JACKSONVILLE – Julie Boland announced the hiring of former Gamecock infielder Holly Stewart on Monday. Stewart will take over the Softball Operations and Director of Player Development position for the Gamecocks ahead of the 2026 season.

"It is a full-circle moment to welcome Holly back to our program - not just as a former athlete, but now as a member of our staff," said Jax State Head Coach Julie Boland, "Her love for the game, competitive spirit, and deep understanding of our culture will be an incredible asset. She knows what it means to wear this jersey, and now she gets to help shape the next generation of Gamecocks."

Stewart spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons at Jax State, playing under then Assistant Coach Boland and longtime Head Coach Jana McGinnis. Stewart appeared in 71 career contests at Jax State, including 48 starts, where she tallied seven home runs, 11 doubles and 32 RBI's. Following her senior campaign in 2023, Stewart was named to the ASUN All-Academic team.

Stewart returns to Jacksonville following two seasons on staff at Central Arkansas. Stewart served as the Player Development Coach for the Bears in 2024 before being promoted to Assistant Coach for the 2025 season.

Before joining the Jax State program as a student-athlete, Stewart spent time at both Pensacola State College and South Alabama.

Stewart graduated from Jacksonville State in 2023 with a Bachelor's Degree in Integrated Studies.