Post by CEZAR on Dec 30, 2013 9:21:15 GMT -6
I reached out to Laura Harms and asked her to answer a few questions for at ILsoftball.com, Laura was delighted too, she is a Softball Legend, and is now the Program Director for Legends Fastpitch Softball out of Bourbonnais, IL .thelegendssportsplex.com/legendsfastpitch.htm, Thanks Laura , good luck this season and good luck on your new Program! I know you will do well! enjoy peeps!
1) ILSOFTBALL.COM• Tell us about your background, grew up, school, etc. programs your story!
LAURA-Played baseball with the boys until I was in 8th grade. I was on a Little League team that placed 3rd in State when I was 12. I hated switching over to softball and actually asked my mom if I could go back to baseball. My mom said I was going to have to play softball in HS so had to get use to it. Boys were way more competitive. Grew up in Bradley IL and went to Bradley Bourbonnais High School where I am now in the Hall of Fame for being a standout Basketball and Softball player. Went to Kankakee Community College to play both sports and was All-American softball player. Then went on to Bradley University where I played for Venus Taylor. Drafted to NY/NJ Juggernaut team in 2004 where I played for 1 summer before coming over to the Bandits in 2005 until I retired in 2009. Played 6 years in the NPF
2) ILSOFTBALL.COM •What made you decide to go into coaching? What is your coaching philosophy? How important is winning?
LAURA- I really wanted to give back to the sport I love. I wanted girls in my area to have some of the same opportunities that I had or even more than I had at their age. I love kids #1 and love the sport of softball so it was just an easy choice to get into coaching. Venus Taylor also made a huge impact in my life when I played for her and I really wanted to be a coach like her. Very passionate, knowledgeable, and just understood how to get through to her players! She really made me realize that coaching was what I was meant to do!
3) ILSOFTBALL.COM •What type of student-athlete is most difficult for you to work with? How do you overcome this?
LAURA- For me I want the kid that really appreciates and understands what they have. There are so many kids that would love to have the natural ability that just don't or would love to be on a great team but they just can't or would love to have a great coach but just doesn't. So I am a HUGE appreciation person! I drill it in to their head everyday that they need to understand how great they have it and there are tons of kids that would love to be in their situation! I don't let my kids just not understand this we talk about the big picture of things all the time. What kind of person are you because some day softball will be over and then what. Be a good person that respects others and has a good heart.
4) ILSOFTBALL.COM • what do you believe makes a great softball program, what criteria would you use to determine whether or not you have a good program?
LAURA- I think everyone being on the same page. Obviously success is important but I want the athletes and parents to be happy! It's hard to make everyone happy but if they understand what you are working for and feel like you are putting everything into their daughters and program then i usually get tons of support.
5) ILSOFTBALL.COM •How important is planning to good coaching?
LAURA- I think planning is important but I am a coach that thinks a lot on the fly. If we are doing a drill at practice and I see something we need to work on then I will do that right away. I don't always stick to my itinerary because it doesn't always apply to what we need to work on as the practice goes on.
6) ILSOFTBALL.COM • who is your role model?
LAURA- I have a few people that I really respect and look up to but i'm not sure that I have a true role model. Venus Taylor helped me get to where I am today and I really respect her as a coach and a softball person. We share the same passion and love for the sport and she really showed me that when I was playing for her and coaching with her. Jennie Finch is awesome but not because she is just an amazing pitcher and softball icon but because of her attitude and generosity to kids that love the sport. When we use to sign autographs Jennie and I would be the last ones at the park because we understood how important it was to those kids! She truly has a great heart and understanding of what it is to be a role model to young girls!
7) ILSOFTBALL.COM •A parent complains about something that has happened in your program/playing time etc. How would you handle that? How do you deal with an upset parent?
LAURA- First of all I never talk to parents about playing time before the athlete talks to me first. I feel like I am very approachable and tell my kids if they have issues then they need to come to me first and we will talk about what they need to do better. I don't ever have issues with parents because I usually lay the ground work from the beginning. I tell them that when they are mine they are mine. No one talks to their kids during games or comes up to my dugouts or tries to coach them because that's my job. When they get in the car or after the game you can do whatever you want with your child. I do not deal with upset parents very often
8) ILSOFTBALL.COM •What motivation techniques work best for you? What do you do with the athlete who is not motivated to achieve?
LAURA- I usually get the kids to understand how good they can be and what they need to do to reach their full potential. I get the kid that isn't that motivated and put them right next to the one that is 100% motivated and show them what it's like. I talk so much to my girls (they might think too much sometimes) on motivation, potential, and what they want for their future. I have been very fortunate over the last few years that I have great kids that work their butts off for me!
9) ILSOFTBALL.COM •How do you promote your program to get student-athletes involved in softball?
LAURA- I think word of mouth is the most important. We get kids involved because other kids love what we are doing. They talk about loving coming to practice, games or anything that has to do with our team.
10) ILSOFTBALL.COM •Explain what you envision the off-season portion of your program will entail?
LAURA- We do 12 weeks of speed and agility/weight training from Nov/Feb- This is twice a week with hitting after those sessions for an hour. We also have regular practice 1x a week that is usually defensive drills and situations throughout the winter.
11) ILSOFTBALL.COM •How would a student-athlete describe you a year or two after she has played for you?
LAURA- I think they would say that she was really hard on me when I played for her but because she knew my potential. I tell my girls that they are not always going to like me and i'm not always going to like them but they will love me in the end and that's how it's pretty much worked.
12) ILSOFTBALL.COM •Some people say that a coach should be special, a role model that should be just as concerned about his/her behavior Others would say that the coach’s life should be his/her own after hours. what they do on their own time is their own business. What do you think?
LAURA- I think you are a role model and these girls and they look up to you. So I try to make sure my behavior conveys to them what I want out of them as athletes. My girls 2 years ago had WWLHD (what would Laura Harms Do) shirts made and I really think they had that on their mind. We talk a lot about representation and not only representing you but your teammates, your organization, your coach, and your family. My girls know all about representing in a good manner!
13) ILSOFTBALL.COM • what role did your parents play in you coaching softball?
LAURA- My parents were very supportive in whatever I wanted to do. They understood my love for the the game a long time ago and knew I would be involved with it somehow. My dad never missed a HS game this year and is proud to say he watched our undefeated season and was there for our 35 wins. They know how much I give to the girls and this sport and they are very supportive in what I do. They told me a long time ago that you have to be happy at what you do. Don't ever think about the $ think about if you love going to work everyday! I for sure love coaching more than anything!
14) ILSOFTBALL.COM • what do you think about women coaches in IL? who are some of your favs?
LAURA- I think there are some really great women coaches in our sport and especially in illinois. Liz Bouch has to be a great person that comes up that loves the sport and has great passion. I love Eileen Canney and I think she has great knowledge of pitching and really does a good job, Kathy Young is awesome and has done a great job for a long time. Her love and enthusiasm is contagious and she works really hard for her girls and this game.
15) ILSOFTBALL.COM •How do you see PGF growing on the futures and national level?
LAURA- I think the PGF is growing already and has the right people in place to be the best and biggest softball. People are really buying in and the girls are getting reconginzed from colleges more than they ever have. I think they are doing a really good job and look forward to watching it grow more over the next year!
16) ILSOFTBALL.COM •what other teams in IL and the Midwest highschool or travel do good job at competing and getting girls ready for the next level?
LAURA- For high school we play in the East Suburban Catholic Conference and I think it's awesome conference and a lot of teams and coaches are doing a good job getting their girls ready. Marist is a great program and she has done a great job over the years. Marian Catholic and Providence are also really good programs that have been successful and have great players that go on to play college ball.
Thank you,
Laura Harms
thelegendssportsplex.com/legendsfastpitch.htm
1) ILSOFTBALL.COM• Tell us about your background, grew up, school, etc. programs your story!
LAURA-Played baseball with the boys until I was in 8th grade. I was on a Little League team that placed 3rd in State when I was 12. I hated switching over to softball and actually asked my mom if I could go back to baseball. My mom said I was going to have to play softball in HS so had to get use to it. Boys were way more competitive. Grew up in Bradley IL and went to Bradley Bourbonnais High School where I am now in the Hall of Fame for being a standout Basketball and Softball player. Went to Kankakee Community College to play both sports and was All-American softball player. Then went on to Bradley University where I played for Venus Taylor. Drafted to NY/NJ Juggernaut team in 2004 where I played for 1 summer before coming over to the Bandits in 2005 until I retired in 2009. Played 6 years in the NPF
2) ILSOFTBALL.COM •What made you decide to go into coaching? What is your coaching philosophy? How important is winning?
LAURA- I really wanted to give back to the sport I love. I wanted girls in my area to have some of the same opportunities that I had or even more than I had at their age. I love kids #1 and love the sport of softball so it was just an easy choice to get into coaching. Venus Taylor also made a huge impact in my life when I played for her and I really wanted to be a coach like her. Very passionate, knowledgeable, and just understood how to get through to her players! She really made me realize that coaching was what I was meant to do!
3) ILSOFTBALL.COM •What type of student-athlete is most difficult for you to work with? How do you overcome this?
LAURA- For me I want the kid that really appreciates and understands what they have. There are so many kids that would love to have the natural ability that just don't or would love to be on a great team but they just can't or would love to have a great coach but just doesn't. So I am a HUGE appreciation person! I drill it in to their head everyday that they need to understand how great they have it and there are tons of kids that would love to be in their situation! I don't let my kids just not understand this we talk about the big picture of things all the time. What kind of person are you because some day softball will be over and then what. Be a good person that respects others and has a good heart.
4) ILSOFTBALL.COM • what do you believe makes a great softball program, what criteria would you use to determine whether or not you have a good program?
LAURA- I think everyone being on the same page. Obviously success is important but I want the athletes and parents to be happy! It's hard to make everyone happy but if they understand what you are working for and feel like you are putting everything into their daughters and program then i usually get tons of support.
5) ILSOFTBALL.COM •How important is planning to good coaching?
LAURA- I think planning is important but I am a coach that thinks a lot on the fly. If we are doing a drill at practice and I see something we need to work on then I will do that right away. I don't always stick to my itinerary because it doesn't always apply to what we need to work on as the practice goes on.
6) ILSOFTBALL.COM • who is your role model?
LAURA- I have a few people that I really respect and look up to but i'm not sure that I have a true role model. Venus Taylor helped me get to where I am today and I really respect her as a coach and a softball person. We share the same passion and love for the sport and she really showed me that when I was playing for her and coaching with her. Jennie Finch is awesome but not because she is just an amazing pitcher and softball icon but because of her attitude and generosity to kids that love the sport. When we use to sign autographs Jennie and I would be the last ones at the park because we understood how important it was to those kids! She truly has a great heart and understanding of what it is to be a role model to young girls!
7) ILSOFTBALL.COM •A parent complains about something that has happened in your program/playing time etc. How would you handle that? How do you deal with an upset parent?
LAURA- First of all I never talk to parents about playing time before the athlete talks to me first. I feel like I am very approachable and tell my kids if they have issues then they need to come to me first and we will talk about what they need to do better. I don't ever have issues with parents because I usually lay the ground work from the beginning. I tell them that when they are mine they are mine. No one talks to their kids during games or comes up to my dugouts or tries to coach them because that's my job. When they get in the car or after the game you can do whatever you want with your child. I do not deal with upset parents very often
8) ILSOFTBALL.COM •What motivation techniques work best for you? What do you do with the athlete who is not motivated to achieve?
LAURA- I usually get the kids to understand how good they can be and what they need to do to reach their full potential. I get the kid that isn't that motivated and put them right next to the one that is 100% motivated and show them what it's like. I talk so much to my girls (they might think too much sometimes) on motivation, potential, and what they want for their future. I have been very fortunate over the last few years that I have great kids that work their butts off for me!
9) ILSOFTBALL.COM •How do you promote your program to get student-athletes involved in softball?
LAURA- I think word of mouth is the most important. We get kids involved because other kids love what we are doing. They talk about loving coming to practice, games or anything that has to do with our team.
10) ILSOFTBALL.COM •Explain what you envision the off-season portion of your program will entail?
LAURA- We do 12 weeks of speed and agility/weight training from Nov/Feb- This is twice a week with hitting after those sessions for an hour. We also have regular practice 1x a week that is usually defensive drills and situations throughout the winter.
11) ILSOFTBALL.COM •How would a student-athlete describe you a year or two after she has played for you?
LAURA- I think they would say that she was really hard on me when I played for her but because she knew my potential. I tell my girls that they are not always going to like me and i'm not always going to like them but they will love me in the end and that's how it's pretty much worked.
12) ILSOFTBALL.COM •Some people say that a coach should be special, a role model that should be just as concerned about his/her behavior Others would say that the coach’s life should be his/her own after hours. what they do on their own time is their own business. What do you think?
LAURA- I think you are a role model and these girls and they look up to you. So I try to make sure my behavior conveys to them what I want out of them as athletes. My girls 2 years ago had WWLHD (what would Laura Harms Do) shirts made and I really think they had that on their mind. We talk a lot about representation and not only representing you but your teammates, your organization, your coach, and your family. My girls know all about representing in a good manner!
13) ILSOFTBALL.COM • what role did your parents play in you coaching softball?
LAURA- My parents were very supportive in whatever I wanted to do. They understood my love for the the game a long time ago and knew I would be involved with it somehow. My dad never missed a HS game this year and is proud to say he watched our undefeated season and was there for our 35 wins. They know how much I give to the girls and this sport and they are very supportive in what I do. They told me a long time ago that you have to be happy at what you do. Don't ever think about the $ think about if you love going to work everyday! I for sure love coaching more than anything!
14) ILSOFTBALL.COM • what do you think about women coaches in IL? who are some of your favs?
LAURA- I think there are some really great women coaches in our sport and especially in illinois. Liz Bouch has to be a great person that comes up that loves the sport and has great passion. I love Eileen Canney and I think she has great knowledge of pitching and really does a good job, Kathy Young is awesome and has done a great job for a long time. Her love and enthusiasm is contagious and she works really hard for her girls and this game.
15) ILSOFTBALL.COM •How do you see PGF growing on the futures and national level?
LAURA- I think the PGF is growing already and has the right people in place to be the best and biggest softball. People are really buying in and the girls are getting reconginzed from colleges more than they ever have. I think they are doing a really good job and look forward to watching it grow more over the next year!
16) ILSOFTBALL.COM •what other teams in IL and the Midwest highschool or travel do good job at competing and getting girls ready for the next level?
LAURA- For high school we play in the East Suburban Catholic Conference and I think it's awesome conference and a lot of teams and coaches are doing a good job getting their girls ready. Marist is a great program and she has done a great job over the years. Marian Catholic and Providence are also really good programs that have been successful and have great players that go on to play college ball.
Thank you,
Laura Harms
thelegendssportsplex.com/legendsfastpitch.htm