Theall Moves Into Administrative Role, Powell Takes Over Phoenix Softball

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland University Vice President for Athletics Ron Pavan has announces a transition within the Phoenix softball program as Stephanie Theall will move into a new role within the athletic department and Lauren Powell has been named the next head coach of the Cumberland softball program.

Theall transitions into the role of Assistant Director of Facilities and Assistant Compliance Director after spending her entire collegiate career connected to the Phoenix softball program as a student-athlete, graduate assistant, assistant coach, and head coach.

"I want to thank Coach Stephanie Theall for all the years of being in the softball program as a player, assistant coach and our head coach," Pavan said. "She had dedicated her life to the softball program and Cumberland University. Stephanie will be transitioning her role as the new Assistant Director of Facilities and Assistant Compliance Director at Cumberland University."

A former All-Conference infielder for the Phoenix, Theall returned to Cumberland as a full-time assistant coach in 2016 before being elevated to head coach prior to the 2022 season. During her four seasons leading the program, Theall guided Cumberland to an 102-113 overall record, including a 27-18 campaign in 2023 that saw the Phoenix advance to the Mid-South Conference Tournament semifinals.

Cumberland also produced the program's first two Mid-South Conference Freshman of the Year.

Prior to becoming head coach, Theall spent eight seasons as an assistant coach at Cumberland and was also part of the program as a graduate assistant and student assistant. During her time on staff, the Phoenix made multiple conference tournament runs and qualified for the NAIA Championship Opening Round in 2013.

Powell now takes over the Phoenix program after serving as Cumberland's assistant coach for the past four seasons, primarily working with the pitching staff and recruiting efforts.

"I am excited to hire Lauren Powell as our new Head Women's Softball Coach," Pavan said. "Lauren has done a great job of being our assistant coach with a wealth of experience as a player, coach and recruiter. I believe she will bring much success to the program and to the University."

During Powell's time on staff, Cumberland's pitching staff has been a strong point of the program over the last four years. This season, the staff tossed a 3.76 ERA and produced the MSC Freshman of the Year as well as Second Team All-Conference member Avery Rauscher. In 2023, the staff also had a sub 4.00 ERA posting a 3.41 across 290 innings.

A Huntsville, Ala., native, Powell earned multiple honors during her playing career, including Tennessee State's Offensive MVP, Co-MVP, and Leadership Award accolades while also being a four-time OVC Commissioner's Honor Roll recipient. Following her playing career, she worked as a pitching instructor while also serving in management roles with ADP.

Powell earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Tennessee State in 2019 before completing her Master of Business Administration in 2021.

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Players Mentioned

#28 Avery Rauscher: RHP; 5' 4"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#28 Avery Rauscher
: 5' 4"; Freshman
: RHP

Players Mentioned

#28 Avery Rauscher

Players Mentioned

#28 Avery Rauscher