From The Wilson, North Carolina, Times (29 August 2009)

Faragke ready to give back
New volleyball coach has Fike off to good start

By Tom Ham | Senior Staff Writer

A 22-year-old beginning a coaching career as the head coach of a high school varsity volleyball team speaks to a delicate situation.

After all, the coach is the players' elder by a mere four or five years.

Nonetheless, the mood is upbeat at Fike High, where rookie head coach Carissa Faragke, age 22, has directed the Golden Demons to a 4-1 start.

"They have responded well," Faragke commented as her players gathered around her during a brief interview following Wednesday evening's victory at home against Eastern Wayne.

"They have all been awesome," she continued. "I saw them play last year and they didn't come together as well."

Faragke's first team, a member of the new 3-A Big East Conference, consists of seven seniors, three juniors, one sophomore and three freshmen.

Carissa Faragke instructs a player during Fike's game against Eastern Wayne. Tom Ham | Times

Senior Jaleesa Harper indicates the players are comfortable with the presence of an extremely young coach.

"She's young and can relate to us," Harper said. "She played for 11 years and is very experienced. I am glad we got her."

Faragke, who hails from the state of Washington, played collegiately as a setter at Pitt Community College and Winston-Salem State.

In directing the Demons, she's joined by her assistant -- and fiancé -- Terence Cameron.

Her mission is to transform her athletes into genuine volleyball players.

"We're trying to get them out of old habits, play the game correctly and getting them ready for college," Faragke noted. "With seven seniors, we're pretty much getting the whole team ready for college."

Her rationale for stepping into the Fike situation appeals.

"For the love of the game and the fact it's time to give back," Faragke responded. "I have gotten a lot of good coaches (during her playing career) and it's now time to give back."

What's the most demanding aspect for a rookie coach?

Faragke laughed and replied: "Dealing with teen-aged girls."

Carissa Faragke is the daughter of Suakvae Faragke and Donna Faragke, and granddaughter of the late Varoria Kimtifaga and Faragke Petero.