Path to CPA included stepping away from sport for volleyball coach

Rachel Holloway has come full circle in volleyball – in, then out, then back in again.

And after spending time in four states as she grew up, she’s landed a spike in Music City as Christ Presbyterian Academy’s new coach.

Her most noteworthy stop was Nebraska – that’s the University of – in Lincoln, where she became an All-American setter as a freshman for the Cornhuskers on a team that won the 2006 NCAA championship. But after competing in her sophomore season when Nebraska reached the final eight, she gave up volleyball and transferred to Alabama, where she earned her degree but did not play.

“I just found out that I was spending too much time with volleyball and missing out on other things in life,” Holloway said before a recent practice. “There were other things besides volleyball.”

So she came home the past spring after graduation to live with her parents Don and Paige Holloway in Franklin and began working as a part time secretary in her dad’s office. But volleyball came calling again.

“My older sister Sarah (who is 24) received an e-mail from CPA telling her they were looking for a volleyball coach,” she said. “She told me about it, and I wound up getting an interview, then I got the job.”

Both Sarah and husband Stephen Ross attended CPA. Ross, Rachel’s brother-in-law, is a former standout CPA and Auburn lineman in football.

“We are so excited to have Rachel on board with us,” CPA athletic director Mike Ellson said. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the sport.”

Born in Houston, Rachel and her family moved to Colorado when she was four. There, her Smoky Hill (Colo.) High team won the state title. Holloway earned all-state honors and got a full ride to Nebraska.

The college memories remain very vivid.

“Our (Nebraska) team went to China and we really grew as a team there and became so close,” Holloway who, at age 22, may be the youngest head coach of a high coach varsity sport in Nashville, said.

“Winning the NCAA was amazing,’’ she added, noting that the Huskers have won three volleyball crowns. “The Final Four was at Omaha, just about 40 miles from Lincoln. It sold out in about 30 minutes, more than 17,000 fans, once we had advanced to that point. After we won, everybody was so excited.”

She has loved the transition to coaching.

“I was ready to go wherever God wanted to take me,” she said. “Everyone in the CPA family has been so friendly and helpful.”

About her team, she said, “We are very young, mostly freshmen and sophomores, but eager to learn a new system. Our co-captains are Heather Benton, our only senior, and Katherine Grace Woodall, a sophomore.”

Her Lions are roaring off to a good start, highlighted by a Silver Division championship in the recent Bulldog Bash in Smyrna. CPA went 7-2 and defeated JPII in the finals.

Next up is the Bruin Invitational Friday and Saturday at A-Game in Franklin and at Brentwood High. More than 40 teams are scheduled to compete.

That should prepare CPA for the rigors of a tough district, which includes long-time successful A/AA teams like Lipscomb and Hume-Fogg. Key matchups loom Sept. 21 at Lipscomb and Sept. 30 vs. Hume-Fogg.

“It’s been great so far, we’ve learned a lot from coach Holloway,” sophomore Lacy Reed said. “She has been great to work with, she has succeeded at the highest level in college and she has related that to us. She knows what it takes to win.”

There are expectations. The 2008 and 2009 teams led by coach Pat Perry advanced to the state tournament.

“We’re continuing to grow as a team,” Holloway said. “If we keep improving, we can go very far.”

Holloway knows. She’s traveled great distances.

Upcoming volleyball tournaments
Friday/Saturday
(at A-Game and Brentwood High)
Bruin Invitational

Sept. 17-18
Father Ryan Invitational