Holly Hill Academy softball uses last season as motivation
By: David Shelton
Senior Writer
Holly Hill – If ever a team has extra motivation to right a wrong, it’s the softball team at Holly Hill Academy.
After winning the SCISA Class A state title in 2023, the Raiders were the favorite to repeat last spring. However, misfortune in the state tournament led to an upset loss to Jefferson Davis Academy, a team they had beaten twice during the regular season.
Thus, the 2024 season ended in disappointment but the way it ended has carried over to the 2025 spring. Coach Kally Knight has most of last year’s team back this spring and has seen a focused group all season. The Raiders enter spring break with an 8-2 record.
“They appear to be very determined to make up for last year,” Knight said. “Last year left a bad taste and they came into this season with one goal. They have worked hard and their focus has been great. They know they have a chance to be state champions but it’s important that we play well when it counts. We’re gelling as a team and it’s a great group to coach.”
The Raiders are again one of the top offensive teams in SCISA, averaging in double figures in runs scored with some lofty batting averages.
“Some of the top hitters started a little slow but the bottom of the order has been very consistent,” Knight said. “The others are getting hot so our lineup is pretty solid. We’re also playing solid defense and getting solid pitching.”
Sophomore pitcher Taylor Wright has been a force offensively, hitting .531 with 20 runs batted in and a pair of homeruns.
Sophomore outfielder Kloie Mizell is hitting .419 with 13 RBI while sophomore Shelby Hinson is hitting .409 with six RBI.
Senior catcher Kaylee Brabham hit .400 with 14 RBI in the first 10 games, and senior Chloe Wren is hitting .375.
Seventh-grader Milly Kate Prescott has made a huge impact, hitting .370 with 10 RBI, and junior Kaley Bell is hitting .300 but will hit better, says Knight.
“We’re still a young team with a lot of underclassmen, but we’re experienced,” the coach said. “These girls have played a lot of softball and hopefully that experience will help us in the state tournament.”
Rounding out the 2025 roster are junior Peyton Strickland, sophomore Bethany Martin, freshman Alli Thomas, and eighth-grader Ariel Stanley.
