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Jessica Hollen begins her second season as head coach of the George Fox University softball program with the same unbridled enthusiasm with which she entered her first season last spring, and even a difficult 5-32 record in 2009 could not dampen her spirit for the job.
"I knew the first year of rebuilding would not be easy, but I believe that we can create a competitive, energetic team with a lot of heart and a great work ethic that will be a positive representation of George Fox," says Hollen, who is excited about the challenge of guiding the Bruins toward the top of the rugged Northwest Conference. "I have a passion for softball, and am interested in coaching in a God-honoring atmosphere. I take coaching seriously, believing that coaches are role models for athletes, and that coaching gives the opportunity to really be a part of an athlete's life."
Hollen began her coaching career with a year as an assistant softball coach at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Ore., in 2004. She served as the varsity softball coach at Stayton (Ore.) High School in 2005-06 while completing her bachelor of science degree in history at Western Oregon University, which she received in 2006. She then returned to Chemeketa as the co-head coach for the 2007 season. After attending the Willamette University College of Law, she spent a year as a law clerk in the office of the Marion County District Attorney, but decided to return to coaching when the George Fox position became available.
Hollen began her softball career as a player at North Salem (Ore.) High School, but even then took an interest in the coaching side, assisting her high school pitching coach with private lessons by working with the younger pitchers. In college, she played for a season at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, then transferred to Chemeketa and earned Junior College All-America honors as a sophomore.
In announcing the hiring of Hollen, George Fox director of athletics Craig Taylor observed that "those of us on the search committee were all impressed with Jessica's eagerness and enthusiasm, as well as her desire to build a program that honors the Lord. We believe she is a good fit for this university, and look forward to a long association between her and George Fox."
Hollen is married to John Hollen, a former baseball player at Corban College, who serves as her assistant coach. During her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as skiing and camping. The Hollens are members of the Morningstar Church in Salem.
Jessica Hollen's Coaching Ledger
Overall Conference
Year Team W-L Pct. W-L Pct. Highlights
2004 Chemeketa CC Assistant coach
2005-06 Stayton (Ore.) HS
2007 Chemeketa CC Co-head coach
2008 George Fox 5-32 .135 3-23 .115 (7th)
Hollen vs. All Opponents
Team Overall Home Road Neutral
Concordia University-Portland 0-1 - 0-1 -
Corban College 0-4 0-4 - -
Dallas, University of 1-1 1-1 - -
Eastern Oergon University 1-1 1-1 - -
Lewis & Clark College 1-3 1-1 0-2 -
Linfield College 0-4 0-2 0-2 -
Northwest Christian University 0-2 - 0-2 -
Pacific University (Ore.) 0-4 0-4 - -
Pacific Lutheran University 0-4 0-2 0-2 -
Puget Sound, University of 2-2 0-2 2-0 -
Whitworth University 0-2 - 0-2 -
Willamette University 0-4 0-2 0-2 -
Totals - 2 yrs 5-32 3-19 2-13 -
(.135) (.137) (.133) (.000)
