Holly Biller, USTA Professional from Ohio, is all about creating a “family” to help students grow, improve and have FUN! We asked Biller about her philosophy of coaching and here's what she had to say:
Inside Loop: Holly, you're known for having such a fun and active group of twirlers with some popular male twirlers…. what's the secret to your success?
Biller: I love that the twirling world recognizes that we have fun with twirling! I have a good-sized group and each year we set the same two goals, 1 - To Have fun, 2- To make improvements. While we spend time working on our material and making those improvements, I find it as important to allow ourselves the opportunity to laugh, have silly days, and be creative. I specifically love that my twirlers come from all different areas and walks of life, yet somehow have gained priceless friendships through twirling. One thing that I really like about our group is that from the outside looking in, you will never be able to tell who our "new kids” are. We have and always have had, an “anyone is welcome” policy and I'm so lucky that the kids embrace that. The inclusiveness is why I think so many of our kids choose to do individual events, they really enjoy spending extra time together and they love knowing that no opportunity is off limits. I have tried to make our lessons affordable to every parent who wants to allow their child an extracurricular activity. We have even established a scholarship type program for any parent going through a hard time (layoffs, illness, etc.) I have had a lot of questions about how I have been able to grow my men's twirling program and the truth, is I have no idea, I am just very lucky. I started with the younger brother of an older twirler wanting to try baton, from day one I made it known that my expectations for him were no different than that of the twirler standing next to him. That one twirler, led to another which led to another and now we have six competitive men twirling with our program. Some of my older men have found their specific strengths within the program and enjoying their journey and become wonderful role models in the sport of baton. The dynamic is different when you are dealing with men as part of your program, but it offers a lot of unique opportunities and as they are told often, gray hairs for the coach!
Inside Loop: Can you tell us a little bit about how you started in the sport and some details about your journey?
Biller: I truly don't remember much about how I got started in the sport of baton twirling. What I do remember, however, has been the foundation of the coach I try to be every day. I wasn't the best twirler, I didn't give baton twirling my all, and I allowed myself to give up when it got hard. For those reasons, I was done twirling by the time I was 13 or so and at a beginner level. When my sister and I decided to teach, it was honestly just to teach our daughters something we knew how to do. So, we picked up a couple of batons and started teaching them in my garage. Somehow, word got out and we had ten kids or so in just the first month. Our focus was just to teach baton twirling and do a few local parades. That was who we were for several years. Then one day at work, I ran into one of my sisters' former coaches. We chatted, exchanged numbers, and with her guidance we entered the competition world. I decided right away that each student, regardless of their level or goals, got the same time and energy that the other twirlers did. In the beginning, we competed primarily in DMA, where I studied the sport and became a Gold Seal Judge. DMA provided our group with many years of memories, and they will always hold a special place in our heart. COVID happened and the twirling world changed drastically overnight. When it was all said and done WTA and USTA entered our program and became opportunities I wanted to explore. While each organization offers very different strengths, both offer friendships, mentors, and countless opportunities for our group. Everyone has been helpful, encouraging, and willing to answer my million questions. I have been blessed along the way to work beside some amazing coaches, collaborate with some awesome coaches, and privileged enough to help create some coaches as well. It's impossible to think this has been my life for 20 years now, I can't wait to see what will happen next!
Inside Loop: What are three things the twirling world doesn't know about you?
Biller:
- I am a living organ donor.
- I have a son Andrew and a daughter Emma. Andrew is married to Megan, and they have my first grandchild, Lincoln!
- I have been a coach to my daughter, three nieces, two great nieces and four of my cousins' children. It's been so much fun!
Thanks, Holly, for sharing with us and we wish you all the best!