The Spring Arbor University (SAU) women’s basketball team is in the middle of a rebuilding season, but it seems like the right person is leading the team. This summer, head coach Ryan Frost was hired to infuse a new life into the basketball program. As his first full season comes to a close, the attitude and performance of the team is already improving.
Frost was eager to start his position as the head coach at SAU. As a former assistant men’s coach at Taylor University, he knew the reputation and environment that Spring Arbor had to offer, especially for his family.
Frost and his wife Joni have been married for nearly six and half years and are the proud parents of two little girls, a three year old and a nine month old. Frost looks forward to raising his children in Spring Arbor, and the ladies on his team have certainly enjoyed having two energetic children to play with!
The team has done more than just make Frost and his family feel welcome. They have also helped make the first year for Frost one of the best experiences of his life. Looking back on this past season, Frost believes it has been even better than his expections, especially regarding the team’s attitude and work ethic. Frost said his team “[has] really bought into the new system.”
Frost believes great teams start with the players, and he has tried to communicate that message to his team. This philosophy begins with senior leadership, something Frost thinks is one of the strongest aspects of his team.
“Our seniors have been great to buy into the system and learn new things, which can sometimes be frustrating for them because they might not see the fruits of their labor,” Frost said.
In fact, it might take some time to see the harvest of what Frost is beginning to plant in the basketball program. Nevertheless, Frost is adamant about not letting himself or the team get caught up in the numbers, stats and records.
“The work ethic and attitude of the team is more than what the record shows,” said Frost, who is confident the numbers will change in time.
In order to get back to the level of competing in the conference and beyond, Frost places a strong emphasis on faith during recruiting. Getting players who want to play at a place like Spring Arbor to see their faith and abilities grow is extremely important to the success of the program. Not only is it important to establish a strong recruiting base in the program, but it is also important to shape and impact the culture that is already intact with the current players.
Having played basketball at the college level, Frost understands the tremendous growth that an individual undergoes as both a player and a person. Frost longs to see spiritual growth among the team, and his own faith plays a fundamental role in the way he leads and coaches.
“If I wasn’t a Christian I don’t think I could be a coach,” said Frost. “It’s more about the development of teams and people than it is winning games; if Christ wasn’t at the center of that, I would drive myself nuts trying to win games.”
With that type of love for his team and philosophy for the game, Frost is hoping to impact the SAU women’s basketball team for years to come.
