This week’s Athlete of the Week is Crookston Pirate Girl’s Hockey goaltender Kambelle Freije. While only a sophomore, she has already made a huge impact for the Pirates this season. “Kambelle came in extremely confident and choose to come play for us here in Crookston because she wanted to make a difference,” said Pirates Coach Emily Meyer. “She is a big piece for us and has been a brick wall back there so far. She will continue to make an impact for us not just this year but moving forward as well.”
Freije has started five games in net this year going 5-0 and helping lead Crookston to a 6-0 start on the season. She has surrendered just four goals with a save percentage of .951 and has recorded two shutouts with a Goals Against
average of just 0.80. Playing in the net has always been something Freije has wanted to do since she was little. “My dad was a goaltender so it was something I always wanted to do,” said Freije. “To be able to follow in his footsteps is pretty cool.”
Up until this year, Freije played boy’s hockey in Grand Forks and was the goaltender on their Bantam AA team that won the State Tournament this past year. Coach Meyer believes that experience has made her the goaltender she is today. “She walked in the first day and fit in right away,” said coach Meyer. “I think she got thicker skin from playing boy’s hockey and that’s helped her a lot. She has loved playing for us this year and we have loved having her on the team.”
Freije is also excited to be in Crookston suiting up for the Pirates and has loved the family-like atmosphere. “It 100% feels like a family and has been easy to connect and be a part of this team,” said Freije. “I’ve got a great team and defense in front of me, and they’ve been playing really well and that’s allowed me to play well.”
In Freije’s most recent start earlier this week, she saved 14 shots while allowing just one goal while helping Crookston beat Fergus Falls 4-1 to stay perfect on the season. Even with her incredible skill set and talent, she continues showing up to work each day ready to get better. “She is so humble and wants to get better every single day,” said coach Meyer. “That’s always her goal and she also wants to make sure everyone else is getting better as well.”
First started playing hockey – Six-years-old
What is the best part of your game – My skating
What part of your game would you like to see improvement on – Playing the puck
Favorite rink to play at – Purpur Arena in Grand Forks
Do you have a pre-game ritual – Just making sure I’m locked in and ready to play
Favorite sport – Hockey
Favorite sports team – Minnesota Wild
Favorite Athlete – Marc-Andre Fleury
Favorite Movie – Miracle
Favorite TV show – The Ranch
Favorite food – Spaghetti
What music are you listening to – Rap or Country
Something people don’t know about you – I can juggle
You’re stranded on a deserted island, and you can have ANY three people with you – Ashlyn Bailey, Reese Swanson, Cassie Solheim
Plans after graduation – Not sure but would love to play Hockey in college.
Family –
Dad – Dave (Works in construction)
Mom –Mikki (Office Manager at Vilandre in Grand Forks)
Sisters – Kayla (34, lives in Eagan, Minnesota)
Brothers – Jace (32, lives in Bismarck, North Dakota)
Matt (28, lives in Fargo North Dakota)
Cooper (19, lives in Grand Forks)
