Not every coach commands the respect of players. But the last five years of doing what she believes could be her life's work, Trina Frierson had absolutely no credibility problems with the Lady Demons.
That’s just one of the many reasons Frierson was promoted to associate head coach prior to last season.
Part of the reason is her energetic, personable but tough approach to teaching the game. Whether it's watching tape in the Lady Demon locker room or coaching on the court, her passion is clear to see, and so is her upbeat approach and competitive fire.
If that's not enough, when the young players in the program don't quite seem to grasp something she is teaching, Coach Frierson is eager to lead by example. If they are not doing it to her satisfaction, she often jumps into the drill and demonstrates. That definitely gets the message across.
That's because Frierson ranks among the top scorers in Louisiana Tech women’s basketball history and as a pro player helped the Seattle Storm win the 2004 WNBA championship.
Knee problems helped her decide to end her playing career. Her zeal for the game led her into coaching in her hometown of Vicksburg, Miss., and for Frierson and NSU's fifth-year head coach Jennifer Graf, it was a case of perfect timing last summer when Graf was trying to replace her friend and Lady Demon great Kia Converse as an assistant coach.
“When Trina indicated she was interested, I was excited because I knew about her accomplishments as a player. Having her with us for a year now, I know how fortunate we are,” said Graf. “She is extremely impressive personally, has a great understanding of the game and how it fits into the lives of the young ladies in our program, and she is a wonderful addition to Lady Demon basketball.”
Frierson wrapped up a two-year professional career in 2005 after a stellar four-year (1999-2004) tenure at Louisiana Tech, where she ranks 15th all-time in scoring (1,581 points) despite battling knee problems throughout her career.
She played for Basketball Hall of Fame coach Leon Barmore and current Oklahoma State coach Kurt Budke while a Lady Techster. Louisiana Tech compiled a 114-14 record in her four seasons.
Frierson was a Naismith Award national Player of the Year candidate three times (2001, 2002, 2003), was a two-time first-team All-Western Athletic Conference and All-Louisiana selection, and was team captain. She posted career averages of 12.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 50.2 field goal percentage, 73.1 free throw aim and started 67 of 127 games.
“I had heard a lot about Northwestern’s program while I was in college because there has been so much success here, with championships and winning streaks and 20-win seasons. Coach Barmore and the retired coach here, Coach (James) Smith, are good friends.
“What I really loved when I came to visit was that it feels like a family here, and even as a visitor, that comes across right away,” she said. “Now, it’s home for me. I know what to expect and what I can do to help our program progress. It’s fun to come to work with these coaches and players.”
Frierson, a native of Vicksburg, Miss., was a two-time Nike All-American in high school. After she recovered from knee surgery during her second season at Louisiana Tech, she was invited to the 2001 USA Basketball Women's National Team Trials in Colorado Springs. Following her collegiate career, she was a second-round WNBA Draft pick.
Born Oct. 13, 1980, she is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Webber of Vicksburg. Her grandma's red beans and rice rank as Trina's favorite food. She enjoys movies (all-time favorite: "Purple Rain"), hanging out and loves talking with friends on the telephone.
Aside from her regular coaching duties, Frierson holds the recruiting coordinator position; monitors the academic progress of student athletes; assists with all fundraising efforts; assists with alumni events; and post player instruction.
