There can be a variety of reasons why someone decides to become a coach at the high school level. For some, it can be because of a love they have for the game, while others enjoy making an impact on the next generation of athletes. Carrie Friesen is the cheer coach at Midwest City High School. Her decision to become the cheer coach was more out of necessity.

“I grew up in Midwest City and found myself in a position where no one was interested in being a cheer sponsor,” she said. “It was at that time that I became involved with the cheer squad. Having daughters that were cheering at an early age also helped me make the decision.”

Friesen is in her twelfth year at Midwest City and she says that while she enjoys coaching, there are other aspects of the job that she enjoys as well.

“Forming relationships with the girls and watching them become a team are some of the things that I enjoy about coaching,” she said. “One of the highlights of coaching is giving girls with no experience an opportunity to learn and grow.”

Throughout her coaching career, Carrie has had a number of coaches that have been impactful and played a positive role in her life.

“There are some outstanding coaches out there,” she said. “One that has been very influential for me has been Darrell Hall. He is my favorite. We came to Midwest City the same year and have worked closely together ever since. He has supported my program one hundred percent. Another coach that I have looked up to is Lindsay Braken, the cheer coach at Oklahoma State University. My daughter cheered for her at Oklahoma State. During that time, I watched the commitment, dedication, and work that she put into the program.