Troy University Athletics
Troy Tabs Holly Ward as Assistant Softball Coach
7/15/2019 2:59:00 PM | Softball
TROY, Alabama – Holly Ward, one of the top pitchers in Mississippi State history, has been named Troy's new softball pitching coach, head coach Beth Mullins announced Monday. Following her playing career, Ward played professionally for Scrap Yard Fast Pitch before returning to Mississippi State as a coach last season.
"We are really excited to welcome Holly to our staff and the Troy softball family," Mullins said. "Throughout the search process, it became more and more evident that Holly was going to not only be a great fit for our pitching staff, but the program as a whole. Her softball IQ, combined with her work ethic and passion are going to greatly help our pitchers and program continue to get better."
Ward holds multiple Mississippi State records and ranks in the top 10 in numerous other single-season and career categories – she is the school record holder for shutouts and perfect games. A native of Haleyville, Ala., Ward started 23 games as a senior for the Bulldogs and posted a 1.43 ERA, which ranked 23rdnationally and was the fourth-lowest in Mississippi State history.
"I am extremely excited to be part of the Trojan family," Ward said. "Coach Mullins is not only a great coach, but she is an amazing leader and an incredible individual. I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with this staff and team. I can't wait to get down to Troy and get started."
In Ward's lone season on the coaching staff, the Bulldogs punched their ticket to a third straight NCAA Regional appearance after totaling 35 wins on the season. Among Mississippi State's wins was a victory at Alabama, just the Crimson Tide's second loss in 38 games, and a series victory at No. 7 Florida.
Ward put together one of the top senior seasons in Mississippi State history where she ranked tied for first in shutouts (14), fifth in strikeouts (372), innings pitched (467.1) and saves (7) and sixth in opponent batting average (.231) and solo no-hitters (1). Her efforts earned a spot on the 2018 NFCA All-Southeast Region Second Team.
She finished her career ranked in the top 10 in shutouts, perfect games, innings pitched, strikeouts, saves, complete games, no-hitters, opponent batting average, wins, strikeouts/seven innings and games started.
Ward was named the Alabama Gatorade Softball Player of the Year coming out of Haleyville High School where she was a member of the varsity team for six years. She led the Lions to back-to-back Alabama 4A state titles and posted a 0.80 ERA with 335 strikeouts in 219.1 innings as a senior.
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