By Greg Myers
After a stellar softball career at Sparta High School, Bridget Holloway has carried her success to the collegiate level.
Holloway, a 2008 graduate from Sparta and an upcoming senior at Emory University in Atlanta, was 18-1 this past season with a remarkably low earned run average of 1.46. She credits a lot of her success to her former prep coaches Ed Belva and Roger Gerlach.
“They taught me a lot about how hard work can pay off, especially coach Gerlach,” said Holloway. “Playing for them gave me the desire to succeed.”
While Holloway was a dominant force on the high school level, she knew she would have to step her game up in college.
“The intensity level is so much higher in college,” said Holloway. “The overall skill level is better, and as a pitcher, you have to take every batter seriously.”
To say that Holloway has thrived under the pressure would be an understatement. She recently found out that she has been named an All-American. She is the first pitcher from Emory to receive this honor. This past season, Holloway was also honored as the athlete of the week for her conference and co-MVP of the conference tournament. She also threw just seven walks all season long which was the fewest in the nation.
“I really believe my accuracy and control of my pitches is the main reason I have been successful,” added Holloway. “So many umpires have different strike zones and my control has allowed me to adjust to different umpires.”
Like her performance on the field, Holloway has been successful in the classroom with a grade point average close to 3.6. She is pursuing a double major in history and women’s studies and plans to go on and pursue a masters degree in teaching after Emory. For her academic and athletic accomplishments, Holloway was named to the Capital One Academic All Region team.
“My advice to all high school students is don’t be afraid to challenge yourself,” said Holloway. “You have to push yourself. I took the challenge and rose to the occasion.”
Bridget is the daughter of Don and Lana Holloway.