Coach of the Month: Historic September for JSerra & Frazier

After six seasons with the Lions, Frazier secured one of the most elusive cross country victories next to a CIF State Championship. JSerra won the Bob Day Girls' Sweepstakes race at the Woodbridge Cross Country Classic with 127 points, ahead of nationally ranked Union Catholic (138) and Buchanan (234).

    This fall, MileSplit California will spotlight a Coach of the Month based on team accomplishments each month. September's honor was     selected by our staff, but starting in October, students and parents will also be able to nominate a coach for recognition and an interview.     Learn more about that here.

This exceptional performance moved the Lady Lions up 18 spots in the COROS MileSplit 50 Rankings to No. 2 in the nation, trailing only Utah's Lone Peak High School.

After the Sweepstakes Race, Coach Frazier said the performance proved JSerra's depth can take on any challenge.

"I'm confident in each one of these girls that we can get the job done with several different groups"

His confidence doesn't just come from the sweepstakes performance. JSerra also put together a B-team that placed fifth overall in the Rated Girls' Varsity Race. Ultimately, their depth extends to 12 girls, which makes things easier for Frazier and the team at practice. As a coach, he can allow athletes to rest or recover when needed, knowing he always has someone else ready to step up.

The ability to coach with this much flexibility is a testament to Frazier's development over the years. He's beginning to master how to bring along underclassmen - with three currently sitting in their top five. At the same time, he gets the best out of those same fantastic freshmen and sophomores when they mature into upperclassmen. Chloe Elbaz and Kaylah Tasser are prime examples who are still pivotal leaders with experience that will pay dividends during championship season.

With all eyes on JSerra to start the season, the Lions look primed to improve on their Nike Cross Nationals showings from years past. Frazier has led them to NXN the past three years, with their best finish of 13th in 2023.

JSerra's NXN History

• 2024- 16th, 396pts 

• 2023- 13th, 328pts 

• 2022- 21st, 465pts 

Could this be the year when JSerra cracks the top 10? Is this the year JSerra cracks the top 3? Or will we see JSerra on the podium as Nike Cross National Champions? If September was any indication, the Lady Lions may be on the verge of their best season yet.

First, Coach Frazier and the  Lady Lions will travel to the ASICS Clovis XC Invitational next weekend to preview the CIF State Meet course and compete against California's best.