-
ety kept his head running with doubt.
“I told them, I had a really tough day
today, but this is what I did — I prayed, I
meditated, and I picked up the phone
and told somebody. And when I did
those things, I started to feel better,”
said Cochran.Since he started here,
he’s bonded with the team. “He’s
awesome. I love him. I love the energy
he brought,” said senior quarterback
Spencer Arceneaux. Arceneaux is the
shining example of the success of
Cochran’s teaching. When Arceneaux
started at UWA, he realized he had skills
but lacked the confidence to perform at
his best. “He came in, and that’s imme-
diately what he focused on building my
confidence, and it’s working out,” said
Arceneaux.
Arceneaux was immediately impressed
with Cochran, expressing that Co-
chran’s energy, experience, and knowl-
edge created a productive and exciting
environment for the team to
flourish. “The foundation that he has
already got in place with these
freshmen, they're going to be
spectacular and fun to watch,” said
Arceneaux. “I don't have to motivate
these players to practice,” said
Cochran. He explained that the players
here are hungry for greatness and are
the reason he chose to come to
Livingston. Cochran wants to give his
players the chance to prove themselves
and achieve success.
The DNA model serves as a guiding
principle for the team and a mantra
in the fourth quarter, when pressure
is at its breaking point and
exhaustion sets in. “A lot of
teams across the country now,
whenever the fourth quarter
comes up, they put their fours
up, and it means something,”
said Cochran. Cochran takes it
beyond the field,encouraging
players to apply DNA princi-
ples to all their endeavors.
“Your vocabulary matters. Your
actions matter,” said Cochran.
For Cochran, coaching is more
than wins — it’s a way to foster
young men. “Success for me is
seeing kids come back, turned
into men,” said Cochran.“I think
these freshmen, by the time
they leave here, if they all stay
here and they just allow him to
develop them, they'll be fine
young men,” said Arceneaux.
“We won't flinch, no matter
what the scoreboard says; we
continue to play our best,” said
Cochran.
As of October 4, 2025, the
UWA Tigers are the only unde-
feated team in Alabama. So,
this Homecoming, and at all
games, put your fours up and
remember to add your thumb
to support our Tigers!
“And then that
brings in the
thumb, which is
your pride. That's
your fifth DNA
trait. the pride
comes out in the
fourth quarter”
TIGER DNA
By Trinity Cates
“I told them, I had a really
tough day today, but this
is what I did — I prayed, I
meditated, and I picked up
the phone and told some-
body. And when I did those
things, I started to feel
better”Photos by Trent Spruell
ZONE MAGAZINE 5

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MAJOR COMEBACKBy Trinity Cates
"It was an emergency situation, and if it was to go
on for any longer," said UWA athletic trainer
JoAnna Simon, "he was at risk of losing his legs.
That's how serious it was."
Acute bilateral compartment syndrome is usually
associated with traumatic accidents, such as a
car crash. In January, however, running back and
graduate student Contravious Blanks found himself
in the hospital with this serious condition in his legs
after working out.
Bilateral compartment syndrome happens when
too much pressure builds up inside the muscles
of both legs or arms simultaneously. This pres-
sure cuts off blood flow and squeezes the nerves,
causing severe pain, swelling, and numbness. If
not treated quickly, it can lead to lasting muscle or
nerve damage.
He stayed in the hospital for a week. "It was very
surprising," said Simon. "He said he felt like he had
shin splints. I thought that's not uncommon, from
ramping back up into activity after being off for the
Christmas break," she said.
But something wasn't right. No amount of treat-
ment was helping Blanks. Blanks was rushed to the
hospital at 10:00 a.m. "I was kind of shocked. I just
thought they'd give me a shot," Blanks said. "As
soon as I got there, I went straight into surgery," he
said.
After being informed by UWA staff of what had
happened, Constance Blanks, Contravious Blanks'
mother, rushed to UAB St. Vincent's, where the
football player was taken. "When he saw me, he
cried. We hugged and embraced. I prayed over
him," said Mrs. Blanks. While Blanks was in the
hospital recovering, his family, friends, team-
mates, and coaches supported him during
this difficult time. "He was really quiet,
wasn't talking about it. I told him, 'I'm your
mom. We are not going to sit up in here
and set up depression. I know you're hurt
because of football, but guess what? Minor set-
back for a major comeback," said Mrs. Blanks.
Blanks showed incredible resilience and
drive to get better. Even in those first
seven days, he tried to start walking again.
"We pray and read daily, all through the
day," said Mrs. Blanks. "We tried to en-
courage him and push him every day," she
said. After surgery came the rehabilitation
process. Blanks was required to use a walker
after being discharged. "I lost a lot of flexibility.
I had to relearn how to walk," said Blanks. Blanks
and his mother commuted multiple times a week
from Butler, AL, for training on campus, while Si-
mon, there every step of the way, commuted from
Tuscaloosa, AL.
Mrs. Blanks set and stayed to a routine, arriving in
Livingston every morning at 9:00 a.m. for her son's
physical therapy. And after the treatment, Blanks
still attended his class at 11:00 a.m. "She drove me
up here when I couldn't really do it for myself. She
would push me every day. She really took care of
me while I was down," said Blanks.
The training was not easy. "When the rehab got a
little tough, some days I really wanted to quit, but
I just had to keep it in my mind why I had to get
back," said Blanks.
"The biggest concern was his nerves,
because nerves take a long time to heal.
He was not supposed to be playing with
how severe his injury was," said Simon.
Blanks, Simon, and the athletic staff
at UWA worked hard to get him
back on his feet. In April, it paid off.
"We are so grateful and
thankful to God Almighty.
without him, this would not
be possible."
"he was at risk of losing his
legs. That's how serious it
was."
UWAZONE.COM
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"She would sit
outside in the lobby.
I remember the first day
that he walked without the
walker, and she was standing at
the door, and she saw him and
me, and she started crying," said
Simon, being brought to tears
herself by the memory.
Blanks was approved to play in
August through hard work and de-
votion, even when training became
tough. And at the first home game,
Blanks caught a pass from Spencer
Arceneaux ran the ball to the end-
zone. Legs once wrapped up ran
freely to score a touchdown.
"We yelled and hollered—so much
excitement. We had a lot of family
there, aunties, uncles, and cousins.
Everybody was at the game," said
Mrs. Blanks. "He told me later, 'I
had to get to the end zone. I had to
get there. It was just right there,'"
she shared.
Blank's passion for the game
pushed him to overcome compart-
ment syndrome. With the support
of his family, teammates, and the
UWA community, he returned to
playing, led his team to victory,
and earned an athletic scholar-
ship."We are so grateful and thank-
ful to God Almighty," said Mrs.
Blanks. "Without Him, this would
not be possible."Photos by Trent Spruell
ZONE MAGAZINE 7

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Proudly Supports the
University of West Alabama

Page 11

Page 12

BUCKNER
Judah Buckner’s senior year on the
mound for the University of West
Alabama looked like something out of
a coach’s dream. “He was the anchor
to our bullpen,” said head baseball
coach Eric Dubose. The right-handed
reliever from Starkville, MS, turned
nearly every late inning into a sure
thing and capped the Tigers’ best
season since 2017 with national
recognition. “Judah was the ultimate
competitor,” said Dubose.
In 20 appearances, Buckner posted a
1.99 ERA and a 0.79 WHIP, striking out
33 batters in 22.2 innings. He allowed
only five earned runs all season and
didn’t give up a
single home
run.
Opponents managed just seven hits
against him. Buckner also led the
team with six saves, giving the Tigers
a weapon that kept them alive in
every postseason game. The honors
followed. Buckner was named First
Team All-South Region by both the
National Collegiate Baseball Writers
Association and ABCA/Rawlings.
He earned First Team All-Gulf South
Conference honors and finished
his career as an NCBWA Third Team
All-American — the first UWA pitcher
to earn All-America status since 2017.
Buckner’s reliability on the mound
quickly made him one of the Tigers’
most trusted arms. “Judah became
a lockdown presence out of the
bullpen,” UWA athletics staff member
Austin Christian shared in a press
release.
Buckner’s path to the spotlight was a
gradual one. After transferring from
Northwest Mississippi Community
College, he battled through a 7.30
ERA in 2024. One year later, he cut
that number by more than five
runs. The difference, he said earlier
in the year, came from a stronger
offseason routine and trust in his
slider.
His best work came when the stakes
were highest. Buckner helped UWA
claim its first Gulf South Conference
title in a decade and reach the NCAA
South Region Championship
elimination round. The Tigers finished
32–25 before falling 6–5 to Delta State
in a ninth-inning rally. Buckner took
the loss in that game, but his team-
mates said he was the reason they
got that far. Off the field, Buckner
balanced baseball with academics. He
made both the UWA President’s and
Dean’s lists while majoring in business
administration. Coach Dubose said
their relationship went far beyond
the game. “I have known Judah since
he was 15 years old and love him like
he is my own,” he said. “Judah is a
thinker."
That means he wants to know any-
thing and everything about anything
and everything. He threw a nasty
breaking ball and then went on to ask
the catcher and everyone else what
they thought. I told Judah he could
only ask two more questions the rest
of the bullpen, and he asked why only
two, and my response was, ‘You now
only have one question,'" he recalled.
For his career, Buckner appeared in
27 games for the Tigers, pitching 35
innings with 53 strikeouts and a 3.86
ERA — more than half of those innings
coming during his dominant senior
season. His impact, though, reached
far beyond the stat sheet. Coaches
and teammates alike described him
as a leader whose work ethic set the
tone for others. Dubose stated, “I am
truly a better coach and person for my
time with my Judah Buckner.”
Now that he has finished his college
career, Buckner leaves UWA with
more than just awards. He leaves a
standard — one that future Tigers
will measure themselves against, and
one that turned a good bullpen into
one of the Gulf South Conference’s
best. “UWA baseball is better because
of Judah,” said Dubose. “We always
talk about the legacy we are going
to leave behind, and what Judah left
is a representation of what it looks
like to serve God and compete at the
highest,” he added.
BULLPENThe By Cody Kanaday
Photo by Darrell Redden Jr.
" UWA baseball is
better because
of Judah"
" He was the
anchor to our
bullpen"
UWAZONE.COM
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WORDS
OF
WEST 11
22
33 44
55
66
77
88
99
1010
Across
3. There is something about this place
4. UWA's Nickname
6. The historic tower located near Bibb Graves Hall
8. UWA's intercollegiate athletics website: uwa__.com
9. UWA's official athletic conference
10. Annual UWA event celebrating Tiger pride and alumni
Down
1. UWA's school colors are red and __
2. UWA's mascot
5. The UWA President
6. A famous UWA Alumni and NFL player Malcolm __
7. The city where UWA is located
ZONE MAGAZINE 11

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DIAGNOSIS TO
DETERMINATION By Madelyn Brasher
Drums are booming. Lights are flashing.
Batons are twirling. The crowd watches
intently during the marching band per-
formances, where each member concen-
trates on the musical beats. To most,
this performance is simply the product
of practice and hard work. But to Elyse
Dean, it’s proof that she does not let
a brain condition define her life or her
abilities. “I try to have a good attitude
about the activities that I do because
I know how quickly they can be taken
away,” she said.
Dean is from Reform, AL, and is a junior
studying mathematics with a minor in STEM
education through the UWA Teach program.
From an early age, she dreamed of becoming
a majorette. She received her first baton at
just three years old from her aunt, opening
the gateway to her college career with the
UWA Tigerettes. “It is something I’ve always
wanted to do, and I’ve always wanted to do
it here [UWA] because both of my parents
went here,” said Dean. Leading up to college,
she not only participated in the marching
band but also played basketball, volleyball,
softball, and cheered. Her active lifestyle,
however, took a drastic turn during her sixth-
grade year.
After experiencing a series of severe head-
aches and fatigue, Dean was diagnosed with
Chiari Malformation, a brain condition that
affects the size of the brain and spinal fluid
pressure. For her mother, Vanessa Dean, the
diagnosis was “a relief.” She recalled the doc-
tor’s words, “It will never be over, but it’s not
fatal,” clearly to this day. In Dean’s case, her
brain’s natural swelling created severe
pressure in her head, causing migraines,
fatigue, and depth perception issues.
Compared to a typical case, though,
her condition was relatively asymp-
tomatic, but definitely severe.
At the end of sixth grade, Dean
underwent brain surgery to help
regulate spinal fluid pressure. Her
active lifestyle came to a halt as she
recovered. She had to take a pause
from band, twirling, and basketball.
While discouraging at the time, she
quickly got back on her feet and be-
came involved in athletics again.
Even after healing, Dean still lives with the
“She has
limitations,
but she
doesn’t
allow them
to limit her.”
UWAZONE.COM
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knowledge that a sudden fluid pocket burst in her
spine could cause paralysis. Still, this possibility
hasn’t stopped her from doing what she loves.
In fact, it has only motivated her more. While the
thought of paralysis can be daunting, she insists she
is not allowing that to affect the way that she lives.
Her college career has been more than just success-
ful. Dean has been a Tigerette for the three years she
has been at UWA and now serves as team captain.
She has also joined the spring cheer team, further
pushing herself to be the best she can be. “She has
limitations, but she doesn’t allow them to limit her,”
says Vanessa Dean.
Dr. Tyler Strickland, director of bands, has seen her
determination firsthand. He first met Dean during
her senior year of high school and remembers her
for her humor and light-heartedness. He describes
her as “extremely hard working and very dedicated.”
When it comes to performances, he was never
worried. “I wasn’t concerned because she wasn’t
concerned,” he said. Elyse’s confidence and perse-
verance have allowed her to continuously enjoy a
fulfilling band experience. When the band takes the
field and he crowd leans in, Dean steps forward with
confidence, her story unfolding in every baton she
throws. What she carries with her is not limitation,
but perspective. She reminds those who have faced
hardship to “let it be a chapter of your story, not
your whole book.”Photos by Trent Spruell
"it WIll NEVER BE
OVER, BUT it'S NOT
FATAL."
ZONE MAGAZINE 13

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Page 18

Passing the
pom-pom By David Banks
When University of West Alabama senior Avery
Emory walks into Tiger Stadium, she feels a rush
of pride that goes far beyond game day. For her, it’s
about more than stunts and cheers. It’s about
honoring the woman who stood in the same place
years before. That woman is her mother, Bridgette
“Lil” Emory, a former Livingston University and
UWA cheerleader whose spirit and legacy continue to
shine through her daughter’s journey.
Lil was one of the brightest and most spirited repre-
sentatives of LU at the time. However, she didn’t plan
for it to be her forever home at first.
“I decided to go to Livingston because it was close
to home,” she recalled. “I thought I would get some
basics out of the way before transferring. We all know
there’s something about this place, and I ended up
not transferring,” she said.
That “something” has a way of keeping people around
— a blend of small-town charm, loyal friendships
and a campus community that feels like family. For
Lil, cheering for LU became more than a college
activity. It became a defining chapter in her life. It’s
where she learned resilience, teamwork, and the joy
of being part of something bigger than herself.
Now, decades later, she gets to watch her daughter
carry that same pride.“I am very proud that Avery
cheers at the same university that I did,” she said. “I
love watching her cheer, almost as much as I loved
cheering,” she said.
Lil’s first-time seeing Avery on the field was
emotional, to say the least.“The first time I saw her
in uniform, I cried,” she admitted. “The feelings
were overwhelming — joy, excitement, worry and
pride. When I cheered, I wasn’t fearful, but
watching your own child perform brings a
different kind of anxiety. Knowing the injuries
my teammates and I had does make me nervous
sometimes. It’s different when it’s your baby. I just
pray, push those thoughts away and enjoy
watching my girl do what she loves,” she shared.
Avery grew up surrounded by cheerleading. Her
mom owned a gym and coached her from the
time she was a toddler, instilling in her not only
the fundamentals but also deeper values of
discipline, teamwork and leadership.
“My mom has always been my favorite coach,”
Avery said. “She’s taught me everything I
know. I watched her lead with kindness and
patience, but she always knew when enough
was enough,” she recalled. That blend of
compassion and confidence inspired Avery
to follow in her mother’s footsteps. When
it came time to choose a college, she didn’t
have to look far.
“Her experience was the whole reason I
decided to even come to West Alabama,”
she said. For Avery, stepping into the same
role her mother once held is both an honor
and a responsibility. “Wearing the same
uniform as my mom holds me to a higher
standard,” she said. “It makes me want to bring
my best to the program, to better it for alumni and
for future cheerleaders to come,” she said.
Over the years, the cheer program at UWA has
evolved, growing in visibility, athleticism, and spirit.
The traditions remain, but the techniques, training,
and expectations have expanded. Lil watched that
transformation with admiration.
“I LOVE WATCHING
HER CHEER, ALMOST
AS MUCH AS I LOVED
CHEERING"
UWAZONE.COM
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Page 19

“The program has definitely changed since I cheered. While
there are many differences, these changes still support our
university and cheer on our Tigers,” she said.
Both mother and daughter share an unshakable pride in
representing UWA, a pride rooted in more than just school colors.
For Lil, it’s the tenacity and teamwork she hopes Avery carries
forward. “I hope she takes away the values of perseverance,
adaptability, teamwork and, most importantly, lasting
friendships,” she said. As Avery prepares to graduate, she
already dreams about continuing the Emory cheer tradition
one day. “If I have a daughter, I’d absolutely want her to cheer
at UWA,” she said with a smile. “Let’s just say she’ll be in
tumbling classes as soon as she starts walking — or even out in
the yard with me and her grandmother,” she said.
For both women, cheering is more than a sport. It’s a living legacy,
one that connects past and present, reminding them that UWA isn’t
just where their story began but where it continues to grow. The
Emorys embody what it means to bleed red and white. It’s not just
spirit, it’s tradition, passion, and love that echo across decades.Photos by Trent Spruell
“MY MOM HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY
FAVORITE COACH"
ZONE MAGAZINE 17

Page 20

Serving Up CultureS
By Sophia Papania
With several international players joining the ros-
ter and a new head coach at the helm, UWA Vol-
leyball is developing a program where elite-level
talent, cultural diversity, and professional experi-
ence raise the standard of play.
Among these international standouts is Klára
Bobánová, a dynamic outside hitter from Bratisla-
va, Slovakia, whose career started at 11. By age
15, she quickly evolved to compete in the highest
league in her home country, balancing the de-
mands of being a student athlete at the highest
level. "It was challenging, but worth it," Bobánová
said. "You had less time for yourself but were get-
ting better at something you love," she said.
Bobánová's transition to West Alabama was mo-
tivated by her goal to pursue her education while
continuing her volleyball development. "Bringing
my international experience here is beneficial for
me, others, and this school," she explained. As a
captain, she embraces her leadership role while
adapting to the
volleyball culture of America. "Everyone
can learn something. I am growing as a
leader in my new role every day," she
said.
KB Kinney, an Alabama native, has felt
the positive impact of this international
mix. Starting her career in the seventh
grade, she reached new heights during her
club seasons. Recruited initially as a setter,
Kinney pivoted to becoming a hitter halfway
through her freshman year, giving her a new
insight into the game.
"You had less time for yourself
but were getting better at
something you love"
UWAZONE.COM
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"I was nervous at first playing
alongside international talent,
but they motivate me to become
a better player daily," Kinney said.
"Their technique is almost perfect in
everything they do; it is refreshing to
watch."
Head coach Ed Allen, with over 700
wins and decades of experience,
recognizes the impact these players
have brought to the program. "The
volleyball IQ is much greater," Allen
observed. "They have the ability to
play the game and understand the
game within the game. They are
competitive savvy," he said.
The blend of local and international
talent fosters a unique atmosphere,
strengthening the team's chemistry.
"There is not one person who has off
vibes; we have all bonded really well
and become family," Kinney noted.
"With Bobánová, her energy is in-
sane and lifts the spirits of everyone
around her," she said.
The cultural blend has created an
environment that benefits everyone.
"We are all learning from each other,
not just volleyball skills but differ-
ent personalities and upbringings,"
Kinney said.
Allen sees this diversity as a signif-
icant benefit. She said, "When you
have people with such diverse back-
grounds, it broadens the knowledge
of everyone around them. Anytime
you live outside your comfort zone,
growth happens."
As this diverse group of Tigers takes
the court, they redefine what it
means to represent UWA. Imple-
menting international talent has
transformed this program into
something greater. "Representing
West Alabama is really important
to me wherever I go, because it will
draw people in," Kinney emphasized.
Bobánová shares that she wants "to
leave a good name behind and let
people around the world know UWA
has a good athletic program where
they can feel at home." With Allen's
leadership and this unique blend of
talent, West Alabama volleyball is
positioned to make its mark region-
ally and beyond.
"Everyone can learn
something. I am
growing as a leader
in my new role
every day"
"The volleyball IQ is
much greater"
"They have the ability to
play the game and
understand the Game
within the game. They are
competitive savvy"Photos by Trent Spruell
ZONE MAGAZINE 19

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Page 25

UWA
Student Exchange
EXPLORE
The World

Page 26

The
UNEXPECTED
Runner
Athlete Augusta Arnold has balanced
academics and athletics by rewriting
school history with two new records
in the 400-meter dash and achieving
one of the highest academic honors.
She has proved that determination
defines success both on the track and
in the classroom.
Arnold's athletic story does not follow
the traditional student-athlete path.
When she first arrived at UWA in the
fall of 2021, she was a walk-on for the
women’s basketball team. Running
track was not anywhere on her mind.
That all changed when she agreed to
help the cross country and track
program by filling a roster spot so
other athletes could qualify for meets.
What started as a simple favor quickly
grew into so much more.
“It was also an outlet,” Arnold
explained. “I thought it would help
me with my basketball conditioning
and, you know, make me a more
well-rounded player on the court, but
I ended up falling in love with
everything about running,” she said.
That love has gotten her far in her
cross country and track career. During
her second year on the team, Arnold
had already left her mark on the track
program and the University. She set
her first school record of 56.19 sec-
onds in the 400-meter dash at the
Mike McMillan Twilight Meet.
She followed it up with another
record-breaking performance of 56.13
seconds in the 400-meter dash at the
Gulf South Conference. While at the
GSC, she was also named the GSC
Champion Scholar-Athlete.
For Arnold, the record-breaking
moment at the GSC was not just for
her. One of her favorite memories as a
Tiger was celebrating that day along-
side her teammates.
“Seeing the excitement on their faces
and sharing that moment with them
is something I’ll never forget,” stated
Arnold.It is a moment her team-
mates hold on to as well.
“I thought it would help me
with my basketball
conditioning and, you
know, make me a
more well-rounded
player on the
court, But I
ended up
falling in love
with
everything
about
running”
By Anna Fancher
UWAZONE.COM
24

Page 27

Former men’s cross country captain and long-
time teammate Jayson Lynch saw firsthand how
Arnold’s dedication to the sport translated into
achievements. “We trained closely together, and I
got to see her grow a lot as a person and runner,”
said Lynch. “She’s not going to give you her bare
minimum. She is always going to give you 110%
and go that extra mile,” he said.
Current cross-country runner Jentzen Moore has
also witnessed that growth, watching Arnold from
her beginner stages to her record-breaking stage.
“It’s crazy because she went from hardly knowing
anything and training in basketball shoes. Now,
she knows every little detail. She’ll even come to
me about new things I didn’t even know,” Moore
said.
That commitment reflects Arnold’s track career
and her academic accomplishments. This past
May, Arnold graduated with a bachelor’s degree in
Cellular and Molecular Biology, earning the Ralph
M. Lyon Award for Academic Excellence, which is
presented each semester to the undergraduate
student with the highest GPA.
But she does not stop there. Arnold is currently
enrolled in the nursing program at UWA to earn her
second bachelor’s degree. She eventually plans to
pursue her master’s degree and become a nurse
practitioner. Arnold’s drive has taken her from a
walk-on basketball player to a record-breaking
runner, and from one bachelor’s degree to another.
Through it all, she has become an example of what
it means to be a true student-athlete at UWA.
Her story is a reminder that it is okay to embrace
new opportunities, push beyond expectations, and
give everything you have because impact is not
always built by sticking to the original plan. And for
Augusta Arnold, her story is still being written one
stride and one record at a time.Photos by Trent Spruell
ZONE MAGAZINE 25

Page 28

HOMETOWN
TIGERS By Ashtin Kizziah-Pate
For Kendall and Ava LaCoste, the University of West
Alabama isn’t just where they play, it’s where they
grew up, where they belong, and where their story
continues. The sisters, both from Livingston, once
watched Tiger athletes from the stands. Now, they
wear the jerseys themselves. Kendall is a senior guard
for UWA women’s basketball, and Ava is a freshman
defensive specialist for UWA volleyball. Choosing to
stay in their hometown was more than just for conve-
nience. For the LaCoste sisters, family and commu-
nity shaped their decision and continue to fuel their
drive.
“I grew up watching these games and always dreamed
of playing here,” Kendall said. “Staying close to fam-
ily was the biggest reason. In the back of my mind, I
could not really see myself anywhere else,” she said.
Ava echoed that sentiment, recalling how she looked
up to Tiger athletes since she was 10 years old. “It’s
surreal now to be the one out there playing,” Ava said.
“I started going to camps here when I was young, and
now little kids come to watch us. It makes me want to
be a good role model,” she said.
Kendall, in her final season, balances academics,
practices, and leadership with the awareness of how
fast four years can pass. “Time management has been
my biggest challenge. You’ve got to plan for school,
practice, and still find space to work on your own,”
she said. Her advice to Ava is simple. “Enjoy this sea-
son. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. You have
worked hard to get here, so just play the game and
enjoy it,” she said.
Ava is learning the rhythm of college athletics for
the first time. Between practices, weights, travel, and
study hall, she admits the hardest adjustment has
been finding time for herself and friends. Still, she’s
energized by the chance to help UWA volleyball grow.
“I definitely hope to win the conference champion-
ship, make the tournament, and eventually get to
NCAAs,” Ava said.
Women’s basketball head coach Tiffany Morton said
Kendall’s impact reaches beyond the court. “It’s an
honor to represent your hometown at a university,
and Kendall does a phenomenal job of that,” Morton
said. “She is on top of everything academically, she
gives back through community service, and she has
been a constant for us even as our roster changed. She
wants to leave her legacy here at UWA, and she has
worked every day to put this program in a position to
be successful,” she shared.
“ I grew up watching these games and
always dreamed of playing here”
“ She shows up every day prepared to work
hard and looks around to see where she can
be productive for the team”
UWAZONE.COM
26

Page 29

Photos by Trent Spruell
Morton added that hometown play-
ers strengthen community pride.
“When you have the support of a
community, you build a true home-
court advantage,” she said. “Kendall
is a great representation of Living-
ston and of Alabama. She’s down-
to-earth, humble, willing to grind
it out, and an absolute competitor.
She doesn’t want to lose at anything,
whether it’s practice or who gets in
the gym first. That competitiveness
and commitment are what set the
tone for her teammates,” she said.
Volleyball head coach Ed Allen sees
similar traits in Ava. “We joke about
her being the hometown hero,”
Allen said. “She’s such a terrific kid
to coach. She’s got an unbelievable
personality, she works hard, and
she does all the things that make
her an excellent teammate. I’m sure
it’s been great for her family to be
able to watch her daily and see her
matches so comfortably,” he said.
Allen said Ava’s leadership shows
in both athletics and academics.
“She shows up every day prepared
to work hard and looks around to
see where she can be productive for
the team,” he said. “We were travel-
ing recently and one of our players
needed help with math — way above
my pay grade — and Ava was right
there walking her through it. That’s
who she is. She’s a giver, always
ready to help, whether it’s passing a
ball or figuring out an equation,” he
said.
Though they play different sports,
the bond between the LaCoste sis-
ters runs deep. Ava admires Ken-
dall’s composure. “She does not let
things get to her. She is tough and
competitive, and she always gets
things done,” she said.
Kendall laughed, recalling their fiery
high school days. “We were both so
competitive. Sometimes it ended
with both of us getting taken out,”
she said. Now, they see the gift of
having someone who understands
the grind. “You always have some-
one to talk to outside your own
sport. That makes a difference,”
Kendall said.
For the LaCoste sisters, UWA ath-
letics is more than competition.
“It’s the close-knit community,”
Kendall said. “Professors come to
games, teammates support each
other. It really is a family atmo-
sphere,” she added. Values also
ground their journey. “I just want
to be remembered for showing a
light to others, being kind, and
giving glory to Him,” Kendall said.
Ava added, “It is about working
hard and being a light, whether
that’s teammates, classmates, or
kids in the community.”
UWA athletic director Brett
Gilliland said the LaCoste sisters
embody Tiger pride. “When ath-
letes like Kendall and Ava choose
to stay home and compete here,
it strengthens the bond between
our university and this communi-
ty,” Gilliland said. “Their dedica-
tion and commitment show that
UWA can be a place where family,
values, and athletics come togeth-
er. They’ve brought leadership,
passion, and a sense of pride that
goes beyond wins and losses,”
he said. As Kendall prepares for
a future in teaching and coach-
ing, and Ava dreams of cham-
pionship runs, both remain
grounded in the same truth.
UWA gave them more than a
team. It gave them a stage to
honor their family, sport, and
hometown. “It is going by so
quickly. I am just grateful for
every opportunity this game has
given me,” Kendall said.
ZONE MAGAZINE 27

Page 30

Page 31

Page 32

Another Griffin
On The Field By Haysley Gillespie
Leadership isn't just spoken, it's embodied. On the
soccer field, some players demand respect through
skill, while others through intensity. For Oisín Griffin,
it's both. Arriving in Livingston as a graduate student,
Griffin has quickly distinguished himself as more than
just another athlete following in his brother's foot-
steps. He has become a captain, a strategist, and, in
many ways, a coach on the field.
Griffin framed his decision to leave Ireland not as a
leap into the unknown but as a continuation of
something familiar. "I wanted to play in America at
some stage in my life, and I wanted to get my mas-
ter's, so it was a great opportunity to do both," he
explained. While his journey was personal, the path
was also paved by his older brother, Killian Griffin. He
played four years at the University of West Alabama,
earning the captain's armband and leaving an unde-
niable mark on the program.
His family connection made Oisín's transition seem
natural. Head coach Ross Nelson described the
process: "We have a friend back home with an
agency, and Killian had signed with him a
few years previously. That's how we
found Oisín. He had already been
here, knew what it was like, and
worked under the coaching staff.
So, I think it was an easy deci-
sion for Oisín to make," he said.
The Griffin legacy wasn't just
about connection, though. It was
about trust. Killian's loyalty to the
program, his reputation as a hard
worker, and his rise to captaincy had
already proven that a Griffin could thrive
in Livingston. For Oisín, the challenge
was carving out his own identity while
carrying that torch forward.
The similarities between the two
brothers are strikingly evident. Both are
known for their aggressive and physical
playing styles. "They even kind of look
similar," Nelson noted with a laugh. "But
Oisín is a little stronger defensively, while
Killian was very good going forward, joining the
attack," he said. Still, Oisín's maturity as a graduate
student has given him a different presence. While
Killian needed time to grow into his role, Oisín arrived
with a clear focus, already balancing academics,
athletics, and leadership responsibilities. Oisín shines
" I THINK LOYALTY WILL
TAKE YOU FURTHER
THAN ANYTHING IN LIFE"Photo by Charles Tripp
UWAZONE.COM
30

Page 33

most in leadership. Nelson compared him to an
extension of the coaching staff on the field. "He's a
leader on and off the field, holds people account-
able, and sets examples in the classroom. He's
in our leadership group, he's a captain, and he
reflects what we want every single day," he said.
Of course, carrying the Griffin name comes with
weight. The natural question is whether Oisín feels
pressure living up to Killian's legacy. His coach
admitted it's complicated. "I have a brother as
well, so I know how competitive it is. It's probably
in the back of his mind. But Oisín is just competi-
tive by nature. Wherever you put him, he's going to
compete," he said. Oisín himself echoed that spirit,
recalling how he and Killian used to put on
boxing gloves and fight as kids. That drive hasn't
left him. It has simply evolved into something
more disciplined and purposeful.
In fact, Oisín's maturity has allowed him to carve
out his own identity within the program. Being
handed the captaincy role signaled that he wasn't
just "Killian's brother." He became his own leader,
shaping the team's mentality and accountability.
Nelson emphasized, "He reflects what we want as
a staff. He's really taken that on board and done a
great job with it," he said.
Beyond soccer, Oisín has already started
preparing for the future. Last spring, he interned
with the university's strength and conditioning de-
partment, building on prior experience in Ireland
working with athletes in rehabilitation. His
academic focus in exercise science has only
deepened his understanding of the body and
performance, making coaching the next step. As
his coach put it, "He really ticks the boxes for what
it would take to be a good coach. He's trustworthy,
loyal, and has the mentality to improve every
single day."
The bigger question now is what kind of legacy
Oisín will leave. Nelson admitted it's too early to
say for sure. It may depend on the results at the
end of the season. What is clear, though, is that
Oisín has already left a mark on leadership and
loyalty. In a time when loyalty in college
athletics is increasingly rare, the Griffin brothers
have embodied it. "I think loyalty will take you
further than anything in life," Nelson said. "That's
one of my core values, and both Killian and Oisín
have shown it here," he said. For Oisín, the story
is still being written. Whether through victories on
the field or his future in coaching, he is proof that
leadership is more than a role. It's a presence, a
standard, and a legacy carried forward with inten-
sity, loyalty, and vision.
" I WANTED TO PLAY
IN AMERICA AT SOME STAGE
IN MY LIFE, AND I WANTED
TO GET MY MASTER'S, SO IT
WAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY
TO DO BOTH"Photo by Trent Spruell
ZONE MAGAZINE 31

Page 34

COACHING FROM
COURT TO DUGOUT By Anna Fancher
Every coach dreams of making an
impact beyond the game. For the
University of West Alabama men's
basketball coach Nick Wood-
ruff, that dream came to life this
summer, but not on the hardwood
floor.
Woodruff, who spends a lot of his
time pacing the college sidelines,
traded sneakers for cleats and a
playbook for a lineup card this
past summer when he stepped
into the dugout to help lead his
10-year-old son's basketball team.
What started as a volunteer oppor-
tunity a few years ago evolved into
a remarkable run that culminated
in the Babe Ruth World Series in
Vincennes, Indiana.
"Four years ago, I was kind of
volun-told," Woodruff said with a
laugh. "But we've got an unbeliev-
able group of other coaches and
parents. They call me the head
coach, but really it takes a village,"
he said.
That village helped guide the
team through a storybook season.
The 10 years old or younger team
claimed both the subdistrict and
district championships before
finishing as state runners-up. The
players thought their season had
ended there until they learned that
the top two teams advanced to
the Southwest Regional. Woodruff
remembered how quickly momen-
tum shifted.
"I put a message out to the par-
ents, and it was unanimous —
'Let's play. Let's go," he said.
The decision paid off. In an
exciting bottom of the sixth inning
rally, the Sumter County 10U
came back from an 8-3 trail to
beat Roanoke, the same team that
beat them in the state finals. That
walk-off win gave Sumter County
its first-ever regional champion-
ship and punched its ticket to the
World Series.
The experience tested Woodruff in
new ways. "There's a lot of moving
parts in baseball that you have to
maneuver and figure out along the
way," he said. "It's much different
from basketball," he said.
Once on the national stage, the
team continued its remarkable
run. Woodruff's team beat teams
from Hawaii and Washington, then
pulled off an intense 11-inning,
four-hour win against Puerto Rico,
which set a World Series record.
The Sumter County 10U team
concluded their season with an
overall record of 23-3, missing
their first two days of the new
school year.
For Woodruff, the journey wasn't
just about the wins and losses.
"There's a lot of
moving parts in
baseball that you
have to
maneuver and
figure out along
the way"
UWAZONE.COM
32

Page 35

"More so than anything, you just
try to remind yourself that they're
10 and that it's just a game," he
said. "Even coming back to bas-
ketball, you remind yourself that
it is just a game at times. You want
these young men to enjoy it, love it,
and have fun with it," he said.
That perspective echoes his broad-
er philosophy of coaching. "It's
about the impact you have on peo-
ple," he said. "It gives my players
the opportunity to have one more
adult in their life that they can call
for anything," he said.
His wife Kristen Woodruff has seen
that impact firsthand. "Nick is
consistent in both his professional
life and personal life," she said.
"He's driven. He's involved. He's
present. He genuinely cares about
the people he's around," she said.
Kristen noted that whether he's
coaching college athletes or
10-year-olds, his expectations stay
the same. "The biggest thing with
him is accountability. He doesn't
care if you're 10 or 22, you're going
to be held accountable, and the
10U team responded very well to
that over the summer," she said.
Her favorite memory from the
World Series came after the first
win. She said, "It was like, 'Alright,
we belong.' I think that gave the
boys the confidence to go out there
and compete."
For Steven, Nick, and Kristen's son,
who played shortstop and pitched
for the 10U team, the journey was
marked by lessons and laughter.
He recalled some of his dad's
advice: "Be a leader and lead your
team to victory." He also
remembered one of the lighter
moments. "He had to wear
baseball pants. They were too
short at first, and then he had to
get a new pair, and they were a
little long. There were just a lot of
funny things about it because all
of the coaches had to wear them,"
she said.
Though the spotlight often shone
on Woodruff, he's quick to credit
others. Both he and Kristen
emphasized the support of fellow
coaches, parents, and the
community. Without them, he said,
the run wouldn't have been
possible.
From subdistrict champions to
World Series competitors, the
journey proved more than a
once-in-a-lifetime summer for the
Woodruffs. It was a reminder that
coaching, whether in the gym or on
the diamond, is about more than
strategy and wins. It's about
building confidence, creating last-
ing memories, and leaving a lasting
impact that lasts long after the
game ends.
" BE A LEADER AND
LEAD YOUR TEAM TO
VICTORY." " NICK IS CONSISTENT
IN BOTH HIS
PROFESSIONAL LIFE
AND PERSONAL LIFE"
Photos by Trent Spruell
ZONE MAGAZINE 33

Page 36

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Page 37

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Page 38

The dirt of the rodeo arena wasn’t enough for the
University of West Alabama Rodeo team. Deter-
mined to prove their grit, the Tigers carried their
competitive edge onto the intramural softball
field and left with a championship trophy. What
started as a stress-relief activity transformed into
an event that promoted teamwork and collective
support among teammates.
The rodeo team achieved its goal by winning the
intramural softball championship during the pre-
vious season. The victory brought Clarke Gordon
greater satisfaction than a typical softball win,
since he sought to prove his team’s worth to those
who viewed them as “just cowboys.”
“If you watch our crew play softball, you probably
wouldn’t expect us to win much,” Gordon joked.
“But I think sheer competitiveness is what got us
the trophy,” he said.
Gordon brings the same drive to the pitching
mound as the roping box. He handles high-stress
situations through two basic methods, those
being concentration and energy management.
“Everybody gets butterflies,” he said. “When
someone attempts to disturb you, there are two
possible reactions. You can allow them to destroy
you, or you can transform their efforts into
personal growth. I choose the second,” he said.
The rodeo athletes demonstrate a level of
commitment that extends beyond school sports
competition. Sydney Poole competes at the top
level as a barrel racer and breakaway roper while
balancing school, work, and intense training. She
achieved her most satisfying victory when she
became the All-Around Champion of the Ozark
Region. Through her rodeo experience, Poole
developed patience. “You’re not always going to
win, but you learn to handle the ups and downs,”
she said.
Poole also finds her support network through
the rodeo team, which extends beyond athletics.
When her horse passed away in her junior year of
RODEO AND
REc By Genesis Prestage
“We dislike losing in
every situation,
whether it’s in the
roping box or on the
softball field”
UWAZONE.COM
36

Page 39

high school, her teammates provided her with
horses to ride and offered emotional support
when she needed it most. A knee injury later
prevented her from participating in intramural
softball, yet she maintained team spirit because
of their collective fight.
Team roper Tanner Brown agrees with this
perspective. A rodeo athlete since childhood, he
knows what it takes to perform under pressure.
He believes the co-ed softball league helps the
team build stronger relationships while forcing
them out of their usual comfort zone.
“We are competitive people,” Brown said. “We
dislike losing in every situation, whether it’s in
the roping box or on the softball field,” he said.
To outsiders, rodeo may seem like an
individual sport.
"I think sheer
competitiveness is
what got us the
trophy”
In reality, it thrives on teamwork.
Teammates support one another through
horse transportation, practice drills, and
shared experiences. That bond is
especially meaningful to Gordon.
“You grow close fast,” he said. “At some
point during a rodeo competition, a
person will need help from someone
else. The bond of trust we share makes
us stronger in all circumstances, whether
we’re competing, driving, or just
navigating life.”
Looking ahead, the rodeo team has one
clear goal, which is winning another
national title in the upcoming season.
The Tigers Rodeo Team continues to
showcase its competitive spirit, whether
in barrel racing, steer roping, or base
running, proving they excel when they
compete as a unified team.Photos by
Caroline Philips & Charles Tripp
ZONE MAGAZINE 37

Page 40

SERVING
SUCCESS By Katie Kreider
Success is easier said than done. It doesn’t come from hope. It comes from dedication. Head
coach of the UWA tennis team, Jeff Beaman, was recently named Southern Regional Head
Coach of the Year by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. And if anyone knows the formula
for success, it’s Beaman.But that honor didn’t come by luck.
It came through hard work.
From Wyoming to Livingston and across 25 years of
coaching, Beaman has seen it all. He knows what works,
what doesn’t, and that true success is built through trial
and error. Before earning his latest recognition, Beaman
faced a major challenge. He lost the All-American
players Khim Iglupas, Katy de la Garza, and Haina
Franco. Many coaches would be
nervous about their team's future
if that happened to them, but not
Beaman. He remained
confident in the program’s
future, knowing great players
with unique skills would
continue to join his team.
“I’ve been fortunate to have
good players continue to come
here,” Beaman said. That for-
tune isn’t by chance. It’s a reflec-
tion of his leadership. His players
don’t just perform. They recruit.
Former player Khim Iglupas
encouraged Shaira Rivera to
join the team, and Rivera later
influenced Alexa Milliam and
Janaila Prulla to do the same.“I’ve been
fortunate to have
good players
continue to come
here”
Photos by Trent Spruell
UWAZONE.COM
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It’s a testament to Beaman’s impact that players want their
friends and teammates to experience his coaching.
One standout example of Beaman’s influence is All-Ameri-
can player Shaira Rivera. Rivera brought numerous accom-
plishments to UWA, including helping the women’s tennis
team reach new heights. Alongside Valentina Multiba, Rivera
became part of the first doubles pair in program history to be
ranked No. 1 nationally. That milestone began when Beaman
encouraged the pair to compete at the ITA National
Championship.
“I couldn’t believe we won the national championship at ITA.
That’s when our ranking really took off,” Rivera said.
Rivera credits Beaman for helping her reach her full potential.
His approach balances discipline and compassion, chal-
lenging his players to improve while reminding them that
it’s okay to make mistakes. “I can see how hardworking he
is when it comes to us,” Rivera said. That support motivates
players to keep striving, no matter the outcome.
For Beaman, success isn’t just measured in wins and titles.
It’s found in relationships and growth. “Continuing the
relationships is a lot more important than saying, ‘I won this’
or ‘I won that,’” he shared. That philosophy has created a
culture of connection, excellence, and respect, one that
keeps his players and alumni coming back, both to visit and
to recommend UWA tennis to the next generation. With Bea-
man at the helm, the Tigers’ future looks stronger than ever.“I couldn’t believe
we won the national
championship at ITA.
That’s when our
ranking really
took off”
ZONE MAGAZINE 39

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RUNNING FUEL
"Nutrition is like NASCAR. It's the fuel
of the engine. If you don't put the right
fuel in, you're going to have problems,"
head coach Sterling Martin said. For
UWA's cross country and track athletes,
food and hydration are not just part of
life. They are a part of training. The right
choices can keep a runner strong. The
wrong ones can hold them back.
For first-year runner Miriam Dominguez,
it is all about balance. "Even if I don't
want to eat, I know I need to eat to
make it through the day," she said.
Pasta or pizza the night before
a race. Fruit, and yogurt in the
morning. She keeps it simple. One
superstition, though? "I can't
do coffee before races. It would
literally kill me," she said.
Her teammate Jentzen Moore
admits nutrition wasn't always
a focus. "UWA was the first place I
cared about nutrition," he said. He loads
up with rice or pasta bowls before meet-
ing and grabs a banana or bagel with
peanut butter in the morning--and never
skips recovery. "After a workout, there's
no if's, and's, or but's. I'm eating." His
go-to celebration meal? "For post-race
recovery, nothing beats a good burger,
but not fast food, a real burger," he said.
Martin sees nutrition as the silent differ-
ence-maker. It's not just what athletes
eat, but when they eat. "Most runners
miss the 30–minute recovery window.
That is when your body is primed to
absorb protein and carbs," he explained.
Hydration, though, is his number one
rule. "Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate. You
can be in the best shape of your life, and
if you allow yourself to get dehydrated,
you have wasted all that hard work," he
emphasized.
He also points his athletes toward
simple recovery options, too. He said,
"Low-fat chocolate milk is probably the
best thing you can drink after a hard
workout."
On the road, the team doesn't gam-
ble on new meals. Pasta and Italian
restaurants are the tradition; stick with
what works. "You don't want to get into
something new going into competition,"
Martin said. Team dinners are more than
loading carbs. They bring team-bond-
ing. "Practice is for practice, but meals
let athletes relax and get to know each
other," he added.
Nutrition looks different for everyone;
whether it's Dominguez's eggs, Moore's
home-cooked meals, or Martin's remind-
er to keep water bottles close. But the
takeaway is the same: fueling is as much
a part of training as the miles them-
selves. And if Martin had to boil it down?
"Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate."
"Nutrition is like
NASCAR. It's the fuel of
the engine. If you don't
put the right fuel in,
you're going to
have problems"
"Hydrate, hydrate,
hydrate"
By CJ JonesPhotos by Trent Spruell
UWAZONE.COM
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Softball
Pitching
101Photos by T r e nt Spruell
Proper Grip
Use the correct grip for each pitch to
enhance spin and control.
Windmill Motion
The windmill pitch is crucial for gaining
speed and accuracy in your throw.
Follow-Through
A strong follow-through helps maintain
balance and improves pitch accuracy.
#1
#2
#3
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Photos by Trent Spruell
SOCCER OVERSEAS
By Madelyn Brasher
When Amy Denholm and Dior Wilson
arrived on the University of West Alabama
campus as freshmen in 2021, they had lit-
tle idea just how much the next four years
would change their lives. They came from
different corners of the world, Penicuik,
Scotland, and Toronto, Canada, but shared
one dream. They wanted to play the game
they loved at the highest level possible.
Four years later, that dream has
become a reality. Both Den-
holm and Wilson recently
signed professional
contracts, turning their
collegiate success into
the next chapter of
their soccer journeys.
“They are two fantas-
tic individuals on and
off the field who are
earning all their own individual accolades,”
said UWA head women’s soccer coach Sam
Wilson. “They handled themselves like
professional athletes while they were in a
collegiate setting,” he added.
For Denholm and Wilson, the story begins
long before their time at UWA. “I’ve been
playing soccer for honestly as long as I can
remember,” Denholm said with a laugh.
“When I was a little girl, probably around
five years old, I joined my first team,” she
recalled. Wilson started even earlier. “I’ve
been playing since I was three,” she said.
“When I was little, we had showcases or
tournaments and would drive over to the
United States. That was always fun,” she
added.
Both grew up with big goals of playing
internationally, specifically in the United
States. “I’d wanted to come to America for
as long as I can remember,” Denholm said.
“It’s always something I’ve wanted to do,”
shared Wilson. Denholm discovered UWA
through a friend who had already joined
the program a year earlier, and through
Global Sports Recruitment, which connect-
ed her with then-head coach Graeme Orr,
also from Scotland. “It made the transition
a lot easier,” she said.
Wilson’s path was slightly different, but it
led to the same place. Two of her academy
teammates had already made the move to
Livingston a few years prior, and through
her coach’s network, she got in touch with
Orr as well. Once they arrived, the two
internationals quickly bonded with their
teammates and embraced college life in a
new country. Becoming a part of UWA ath-
letics allowed them to meet more people
than they expected. Coach Sam Wilson
wasn’t present for Amy and Dior’s entire
journey, but he definitely saw their growth.
“I think with both of them, you obviously
see growth on the field through individ-
ual skills, but it was more about watch-
UWAZONE.COM
44

Page 47

ing them become leaders, especially as
both of them were captains in their senior
year,” said Sam Wilson. Both Amy and Dior
agreed. There are plenty of moments to
look back on from their collegiate journey,
but one game, in particular, stands out for
both players, and for Sam Wilson. In their
junior season, UWA defeated West Florida
1–0, advancing to the semifinals in what
was Sam Wilson’s first season leading the
team.
“We didn’t have any business winning
that game, but it was nice seeing our team
overcome those statistics,” Sam Wilson
said. It was a night filled with celebration, a
snapshot of everything they’d built togeth-
er. Even now, years later and countries
apart, that memory still brings a grin to
their faces. For both Denholm and Wilson,
their time at UWA was transformative. The
wins and losses, the early morning work-
outs, the late-night bus rides, all of these
things shaped who they are today. “Playing
college sports is like a rollercoaster—full of
ups and downs,” Denholm said. “It was an
incredible experience,” she added. Wilson
agreed, reflecting on how the sport chal-
lenged and grounded her. “I got to expe-
rience both perspectives, both good and
bad,” she said. “Soccer has always been
my outlet—to get away from the real world
and just express myself on the field,” she
shared.
After graduation, Wilson joined a summer
league before earning the opportunity of a
lifetime. She was recruited to sign a profes-
sional contract with KS Vllaznia in Albania.
Denholm signed a professional contract for
Motherwell FC in Scotland. “I’m incredibly
proud that they continued to pursue and
meet their goals,” said Sam Wilson.
As they start this new chapter in their lives,
both carry UWA with them. The lessons,
friendships, and memories are woven into
who they’ve become. From opposite sides
of the world, Amy Denholm and Dior Wilson
arrived at UWA chasing a dream. They left
as leaders, and now as professionals.
“UWA soccer gave me opportunities to
grow not only as a player, but as an individ-
ual. I feel more well-rounded on or off the
pitch,” shared Dior Wilson. “I feel like I grew
so much in my four years at UWA,” Denholm
added. Their stories are a testament to the
power of perseverance. From facing chal-
lenges on the field to adjusting to life in a
new country, Amy and Dior never gave up
on their dreams. Their journey is a remind-
er that success isn’t just about talent. It’s
about resilience, determination, and the
will to keep moving forward, no matter the
obstacles.
“UWA SOCCER GAVE ME oPPORTUNITIES“UWA SOCCER GAVE ME oPPORTUNITIES
TO GROW NOT ONLY AS A PLAYER, BUT ASTO GROW NOT ONLY AS A PLAYER, BUT AS
AN INDIVIDUAL I FEEL AS WELL-ROUNDEDAN INDIVIDUAL I FEEL AS WELL-ROUNDED
ON OR OFF THE PITCH"ON OR OFF THE PITCH"
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Page 48

United Kingdom:
Alfie Tucker (MS)
Harrison Page (MS)
Ronny Wakelin (MS)
Abdul Kamara (MS)
Henry Donovan (MS)
Jamie Tomlinson (MS)
HoLLy GiLLies(WS)
Lily Graham (WS)
Talitha Hines (WS)
Canada:
Emily Djagbare (WS)
Mikaela Carpino (WS)
Jamie Lefebvre (WS)
Santanna O’Grady (WS)
Jade Arruda (WS)
France:
Mathis Breton (XC)
Lorenzo Pelusi (XC)
KyLLian SyLLa (MS)
Clement Baron (MS)
Spain:
Gonzalo Rawinad (MS)
David Nunez (MS)
Ireland:
oisin GriFFin (MS)
Mark McGlynn (MS)
Turkey:
Selis Demirci (WS)
Duru Seber (VB)
TIGERS AROUND
THE WORLD
UWAZONE.COM
46

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Argentina:
Benicio Aronow (MS)
Denmark:
Daniel Christensen (MS)
Gibraltar:
Maya SchiLLing (WS)
Greece:
Katerina Korre (VB)
Kenya:
Mercy Lomuria (XC)
Ukraine:
Kyrylo Peregudov (MS)
Serbia:
Jana Petkovic (VB)
Slovakia:
Klara Bobanova (VB)
ZONE MAGAZINE 47

Page 50

Page 51

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

Page 52

Page 53

Page 54

www.recordjournal.net
scrjmedia@yahoo.com
205-652-6100
Robert C. Beard
205-392-5911 phone
205-392-5887 fax
rbeard@yddme.com
www.yddme.comYD Home Medical
Equipment and Supplies

Page 55

Page 56

ATHLETICATHLETIC
SUPERSTITIONSSUPERSTITIONS
Yaya McClain (Softball)
Watches a Bob Ross Episode
before hitting the Fifield.
Jentzen Moore (Track)
Makes sure to wear the
same socks as he had already
worn for the day.
Photos by Trent Spruell
UWAZONE.COM
54

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Elliot Tulip (Basketball)
Listens to music while
stretching, so he can get his
head in the game.
Gracie Huver (Volleyball)
Puts her ankle braces and
shoes on a certain way to
perform her best.
Laurel Morse (XC/Track)
Doesn't wash her running
shoes while in season, to
avoid washing off her hard
work.
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LIVINGSTON PRESS
livingstonpress.org

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