Cheryl "CJ" Gilbert joined the University of Pikeville Athletics staff as Assistant Director of Athletic Communications in July 2026.
In her role, Gilbert assists with the day-to-day operations of the athletic communications office, including media relations, website management, statistical reporting, social media strategy, graphic design, photography, and digital content creation for UPIKE’s 24 varsity athletic programs.
Prior to joining the Bears, Gilbert served as a Graduate Assistant in the University of the Cumberlands Athletic Department, where she managed social media efforts, produced digital content, assisted with athletic communications coverage, and provided support for multiple varsity programs. Her responsibilities included game-day statistics, website updates, photography, graphic design, and promotional campaigns.
During her time at the University of the Cumberlands, Gilbert was recognized nationally by College Sports Communicators (CSC) for her work in athletic photography and digital storytelling. She earned Photographer of the Year – College Division honors for her portfolio, placing third in the Best of NAIA category and second among Graduate Assistants. She also earned Photo of the Year – College Division honors, finishing first in Best of NAIA, second among Graduate Assistants, and 13th overall in the College Division.
A native of Ashville, Ohio, Gilbert earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Fitness & Sports Management from the University of the Cumberlands, where she also competed as a collegiate swimmer. She graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA while earning minors in Communications and Exercise Science. During her undergraduate career, Gilbert was a two-time Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete, a two-time Mid-South Conference Academic All-Conference honoree, and was named the 2024-25 Health & Exercise Science Department Student of the Year. She is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer.
Gilbert continued her education at the University of the Cumberlands, earning a Master’s Degree in Coaching and Fitness Leadership. She brings experience in sports media, digital storytelling, athletic performance, and athletic communications with a passion for highlighting student-athletes, creating engaging content, and telling the stories behind UPIKE Athletics.
