Cumberland University

Cumberland Women's Volleyball student-athlete Kaleigh Glass reads to a group of students at Jones Brummett Elementary School.

General 3/20/2026 11:37:00 AM

Phoenix Continue Community Impact with Annual Reading Day

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland University student-athletes stepped away from their training and competition schedules to participate in the Lebanon Special School District's annual Reading Day.

A total of 101 Cumberland student-athletes took part in this year's initiative, visiting four local elementary schools across Lebanon. The Phoenix were distributed among Byars Dowdy, Sam Houston, Castle Heights, and Jones Brummett Elementary Schools, where they spent time reading to students and engaging with classrooms throughout the morning.

Reading Day provided a unique opportunity for Cumberland student-athletes to connect with local youth beyond the playing field. Dressed in their Phoenix gear, student-athletes read a variety of books to classrooms, answered questions, and shared their experiences as college students and athletes. The event continues to promote the importance of literacy while giving elementary students the chance to interact with role models from their own community.

"It's exciting to be able to invest in future generations with our student-athletes by participating in Reading Day," said Dr. Katie Arnold, Senior Woman Leader. "I know our student-athletes enjoy it just as much as the kids. I'm so thankful for the elementary schools allowing us to come."

Cumberland Vice President of Athletics Ron Pavan also emphasized the long-term impact of the initiative.

"I've seen firsthand the impact it has on our community," Pavan said. "It strengthens our relationship with our school system and, most importantly, it inspires young people to pursue college and continue playing sports."

The event highlighted Cumberland's ongoing commitment to community outreach and the development of student-athletes as leaders both on and off the field. Through initiatives like Reading Day, the Phoenix continue to make a lasting impact across Lebanon while reinforcing the value of education, service, and connection.

Read Day

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