Candace Freyaldenhoven has been working behind the scenes at Sapulpa High School for the past three years. Freyaldenhoven is the vice president of the booster club for the Sapulpa boy’s basketball team, while also working full time at a company she’s been with for the past 16 years.

“I work the concession stand, fundraise, and ask local businesses to donate for things like new gear and travel expenses,” Freyaldenhoven said. “I also do what I can to promote the games and get the boys names out there via social media.”

Freyaldenhoven started volunteering for the booster club when her son, Gavin Read, joined the basketball squad as a freshman. Now a junior, Read hasn’t played in a game that his mom wasn’t attending. Freyaldenhoven was there for her sons 29-point game in a travel-tournament game in Missouri through the Chieftains State Tournament run last season.

“I love participating and getting to build relationships, not only with my son, but with the entire group of boys,” Freyaldenhoven said. “I consider all of them my boys, and I love seeing the camaraderie that so many people don’t get to see off the court.”
“Being around the locker room, I get to see that bond that the boys and coaches share behind the scenes,” she continued. “And I love that I get to be a part of that.”

As a former Sapulpa student athlete, Freyaldenhoven understands the importance of volunteer work inside the athletic department. And her work hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“She donates lots of things, helps with fundraising, and goes out into our community on our team’s behalf to help our program,” said boys basketball coach Rickey Bruner Jr. “She goes above and beyond to help our basketball team. She is a winner.”

Basketball is a year-round sport for Freyaldenhoven with AAU basketball in the summertime. However, in her limited spare time, Freyaldenhoven spends it with her family. Alongside Read is her husband, Rob, and oldest daughter, Taylor.