Wes Holly commemorates his time at Milligan

This story first appeared in the Johnson City Press.

Wes Holly is entering his 33rd year at the helm of the Milligan softball team. During his time as head coach, Holly has compiled an overall record of 903-559 and is the third winningest active coach in the NAIA.

Holly is a seven-time Tennessee Valley Athletic Conference and Appalachian Athletic Conference coach of the year, and two-time NAIA District Coach of the Year. In addition, he has been named National Fastpitch Coaches Association Region 3 Coach of the Year.

Holly's teams have won eight conference titles and advanced to 15 district/regional tournaments during Milligan's 32 years of fast pitch softball. Recently, Holly led the Buffs to two straight national championship appearances (2016, 2017).

Prior to the 2020 season ending due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Holly had earned his 900th win against AAC member Columbia College on March 8, and his team had won four of its last six games.

Below Holly discusses what it has meant to him getting to be a part of the Milligan softball program and the memories he has created over the last 32 years:

Q: How does it feel entering your 33rd year of coaching at Milligan?

A: Getting to be at Milligan for the past 32 years has been very humbling and rewarding. God has kept me in good health, and I am grateful that I get to continue to do what I love. I love my job and I am very excited to be entering my 33rd year and begin a new era at Milligan University.

Q: What is one of your favorite memories from coaching?

A: I have several fond memories during my time here. One of my favorite memories was my fourth year at Milligan when I took 11 players and had a 43-win season and became the first team at Milligan to make it to a national tournament. My other favorite memory was in 2008 when we played the USA Olympic team in front of over 3,000 fans. After the game my team and I were able to go and visit with the team and I got to meet and hug Jennie Finch.

Q: You are getting the opportunity to coach with your son. How has that experience been for you?

A: Coaching with Wes Jr. has been very rewarding. In practice I never have to worry about what he is doing because he can teach and handle all aspects of the game. I'm very thankful to get this opportunity to coach with him. 


Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of being a coach?

A: Bringing in and developing your players to their full potential is very rewarding. Seeing where they start out when they come in and where they are able to finish is always exciting. The relationships that are built over the years is also very rewarding. It is gratifying and humbling when previous players reach out or send a Christmas card. The relationships that are built are more rewarding than the W's as a coach.

Q: What coaching philosophy have you held onto over the years?

A: Always try to teach and work with my players to reach their full potential and make them the best they can possibly be. By motivating my players to reach their full potential, you are able to have a successful team this way and wins will take care of themselves. As a coach I want my athletes, by the time they leave Milligan, to be a better person than when they came in and make a difference in the world. 


Q: What are you looking forward to next season with your team?

A: I am excited to get my team back and begin the training process. We had a very talented team this past year and it was really unfortunate that the season got cut short. Next season's team will be a fun team to watch with the talent we are bringing back and the recruits that are coming in. 


Q: What is your biggest piece of advice for your athletes, and athletes at Milligan in general?

A: Come in and apply yourself to try to be the best you can be both in the classroom and in your respected sport. These years at Milligan could be the best years of your life, so make memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.