Sports

Q&A with Kyla Holas

This, the third in a series of interviews with members of UH Athletics, features UH softball head coach Kyla Holas. Holas and the Cougars are 15-6 this season and recently recorded the young program's 100th victory.

Keenan Singleton: How much change has the program undergone since Day One to today?

Kyla Holas: The No. 1 that has changed is (the team's) knowledge of the game. They understand this game better than most teams do.

KS: How many hours a week are you at UH?

KH: Usually, I get here at about 8:30 (a.m.) every day. I try to work out, but that doesn't always happen. Then we practice from 1 through 4 p.m. everyday, except for game days. And I usually have lessons two nights a week. A typical week, I'm here until 9 o'clock Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday, Thursday around 4-ish, 5-ish. We usually leave or play Fridays and Saturdays, so it's usually longer. And then Sunday is usually an off day. 

KS: With that said I know you have two small children (son, Payton and daughter, Brenan), how difficult is it to balance your job and your family?

KH: It's very difficult. I don't know how single parents can make it. I am very lucky to have the husband (John) that I have and my mom. I've been very blessed with those two. 

KS: Conference USA is changing and losing some its more prestigious programs (DePaul, No. 22 South Florida), how will that change your approach?

KH: I think it's great for travel. When we can play locally, it's way better than what we travel and (currently) play in Conference USA. So for us, that schedule helps us tremendously. (It lowers) travel costs, we can travel more in-state and play more of the better-ranked teams here. Central Florida isn't bad. Tulsa is ranked in the Top 25. I think Conference USA is going to be fine. 

KS: What's your opinion on Title IX?

KH: I don't think sports should be cut. Funding (between male and female athletics) can never be equal. I just think that is the wrong place to put your focus. Things I think that should be looked at are the support services, more than the opportunities that are there. I think for us, equal field crews, equal secretaries. Those kind of support services are where the division still is. The other things are to be expected. If you could equal those things, the girls would be happier.

KS: Name some strengths and weaknesses for this year's team.

KH: Quite honestly, our weakness this year has been our hitting. We're hitting .230 as a team. We're not anywhere near were we've been in the past. This weekend, Saturday, we hit like we're capable of. If we can open that door up, we're going to be on cruise control. Defensively, we're better, in some areas, because we have some experience and they know what to do. Some people are playing nervous, instead of being confident, because of some competition in some spots and some people are feeling that. Our pitching has been our savior.

KS: How has the team rebounded from last season's disappointing finish in the Conference USA postseason tournament?

KH: They're so much more arrogant, for lack of a better word. They really think that nothing is unattainable. If they want to whoop someone's butt, we whoop someone's butt. It's all in their hands. I think they realize that now. We used to have big question marks, but now they feel like when they want to beat someone, they can. 

KS: Sell your program to the average UH student in 25 words or less.

KH: If you want to see some girls, who are very enthusiastic and produce a lot of offense. It's a fast-paced game. It's very quick. You want to see some people who are proud to be Cougars, then this is the place for you. (Actually 43 words, but who's counting?)

KS: You have a reputation for being a tough coach, is that a fair? And if it fair, is that a good way to describe you?

KH: I hope so. I hope (the softball team) feels that my demands are very high. That I won't accept anything but their best. If they feel that way, then I think I'm doing my job. Everyday, in the classroom, in their personal lives, on the softball field, all those things that need to bring their very best. They're going to have good days and bad days, but as long as the effort and intent is there, they're going to be OK in life as well. I think it's a fair statement. I think tough was a very good word.

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