Chapelgate coach Frick Frierson named NCSAA Basketball Coach of the Year

Chapelgate Christian boys basketball coach Frick Fierson was recently named Boys Basketball National Coach of the Year by the National Christian Schools Athletic Association (NCSAA) for the 2022-23 season.

Frierson, who is approaching 300 career wins, led the Yellowjackets to a 24-11 record last winter and a spot in the MIAA B Conference championship game.

“Coach Frierson is the coach that I would like all of my coaches to model themselves after," said Chapelgate Christian athletic director Ken Krabitz. "His love for the players and the school shows in all that he does. Basketball is not just a game to him, but a chance to teach life lessons through a Christ-centered outlook. He is gentle and kind, but still holds the players accountable. The evidence of his support comes when past players return to greet him with huge smiles and hugs. Even during our most successful year in school history, he was humble and sincere, giving all the glory to God, and deflecting the praise to our players. A friend and a mentor to many, including me, I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award than Coach Frierson.”

In announcing the award the NCSAA said, "NCSAA considers the National Coach of the Year awards to be the highest honor that we bestow each year. As a national organization of more than 450 member schools, we select only one National Coach of the Year in boys’ basketball each year, so our selection of Frick is a recognition of his deep commitment to Christ-centered athletics and impacting the lives of the kids that he coaches."

Jake Tringali, a 2017 graduate of Chapelgate Christian who played for Frierson summarized what many of the coach's past and present players have said about him.

“One specific takeaway I have from playing for Coach Frierson that I strive to incorporate in my life in whatever I do is the motto he continually shared of 'preparing to win,'” said Tringali. "Most want to win in life but lack the consistency and discipline to properly prepare themselves to be their very best. Winning is such a small part of the entire journey and the real growth comes from this process of preparation. Coach Frierson not only prepared myself and my teammates to be successful on the hardwood but also prepared us for life with his Christian leadership and example.”