Get Ready for CON-X 2025: A Global Baseball and Softball Gathering
Excitement is building for CON-X 2025, the premier baseball and softball convention hosted by the Italian Baseball Softball Federation (FIBS). This year’s event, taking place at Rimini’s Palacongressi from January 24-26, 2025, promises too be bigger and better than ever. With just one month to go, anticipation is mounting for a weekend packed with insights, networking opportunities, and a celebration of the sport.
CON-X 2025 will draw a diverse crowd of baseball and softball enthusiasts, including coaches, umpires, scorekeepers, athletes, managers, and passionate fans.The convention will feature a lineup of renowned international guests, with announcements expected in the coming weeks. Among the confirmed speakers is Hall rises (formerly Hall), the esteemed head coach of Team USA U18 softball and a valued member of the WBSC Coach Commission. Notably,the Commission is chaired by FIBS President Marco Mazzieri,highlighting the strong international connections fostered by CON-X.
A Texas Volleyball Legend: kyla Holas
Hailing from Pasadena, Texas, Kyla Holas emerged as a dominant force in collegiate volleyball during the early 1990s. her remarkable skills and unwavering dedication propelled her to national recognition while representing Southwestern Louisiana University (now known as Louisiana-Lafayette) from 1991 to 1994. [1] Holas’s impact on the court was undeniable. She earned the prestigious all-American title three times, a testament to her consistent excellence. In 1993, she narrowly missed securing the championship, showcasing her fierce competitiveness and determination. Even today, her remarkable .839 winning percentage ranks among the top 15 in NCAA history, solidifying her place among volleyball’s elite. [2] Holas’s talent extended beyond the collegiate level. In 1993, she proudly donned the USA Select jersey, representing her country at the Haarlem Cup, a prestigious international volleyball tournament. This experience further highlighted her exceptional abilities and cemented her status as a rising star in the world of volleyball. [3]
From Diamond to Dugout: The Coaching Legacy of Holas
After retiring from her playing career, Holas transitioned seamlessly into coaching, embarking on a remarkable journey that would see her leave an indelible mark on the University of Houston softball program. In 2001, she took the helm as head coach, guiding the Cougars through their inaugural season. Her tenure, spanning 15 years, was marked by consistent success. Holas led the team to three Conference USA championships, earning Coach of the Year honors in both 2007 and 2008. Twice, in 2008 and 2011, she steered the Cougars within striking distance of the prestigious Women’s College World Series, ultimately falling short in the Super Regionals. Holas’s impact extended beyond championships. She cultivated a culture of excellence, resulting in fourteen winning seasons out of sixteen. By the time she concluded her Houston chapter in 2016, she had amassed an impressive 563 victories. Her passion for the game continued in 2017 when she joined the chicago Bandits, a professional team competing in the National pro Fastpitch league, as an assistant coach.A Rising Star in USA Softball: The Impact of Coach Holas
Coach Holas has quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of USA Softball. Her impressive track record speaks for itself,having guided both the U18 National Team to victory in 2021 and the U15 national Team to the top spot in 2023.These world championship titles are just the tip of the iceberg, as Holas has also led her teams to numerous continental victories, demonstrating her consistent ability to develop young talent and achieve success on the international stage.
Holas’s dedication to the sport extends beyond her head coaching roles. In 2024, she played a vital role as part of Heather Tarr’s coaching staff during the Elite World Cup in Castions di Strada, gaining valuable experience and contributing to the team’s success. Looking ahead, Holas is set to lead the U18 national Team once again at the highly anticipated home World Cup in Dallas, Texas in 2025. This event promises to be a showcase of Holas’s coaching prowess and the exceptional talent within the USA Softball program.
As the driving force behind “More Than a Game” in Houston, Holas is dedicated to nurturing the pitching prowess of young athletes, ranging from seven-year-olds to college-bound players. Her expertise extends beyond the United States, as she has played a pivotal role in establishing and certifying softball coaching programs in various developing nations through her work with the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC). Holas’s contributions to the sport are further recognized by her esteemed membership emeritus status within the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.
