Coach Feature: Jessica Hollen
By: Bryn Heikes
Photographed by: Imogene Eagan
On March 20th, the George Fox University (GFU) softball team swept Lewis and Clark 12-2, the team’s 250th win under head coach Jessica Hollen. When Hollen first joined the program in 2008, the team had accumulated a total of three wins.
“I got the job here at George Fox 13 years ago, when the team was really struggling … [W]e got to work recruiting players who were excited by the idea of turning a program around,” Hollen said.“I have been incredibly blessed by the athletes who have chosen to trust myself and my coaching staff to lead them in their collegiate career, and I have also been blessed by the support I have received from administration and the other coaches here at George Fox.”
Hollen began playing softball just before high school, and the experience propelled her to play collegiately. “I actually didn't start playing softball until I was in middle school, but I fell in love quickly. I began pitching in the 8th grade, and was a pitcher at the collegiate level--I went to school at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs (UCCS),” Hollen said.
After college, Hollen briefly coached a high school and junior college team before landing the head coach position at GFU. Since Hollen took over, the softball program has flourished. “We have worked hard to build a strong foundation for the program, and are consistently competing at the top of the conference, made NCAA postseasons, and have led the nation in a few statistical categories.”
The notable 250th win came after COVID-19 turned the traditional competitive season on its head, making the occasion all the more sweet. “This season has definitely been an interesting one! The biggest challenge and growth opportunity for me this year has simply been a reminder that life is about perspective--I always talk with our team about the opportunity to ‘get to’ play versus ‘have to,’ and about life being so much about the way in which you approach any given situation,” Hollen said. “Losing our season last year, and having a lot of things in question this year has given us the opportunity to keep the perspective that playing really is something we get to do, and easier to remember after having the opportunity to play the sport we love taken away from us.”
Junior Cortney Hunt iterated how supportive Hollen has been in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. “[Hollen] has told everyone multiple times that if we need anything to just let her know and has also been really understanding about the crazy schedule and changes that have needed to be made. However, with that being said she has also still pushed us to be our best and expect more from ourselves through these times.” Hunt said.
Senior Sarah Storton has also had a positive experience with Hollen. “She always pushes her players to be better, both in the classroom and on the field. She pushes us to be better versions of ourselves, as softball players, as teammates, and as people.”
Looking ahead, Hollen hopes for the program to grow even further. “Our goal is always the same in our program--get as close as possible to reaching our potential! Our process is about growth and being okay with going through the tough moments to become better versions of ourselves … I am proud of all of the hard work the young women who have chosen to be a part of our program have done.”
The Bruins will face the Puget Sound Loggers on Saturday, April 10 at home.
Photographed by Imogene Eagan