Coach Spotlight: Coach Maeve Willis
Each month, we’re spotlighting one of our incredible coaches so you can get to know the people who make The Spot what it is. This month, we’re kicking things off with Coach Maeve Willis, who’s been a part of The Spot family since 2020. As she approaches her six-year anniversary in January, Maeve shares how her role has grown, what drives her as a coach, and a few things you might not know about her outside the gym.
Where are you from and where did you go to school?
(include both HS and post HS)
I was born in the land up North (Ann Arbor...) and grew up in Cleveland, but the rest of my family lives in Ireland (I compete in Olympic Weightlifting for Team Ireland). I went to Shaker Heights High School, University of Rochester for my undergrad and Ohio State University for graduate school.
What is your background and what got you into working out?
I broke my collarbone and tore my ACL from college rugby within 6 months of each other my freshman year. The women's team had never been allowed to be part of the weight room in high school, or do any other type of training than "go run 5 miles", so during my recovery, I fell in love with the offseason and the process of returning to the field stronger. It led me down the path of competing in Olympic weightlifting after college, and pursuing a Master's Degree to better understand the mental implications of injury.
How long have you been Coaching at The Spot and what is your favorite part about working at The Spot?
I have been coaching at The Spot since January 2020. My favorite thing is the one-liners that I get from athletes. Here's a sample set:
"It's easier when you do it right."
"I swear to God I could deadlift 9 million pounds if I could just get it off the ground."
"I'm in my buff era, it's bulking season."
In addition to the one-liners, I love being part of the process of progress. Getting to be in an athlete's corner month after month, year after year... It makes every ounce of a win such a special thing.
What do you like to do when you aren't Coaching or training?
I enjoy putting together puzzles and traveling (I've been to 47 states, 23 National Parks, and 7 countries)
Would you share with us one of your favorite quotes?
I'm having a tough time narrowing this down to one, so I'll give you my top three:
"Rebellions are built on hope" (Star Wars: Rogue One)
"Dare you to move" (Switchfoot)
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly, who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming" (Teddy Roosevelt)
Coach Maeve Willis