Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Quiroga.
Valerie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Softball has been apart of my life since I was 10 (because I played baseball from age 4-9) and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The softball field is my happy place, my safe place, and my favorite place. Anything, that involves the game, I’m in I’ve been blessed to continue the love I have for softball, by teaching our youth. God knew what he was doing when he allowed me to take that leap of faith into doing what I’m so passionate about.
After I completed my college softball career, at Louisiana Tech, I decided to start coaching a select team out of Pearland, Texas. After coaching a while, parents asked, if I did private lessons. During that time, I didn’t. After talking it over with my own parents, they gave me the nudge and encouragement that I needed. I started coaching private lessons one on one for hitting, catching and fielding, soon after. For about 3-4 yrs I coached a select team and did as many lessons as I could while also working a full time job. Over this time, I kept getting more and more calls, from parents, asking if I could coach their sons and daughters. I eventually stopped coaching select teams and focused on private lessons. During this process, I began to love coaching just as much as I had always loved playing it. In the summer, of 2016, I resigned from the full time job I had maintained. I was finally able to do what I’ve been passionate about my entire life, full time, coaching private lessons, as well as helping host camps throughout the year and helping out with team practices around Houston. It was definitely the best decision I’ve made and now, for the past 3 1/2 years, I’ve been able to say that I truly do what I love for a living. The joy I see on the kids faces, when they progress, is priceless. My advice is, don’t be afraid to go for what you’re passionate about; I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I wish it was a smooth ride, but that’s what makes it all worth it. The first two to three years, like any other small business, were the hardest. I dealt with clients canceling left and right, not receiving payments for lessons, among other issues, but I turned every hardship into a lesson learned. I wasn’t going to let that stop me from doing what I love and helping the kiddos out. This was something I fell in love with, even though I had to give up my personal time to make it happen. I worked a full-time job during the week, from 8-5 pm, rushed over to the cages, coached from 530-9 pm, and on the weekends I would travel with my team to softball tournaments, throughout Houston and out of state, just to do it all over again the following week. I made it happen because I wanted to help the kids succeed at what they loved as well I did and that went on for about four years straight. After the 4th year, things started to come together, especially when I decided to coach full time. Until this day, I still coach some of the same kids I did when I started, almost 7 1/2 years ago. Having to learn how to break things down and understanding how to coach different age groups (and personalities) was another struggle, but as time went on, I learned how to adapt to each kid and their personal needs, when it came to lessons. Again, I confidently say, I wouldn’t change any struggles that happened because it made everything all worth it.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about V.Q Training – what should we know?
V.Q Training provides one on one training for softball and baseball. My clientele ranges from pre-school age to college, but anyone who wants to learn how to hit, catch or field are all welcomed. It doesn’t matter if you’re advanced or just starting to learn the game-if you’re willing to learn, there’s always a spot! I specialize in power hitting, catching, and fielding. I myself was a power hitter; my main position was catcher and I also played 3rd base. As a coach, I not only teach my players the skills of the game but to also be confident in what they’re doing. I believe confidence is the key to everything and I make sure to incorporate that into every lesson. I love creating a fun environment during my lessons, while also requiring them to put in the hard work. One of the weekly assignments, I give my players, is to send me weekly videos of them practicing at home. I also ask parents to send me videos from games, so I can see how our lessons are translating on the field. This way, I know what we need to work on during our next lesson. I also make sure they feel like family because as much as I see them, they’re practically family. I would say the thing I am most proud of, when it comes to my company, is that I make sure to let my kids know that no one or nothing should ever stop them, from doing what they want to do-not only when it comes to the game of softball or baseball, but in life as well.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I would say, my parents have had the biggest impact on my success, not only on the field but off the field as well. There has not been one time that they haven’t encouraged me to go for it. Sometimes, I would doubt myself and they would be right there telling me not to give up; keep pushing. I’m so happy I took their advice and didn’t let my fear of failing get in the way. I wouldn’t have been able to teach if I didn’t push myself to overcome it. My family, in general, has always supported my dreams and have always encouraged me to be the best. I honestly wouldn’t be where I am without them. I also want to give credit to the kids I coach for believing in me and allowing me to be able to help them with their goals and to their parents, as well, for trusting me with their journey. It truly has been a blessing.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 8324958542
- Email: vqtraining23@gmail.com
- Instagram: @_vqtraining_
- Facebook: Vq Training
Image Credit:
Photos: Quy Ngo
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