World class putter Maggie Ewen will be filing monthly reports as she travels the world plying her trade. In this piece, Maggie reflects on her journey from beginner to NCAA and US champion under the tutelage of some outstanding coaches.
Since this is the first week of discussing my throw, I wanted to briefly elaborate on my journey into the athlete I am today.
My first coach was my father.
That began in middle school when my sister joined the track team. Like any little sister, I wanted to be just like my older sister. So, when my father offered to help coach her in the discus, I always tagged along. She eventually switched her focus to the track, but I was hooked.
My father and I continued to train every chance we got. That wasn’t because my dad was a strict coach. I simply always wanted to be throwing. He made sure to keep practices fun and to really foster my love for the sport. We primarily focused on big concepts (not detail work) and really dialing in the fundamentals.
In seventh grade, I made the varsity team. My dad was still my primary coach, but my high-school coach, Mark Hanson, also played a big role in my development at the time. He was immensely supportive and understanding of the dynamic between my father and I, which, unfortunately, I’ve since learned can be a rare situation. Too many people let their egos get in the way instead of doing what’s best for the athlete. My father and Hanson never had that problem. They often worked in unison to assure I was given the guidance and support I needed.
Before I left for college, my dad gave me a piece of advice that would shape my entire college career.
He said (and I paraphrase) “Dumble is your coach now. His word is law. If he tells you something that contradicts what I taught you, he is right and I am wrong. You have to fully commit to his style.” With that, I left for Arizona State to work with my new coach, David Dumble.
Dumble regularly redshirted his freshman in order to allow them a full year to adapt to his approach and the college system as a whole. I was no exception. In that time of immense change, Dumble was the best coach I could have asked for. His immense positivity and passion for the throws helped me settle into the next chapter of my development.
Over the next three years, Dumble built up my shot put and discus and taught me how to throw the hammer. This is also the time that I learned about the importance of the weight room and of taking care of my body in the training room. Overall, I think my time with Dumble opened my eyes to how to be an elite athlete inside and outside of the ring.
With two competitive years remaining in my college career, Dumble left for Oregon State. I was given the opportunity to transfer but the head Coach of the time, Gregory Kraft, assured me I’d like who they were bringing in. I put my faith in him, and Brian Blutreich became my coach. When this happened I was reminded of my father’s advice. I appreciated everything I’d learned from Dumble, but now Blutreich’s word is law.
It was a huge learning curve, and we had no time to waste. Blutreich’s coaching style was much more straightforward and intense than what I had known with my father or Dumble. He set high standards for himself and his athletes. At the time, this was exactly what I needed. A no-nonsense coach who pushed me to keep raising my own standards and setting higher goals. While he continued to improve my shot, discus and hammer techniques, he also helped me to grow mentally and emotionally within the sport.
Blutreich taught me about mindset at practice vs competition, dealing with nerves, and handling pressure.
It’s undeniable that I learned a lot in the ring. However, I don’t feel like I’d be the same athlete today without the mental strength he helped me develop.
Once I graduated college, I began working with Kyle Long, who was Blutreich’s assistant coach. This was primarily because as a college coach, the collegiates were Blutreich’s priority. I did not fault him for that. He had a couple of massive talents like Sam Noennig and Turner Washington at the time. So his hands were definitely full. As the assistant coach, Kyle taught the same technique while having the time and flexibility to work with me more consistently.
Our dynamic has changed over the seven years we’ve worked together. Initially, while I still had a lot to learn, we functioned in a standard coach/athlete dynamic. He told me what to do, and I did it. Over time, we have transitioned into a more collaborative coach/athlete dynamic. He respects my opinions and suggestions as much as I respect his knowledge and guidance.
Looking back, I don’t believe I would have changed my journey at all.
Each coach gave me what I needed at the time I needed it. My dad instilled me with a love for the sport and excellent fundamentals. David Dumble enlightened me to all that goes on outside of the ring that is necessary to being an elite athlete. Brian Blutreich improved my technical knowledge while simultaneously improving my mental strength. Kyle Long continues to guide and support me during my professional career. Their combined guidance built me into the athlete I am today, and I am forever grateful.
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