Learn more about Susie, aka TwirlSportJunkie, in Issue #16 of Spotlight on Twirling!
The Basics
Name: Miss Susie
Dance.net name: TwirlSportJunkie
Member of Dance.net since: November 13, 2002
Age: 35
How long have you been involved with twirling?
I’ve been twirling for 23 years.
^ A headshot of Miss Susie.
Did you compete in twirling when you were younger?
Yes. I competed in the USTA and NBTA in California and ranked nationally. I also did various parades and halftimes as a high school and collegiate feature twirler.
How long have you been a coach?
I’ve been a coach for 10 years.
Approximately how many hours a week do you spend at your studio or gym?
I spend 25 hours coaching. I also spend additional time at home for preparation, research, design, and judging USTA contests.
Do you coach full time, or do you have another job and coach part time?
I teach full time.
Do you coach individuals, groups, or both?
I coach individuals, groups, and pairs in parts of California, Arizona, and Mexico.
^ A photo of The Diamonds, which is one of Susie's recreational groups.
Do you coach all skill levels or just specific ones?
I coach beginner thru advanced.
Do your students attend competitions? If so, which ones?
Yes. They will be competing in USTA and NBTA in Arizona this year.
Do your students appear in parades during the year?
Yes. It helps with community awareness and involvement.
Do you coach high school or college majorettes in the marching band?
Yes. I coach high school twirlers and am developing a twirling line next year.
^ A photo of the high school twirlers Susie coaches.
Do you also coach dance, colorguard, or pom?
Yes. I think you have to coach all three to be effective. I teach dance basics and movement technique to go with the baton, pom to the young kids, and next year I will be taking over a high school colorguard program. I am very excited about incorporating twirling, rifle, sabre, and flags into a multi layered presentation. Eventually, I am planning on taking the WGI judges academy to further my knowledge.
Do you have children or other family members involved in twirling?
Well, does having an old baton mom count? (Thanks mom!) My significant other helps me with body mechanics, conditioning, and as a trainer, since he is a former tennis champion and elite coach.
What is your most and least favorite thing about coaching?
Most- Seeing kids develop and grow into fine upstanding citizens.
Least- Fundraising and dealing with people who don’t think twirling is a sport.
Lastly, what advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a coach?
Realize that it’s much more time consuming than you originally plan on! You must be flexible and adaptable in an everchanging environment with your students. Every day you are faced with something different. Develop good communication skills with the student and realize outside pressures can affect their performance from day to day. Keep educating yourself and updating as the sport is changing rapidly.
