Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

BJ Mayer spent 15 seasons turning the West High girls basketball program into one of the best in the state before stepping away from coach last month to take over as West High athletic director.

On Friday Mayer announced one of his former assistants will now be his successor.

Former assistant coach Nate Frese will take over for Mayer as head girls basketball coach at West High pending board approval.

“I am excited to have Nate take over the girls program after serving as an assistant in many capacities,” Mayer said in a release. “He is very knowledgeable about the game of basketball, knows the kids in the program, and is familiar with West High School and the basketball program. Nate has been an integral part of the success the past three years and will now have the opportunity to share more of his leadership skills as the head coach.”

Frese is no stranger to West High or basketball success at the school.

An English teach at West High, Frese was assistant for West High boys basketball coach Steve Bergman from 1999 to 2019 helping West High to five Class 4A titles during that span.

Frese has been an assistant for Mayer and the West High girls program for the past three season.

“I’m honored and excited to have the opportunity to head one of the most competitive basketball programs in the state,” Frese said in a release. “I hope to keep the tradition of excellence going for however long I am here. Having taught in the building for almost 25 years I know that this is a great community of student-athletes, parents, and faculty. There is no other team I would want to coach. I’m grateful to BJ Mayer and Mitch Gross for taking a chance on me.”

West High was 19-4 last season and advanced to the Class 4A regional title game.

The Trojans return 73 percent of their scoring from last year’s team.

Did you enjoy this subscription free article? Help keep Your Prep Sports free by donating.