Ashley Gibson
Softball Instructor/ Coach
Morristown,TN
Summary
Dynamic leader and Nonprofit Organization Director with a proven track record in volunteer management and partnership building. At Lakeway Storm, co-founded and grew the organization, directly coaching and enhancing the performance of numerous athletes. Expert in research and analysis, significantly improved community engagement through innovative programs. Formerly contributed to Morristown West High School, showcasing exceptional cultural competency and coaching skills.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Nonprofit Organization Director
Lakeway Storm
02.2020 - Current
- *Co-started the Organization in 2020.
- *Oversee 5 softball teams and 2 baseball teams.
- *Monitor the academic and athlete performances of all athletes.
- *Instruct over 15 athletes with private lessons.
- -Private pitching lessons
- -Private hitting lessons
- * Oversee fundraising and organize group events.
- * Personally coach 2 of the 5 softball teams.
- *Provide summer camps for local girls to come to our facility for a free basic skills camp.
- *Started a donation closet of softball/baseball equipment for all community athletes.
Assitant Coach
Morristown West High School
08.2017 - 05.2020
*Assisted in coaching athletes.
*Oversaw all pitchers.
*Helped with camps and clinics.
Education
High School Diploma -
05.2001 -
Skills
Timeline
Nonprofit Organization Director - Lakeway Storm
02.2020 - Current
Assitant Coach - Morristown West High School
08.2017 - 05.2020
Tusculum College - High School Diploma,
05.2001 -
Pre-Season
During pre-season I plan to take this time to open facilities and weight training/conditioning available to the girls. Take the time while the girls are getting together to set the overview of our program and what is expected. These include life skills such as competing, becoming a leader, learning how to be coachable in all aspects and growing from both wins and loses on and off the field. We will use this time to develop and enchance softball skills (able to train up to 5 girls at one time during pre-season). Team-centered mindset is a must. We before me. Set goals for the classroom as well as the field. Practice makes perfect but preparation produces results.
In Season
IT'S GAME TIME! While still focusing on grades, staying healing and balancing life with softball it can get hectic for these young student athletes. Season is what you prep for. I plan to have to team eager and ready to jump into season but they will have to maintain grades and attendance first and foremost. Eating well and getting plenty of sleep will be encouraged. My goal is for the girls to have such a positive community around them that we build, that they are able to fully enjoy season and all that comes with the great memories they are making during these high school years. Making sure we are on the track to cross the goals off that were made preseason my plan is to practice and prepare during season just like normal with games scheduled.
Post Season
Post season will open the idea of summer ball to the girls. I have multiple teams and can help any girl who desires to play, get there. I encourage all girls to play and practice post season. Camps and Clinics are great for the athletes to connect with our local community kids in a positive environment, and I would love to offer some throughout the post season.
Overall Expectations
I would love to see the program grow. Not having enough girls interested has been an issue for the community as a whole starting from the rec leagues to high school teams to travel teams. Love for the game tends to finds its way when you create a culture that is driven off the same goals and outcomes. WE OVER ME. I seek improvement for the program and the facilities. A JV program would be on my list on improvements from the program. A developmental JV program is only prepping your Varsity and overall challenging all players to work hard for what is earned. I want the girls to be seen as a positive female remodels to our community while they are on and off the field.
Assistants
If chosen I do have assistants I would like to be considered. I would love to have 2-3 assistants to help. Practice plans are going to be drafted to have a lot of involvement from all hands on deck.
Facilities
The softball program has had the same facilites when I played as an athlete here. I would love to see the program and the facilites grow. I personally have connections to people who would love to help and see the same outcome for our girls here at Morristown West.
Code of Conduct
Missing practice due to an illness is not the same as missing with no excuse. Coaches need to be notified by player before the practice. Each situation with sickness and such will be different and handled by the coaches as they see to all agree upon. I would like to sit down with coaches prior to pre-season parent meeting to go over a set of rules that will have consequences for missing.
Out of season we will encourage all girls to stay training and practicing and open facilities when permitted.
We will follow all school code of conduct rules for student athletes.
Practice Plans
Practice can not be average and boring. You have to grab their attention and focus on the little things that need to be perfected to get to the big goal. I love game footage. I was a pitcher grwoing up and am a pitching instructor now. As an athelete prior and coach now, I study girls swings to know either fix it or know what to throw them for the best outcome defensively. You have to think out of the box when it comes to softball. Practices will be planned to what we need to work out. I prefer to start my practices some fun while moving and stretching. Then going into a throwing warm up. Once all girls are warmed we will break into groups. Infield and outfield will do drills to warm up their techniques and breaking down the fundamentals. After everyone is warmed we can do some defensive situational plays. Communication is a big factor in softball. If the girls are breaking it down to understand what everyones roll is during practice then at game time it will become natural to them.
Injuries
We will be providing the proper equipment, facilities and supervision with a safe environment. Anytime the athlete is treated by a trainer there needs to be communication between trainer, athlete and coach. All safety protocols wil be followed with all medical conditions.
Team Activities
Team bonding is a huge key to a successful program. Community service is something I would like to use as a building tool for this as well. When the girls can learn to have the same goal, the team chemistry on the field will become natural. In doing that team activities will be a must. This could be helping with the Challenger league, volunteering at a local event, having a skills clinic, going to team dinners...
Booster Club and Fundraising
When I started Lakeway Storm I did not an account with thousands in it. I had to learn the most efficient and best way to fundraise and to find my tribe of helpers. Fundraising is key and volunteers play a big part in that. I plan to have an army of helpers willing to do what it takes to see these girls succeed. I have succesfully ran a nonprofit for 4 years. From the first year of 3 teams to this fall we will have 7 teams. No parent has had to pay out of pocket..that has always been the goal.
Varsity
Playing time is earned. Grades above all, all the time. Without the grades you will not be able to play. Character and passion outshine talent with no hustle.
Communication
Communication is a necessity. Not only from player to coach, but with other coaches, parents and administrators as well. I would like to have the same goal and idea set throughout all. I am a very hands on person and will take any task on with an open mind and listening ears. I want to be involved in the girls everyday life at school. Having a coach that is there for you not only on but off the field will only help a program grow.