24-05-2025
Lady Bulldogs get ready for new head coach
MARIANNA, Fla. (WMBB) – Marianna High brings in new softball coach Frederick Lanphere to revive program after 1–17 season.
The Marianna Bulldogs softball team faced an uphill battle this past season, fielding only five upperclassmen and finishing with a 1–17 record. Recognizing the need for new energy and leadership, the school brought in Coach Lanphere, a seasoned coach with experience across the Panhandle.
Lanphere most recently coached at Taylor County, but his resume includes softball coaching stints at schools like Sneads and Malone. Now at the helm of the Marianna program, he's focused on rebuilding — and making sure his players know he's fully committed.
'I'm here for them,' Lanphere said. 'I expect them to give everything they have because I'm here to give all I have — to pour into them. If they're willing to take that advice, that tutoring, that teaching, then I feel like they can go far. Not just as athletes, but as people.'
A key priority for Lanphere is strengthening the pipeline between middle school and high school programs to ensure a more promising future for Marianna softball.
'I'm going to try to get with the middle school and see how we can get those girls to keep playing in high school,' he said. 'A lot of kids drop off for various reasons, but if you can teach them, show them they're good, and get them to love the game, they'll stick with it.'
Above all, Lanphere is proud to now call himself a Bulldog and is eager to help lead a turnaround for the program.
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