At Fair Grove High School, a familiar face is stepping into a new role this year. Shyan Lankford has joined the athletic program this year as both an assistant volleyball and assistant softball coach.
Lankford, a former Fair Grove student and player, brings years of previous coaching experience to Fair Grove from Pleasant Hope. There, she coached high school and middle school volleyball as well as middle school softball. While she valued her time there, when the opportunity of moving districts to Fair Grove came up she couldn’t refuse.
Lankford stated, “I loved coaching there, but when the opportunity came for me to coach at Fair Grove, it was a definite yes.” She added, “Nothing beats the atmosphere of Fair Grove schools and athletics.”
Taking on dual roles in both volleyball and softball has brought new opportunities for Lankford, but has also created challenges for managing family time. Long evenings filled with practices and games can take time away from home and family time, but Lankford realizes the importance of support.
Lankford explained, “Having a family is one of the biggest blessings in my life, so having to spend time away from them is challenging.” She continued, “My husband and son come to the games not only to watch me coach softball, but to watch my sister play as well, so seeing them there is always heartwarming.”
Taylor Lumley (9), a player on the softball and volleyball team, described Lankford as both encouraging and supportive, “Coach Lankford was an awesome coach this year and she really helped to show everyone the potential she saw in them.”
Bill Voorhis, the Fair Grove High School Weights teacher and Softball Head Coach, added, “Coach Lankford has been a proactive coach, addressing problems before they start and really trying to build relationships with all of our girls. I am extremely grateful to have a former player and coach of her abilities on the staff.”
Lankford explained how she views the two sports as different, but still holds the same connection to the culture surrounding them. She stated, “The focus in both programs is a family-oriented atmosphere. They are both places you want to be whether you’re a coach or player.” Both volleyball and softball are a team sport, which makes the relationship stronger between the coaches and players each day.
“Since I’ve played and now coached at Fair Grove, it is my mission to keep the family culture thriving,” Lankford emphasized.
With her experience, passion, and commitment Lankford is already making a difference for Fair Grove athletics, both on and off the field and court.
