Albany, GA - A native of Augusta, GA, Jason Bryant brings significant experience to Albany State University. He returned to his alma mater to begin his coaching career and remained there for 13 seasons. During his tenure at Brewton-Parker College, he recorded an impressive 369 wins. Upon arriving at ASU, he coached at Fort Valley State University, where he helped the Wildcats finish first in the SIAC Eastern Division in 2020. Bryant stepped into the role of head coach at ASU in 2022 with a vision of excellence. Within his first season, the Golden Rams clinched the SIAC Eastern Division title and finished with 35 victories.
 
Coach Bryant's upbeat and humorous demeanor attracts exceptional athletes to his program. His energy is contagious, and his commitment to developing both the player and the person resonates with recruits across the country. With his experience, energy, and unwavering standards, the future of Albany State softball is in great hands.
 
We had a chance to catch up with Coach Bryant:
 
Q: How do you strike a balance between developing younger players and focusing on winning games?
A: Patience is essential for players and coaches. Some players develop quickly, while others need time to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. Winning games should be every player and coach's aspiration. A coach desires every player to want to be on the field and see them putting in extra work outside of practice, especially those who play less. Nothing is given in college, nor should it be. Winning requires significant effort from both coaches and players. Talent alone isn't enough; combining it with a strong work ethic can lead to major victories. Without both, becoming a champion is challenging!
 
Q: What motivated you to become a coach?
A: It started on a ball field when I was 6 years ago, in Anniston, Alabama, for the Noble Street Tigers! As soon as I picked up a ball, I fell in love with the game! Even during my playing career, I watched coaches and made my own lineups. Love motivates me. As a coach, I loved the young people I've encountered and wanted them to reach their full potential on and off the field, being professional in all aspects of life. In summary, my love for the game and the youth I coach drives me to continue coaching. I believe the title of coach is the highest honor one can achieve.
 
Q: Which coach or mentor has had the greatest impact on your career and leadership style?
A:  I have had a few that impacted me differently. I learned a lot from my father (Jerry Bryant) about leadership, patience, and understanding situations. The coach who motivated me most was Coach Carlton Thompson- a great coach and even better man. In high school, you don't realize the impact some people make. Every day, I learned why he did things! I once missed 8 free throws in a game and didn't play a single second in the next game, even when we were losing. I became the county champion in free throws! Enough said! 
 
Q: What impact do you want to make on the next generation?
A: Young people come from diverse backgrounds and face various challenges. Understanding these personal struggles is important, as different things motivate different individuals. However, everyone shares the desire for success—some hope for it, while others actively pursue it. I aim to inspire those around me to be professional and take initiative, even when tasks go unnoticed. We are all part of a team, and sometimes, the support someone needs could come from you.
 
 
Q: How important is it to build a culture of accountability and resilience within your program?
A: As a coach, I believe we provide a roadmap for a great culture, but it's the players who shape it. Winning teams can still have a poor culture, and accountability is often misunderstood; it can and should be demanded. A culture of accountability develops when players take responsibility for their coaches, themselves, their teammates, and the institution they represent. Ultimately, it comes down to these key questions: Are you professional? Are you committed to doing the right things consistently?
 
Now for a little fun,
 
Favorite Hobbies: Watching Games
Three athletes you believe are the Greatest of All Time: Pete Maravich, Hank Aaron, Wilt Chamberlain
If you weren't coaching, what other career would you pursue?: Something in Sports
Favorite vacation destination: Softball field somewhere
Favorite time of the year: Spring – First Pitch
 
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ABOUT ALBANY STATE ATHLETICS
Albany State University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II-level intercollegiate athletic program. The university currently field teams in 11 sports: women's volleyball, women's tennis, women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, softball, men's and women's track and field, women's soccer, baseball, and football. All teams compete in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), except women's soccer, which participates in the Peach Belt Conference.