Centerville, MA --- The Eastern College Athletic Conference sits down with Worcester State University women's soccer coach Kevin Cumberbatch, in the fourth installment of "ECAC Spotlight: Getting to Know our Neighbors."
The ECAC Spotlight is a Q&A format that examines the experiences and career paths of coaches, administrators, support staff and student-athletes within the ECAC footprint, and is published weekly. If you would like to highlight an individual from your institution, please email ECAC Director of Communications Patrick Stewart at pstewart@ecac.org with your suggestions.
Five Questions with Kevin Cumberbatch,
1. Describe how you got into coaching as your chosen profession.
Coaching was a natural progression after my college playing career. I coached summer camps for SNHU during my time with the program and enjoyed it more and more every year. When you are selected as a captain (which I was my senior year) you almost become an extension of the coaching staff on the field. Having wanted to stay involved in the game on the collegiate level; I jumped at the opportunity when a friend and former teammate Matt Kagan asked me to join his coaching staff at Worcester State University. When he left to pursue another coaching job I was awarded the head coaching position and have enjoyed every minute for the past four years. You could also say it's "in the blood". My Dad was a successful coach at the club and premier level in Connecticut for many years.
2. Who would you list among your greatest influences in your life? Why??
My family has been my biggest influence, especially my parents. They came to the United States from Barbados when I was young, working hard to provide a good living for me and my sisters. I really didn't realize or appreciate what they did for us until I got older. Being able to witness their perseverance on a daily basis had a profound effect on me. They have supported, and provided guidance around every turn. I couldn't ask for two better influences.
3. What did winning this season's ECAC New England Women's Soccer Championship mean to you? What are the team's expectations for 2012??
It meant a lot! The tournament field was filled with talented teams. It was great to get the returners more postseason experience and the seniors were able to end their careers with a championship. Although we are losing some major pieces due to graduation, we return a lot of strong players. With a solid recruiting class we will be working toward being in the hunt for a MASCAC conference title next year.
4. What do you like to do when you have spare time?
In the off-season when I'm not coaching soccer, I'm playing soccer. I love the game, so I play in a couple indoor and outdoor leagues. Being able to maintain the perspective of a player is a valuable tool for me as a coach. Recently I have also picked up snowboarding, still not any good at it, but it is something I really enjoy doing.
5. Recruiting is the lifeblood of any intercollegiate athletics program, so what are the advantages of getting an education and playing soccer at Worcester State University?
I couldn't agree more, recruiting is a vital aspect to any program and is something our staff and players put a lot of time and energy into every year. Worcester State University provides a great atmosphere for success both on and off the field. From an academic standpoint, a wide variety of majors, the classes and course content help students make a seamless transition into the workforce after graduation. The women's soccer program surrounds student athletes with a staff and team that love to work hard, compete, and win. The environment is all about progression and as a group we strive to get better every day. It can be tough for some to find the perfect balance between academics and athletics. At WSU we provide the support needed in order to achieve the right mix. This is very evident as we have numerous players excelling in some of the most challenging majors the university has to offer, as well as our one of our captains being named an Academic All-American.