Bryan College Athletics is pleased to announce that Bryon Lawhon has been named the 16th Head Coach of the Women’s Basketball program. Lawhon has served as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team for seven seasons and the men’s basketball team for eight seasons.
“Bryon Lawhon has been an integral part of the success of the Lady Lions since arriving at Bryan College,” said Vice President of Advancement and Athletics David Holcomb. “After seven years serving under both Jason Smith and Don Rekoske as the assistant to both the men’s and women’s program it is a blessing to give him this opportunity to lead the Lady Lions as Head Coach. As extremely competitive as Coach Lawhon is, he and I have talked extensively that our head coaches are the spiritual leaders of the team. Coach Lawhon has been charged with excellence on the court and in the lives of our Lady Lions. The future of the Women’s Basketball program looks great!”
Since joining the women’s staff in 2014-15, Lawhon has helped lead the Lady Lions to five Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Regular-Season Championships, four AAC Tournament Titles, six NAIA National Tournament appearances, and one Sweet 16 berth.
“I am so honored and thankful to be named the next Head Women’s Basketball Coach of the Bryan College Lady Lions program,” said Lawhon. “I first and foremost want to give all praise, honor, and thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for allowing me this wonderful opportunity! Secondly, thank you to President Dr. Mann, VP David Holcomb, and Associate Athletic Directors Will Tholken and Jenny Swafford for believing in and entrusting me with this program. A huge thank you to ALL my kids (players) past and present, without you this isn’t possible, I love you all.”
Lawhon has been the lead recruiter for a majority of Lady Lions throughout the years, including five NAIA All-Americans, 23 AAC All-Conference players, 11 AAC All-Freshman team members, four AAC All-Defensive team members, two AAC Freshman of the Year, as well as one AAC Defensive Player of the Year.
“To everyone who has reached out to offer encouragement, well wishes and support, I could never put into words my gratitude,” continues Lawhon. “You all have truly humbled and overwhelmed me to my core with your kindness. Thank you to Retired Athletic Director Sandy Zensen and Coach Don Rekoske for giving me my start at Bryan College almost 8 years ago. Thank you to Coach Jason Smith for allowing me to grow under his tutelage and setting a bar of excellence within the Lady Lions program for us all to be proud of.”
“Finally, to my family. My wife, Holly, and my children Skylar, Zane, Chase & Kali. I would never be the man or coach I am without you all. I’m so blessed to have you all on this journey with me. I love you!”
“We will continue to hold, and strive to exceed, the bar of excellence already set with the Bryan College Lady Lion Women’s Basketball program. I look forward to leading this program and young women with our school motto ‘Christ Above All’ and team mantra of ‘We Over Me’ being at the heart of all we do!”
