Gillian G.

I have 3 years experience coaching girls at the travel ball level. I coached for 2 different travel ball organizations: Southside Sting 12U and 14U (2010-2012) and Virginia Legends 12U (2013-2014). These two teams are based out of Suffolk, Virginia and Virginia Beach, Virginia. I work with all age groups from 10U to collegiate level players. I am the Asst. Softball Coach at Dwyer High School currently and just accepted the position as Asst. Softball Coach for the 16u Gators Gold travel ball team.

As a coach, I connect really well with the players, no matter what age group, because I have been in their shoes. I have been in a position where I am the MVP of a game and on the flip side where I strike out every at bat during a game. I am my biggest supporter and my biggest critic, and I see that in my players as I coach, which I am easily able to relate to them! I think outside of the box when coaching. For example, if someone doesn't understand the concept of the swing, I will make up a song and sing each part of the swing from the load to the stride to getting to contact to the follow-through. I also have great relationships with the parents of the players. I have an "open-door policy" if you will; any issue or question may be brought up to me before or after practice or a lesson and I will take care of it to the best of my ability...all of these attributes to coaching makes it easy for me to build a strong player and team.

My dream would be to either privately train a particular group of girls -or- coach an entire team, from when they take their first step on the softball field until they are successfully playing in college!

• Starting 2nd baseman 4 years HS Varsity team
o Golden Glove "Defensive" Award ’06, “Bulldog” Leadership Award-‘07, Team Captain ‘08
• Awarded full ride softball scholarship from Norfolk State University in 2011 and partial scholarship from James Madison University in 2008 – CAA Champions at JMU in 2009
• Numerous scholarships offered by schools ranging Division 1 through Division 3
o To name a few: James Madison, Norfolk State, George Mason, Elon, Fordham, USC-Aiken, Winthrop, University of Tampa, Christopher Newport, University of Tampa, Florida Institute of Technology
• Went on Official Visits to: James Madison, George Mason, and Christopher Newport
• Went on Unofficial Visits to: Norfolk State, Elon, Fordham, University of Tampa, and Florida Institute
• Extensive college recruiting experience
o What coaches look for in players
o How to write emails to coaches
o Making a brochure of your highlights
o Making a skills video
• Received 4 MVP awards at the Queen of Diamonds College Recruiting Showcase at Winthrop University
• Played on successful travel ball teams: Orion Hunter (10U-12U), VA Lady Eagles (12U-14U), Southside Sting (14U-18U)
• Primary positions played are shortstop, second base, and outfield
o Proficient with right and left handed offense
• Certified First Aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

I love specific drills and techniques because I believe fundamentals are the building blocks to a player's foundation. I also incorporate the mental part of the game as well, for example: I like to sit down with players and "quiz" them on defensive strategies. When I feel that they are comfortable thinking about where the next play will be based on outs, runners on base, etc., I give a player a scenario as they are physically playing their defensive position and have them make the play. Another example: (coaching a right fielder) Runner on first, 1 out, base hit to right field...the right fielder should know that they are throwing towards third base through their cutoff.

A session with Coach G: *NOTE--based on the amount of time I have with a player, defense and offense may have to be broken up into different sessions
1. quick warm-up and stretch (I have an Exercise Science degree so I am knowledgeable with proper warm-ups, stretching, etc.)
2. throwing progression (after each progression the player will back up a certain distance) - one knee wrist snaps, standing/stationary T-position, T-position with step, "launch-the-ball"
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3. Infielder: particular infield drills and techniques for lateral movement, staying down on grounders and coming through the ball, transition from glove to throw, different types of throws based on distance from target, etc.
Outfielder: particular outfield drills and techniques for speed, agility, tracking, transition from glove to throw, etc.
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4. Offensive drills (tee, soft toss, front toss, inside/outside, high/low)
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5. Baserunning technique/conditioning