By Rose Hutchins
Holly Wilson of Woodward High School is ready to go all out in her senior softball season. In the outfield, she defends her team with a strong glove and relentless hustle. For Holly, softball demands dedication, consistency, and the willingness to push through setbacks. Holly recognizes her parents and coaches for always keeping her in the game.
“My parents have taught me to work hard and stay humble,” she shares.
Her coaches continually push her to keep improving and never giving up, even when challenges arise. With her dad, she has built a special connection through their shared love of storm chasing, creating memories together and strengthening a bond that is unbreakable beyond the field.
To Holly, no specific team is ever the real challenge, her goal is to win every game she plays and that’s what fuels her.
“It shows the work we’ve put in as a team,” she says.
Her teammate Kaleigh Mills helps her prepare for any opponent, always encouraging Holly to step up her game. Still, much of Holly’s motivation is self-driven. She takes pride in all that she’s learned over the past four years in high school.
“I’ve learned even when things aren’t going my way in a game, it’s important to pick my teammates up and encourage them to push through the setback,” she says.
Holly’s ability to create camaraderie even in the face of defeat, is truly what makes her stand out.
Beyond the diamond, Holly is a member of the National Honor Society where she serves as secretary. She is also a member of the NSHSS, recognized for her performance as an academic achiever. Through these experiences, Holly has learned how to balance both academics and sports. It requires strong time management, dedication, and ability to prioritize while giving everything her best.
In the end, Holly’s advice to young girls beginning their journey on the field is simple: “Work hard even when no one is watching, stay coachable, and never lose sight of why you love the game,” she shares with wisdom.
For Holly, it’s an honor to represent Woodward. She knows she plays for more than herself, she plays for a close-knit community, her teammates, and her family. As she looks to her future, she aspires to pursue a degree in nursing while continuing her athletic career. For the senior, the journey has only just begun.
