Penny Siqueiros, Head Coach at Emory Universityand former coach and player at Florida State, has a winning record of 284-93 (.753 winning percentage). Her teams have played in three NCAA College World Series, earned six NCAA tournament berths, and three conference championships. This lady knows what she is talking about!
In 2007, the Eagles rolled to an overall record of 33-8, the seventh straight season of 30 or more victories. Along the way Emory posted an 18 game winning streak, the second-longest in school history, while posting a number seven final national ranking, the program's highest finish since 2003. After earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, Emory rattled off four straight wins in regional actions that propelled it into NCAA Championships for the third time in her tenure as head coach.

In a recent softball discussion she was anxious to share a new training aid that has added to her coaching effectiveness, it is the Hack Attack Pitching Machine. The Hack Attack has increased her team's offensive performance since the day it arrived. Siqueiros said, "Offensively it has made a big difference in our hitters approach."

For the first time, I have a pitching machine that can provide exaggerated movement along with powerful speed and accurate location. The Hack Attack has challenged my hitters, its velocity has shortened their back swings which has resulted in a quickened swing and improved mechanics. Additionally, the accuracy of this evolutionary pitching equipment has eliminated any fear of being struck by an errant pitch.

Collegiate hitters these days rarely see nonbreaking pitches. The game of fast-pitch has improved annually; pitchers are better coached, well trained, and significantly stronger. Successfully trained pitching has increased parity among all divisions, which makes demand for a quality hitting approach an important element of the game. The Hack Attack pitching machine helps provide an environment for success.

Coach Penny Siqueiros notes that in order to maintain the high level of success consistently over the course of ten years, it has required creating a practice environment that duplicates what's expected during post-season competition. As Coach Siqueiros mentions, "I discovered that using the Hack Attack in inter-squad games was indispensable. It has placed our hitters in situations that are like that of post season, in other words facing pitches that exhibit both power, movement, and accuracy."

She also mentioned, "It is also a very portable piece of equipment, it takes little time, and limited physical exertion to move the Hack Attack from all areas of the complex." This makes the Hack Attack a very user friendly tool in providing an efficient and organized practice. A seven inning simulated game can be played in a reduced amount of time due to the accuracy and portability of this equipment, more can be achieved in a shorter amount of time. "These concentrated scrimmages enabled us to incorporate the element of game like play into practice more frequently."

It has been my experience that the Hack Attack has become a key ingredient in improving Emory Softball's performance. It can also aid other programs to keep up with the "growth of the game." There are more competitive collegiate teams than ever with improved pitching and increased defensive capabilities. The three-wheel Hack Attack is not only keeping up with the game but it is actually becoming an important factor in its growth. "In my case, it has helped my team stay ahead of the pace."

From a day-to-day practical view, the machine has been amazing. It has been easy to operate. The three-wheel design allows me to change pitches simply and effortlessly. Other pitching machines have required awkward adjustment of cantilevered unbalanced throwing heads. The Hack Attack, while it is rugged and heavy enough to absorb the recoil of overpowering speeds, it rolls easily on and off the field or any place required on the field. I, or any of my players can move it as required. The rolling wheels and balanced design combine to make it the most portable and functional pitching machine available.

As a player, Coach Siqueiros was named the school's female athlete of the year in the Atlantic Coast Conference her senior year. The shortstop was twice voted to the all-region team by the Coaches Association. She helped Florida State to the College World Series three times, finishing third, fifth and seventh respectively. As a junior Siqueiros was honored as the team's Most Valuable Player and Most Inspirational Athlete, she just wishes the Hack Attack was available during her playing career! However, she is thrilled to have this available for her current program at Emory.

Coach Siqueiros welcomes any questions regarding how she utilizes the Hack Attack in her daily practice design. Additionally, she is interested in hearing how you use your Hack Attack in your team preparation. If you are interested in contacting Coach Siqueiros, you can reach her at psiquei@emory.edu. To contact Sports Attack directly call 800.717.4251 or check out their website at www.sportsattack.com.

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