by Erin Franklin | May 3, 2019 | News Slider, Sports
Lauren Sumski says she’s always been the “baby” in the room. The new head coach for Lipscomb women’s basketball is only 27 years old — making her one of the youngest coaches in Division I right now. She was the youngest head coach in Division III when she coached at Rhodes right before the move to Lipscomb. As I sat down with Sumski to hear her thoughts on her new role, she recalled this trend in her life, reflecting back to when she was an eighth-grader playing on the varsity team. Not only was she just playing on the team as a middle schooler, but she was serving as varsity captain. And again, at age 13, she played on a 17U team while still in middle school. She jokingly added she still even has trouble getting a rental car sometimes since companies don’t think she looks old enough. “When I was in middle school, I was playing up,” Sumski recalled. “I was playing 17-and-under basketball when I was 13. So all of my teammates were just a lot older than me. They had a lot different interests than me, and I was just the baby of the group.” But she said she thinks God has blessed her with a special maturity to be able to relate to those older than her. This, coupled with her natural intelligence (in college, she was accepted to medical school in Memphis before deciding to pursue coaching), has come in handy as she’s often stepped up to serve in roles typically reserved for those older. Throughout her life, she’s been able to develop this intergenerational openness,...
by Ashley Bingham | May 2, 2019 | News Slider
On May 4, this year’s seniors will be graduating, including those who have helped contribute to Lumination during their time here at Lipscomb. Whether that was through radio, TV newscast or our online website (or maybe all three!), we have appreciated all the work they’ve poured into this network, as they were an integral part in producing content for Lumination They will be missed by the journalism and new media department, but communication staff and students alike trust that they will be successful as they pursue their careers. Carly Reams 1. What professor has shaped you the most here? In what way? For sure Alan Griggs. He reminds me of such a father figure in the way he really pushes us hard while also truly believing in our talent. Without him, I would not be the journalist I am today! His honest advice has meant so much to me and my time here at Lipscomb. 2. What is your favorite Lipscomb memory? Ah, definitely the Lipscomb vs. Liberty game! I know we lost, but it was so cool seeing Lipscomb come together like that. I love our sports, and all the big games have been my favorite part of college. 3. Is there a favorite article that you’ve written for Lumination during your time here? I can’t pick one, but my feature stories have been a big part of what I love about writing. I think people are the most interesting and important thing to readers, and I feel the same as a writer. Getting to hear so many amazing stories from students has been such a blessing. 4. What are your...
by Charissa Ricker | May 1, 2019 | News Slider, Sports, Student Spotlight
Jordan Fortel is no stranger to overcoming obstacles in her softball career, but despite her unconventional journey to Lipscomb and her recent injuries, she continues to pull through for her team as both a hitter and pitcher. Fortel is halfway through her senior season at Lipscomb and is leading the team in multiple-hit games, hitting streaks and a reached base streak of 35. “This season has been great so far,” Fortel said. “I think we’ve gotten off to a really great start, and I’m excited to see where we go from here.” Her college softball career has been nothing shy of success. She was named 2017 TCCAA Pitcher of the Year and D1 Softball and ASUN Pitcher of the week for her no-hitter game against Ole Miss last year. She has quickly become a key player for the team, but she hasn’t always been a Bison. “Lipscomb is actually the third school that I’ve attended,” Fortel said.” I’ve only been here since last year when I transferred. I kind of had some connections here, and it just worked out. It’s been a good journey.” After attending the University of Tennessee Chattanooga for a year, Fortel moved closer to her home in Greenville to attend Walter State. “I was led by the Lord to leave UTC, and it just wasn’t working out,” Fortel said. “I’ve ended up in a lot better situations.” She grew up playing travel softball with junior Hannah Duvalt, and with only one year of eligibility at Walter State, Fortel made the move to Lipscomb. “This community is just so much different than communities I’ve been a...
by Mckenzi Harris | Apr 29, 2019 | Galleries, News Slider
Lipscomb’s SGA put on the annual spring concert Saturday night, featuring the headliner, Johnnyswim. The couple, Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano formed their duo in 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. During the concert, the indie-folk duo introduced their new album Moonlight and shared stories of their journey in the music industry, as well as Ramirez’ experience as a Nashville resident and former Trevecca student. Sudano shared the couple’s love story, followed by Ramirez serenading her with a song on their new album titled “Amanda.” After the song, Sudano shared the first time Ramirez saw her. “That’s the woman I’m going to marry,” Ramirez said, remembering the first time he saw Sudano. He added that his previous girlfriend broke up with him “on the spot.” The couple closed the concert by entering the crowd and standing on the chairs in the center of Collins Alumni Auditorium amidst the crowd of students....
by George Wong | Apr 25, 2019 | News Slider, Sports
Lipscomb University’s own athletic Grammy Awards, the Lippys, commenced Wednesday on its usual night before Study Day. The annual event commemorates the achievements of Lipscomb’s athletes on and off the field. It was a night of fun and glamor as every student-athlete came together dressed formally in the heart of Allen Arena. Hors d’oeuvres, fondue for dessert and refreshments were on the menu, while everyone took pictures before the award ceremony hosted by head volleyball coach Brandon Rosenthal. Students also joined in on co-hosting and pleasantries throughout the evening. The Lippys were founded by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and past track and field athlete April Terry. Over the past few years the Lippys staff, run primarily by student-athletes, has continually sought improvement of the event. “There were nomination surveys sent out to all the athletes this year,” SAAC president Ahmed Amaar said. “This form is what we are basing the voting ballot off of, so if people wanted to nominate someone for the awards listed, that was their chance. “Changing the awards system to give every single [athlete a] voice this year — besides that we are just trying to make it [a] more inclusive event. I think the day after the Lippys no one really cares or remembers about the awards — what they remember is the memories they made and the feeling of togetherness. It’s rare to have the entirety of Lipscomb Athletics together, and so sharing that moment is what makes it the best.” A feedback survey for improvements was emailed out after the event as well. “This year was a more sit-down style instead...
by Russell Vannozzi | Apr 25, 2019 | News Slider, Sports
The last few weeks brought plenty of change to the Lipscomb men’s basketball program. But one of the team’s steady leaders is staying put. Associate head coach Roger Idstrom will remain on staff, new Lipscomb coach Lennie Acuff announced in his introductory press conference Wednesday. “A big for part for me in taking over the job is that I felt like we needed someone that had been here,” Acuff said. “The more I talked to people, there was no doubt that Roger Idstrom needed to be a part of our staff. “Roger’s a good man and a really good basketball coach, and he’s had an awful lot to do with [Lipscomb’s] success. I really thought he’d make our transition a lot smoother.” Idstrom served as Lipscomb’s interim coach after Casey Alexander departed for Belmont. He talked with recruits, worked on next year’s schedule and kept tabs on the players, even while his own future was up in the air. “Yeah it’s crazy, and it’s been stressful,” he said. “It’s probably been more stressful for my wife and family, just the unknown part of it. But really for me, it’s been focusing on the day-to-day of this program and making sure that our guys are doing what they need to be doing in the classroom.” The 1989 Mars Hill College graduate has also served on the staffs at his alma mater, UNC Asheville, Montreat, Wabash Valley College, Gardner-Webb and Stetson. Idstrom followed Alexander to Lipscomb in 2013 to become associate head coach. Idstrom’s presence brings a welcomed familiarity for Lipscomb’s current players. Rising senior guard Michael Buckland said he is thrilled Idstrom...
