By Josh Beavers
Lakeside has hired Britney Frazier Smith to lead its Lady Warriors softball program.
But before we get to the meat and potatoes, an interview with the new coach, let’s take a moment to look at what’s going on down south Webster way.
Anyone who has any knowledge of Lakeside knows the school is blessed with a lot of young softball talent and has an excellent feeder school both academically and athletically.
The parental and community support is dynamic, and the facilities are about to undergo a makeover consisting of turf, new fencing, paint, and a new hitting and pitching facility.
In short, there has never been a better time to be a Lady Warrior softball player.
“I knew when Coach Roo Johnson decided to step down that I owed it to the program to replace her with a quality coach,” Lakeside principal Denny Finley told the Journal Tuesday. “Coach Johnson has been very helpful during this process, and she wants the program to only get better. Coach Gary Cooper and I hit the ground running in the search and actually interviewed some amazing people for the job.”
Finley said he thought it was figured out last week but then into his office walked Brittany Smith.
“There was no doubt after the meeting, there was a new front runner. I knew that Brittany was a great coach, but most importantly to me is that she wanted to come to Lakeside and lead the Lady Warriors,” he said. “I knew that Brittany would take care of our young ladies that play softball at Lakeside, which is the most important thing, and win in the process.”
Smith built a championship level program at 5A Airline High in Bossier City. She takes over from Roo Johnson who recently stepped down from the position.
Coach Smith and her husband Caleb have two children – Kinsler, 5, and Carter, 2.
The Journal spoke to Coach Smith Tuesday:
Question: Tell our readers about your coaching experience.
Answer: Softball has been a part of my life since I was born. I have coached at Airline for 8 years – 4 as an assistant and 4 as a head coach. In 2021, we were state runner up. Quarter finalist in 2018 and 2019. I have coaches travel ball with American Freedom and Titans for a few years.
Question: Why Lakeside?
Answer: I chose Lakeside because for as long as I can remember, I have always dreamed of a small country school. We will be closer to my husband’s family and work as well. My husband, Caleb, has been driving an hour to work for 4 years now, so this will get him much closer. I have heard amazing things from so many people about Lakeside and the community. I tend to over think a lot but when I went to visit for the first time, I knew it was the place for me. God showed me a lot of signs to take this position.
Question: Why are athletics important in school?
Answer: I think athletics are important in school because they teach so many life skills. They teach accountability, mental toughness, teamwork, grit, selflessness, and they create many lifelong bonds. Culture and family are very important to me and sports really instill that in student athletes.
Question: What are your initial plans for the team and players?
Answer: My initial plans for the team is to meet the players and begin summer workouts. I plan to continue to build on the success of the program.
Question: What are your long term plans?
Answer: My long term plans are to have teams that are consistently competitive and thriving in the playoffs and continue to build on the work that coach Roo has started. She has done a great job there, and I am excited to continue it.
