PEMBROKE – UNC Pembroke athletics director Dick Christy announced Wednesday that Kristen Freeman, a UNCP and Purnell Swett High School graduate, as well as a former cheerleader for the Braves, has joined the department as its spirit squad head coach.
 
Freeman will transition to her alma mater after a handful of stints as cheerleading coach in various Robeson County schools. She most recently served a position as the head coach of the varsity cheerleading squad at Fairmont High School during the 2016-17 school year.
 
"We are excited to bring Kristen back to lead the Braves," Christy said. "She has a passion for UNCP and for our spirit squad program which will help us continue the great work of (former head coach) Comfort Beene."

Freeman has a wealth of cheerleading and choreography experience, while also possessing extensive experience in fund-raising, music editing and community service. While a student at UNCP, she was also the head coach of the junior varsity cheerleading squad at Purnell Swett High School, and has since held similar positions at Fairmont High School and Red Springs High School as well. She led the Tornadoes to a third-place finish at the North Carolina High School Cheerleading competition in 2017.
 
A native of Pembroke, Freeman was a cheerleader at UNCP from 2008-12, and returned to captain the club cheerleading squad in 2015-16. She earned her degree in exercise & sports science from UNC Pembroke in 2013, and is currently pursuing her master's degree in counseling.
 
"Coaching has been a passion of mine for years, and I have always dreamt of coaching on the collegiate level," Freeman said. "Being chosen for the position as head coach of the spirit squad at UNCP is such a privilege and an honor. I can't wait to represent my alma mater."