188SPRING ATHLETICS New head coach Ashley Reeves brings enthusiasm to the diamond. IN THE FALL OF 2021, the Lady Bisons softball team welcomed new head coach Ashley Reeves. She was the first female head coach for the softball team, taking over for former head coach Phil Berry who started the program in 2014. Reeves served as head coach for Harding Academy from 2008-2010. She then went to Abilene Christian University in Texas and Fort Lewis College in Colorado. Reeves eagerly returned to Searcy to assume her new role as head coach. “I am excited to carry on the program Coach Berry has already established,” Reeves said. “At a Christian university, it is unique to foster such close relationships with the girls where we can push each other spiritually and competitively.” Sophomore Jordan Cabana was excited to experience her first softball season with Reeves. Cabana was impressed with the energy and encouragement Reeves brought to the field. “Just knowing that she understands all we go through to play and really gets what it takes to be a winning team instills confidence in our whole team that we are in good hands,” Cabana said. “She will definitely help our team by being a positive leader and encouraging us to hold each other accountable. It will really help our team culture overall.” Junior Madison Fraley was enthusiastic about the 2021-22 season. Over her college years, the softball team became a family to her, and Reeves was a welcome addition. “Having Coach Reeves join the team has been the biggest blessing,” Fraley said. “I am so excited about the passion she has for the game and her desire to compete. Coach Reeves challenges us to ‘win the day.’ I just love that message, and it motivates each of us to win at everything we do.” Reeves was eager to rise to the challenge and grow with the team. Her goal was to lead the team to give their all on and off the field. “God gave us the spirit and the drive to compete, and we will honor [God] by aiming for nothing less than the best,” Reeves stated. “My top priority is God, family and the team, and I give my 100% in each space.” WRITTEN BY HANNAH DILES “EVER SINCE I TRANSFERRED HALFWAY THROUGH freshman year, I’ve felt completely at home,” junior Payton Reynolds said. “Our team is competitive and full of hard workers, but most importantly, my teammates treat each other like sisters and exemplify Christ in everything they do. It’s more than just softball at Harding. We’re making lifelong friendships on and off the field and being taught life lessons that we will carry with us once we leave.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==