Speaking through a sneaky set of tears, reality set in for
Lindsay Holt.
”
I’m really, really happy,
”
she said, holding a plate of cake in one hand and wiping away a
few stray tear drops with the other.
”
It definitely just hit me.
”
Speaking through a sneaky set of tears, reality set in for Lindsay Holt.
“I’m really, really happy,” she said, holding a plate of cake in one hand and wiping away a few stray tear drops with the other. “It definitely just hit me.”
A sincere moment brought on by pure joy culminated a significant step toward the senior’s future; a future that will involve two of her favorite things – school and sports.
Holt has played softball for a long time, including the last four seasons with Gilroy High. It’s what she does, what she’s knows and a piece of her she isn’t ready to release.
She has also known that a career as a marine biologist is something only achieved with the proper education.
At times, finding the correct collegiate fit didn’t seem feasible. It looked like a case of one or the other.
However, all the right pieces fell into the right places at the most opportune times, and as it turns out, she will be able to continue to chase both dreams in the fall. It’s the best of both worlds.
Surrounded by teammates, current and former coaches, family and friends in celebratory mood, Holt signed her letter of intent Wednesday afternoon to attend Chapman University in Orange, a crowning achievement for any prep student-athlete.
“Chapman is the perfect fit for her. It’s going to be a good balance there for her,” GHS head coach Julie Berggren said.
“I’m really excited for her to be able to fulfill that dream of getting a great education and also being able to play softball. It’s hard to stop playing softball when you’re done with high school and know that you still can keep playing. I know that it’s something she’s always wanted to do. She’s going to thrive.”
Holt’s 4.3 grade point average provided for plenty of options. An acceptance to University of California San Diego verified that.
“But, I wouldn’t have had the chance to play softball,” Holt said.
Continuing her softball career wasn’t an absolute until a chance encounter at a tournament in Huntington Beach sparked interest with the Chapman coaching staff. Following the advice of coaches, Holt put out fliers – a scouting report of sorts. It worked.
“We originally noticed she was a great first baseman and a good hitter,” Chapman manager Janet Lloyd said. “Lindsay show interest and we got to talking. She’s a great kid. She will fit in academically, physically and personality-wise, too.”
Lloyd, who has been with the team for 28 seasons, first serving as an assistant before taking over the managerial duties in 1995 and is four wins shy of 500 for her career, said Holt will fill a void a first base next season.
A conversation led to a campus visit and night with the team. And, “from then on, I fell in love with it,” Holt said.
“I want to be a part of a team, that’s a big thing for me. But I’ve worked so hard over the years, taking honors classes, (advanced placement) classes since freshman year,” Holt said. “So I’m just glad to go to a school that I love and a team that I’m going to love too.”
Holt is hitting .263 with 10 RBI through the Mustangs’ first 21 games this season. Holt holds down first base for Gilroy’s defense and does so with near a near-flawless .986 fielding percentage.
Four more years of softball would be plenty of adventure for most, but Holt has even bigger plans after graduation.
“I want to go study on some far off island,” Holt said.
