I had the pleasure of training these girls separately for several months, Lottie throughout the year within my FITgirls classes and then Nikki and her father in semi-private sessions. I knew Lottie and Nikki would be a great match for semi-private sessions because they both have tons of raw athleticism and are eager to learn. Gosh, I really like being right! Both girls came in with the goal of increasing strength and power specifically to help them be better softball players. Softball, like baseball, is a power and not an endurance sport (though I know those weekend tournaments feel like a marathon!). Based on that, we focus on exercises and programming that will help them with those short bursts of strength and power they will need on the field. Both girls needed to improve mobility and stability in almost every area, and increase core and lower body strength (especially glutes and hamstrings). We also do plenty of upper body strength and stability work to decrease the chance of injury. Each week the girls make major progress, become more aware of proper form and technique and carefully make note of each other in the most perfectly respectful but still a lil’ competitive way. Nothing is more gratifying to me than when I see them dial in, focus, reset, correct, try again and push themselves because they saw their buddy do just that. These are great girls and I’m excited to see what their future holds!
Nikki Brown
One Year = 356 Opportunities Unknown
Nikki’s favorite quote above fits her perfectly. Known as
“Downtown Nikki Brown”, She is 13 and a girl of few words. Don’t be fooled though, she’s taking it all in and will not quit. Her relentless determination, natural athleticism, and her ability to take correction and apply it makes coaching her a dream…and each week I get a couple more smiles and words out of her ;)
Nikki’s Stats:
Position: 1B, 3B & LF
Throws: right
Bats: left
2015 & 2016 Fall for Cherokee Jr Warriors Gold
2017 Spring East Cobb Edge
2017 Fall Easton Elite Speed
2017 Fall Cherokee Jr Warriors Premier
2017 Jr Warrior Premier War Dog Award
Nikki is known for hitting the fast pitcher and having a strong throwing arm.
In the Cherokee County Championship tournament she hit over .800 and ended the season with a .405 average
Nikki Q & A:
Why do you love softball?
I love softball because of the competition and being able to make friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
What made you decide to look for additional training? Whose idea was it and what were you looking to improve?
My mom made me at first, but I also wanted to improve my strength and speed to help me be better at my sport
Long term goals?
I want to get into a good college thru softball.
How do you think your strength training is going to help you achieve your goals?
I think that strength training will help me build my confidence because when I feel and look stronger it will help me hit the ball farther.
Favorite exercise?
Pull ups and other exercises we do on the bar are my favorite.
Least favorite exercise?
Plank up downs!
What would you say to friends about your experience and why they should consider a similar program?
I would say that Alex helps build your core & makes you stronger overall. And of course, being stronger can help you succeed in your sport.
Nikki's Parents Q&A:
What prompted you to seek out additional training for Nikki?
In terms of speed and strength, Nikki was behind a lot of the kids in her age group. She was about to move up an age group, meaning this was going to be more of an issue. To be a better player she needed to develop strength and speed as well as improve her mobility and overall athleticism. We also felt like Nikki needed a push to become tougher, mentally as well as physically.
Why did you choose Alex?
The team practices focus only on drills directly related to the basic softball skills of hitting and fielding. There is no attention given to developing athletically. We felt like we needed separate, concentrated and focused training to develop the strength, speed and mobility that is also vital in softball, but is basically overlooked by the team practices.
What changes have you seen?
She has improved her flexibility and strength already but the most impressive thing to me has been her eagerness to go to workouts and put out the effort needed to get through them – without complaining! These are tough workouts and she has had a very positive attitude about them.
What would you say to those considering a similar investment?
Sport specific drills are not the total answer. Look at the kids who really excel and often they are those that are physically stronger and faster and are also willing to put out the effort to succeed, both on and off the field. Even if your kid has been blessed with above average physical gifts, individual training can improve them. If they are not so blessed, off the field work is probably even more important.
Lottie Landmesser
The last thing you want to do is finish playing or doing anything and wish you would have worked harder. Derek Jeter
Lottie is 13 years old and known as ‘money’ on the softball field. I would put her mental strength and ability to focus up against anyone. She is just that kid that will give you 150% every time, she embodies her favorite quote above. She is crazy strong and agile and has a confidence that belies her age, which I adore.
Lottie’s Stats:
Position: short stop, 2nd
Throws: right
Bats: right
2013 Spring/Summer – Rec Allstars: Twin Creeks Twisters
2014 Spring/Summer – GA Power ’04 Red
2015 Spring – GA Power ’04 Red
2015 Fall – GA Power ’04 Red
2016 Spring – GA Power ’04 Red
2016 Fall – Cherokee Jr. Warriors Gold
2016 Fall – GA Power ’04 Red
2017 Spring – GA Power ’04 Red
2017 Fall – Cherokee Jr. Warriors Premier
2017 Fall – GA Power ’04 Red
2015 GA Power ’04 Red Player of the Year
2016 Cherokee Jr. Warrior Gold Most Valuable Player
2016 Cherokee Jr. Warrior All County Honorable Mention
2016 GA Power ’04 Red Schroyer – Stephanie Phillips Award for Commitment & Dedication
2017 GA Power ’04 Red Schroyer – Defensive Player of the Year
She is known as “Money” and she’s known for her bat.
Last travel season she hit over .400 with 30 extra base hits. Yet, she won Defensive Player of the Year for her dependability in the field.
Lottie Q & A:
Why do you love softball?
I love softball because I feel like I can be myself when I am on the field.
What made you decide to look for additional training? Whose idea was it and what were you looking to improve?
What made me look for additional help was that I wasn’t hitting the ball as hard as the other girls. It was my idea and I want to improve my strength.
What are your goals?
Continue to get stronger and I want to lead my team in batting average and be the best fielder
What are your long-term goals?
College softball scholarship
How do you see your training helping you with your goals?
I see it helping with my goals because if I become stronger, I can hit the ball harder and farther. That leads to hits and a high batting average.
What is your favorite exercise we perform?
My favorite is the one leg kettle bell exercise (KB SLDL ;))
What is your least favorite?
My least favorite is “jenna” hollow rocks!
What would you say to your friends considering additional training to help them excel at their sport?
I would say that it can apply to any sport, and that I have been to lots of other training classes and places. This one is my favorite because you get a ton of personal attention.
Lottie's Parents Q&A:
What prompted you to seek out additional training for your athlete in addition to her regular softball practices?
Lottie is very serious about her pursuit of a college softball scholarship and we are starting the early parts of the recruiting process this year. As a result, she wants to get stronger and faster to improve her abilities on the field. Over the summer she prioritized the activities she was participating in and decided that strength and conditioning training was more important than playing a 2nd sport at this time. She is driving the increase in training and is a highly motivated girl.
Why did you choose the individualized approach (semi private strength and conditioning sessions) with Alex?
Lottie wants to be challenged and work on things that may be specific to her goals so it just made sense to work out in an environment that had more individual attention and can move at a more aggressive pace. She also wanted to work out more times per week.
What were your goals for your athlete when they started?
Lottie isn’t the biggest softball player but she is a power hitter and relies on strength and quality of swing. Our goal is for her to continue getting stronger and turn that into a competitive advantage. Lottie also needs to gain speed on the base paths.
What changes or improvements have you seen?
We have only been doing semi-private sessions for a short time but Lottie is already improving. She was very sore in the beginning and is handling the workouts in stride now. Lottie has been working with Alex for several months however (she participated in FITgirls classes previously) and over that time she has built more strength and endurance. She also looks forward to working out because she enjoys the sessions so much!
What would you say to those considering a similar investment?
Parents are making a lot of investments in their kids’ sporting endeavors. Being stronger and more agile will not only improve their performance in their sport but it will also help prevent injury. There are also kids who aren’t in organized sports and this is a great way to get them exercise and open their eyes to individual exercise-related activities.