Getting to Know UCF Softball's Kazandra HollidayGetting to Know UCF Softball's Kazandra Holliday

Getting to Know UCF Softball's Kazandra Holliday

Jan. 13, 2010

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ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - One of seven newcomers to join the UCF softball team in 2010, freshman Kazandra Holliday (Bremerton, Wash.) is looking to earn a spot in the starting rotation with the Knights' pitching staff this season.

Hard work and a high learning curve are nothing new for the right-handed hurler, as Holliday picked up the art of pitching late in her softball career in Bremerton, Wash. But, heading into her rookie year at Klahowya Secondary, Holliday was on top of her game and had already garnered numerous accolades.

As a freshman, Holliday was named Klahowya's Scholar-Athlete of the Year, while also nabbing All-Nisqually League second team and All-Kitsap County second team honors. At the conclusion of her rookie season, Holliday was selected to her first of four-consecutive All-Kitsap County All-Star teams.

In the next two seasons, Holliday's list of achievements only improved, as she garnered All-Olympic League and All-Kitsap County first team accolades and was once again selected to appear in the All-Star Benik Showcase.

Holliday put together her most impressive season in her final campaign, however, not only being named to both the league and county first teams, but also setting both the Klahowya Secondary career and single-season strikeout records. The hurler totaled 236 strikeouts in 2009 and finished her career with 664 strikeouts.

For her efforts on the diamond, Holliday was named her team's Most Valuable Player as well as Klahowya's 2009 Senior Female Student-Athlete of the Year.

Besides softball, Holliday also earned varsity letters in soccer, volleyball and basketball in high school, while being active in the school's sports medicine organization. She also played travel softball for the 18A Gold Washington Phoenix.

Holliday is the daughter of Thomas and Lana Holliday. She also has a brother, Tanner and two sisters, Jacqueline and Kellie. She is pursuing a degree in criminal justice and aspires to be an investigator.

Season tickets for the 2010 season are only $40 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchase online at UCFAthletics.com or through the Athletics Ticket Office by calling (407) 823-1000.

For the latest news on the Knights, log on to www.UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit www.UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.

-UCF-