My journey into the wonderful world of motor preferences began in October 2023.
My dear friend, Jo Koons, the head softball coach at Abilene Christian University, told me
about innovative training techniques being adopted by the Oklahoma Sooners softball team.
She said that these techniques involved elements of body movement and were associated with Maryland baseball coach Matt Swope and spoke of terms such as aerial and terrestrial.
This conversation ignited my interest to delve deeper, particularly given its implementation by a prestigious program like Oklahoma. It is noteworthy that many top college programs are now incorporating motor preferences into their training
Upon researching the terms aerial and terrestrial, I discovered the MPE website, along with information about Matt Swope and David Genest, also known as ''The Witch''; I contacted David via X and he responded promptly, providing thoughtful answers to my inquiries, which further intrigued me.
I completed the online MP course and learned that David would be conducting an in-person clinic in Connecticut in three weeks. With my fall travel season concluding, I was enthusiastic about the opportunity to attend.
Arriving at the clinic, I had no preconceived notions of what to expect. What I encountered profoundly altered my perspectives on everything I thought I knew. Those in attendance began to reassess our established training methods, realizing that some advice we had given players might not have been the best for them.
Reflecting on the athletes I had trained, I experienced a sense of regret, mixed with excitement over the new insights I was gaining—insights grounded in scientific principles that would enable athletes to discover their optimal movement patterns and take ownership of their development.
I now understood why certain issues arose, whether it was due to a lack of sensory feedback or physical capabilities. It also became clear that my preferred method of movement influenced the cues, terminology, and drills I employed, which may not have been congruent with the individual needs of my athletes.
Understanding a player's motor preference does not provide a definitive solution guaranteeing success or restricting the player to a specific approach.
Instead, it encourages exploration, autonomy, and a sense of ownership for the athlete. It involves discovering how their body prefers to move, resulting in increased efficiency, freedom, and overall health.
Seeing an athlete's face light up with joy upon discovering a key element that unlocks new sensations, potential discoveries, and a sense of empowerment is immensely rewarding for us both. The athlete's smile says it all.
Let’s go exploring in this wonderful world.
Suzy Willemssen is a distinguished figure in the softball community, renowned for her extensive contributions as a coach, mentor, and advocate for the sport. We are proud to have her within the Motor Preferences™ Experts community.
Founder and Leader of Virginia Glory
In 2010, Suzy founded the Virginia Glory softball organization, embodying her vision of "Purpose Driven Softball." Under her leadership, the organization has expanded to 20 teams across Virginia and the upper Midwest, emphasizing personal growth, teamwork, and community engagement. A testament to this commitment is the annual Strikeout Cancer Camp & Tournament initiated by Suzy, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Children's National Hospital and cancer research over the past eight years.
High School Coaching Excellence
Suzy's coaching prowess is evident from her tenure at Bishop O’Connell High School in Virginia, where she succeeded the legendary Tommy Orndorff. She led the team to multiple state championships and was honored as the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) Division I State Coach of the Year in 2019, 2021, and 2022. Prior to this, during her time at Lee High School in Springfield, she was recognized as the Conference Coach of the Year in 2015 and 2017.
National Recognition and Awards
Suzy's dedication and impact have garnered national acclaim. In 2020, she received the inaugural Joan Joyce Trailblazer Award from Triple Crown Sports, recognizing her pioneering leadership and longstanding service to the softball community. Further solidifying her legacy, Suzy was announced as a member of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Hall of Fame Class of 2025, an honor reserved for individuals who have significantly advanced the sport.
Certifications and Educational Contributions
Beyond coaching, Suzy is committed to advancing softball education. She is a 4-Star Master Coach certified by the NFCA, a certified S2 Cognition mobile laboratory operator, OnBaseU accredited, and an endorsed pitching instructor by Denny Tincher. With over 40 years of experience as a player, coach, and mentor, Suzy has become a nationally recognized figure, leading seminars and workshops on character development in sports at various youth, high school, and college softball events.
Educational Background and Early Achievements
Suzy's journey in sports began in Waterloo, Iowa, where she broke barriers as the first female accepted into the boys' baseball program. She excelled as an all-state athlete in softball, basketball, and volleyball during high school. Continuing her athletic and academic pursuits, Suzy played softball at the University of Iowa, earning a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education.
Legacy and Impact
Suzy Willemssen's unwavering dedication to softball is reflected in her impressive record of over 1,300 career wins at the high school and travel ball levels. Her influence extends beyond the field, as she continues to inspire and mentor countless athletes, fostering a culture of excellence, resilience, and community service within the sport.