Q&A with Columbine poms head coach Tamara Frainier
LITTLETON, Colo. — We are very appreciative of all of our teachers, coaches, and administrators who help our kids every day. We interviewed the Columbine High School Poms Head Coach and First Grade Teacher at Governor’s Ranch Elementary, Tamara Frainier, to learn more about what it is like to work with this successful group of athletes.
How long have you been coaching and teaching?
Tamara Frainier: I have been coaching for nine years and I have been teaching for 24 years in Jefferson County.
What is your background in poms and other sports?
Frainier: I participated in cheer and poms at Green Mountain High School. I continued to dance after high school by teaching dance classes. After I graduated college and began working, I danced for the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders. I cheered with the Broncos for six years.
What are one or two things that the team does in training that are keys to their success?
Frainier: Our expectation is that we train together. We have technique classes as well as conditioning classes. We also try to utilize a lot of resources in our community. We want to provide them with as many opportunities as possible to grow as an athlete/dancer while they have fun. We believe when it is all said and done and they are off to college, their best memories will be dancing for their school, performing at games and assemblies, and being there to support other athletes. We try to have consistent practices, yet are flexible when we notice they are fatigued or overwhelmed. This seems to keep them motivated and more relaxed which translates into their performances. We want them to feel comfortable communicating what they need and how they are feeling so we can make the best decisions for the team.
Please describe the most memorable moment with your team at an event/game.
Frainier: I cannot say I have one most memorable moment with my team. Every year, with every team, is a new year with new memories and every team challenges me in different ways. Therefore, my most memorable moment with each team would be something different. One thing that is always memorable, however, is being able to have students on my poms team who I taught in first grade. I love to see how they have grown. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to see them at the beginning of their education and then towards the end before they are off to college!
How do you encourage your athletes?
Frainier: One thing we try to do with our athletes is to provide opportunities for them to encourage one another. We have found when we can establish a strong foundation with each team, the team is stronger and they dance more cohesively together. They support one another, have accountability, and understand that they have a commitment not to me, but to their team.
Describe your proudest coaching moment.
Frainier: I am always proud when I see my team perform. Their hard work and dedication pay off when they get to share their talent with their peers. Whether it is at a competition or a game, seeing them dance makes me proud! I also am very proud as I watch them go through our program from a freshman to a senior. I love to watch them flourish as a leader and get their degree! Of course, it is such an honor when they come back to visit!
What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned from being a coach?
Frainier: I have learned so many life lessons as a coach! One lesson is that I will not always make everyone happy, but the most important thing is that I do what I know is right at that moment. I will always reflect and learn from every decision I make and every situation I encounter. The athlete must always be at the forefront!
What legacy do you hope to leave as a coach?
Frainier: High school goes by much too quickly and I want my dancers to look back and have wonderful memories of their time with me. I want them to look back and know I believed in them, cared about them, and supported them. My purpose for coaching needs to be about them, not me. I want that to be evident to my dancers.
Anything else you’d like to add:
Frainier: It takes a team to coach and I could not do it without the wonderful group of ladies who coach alongside me. We are also so fortunate to have the support of our administration! Columbine is a great place to be!
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