On Jan. 16, former Ashland University women's basketball point guard
Renee Stimpert Holt returned to the Sherrill Hudson Court at Kates Gymnasium in a much different capacity – as head coach of the Ashland High School girls basketball team.
The result, however, was the same as it was for the majority of her time as an Eagle – a win. Ashland defeated Lexington, 49-32, in an Ohio Cardinal Conference game which is a part of a potentially historic season for the Arrows.
At 13-3 overall and 9-0 in the OCC, AHS girls basketball has the chance to win a conference title for the first time in three decades – possibly as early as Thursday (Jan. 30) night at home vs. New Philadelphia.
"It hasn't been an easy journey," Holt said of her now-five seasons guiding the Arrows. "And I think that was the toughest thing, coming from a program that is so used to winning, to a program that hasn't seen it in thirty years.
"It has come full-circle. It brings back all the memories."
Holt has been a basketball lifer in this area, starting with a stellar prep career at nearby Crestview High School, where she was a two-time first-team All-Ohio pick.
When the time came to decide where to go to college, close to home was the only decision.
"I said from Day 1, it was the family-like atmosphere. You walk into this gym, and it's just different," Holt said. "The fans are louder. The fans know your name, they know your background, you go up and give them a hug.
"When (head coach
Robyn) Fralick was coaching, it was a fast-paced style of play, and I always loved that."
Once on campus, Holt made a lasting impression on the Eagle women's basketball program:
- She set the program assists record for a single game (17), single season (239) and career (839).
- Her 1,225 career points are 18th-most in program history.
- She was a key member of the team which set a new NCAA Division II record with 73 consecutive wins – en route to a national championship and a national runner-up finish.
- She was a two-time first-team All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference choice.
"Under Fralick, it was just a different dynamic," she said. "She pushed us on the court, outside the court, made us not only a complete basketball player, but a complete person. We walked in our faith. It was a fun time.
"I kind of changed my role from high school into college, and I wouldn't change I thing about it," Holt said. "I played with some great people."
Following her time as an Eagle, Holt made the move into teaching and coaching.
"I thought about playing overseas. The opportunity was here," she said. "It was a challenge, but looking back now, it has been a fun journey. Rewarding would be a good word for it.
"To see it now, where it is, I'm just thankful."
Away from the court, Holt teaches sixth-grade social studies at Ashland Middle School. She is married to Blake, they have a son, Henry, and another child is on the way.
"Going through pregnancy after you're a college basketball player, you just don't know until you go through it," she said. "That was a whole new ballgame, becoming a mom. We're excited to grow our family and stay home here at Ashland."
