By On Nov. 22, the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship against Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee, had a disheartening conclusion for the Carroll College men’s team.
After a competitive game, the Saints proudly walked off the field during the 83rd minute after a fan of the opposing team directed a racial slur at one of Carroll’s athletes.
Due to this, it is now the second-straight year that the Carroll Men’s Soccer team saw their season come to a close in the second round of the championship, ultimately falling to 8-seed Cumberland.
Although they took a loss, the Fighting Saints can hold their head high in defeat, matching the program’s best finish and doing it with class.
The following day, Cumberland University’s Athletics Department issued a public apology acknowledging the conduct of the individual in the crowd.
“Cumberland University does not tolerate the use of racial slurs, discriminatory language, or any form of derogatory remarks at our athletic events,” stated the university’s Vice President of Athletics, Ron Pavan. “We are deeply saddened and troubled by the racial slur that is audible on the recording of yesterday’s match during the 2025 NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship. This language is unacceptable, hurtful, and has no place at our university or within our athletic community.”
The public apology told readers that after an extensive search through all available audio and video footage and interviewing the crowd, they unfortunately have not yet been able to identify the individual responsible, but their investigation remains ongoing.
“To Carroll College, please accept our sincere apologies and know that we stand with you. No one should ever be subjected to such language, and we are committed to fostering an environment where every student-athlete, coach, official, and fan feels respected and safe,” stated Vice President Pavan. “We sincerely regret that this moment overshadowed a high-level match and extend our full support to those impacted. We also wish Carroll College continued success moving forward.”
A few days later, on Nov. 24, Interim Co-Presidents of Carroll College, Jennifer Glowienka, Ph.D. & Bishop Austin A. Vetter, D.D., released their own statement through an email sent to students, faculty, and staff.
“Racism has no place in athletics, academics, or any community that values the dignity of every person,” said Glowienka and Bishop Vetter. “The behavior displayed at the game stands in stark contrast to the values we uphold at Carroll College. We are proud of our men’s soccer team and of Coach Austin Shick for their principled and unified response. Their decision to stand together and leave the field reflected integrity, unity, and care for one another. The Carroll community strives to model respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership, and our team demonstrated those values powerfully.”
As of now, there are no other updates regarding the status of the investigation.
