LAKEN GRIZZARD is a quiet soul. While she might not be brimming with constant conversation, when she does speak, it is filled with meaning, purpose, and the best of intentions. Her kind and dimpled smile lets you know that Grizzard loves more through action than with words. Her careful intention is visible in all that she does. Her roles as a mother, niece, sister, friend, teacher, soccer coach, and softball player are a testament to just how much of a good human Grizzard is and strives to be.
Raised Right
Purpose, accountability, and punctuality were among the many things that Grizzard said were expected in the household where her grandparents raised her and her brother, Cassius Barnes.
“I grew up in a military household,” she explained. “My grandparents raised us. They instilled in us to do our best and never quit. While it was strict, I think it was what helped us to be successful in athletics. We had that mentality from an early age.”
She also credits her aunt and uncle, Kristen and Billy Barnes, for being motivational in her life and offering continued support.
“My aunt and uncle are big-time motivators for me,” she said. “They have helped and continue to help me with so much. I appreciate all their love and support.”
Sports Then & Now
Throughout her life, Grizzard has been active and excelled in several sports, including track, softball, and soccer. Softball and soccer would be two that would follow her into her adult life and become part of her daily life.
Today, Grizzard actively participates in adult league softball. At the top of the list of her favorite sports, she said she loves being a part of a team and staying active.
“I play with a women’s travel team and a co-ed softball team,” she explained. “I enjoy playing with both. We recently made a big trip to play in what is called the Challenge Cup. You are chosen [from other teams in your] state to compete against [teams from] other states. You could consider it like the Olympics of softball.”
When Grizzard is not playing softball, she is helping young women grow in the game of soccer as the assistant coach for the Tullahoma High School (THS) girls’ soccer team. Current head coach Richie Chadwick recruited Grizzard. Grizzard, who also played for Chadwick during high school, said it’s great to be back on the field and helping young girls compete and succeed.
“I have coached softball, but taking on soccer was something I didn’t think I’d ever be approached about,” she said. “But I enjoy it. It’s great to see players grow in the sport. I can be tough, but I want them to grow as players and competitors. It will help them both in the game and life.”
Grizzard added that she is glad to be there for her players on and off the field.
“I think I bring a different side because none of them are usually used to having a female coach,” she said. “It’s sometimes easier for them to talk to me about things and see another side of coaching. I’m glad I can be there for whatever they need.”
THS sophomore player and student Greyson Bolle said Grizzard constantly challenges players to be their best.
“She wants us to be the best players we can be,” she said. “She knows we have it in us, even when we don’t think we do. She is always rooting for us; even if she’s yelling, we know that she loves us and wants us to succeed.”
In the Classroom
Grizzard is also impacting lives in the classroom. She works as an assistant at East Lincoln Elementary. Helping with students placed in RTI (Response to Intervention), Grizzard said she enjoys seeing students grow in their learning.
“It’s rewarding to see the excitement on a student’s face when learning to read. And to know you were able to help them get to that point is a great feeling,” she said.
She added that she looks forward to growing in her career as an educator and seeing where that path takes her.
Grizzard understands the importance of making a positive impact as a mother, coach, and educator. She hopes she is sewing the seeds of positivity and determination in her daughter, her students, and her players.
“I just hope they know they can do anything they set their minds to,” she said. “My go-to quote is ‘fall down seven times and stand up eight.’ It will take work, and you have to want it, but they can do it and have my support and belief in them.” GN
