The new associate head coach, Bex Freebairn, hopes to bring a different perspective to the program.
Bex Freebairn helped lead the University of Akron through back-to-back Mid-American Conference Championships in 2022 and 2023. As the new Missouri Swimming and Diving associate head coach, Freebairn is excited for the change that coaching at a larger university brings.
“Arkon is a women’s only program, so we had half the amount of people and staff,” Freebairn said. “Mizzou is fully staffed, so I have been able to put my coaching hat on more and focus on coaching and recruiting, instead of focusing on social media and ordering equipment along with coaching and recruiting.”
The change is substantial for Freebairn and may be a challenge, but it is a challenge she said she is prepared to face. Regardless of the stark differences between Missouri and Akron, Freebairn is able to contribute alternative coaching techniques to MU.
“I’ve been fortunate to learn a lot from the places I’ve coached at in the past,” Freebairn said of her previous experience. “The head coach at Akron taught me a lot about building a successful team … . The training there was very different, it was more power and sprint based, and that type of training is how swimmers become faster and better. so I am excited to bring that to Mizzou.”
Despite this being Freebairn’s first time coaching a team in the SEC, she expressed her confidence about the upcoming season.
“There is always a little bit of nerves to a new season, for me as a coach those nerves do not come out until the SEC Championships,” Freebairn said. “I feel more excitement than anxiety. We want to accomplish big things and compete on the highest level, whether that be at the NCAA Championships or at an international level.”
The confidence Freebairn conveys is a powerful aspect of her coaching. While she wants to accomplish strong results, she also wants every athlete to have a positive experience while competing for Missouri.
“At the end of the day, swimmers and divers are here to improve upon their previous results,” Freebairn said. “I want to ensure every athlete can leave the season knowing they were better than they were last year. I think creating team culture and cohesion goes a long way.”
She believes keeping practices light and fun will benefit the team in competition. Having a strong team atmosphere is a key to her coaching success.
Coach Freebairn and the rest of the MU Swim & Dive team will begin their season at the SMU Classic on Oct. 6. Their first home meet will take place Oct. 25.
Edited by Chase Gemes | cgemes@themaneater.com
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