Club News: Atlanta Vipers Hire Hall of Famer Selena Collins-Patterson as Chairman to Lead Program & Continue Non-Profit Status

The Atlanta Vipers organization, which started in 1997—over a quarter century ago—continues to be one of the top travel ball programs in the country as shown this summer with a 1^st place finish in the 18U PGF Platinum Division in California and a 2^nd place finish in the PGF 14U Premier division.

One key to the Vipers’ success has been its structure as a non-profit, as all incoming funds are channeled back into the teams and players.

As one executive in the organization said this week:

“From funding national tournaments to supporting coaches’ college connections and aiding Viper families, our unwavering focus remains on the players… not to make a profit.”

The Need for Leadership

To that end, the Vipers recently have hired highly-esteem softball player and now executive Selena Collins-Patterson as the new Chair of the organization.

Patterson is a 2003 graduate of Texas A&M University, where she captained the Aggie softball team and, as a four-year starter, received numerous awards including being named as an All-American and the Big 12 Conference Player of the Year.

She was also named 1^st Team All-Conference for four seasons and was selected as the A&M Female Athlete of the Year.

Her impact on the Aggies’ program was tremendous: Collins-Patterson finished her college career as Texas A&M’s all-time leader in RBIs and home runs and was ultimately inducted into the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame with the 2021 class.

Post-college, the noted player used her experiences to coach collegiately, at the high school level and travel ball. Today, she is a lecturer at Kennesaw State University for the Health and Physical Activity Leadership Major where she teaches courses in Coaching Concentration.

With the Vipers org, she will focus on investing into the players both on and off the field.

“I believe in building relationships, mentorship, and continuing to build on a solid foundation of tradition and history,” she said this week.

Rob Gillis, who has been with the Viper organization for nine years, says the leadership board is excited to bring someone on with a storied softball career, yes, but someone who will also make demonstrable improvements at the player and program levels stressing softball skills and academic accomplishments.

“Selena is someone that has been there and done that,” Gillis begins. “Not only has she played at the highest level, but she is also a great leader.  She shares the vision that we have to not be the biggest organization, but to be the best we can be.”

At A Crossroads: For-Profit or Non-Profit?

This summer, the Vipers’ leadership was at a crossroads within the organization and their future.

Those on the board had to reconsider their history of being non-profit versus moving to a structure that would change the organization into a for-profit business model.

The organization ultimately decided to keep the same vision of investing all revenues into itself, but with the idea of creating a structure that continues to breed excellence.

Bryan Green, who served on the board, recalls the tough decision the organization faced.

“We were given the option to turn the organization over to one person and switch to a for-profit business model or stay with the 25-plus year process we had in place, where debate and voting guided our decisions.”

“After much talk, we decided to elect a new leader and stay the course and remain not for profit.  This business model allows us to really focus on the player and doing what is best for those players.”

Drew Yantis, who has been a member of the board for over 10 years while also spending some of those years as CFO, emphasizes that the program –which currently fields squads in Georgia and Florida—expects to grow in adding teams… but that’s not the primary focus.

“The main purpose and goal of the Vipers is not to be the biggest, but rather the best.  As an organization we have always been there for the girls and the focus should always be on the girls and getting them ready to play at an elite level.”

Central to the Vipers’ distinctiveness is their inclusive leadership structure.

Elected managers play a pivotal role, ensuring each team maintains purpose and relevance. In a recent vote, the managers upheld their foundational principles, reaffirming their dedication to tradition and player-centered focus.

There Will Be Growth… in Quality and Quantity of Teams

But that’s not to say the Vipers aren’t looking to bring in new talent and grow the number of teams.

Gillis explained:

“Starting in the Fall 2023 and going forward, the Vipers are looking to add two teams per age group to continue to compete nationally.”

Along those lines—and under Collins-Patterson’s leadership—the Atlanta Vipers will strategically integrate elite teams while maintaining a lean structure, emphasizing quality over quantity.

The mission: to embrace change with Patterson’s guidance and to remain steadfast in their unique non-profit identity.

A Bright Future

And, after months of uncertainty regarding the decision to become a for-profit or stay non-profit, the Vipers leaderships say they’re thrilled to have someone as accomplished as Selena Collins-Patterson.

Said one member of the board:

“She can bring to us the great experiences and success she’s had on the field as a player and coach as well as her knowledge of teaching and business.”

“We are excited to have Selena as Fastpitch Chairman infusing fresh energy and expertise into the organization with the promise to elevate all Viper teams through leadership and commitment.”

For more information or to contact the Atlanta Vipers’ leadership, email [email protected]

— Brentt Eads/Extra Inning Softball