Freedom High School’s new girls’ basketball coach has been through this before: working to take a struggling team and bring it to a higher level with a winning record.

While at Palisades High School, Dean Reiman, along with assistant Jeff Barr, did just that, and their intention is the same at Freedom.

“Our goal was to get better. It was our goal every day,” Reiman said. “I believe the results will take care of themselves, but we can’t have unrealistic expectations, or we’ll fail.”

Perhaps before all else, Reiman hopes the Patriots will have patience to get to know him and trust him.

“We’re in it for the kids. It’s about forming relationships and developing them. I want to make it a positive experience for them. Then, I think we’re doing our job,” he said.

Coming from the Colonial League to the East Penn Conference, Reiman had little if any familiarity with last year’s Patriots, although he did have some summer leagues and fall tournaments with them this year.

“This is a great league. There are not a lot of off nights in this league. It’s always a battle. It’s a bigger school, and we’re playing bigger teams. It’s one of the things that drew me in,” said Reiman.

Jaiden Coyne, Meckenzie Herman, Kaitlyn Swint, Erika Schwoyer, and Hailey Silfies will be returning for the Patriots, but Gabrielle Sanchez will be out for the season due to an injury.

“We’re athletic, we’re committed, and the kids show up for everything. We’ll make inexperienced mistakes, but I don’t mind when they’re young,” Reiman said.

When it comes to expectations, Reiman hopes to see the Patriots’ hearts and minds in the game.

“I hope to see the kids want to compete, want to win, doing everything the right way, respecting the game, and representing the school,” he said.