New Tennis Coaches Gearing up for Spring Season at Lipscomb Academy
With 24 years of experience on the court, former collegiate tennis athlete Krystal Ribble has been appointed head coach of the varsity tennis program taking over for Ryan Nikolaus who stepped down at the end of the season to dedicate more time to his family. While playing tennis at North Greenville University, Krystal earned a Bachelor of Science in gerontology and health care management. Additionally, she earned a Master of Arts in Christian leadership from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and Graduate School. Focusing on fundamental skills development, Krystal gives private tennis lessons to children of all ages.
“Krystal has more than two decades of solid tennis experience that will greatly benefit our student-athlete’s development in the sport. Lipscomb Academy is blessed to have her expertise and knowledge of the game as she works to build our tennis programs,” stated Michelle York, associate head of school for athletics. “Krystal also has a genuine passion for kids. She sees Christ in all people and in all circumstances, and her deep faith is an important component as she strives to transform the lives of her student-athletes.”
By trade, Krystal is a freelance writer and author of The Church’s Orphans and Love Me in the Waiting (releasing April 2021). Her writing builds on experiences mentoring high school and college-aged students and advocating for orphans and vulnerable children across the United States. In her spare time, she loves spending every moment with her husband, Jared, and their three (soon to be four) boys.
"I am so excited to be joining the Lipscomb family and look forward to all the growth I will have alongside my team this year. I love to see skill development happen in each individual from the beginning of a season to the end. When little things about the player’s strokes are tweaked in a way that the game opens up and the player has that ‘Ah Ha!’ moment - as a coach, those are the moments that are incredibly rewarding,” said Krystal. “While skill development is important and vital to my coaching, I am immensely invested in the individual spiritual guidance my coaching brings to the court. If my players are able to value the talents and passion the Lord has placed in their lives for this sport and then allow their Christlike behavior to overflow on and off the court, I call that a win any day."
Hired as a varsity assistant head tennis coach, Jared Ribble has been an avid recreational tennis player for the past dozen years. With previous coaching experience in high school volleyball, Coach Jared has the drive to cultivate athletic talent in students.
“Jared’s knowledge of tennis and his previous coaching experience will compliment Krystal well. I look forward to seeing how they will teach skill development, strategy, and build a program of excellence together,” said York.
For the last 20 years, Jared was a professional drummer for Grammy, Dove, American Music Awards, and Country Music Association award-winning artists, as well as on national television networks. Leveraging his knowledge, creativity, and performance experience, he now serves the National Roofing Contractors Association as the voice and producer for their groundbreaking podcast series “Stories of an Extraordinary Industry.” He also serves as the organizer and lead instructor for the association’s revolutionary Qualified Trainer Conference. Jared shares Krystal's love for tennis and their three boys.
“Some of the things I am most passionate about coaching are the fundamentals of footwork efficiency, strategic ball placement, and I like to create game-like scenarios in practice so come game time, the player knows how to handle the pressure," stated Jared. "My experience as a professional drummer, playing in front of millions on live television, has afforded me to know how to perform in pressure-packed situations. I bring that experience to the court as a coach and want to teach students how to handle themselves in tough situations, both on and off the tennis court. I am honored to be a new member of the Lipscomb Academy family and look forward to an awesome year.”
Reagan Brown will continue in her role as assistant varsity and middle school tennis coach.