With the 2012 season just around the corner, Coach Emily Russell continues to boost her 2013 roster by tapping into the Nashville area to add Holly Hockaday, a pitcher at Davidson Academy for Coach Stacy Swinea.

Hockaday, who has earned All-State honors at Davidson, will join a talented incoming class in 2013 — a team that is losing two senior pitchers following the 2012 season.

“Holly is going to be a great pitcher for us,” said Russell. “She has really great break on the ball and has good velocity as well. I feel that together with the other freshmen pitcher coming next year, Angie Hughes, these two will make a great impact on our program for the next four years.”

Hockaday, the daughter of Jimmy and Krista Hockaday, spoke to the spiritual environment as one of her reasons for choosing Lee, after being recruited by Union, Trevecca Nazarene, and Lindsey Wilson College.

“I selected Lee University because I felt confident that it would help me become closer to Christ,” said Hockaday. “Lee will help me become a more educated student, and I will be able to continue my softball career.”

The 5-8 senior hurler plans to study Physical Education while at Lee, with the goal of becoming a teacher and coach. She cited her goals as becoming stronger in her faith, meeting her academic goals, and making an impact on the field as a freshman.

“Holly is a strong student academically and has a great family support system,” added Russell. “Her father, a former football player at the University of Georgia, will be working with her in the weight room getting her ready for the fall season.”

“Former Trevecca coach Angela Sullivan is her pitching coach and got in touch with me about Holly. I know she has a strong background and knows a lot about pitching. I am very happy that Holly will be joining our program next year.”