University of Houston Athletics
Where Are They Now: Lindsay Vanover
2/25/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
By Willi Anderson
Athletics Communications Intern
In 2002, Lindsay Vanover walked onto the Houston Softball team driven to be a part of a new budding program in its second year. Now 13 years later, Vanover is building her own program as the first head coach of the University of Montevallo Softball team.
A four-sport athlete from Diboll High School, Vanover chose to walk on to the softball program at University of Houston even though she had offers from other schools.
"It had the feeling of a big family," Vanover said. "My brother was playing football at Rice and my parents were close by. I was also excited to start a new program at Houston."
After redshirting her freshman, the catcher became a four-year letterwinner. She was named the team's Player's Choice Award and helped the Cougars advance to the 2004 NCAA Regional Finals, the first regional appearance for the program. During her time with the Cougars the program had a 140-102 record. Not only did Vanover shine on the field but off the field as well. She received the team's highest GPA and was named to the Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll. She noted the biggest lesson she draws from her time as a Cougar is to appreciate every member of her team.
"Every player is important," she expressed. "I know how to value each player on the team. I walked on and left Houston on scholarship. I know how to relate to every kid on the team."
Upon graduation, Vanover became the head coach of the Pasadena Memorial High School softball team. Under her tutelage, the Mavericks saw multiple playoff appearances.
"I've always had a passion to coach," Vanover said. "I never knew I wanted to coach at the collegiate level until I came to Houston. I grew a passion for the elite level."
In 2011, Vanover was named the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Dartmouth University. Vancover coached the Ivy League Pitcher of the Year, the first ever in school history. In each of her season with the Big Green, the pitching staff posted a sub-5.00 ERA. The team also won a North Division title.
On November 12, 2013, Vanover's dreams came true when she was selected as the program's first head coach at The University of Montevallo in Montevallo, Ala.
She does acknowledge some difficulties when starting a new program from the ground up. The `newness' had a lot of people underestimating what Vanover and her staff could do in terms of winning and recruitment.
"I want the elite kids, too," Vanover said. "I knew it wasn't going to be easy. I want to bring in great kids and build a great foundation."
The Falcon's head coach does have help in her former coach Kyla Holas. Vanover says Holas has been a mentor for her throughout her whole career, whether it was listening as an athlete or calling on her for practice plans she can seek out her former coach for any help.
Through there might be some bumps in the road ahead, Vanonver beamed with pride about how the city of Montevallo has rallied around the team. The town has donated money and time to see a successful program flourish. Vanover and the Falcons are giving the Alabama city a team to be proud of. In its debut game, the Falcons beat the West Alabama in a dramatic walk-off fashion watched by thousands of fans. The Montevallo Falcons have a bright future. They currently have an above .500 record. Vanover attributes much to being a Houston Cougar.
"My foundation was built at Houston," Vanover exclaimed. "I couldn't have done it without a Houston degree."
