Holly Hill Academy softball uses last season as motivation

David Shelton • April 15, 2025

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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.

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First Baptist Hires New AD and Football Coach

By David Shelton • July 30, 2025

By David Shelton Senior Writer Charleston – First Baptist School has new leadership within its football program and athletic department for the coming 2025-26 school year. Kevin Mapp was hired as the new head football coach in the early spring and Jay Godbolt was hired as the new athletic director at the start of the summer. Mapp has extensive coaching experience on both the college and high school levels while also working in law enforcement. First Baptist is his first head coaching position. Mapp last coached defensive linemen at James Island Charter High and has had coaching stints at James Madison, Hampden-Sydney, Georgetown, Marshall, Missouri State and Coastal Carolina. Mapp graduated from James Madison and was a defensive lineman on the 2004 Division I-AAA (now FCS) national championship team. “Coaching has always been my passion,” Mapp said. “Ever since I was playing, I wanted to be a coach. I have always found a way to coach while working in law enforcement. I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunities to do both.” Mapp has been with the Charleston County police department for the last 10 years. He took some time away from coaching to start a family. “I felt like First Baptist was the perfect fit for me and my family,” Mapp says. “It’s a great opportunity at a great place. The kids here work hard and there is a lot of support from the administration. I’m excited to be the head football coach at First Baptist.” Mapp has hired coordinators on both sides of the ball. Will McCombs , once the head coach of the program, will call the offensive plays. Chris Hart comes over from James Island as the defensive coordinator. “Our numbers are improving and the kids are working hard,” Mapp said. “I feel like we can be a competitive team. It’s year one of the building process.” Godbolt has been a coach and athletic director in the Charleston area for nearly two decades. As the boys basketball coach at Charleston Collegiate, Godbolt coached three state championship teams. He also has been a coach and athletic director at Lowcountry Leadership Academy. Godbolt has more than 450 career victories as a head basketball coach. Current First Baptist basketball coach Antoine Saunders was Godbolt’s assistant at Charleston Collegiate.