OUR STAFF
Heidi Freitager, Owner & LEAD Instructor & NUTRITION COACH
Heidi Freitager is a nationally-renowned softball instructor, having developed collegiate All Americans and professional softball athletes. She currently coaches the Virginia Legends 18U and 16U teams headquartered out of the Virginia Beach area. Heidi recently added a weight loss nutrition coaching certification to her profile as well.
She left the University of Virginia after serving eight seasons as associate head softball coach. While there, she served as hitting/catching coach for three seasons and pitching coach for five seasons while also serving as the recruiting coordinator.
Prior to her time at UVA, she coached collegiately at Temple (2008), Nova Southeastern (2005), Morehead State (2004 & 2002), and New Mexico State (2003).
She also coached at Everglades High School in Florida, leading them to the 2007 6A state championship while claiming two district titles and being named Florida's Softball Coach of the Year in 2007. She also guided the West Pines Diamond Dusters 18 Gold & Gold Coast Hurricanes 16U during her time in Florida.
Freitager played at Northern Iowa (1997-2001) where she started at catcher for four seasons and helped lead her team to the Missouri Valley Conference championship in 2000. She earned her B.A. in chemistry at UNI and a M.A. in athletic administration at Morehead State.
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Outside of softball, Heidi enjoys playing pickleball, golfing, and volunteering on the board for the Almost Home Pet Adoption Center SPCA in Nelson County.
COURTNEY LAYNE, INSTRUCTOR
Courtney Layne is starting her sophomore year at The University of Virginia majoring in youth and social innovation. A left-handed pitcher for the 'Hoo, Courtney was named Virginia State Player of the Year by MaxPreps after leading Appomattox to a state championship in her senior high school season, throwing a perfect game to end her career. She was ranked the #14 pitching recruit and #35 overall recruit in her class. Courtney throws in the mid 60s and possesses one of the most deceptive change ups in the college game. She will specialize in pitching lessons for all ages.
RACHEL KESHIN, INSTRUCTOR
Rachel Keshin is a on her way to becoming a double 'HOO as she is on her way to completing her master's in Education in communication sciences and disorders at The University of Virginia. She currently in doing some of her graduate work within Albemarle County Schools. Heidi recruited Rachel and her twin sister, Molly, to the UVA Softball program and she enjoyed a successful career for the Cavaliers, primarily as an outfielder and pinch runner. Rachel played travel ball for the Connecticut Legends and was a finalist for Gatorade Player of The Year in Connecticut. Rachel will be primarily focused on hitting lessons and group clinics in hitting & defense.
Katie O'Connor, instructor
Katie O'Connor is a 2023 graduate of Monticello High School that will be continuing on to play at Caldwell University in New Jersey. She has been a 4-year starter for the Mustangs softball program and also plays for the Virginia Legends travel organization. Katie has been working with Coach Freitager as a student for the last 7 years and will specialize in lessons for younger athletes in pitching and hitting as well as assisting in group sessions.
alexis (wayland) williamson, instructor
Longwood Lancer and William Monroe alum Alexis (Wayland) Williamson will be joining the Freitager Fastpitch staff after a hugely successful stint as a catcher and utility player throughout her college career. Williamson earned Big South All Freshman and Big South First Team accolades after leading the Lancers in a variety of offensive categories, including batting average and home runs. She played travel ball in the Virginia Legends organization, finishing her career playing for Coach Freitager. Alexis is a true utility player, having played in the infield, outfield, behind the plate, and in the circle at different points throughout her softball career. She will be assisting with group clinics to start with and will expand her availability as time permits.
Braelyn Via, Instructor
Braelyn Via is a 2023 graduate of Fluvanna County High School that will be continuing on to play at Carson Newman in Tennessee. She is currently a member of the OC Elite travel ball organization. Braelyn has been working with Coach Freitager as a student for the past 10 years and will specialize in lessons for younger athletes in catching and hitting as well as assisting in group sessions.
Eliza whiteman, instructor
Eliza Whiteman is the owner of FlyDog Yoga in Charlottesville, VA. She is a 2001 graduate of Auburn University where she was one of the founding members of the softball program and played under Coach Tina Deese and pitching coach Deb Sonnenburg (Canadian National Team). During/after college, Eliza gave pitching lessons where she taught students such as Sarah Signets, who went on to play at Jacksonville University and is currently the head coach at Bucknell. Eliza is a highly sought after yoga teacher in the area, but has seen the need for more high-level softball pitching & player instruction. The game of softball has given Eliza so many opportunities and she is excited to help teach the next generation of players in our area.
HANNAH SHIFFLETT, INSTRUCTOR
Hannah Shifflett is going into her final collegiate season in 2022-2023 for the JMU Dukes, having just earned CAA Conference Player of the Year honors. Hannah has played primarily first base for JMU after the completion of an immensely successful prep career playing shortstop at Monticello High School. During her high school career with the Mustangs and the nationally-renowned Virginia Legends travel program, Hannah played shortstop, third base, and outfield and is known as a true-utility player with speed and power.
Hannah trained with Coach Freitager since 2016. Hannah's outstanding understanding of hitting coupled with her experience in every defensive position on the field make her a valuable asset to our team. She'll be available for lessons during school break periods.
PARTNERS
Kenny szabo, ADAPT
Kenny Szabo of ADAPT will be offering strength, agility, and conditioning classes specifically for softball players for injury prevention and performance enhancement. He currently trains NCAA, NFL, MLB, and NBA athletes as well as working with travel and prep athletes on their development programs.
Coach Szabo played football at Bridgewater College while earning a degree in exercise science and later University of Akron earning double master's degrees in exercise physiology and sports administration. He is certified for strength & conditioning through NSCA, personal training through ACSM, and carries certifications through USA Weightlifting and Functional Movement Systems.
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MILLIE THOMPSON, INSTRUCTOR
Millie Thompson is a pitcher for the nationally-ranked Clemson Tigers and had a hugely successful freshman year where she helped lead them into their first ever NCAA regional. Millie has developed one of the deadliest change ups in the college game. She also achieved a 4.0 GPA for the year.
Millie has been training with Freitager Fastpitch since 2016 and has a terrific grasp of beginning and advanced mechanics, balance training, and working with pitches. She'll be available for lessons during school break periods.
KELSIE SZABO, ADAPT
Kelsie Szabo of ADAPT offers personalized athlete nutrition coaching, as well as nutrition for the whole family. Her goal is to educate both the athlete and family of how to fuel their body for maximum performance and recovery in order to take their game to the next level. Areas of focus include analyzing current lifestyle and what the athlete/family needs for success, customizing the timing and content of pre, during and post training/competition meals and snacks, as well as general lifestyle nutrition and healthy habits.
Kelsie was an all-state, multi-sport athlete through high school, and continued her basketball career at Bridgewater College while earning a degree in exercise science. She currently runs the ADAPT Adult Performance Training Program, and coaches varsity basketball at St. Anne's Belfield School. She is nutrition coach certified through Precision Nutrition and personal training and corrective exercise specialized through NASM.
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You can set up your personalized nutrition with Kelsie:
- Athlete/family lifestyle and nutrition consultation, personalized plan for the athlete, and a 30-day follow up check in. Regularly $299, Freitager Fastpitch members $199.
- Personalized nutrition plan for the athlete (without the consultation). Regularly $99, Freitager Fastpitch members $69.
- Other services: weekly/monthly check-ins, and personalized plan for each family member
Contact Kelsie via email (kelsie@trainatadapt.com) or (540)280-7610.
Dr. Lori SchwanhausSER Freeman, PsyD, Clinical & Sports Psychologist
Dr. Lori Schwanhausser Freeman was a student-athlete at Northwestern University and later moved on to getting her doctorate at LaSalle in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Sports Performance. She focuses on sports performance issues, mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, disordered eating, body image concerns, trauma and PTSD, adjustment difficulties, and relationship issues.
Dr. Freeman's services can be scheduled by emailing her at lorifreemanpsyd@gmail.com or calling (847) 809-5525. Insurance can often be applied to her services. You can check out her site at www.cvillepsychandperformance.com.
Dr. Erin HorN, PH.D., Clinical & Sports psychologist
Dr. Erin Horn graduated with her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Virginia after a very successful playing career on the softball field for the Cavaliers. She has extensive experience working with athletes and teenagers on sports performance, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more.
Dr. Horn's services can be scheduled by emailing her at horn@healthymindsoftheblueridge.com or calling (434) 422-5541. Insurance can often be applied to her services. You can check out her site at www.healthymindsoftheblueridge.com.
Dr. meghan dickerson, chiropractor
Dr. Meghan Dickerson did her undergraduate work Cornell and got her doctorate at the Sherman College of Chiropractic. With Dr. Dickerson's unique approach to alternative, holistic chiropractic techniques, you'll experience better health without relying on drugs or invasive surgery. You'll engage in preventative, natural maintenance that sustains your comfort and manages your pains, including those family athletic injuries. Please visit freebridgechiro.com for more information or call (434) 977-0777 and mention Freitager Fastpitch when you make your appointment.