Culture redefined: Lady Bisons prepare to head into the storm

The Lipscomb Softball team is not only bringing new talents to the field this season, but they are bringing the profound and newly developed culture to every aspect of their game. Last year’s team brought deep focus to the culture, and made it their mission to have their hearts in the right place on and off the field. It will be evident this season that the lady Bisons are redefining what it means to head into the storm. 

Herd Media sat down with the Head Coach Kristen Ryman of the Lady Bisons Softball team, to discuss what all goes into the Bison’s team culture.

Last season the Bisons focused on making intentful changes to the team to elevate both mental and physical aspects. Ryman shared how the changes made within the coaching staff had a strong impact on a new phase of Lipscomb Softball. Ally Ivey joined as assistant coach last fall, as well as Bailey Vannoy joining the team as assistant coach last winter.

By presenting new ideas through a team handbook the coaches were able to lay out and set new standards. This started turning gears for the program that would soon be taken into the hands of the players. The Lady Bisons bought into the adjustments made by the coaching staff which elevated trust, bonds and performance. 

Many players that took lead upon nurturing the team culture last season have since then graduated, however they had planted the seeds necessary for this year’s team to grow. The focus on internal leadership through accountability and willingness to lead is developing rapidly. That development has brought peace to the team while it has been challenging to adjust to graduating those girls who took it upon themselves last year to plant seeds.

Ryman shared “However, I do think we have the pieces here.” Ryman mentioned younger players Alyssa Hastings, Macyn Kirby and Brenna Sherman all of which had a good amount of playing time last season. She believes they have the potential and will continue to have the opportunity to embrace leadership and take on a strong role this season.

Seniors Tori Womack and Laine Barefoot have been reminded that they do not have to take the weight of leading the team on their own. They have plenty of younger players to lean on. Ryman shared that this new leadership aspect has been really neat to see. The responsibilities have been shared among all ages which helps build well rounded players despite their age. 

Ryman continued to elaborate on the leadership she has seen so far this fall season. She shared a moment between Senior, Tori Womack and Sophomore, Alyssa Hastings. Womack had acknowledged in a team huddle how she was proud of Hastings for taking the lead and stepping up during practice. Ryman also gladly recognized Juniors Presley Radar and Macey Ogle for stepping up and using their voice this season. 

While standards and values are well known among returners, Ryman shares a couple aspects of the team culture she hopes are noticed by freshmen and transfers as they adjust to a new program. “I hope that they in time feel like they can be themselves. I hope they feel that this is an environment that is going to help them in more ways than softball…” She went on to share about the idea of growth, wanting the newcomers to find their voice and know their value in this family.

The Use of the word family is often overused, Ryman shared.  However, She strongly believes this team is a family. The program’s true intent of embracing the words shows how they feel. When asked what the main values of this team are from a coaches perspective, the first value Ryman shared was love. Adjusting to a new environment and finding their place isn’t easy, communicating her love for her team is a constant and vocal thing that is evidently backed up by actions. 

Although she mentioned other values such as elevating, in terms of the physical preparation and performance, as well as who they are as people to build the program. She also mentioned Lipscomb’s classy competition, how they handle themselves on the field. “There is a certain way we play the game, but I think you can play the game and be very classy in how you do it and I don’t think that should take away from your competitive drive.” 

Herd media sat down with Sophomore Ryleigh Sapp and freshman Mallory Ogle to discuss their view on the teams Culture. 

Sapp joined the Bisons in January last season, joining halfway through the season was a difficult adjustment. Although, she felt it was a welcoming environment. The culture was still being formed at the time and the team was navigating many adjustments. This year however, the handbook created by the Coaching staff and the more developed culture has definitely been very consistent. Sapp feels the team is very accountable and well prepared this season. Speaking on her hopes for the freshman this season she shared “I want them to feel like they have a voice and that they are welcome here.” She expressed her care to be a better example from the younger girls, and bringing attention to how she carries herself as well. 

Freshman Mallory Ogle framed much of her idea of the team’s culture based on her sister’s experience from previous years, Junior Macey Ogle. She came into this season with mixed ideas of what she expected, but Ogle is glad to feel like she is a part of a loving and positive family. Ogle shared “yes I have my sister here, but I feel like I have 16 other sisters now.” She shared what her experiences in the past had been like with previous teams, and how non of her past experiences compares to the day to day family aspect of this team.  

The Lady Bison Softball team finished up their fall season in October. As they head into their off season fans and families are looking forward to the spring season. In the mean time the Bisons will get ready to head into the storm. As always, go Bisons.