USTA Professional member Matt Freeman is a six-time NBTA World Gold Medalist and a USTA Men's Solo Champion. He is a former feature twirler at Penn State University where he is now the feature twirler advisor. He is also a coach and director (with his wife, Meredith) of M Twirling Team in State College, Pennsylvania. He recently spoke with USTA's Inside Loop. Here's what he had to say:

Inside Loop: As a husband, father, and director of M Twirling Team (while also holding a full-time job), how do to manage your time and continue to develop your baton athletes so successfully?

Freeman: Many factors contribute to the successful outcome of each of these obligations. My wife, Meredith, and I met through baton twirling and continue to be equally involved in the development of our athletes both on and off the competition floor. The best thing about our time spent teaching, coaching and training our students, is that we get to spend that time together. We have been able to spend such quality time together in the moments where some may find high stress or overwhelming obstacles. Being in the gym with our students is always so rewarding, as we both are fully invested in their development and knowledge of the sport. As a husband and wife coaching team, we certainly are able to provide a healthy balance of both style contributions and coaching styles. This allows me to be able to fully execute my obligations outside of our twirling studio while always being a part of their growth and development whether it be behind the scenes in the planning stage, at the lesson as the instructor, or while at a competition being one of their biggest fans.

We know that each student's definition of success looks extremely different. We have some students who define success as coming to a weekly class and spending time with friends. We give them the opportunity to be successful. We also have students who think of success as catching a new trick or finishing a routine, as well as students who have goals far beyond catching a trick. They want to be the best they can be and we provide an opportunity for them to be successful as well. I think the most important part of a successful coach and successful development of the athlete is meeting them where they are and honoring what their definition of success is. The most rewarding part of being a coach is seeing each of these students succeed at their own level and celebrating with them along the way. Knowing what goals they set for themselves, we create the foundation and build up to their full potential together. It takes an equal commitment from the parent, student and coach.