“It Just Felt Like Home” No. 13 Overall Prospect Hollynn Gentry Talks Commitment to Texas Tech
When the Texas Tech softball staff showed up to one of Hollynn Gentry’s games at the Premier Girls Fastpitch Championships this past summer, she noticed right away.
“I remember Coach Gerry showing up to one of my games and he just gave me this big ole smile,” Gentry said. “At first, I never thought like, man, Texas Tech, you know, it never really crossed my mind. But then I saw Coach Hunter up in the outfield and I was like, okay, they’re showing up.”
That moment started a connection that would ultimately bring one of the nation’s top young players to Lubbock. Gentry, the No. 13 overall player in the Class of 2027 according to Softball America and the No. 3 catcher in the country, announced her commitment to Texas Tech earlier this fall. The Fontana, California native chose the Red Raiders after a campus visit that made an instant and lasting impression.
A First Impression That Stuck
“As soon as we landed, I was like, okay, this is definitely different from California. It’s a lot flatter, there’s no mountains but the campus is absolutely beautiful,” Gentry said. “People say it’s big and dry, but it was actually so beautiful. There was a calming sense to it. I don’t know how to explain it, it just felt like home.”
Even the little things stood out. Yes even the smell stuck out to Gentry.
“I don’t know why, but everywhere smells really good,” she laughed. “Even in the buildings, every single building in there smells great.”
What really sold Gentry though was the family atmosphere from both the coaching staff, team and fans played a huge role in her decision.
“Everyone was so kind and welcoming,” she said. “I didn’t even know that I was going there yet and they already liked me. The entire culture. Team and coaches, it’s all family-based. That’s really important to me.”
How Hollynn Gentry Become a Catcher
Gentry’s rise to the No. 3 overall catcher in the country began when she was “thrown in” behind the plate at age 12.
“I was always a third baseman because I had a strong arm,” she recalled. “Then one of my coaches asked if I’d ever thought about being a catcher because one of her catchers was hurt. My dad played professional baseball and was a catcher, but he always said, ‘She’s not a catcher.’ Then, as soon as I put the gear on… I definitely wasn’t great at first, but over time he was like, ‘Okay, she might be a catcher.’”
Now she’s one of the nation’s best at the position and one of her best attributes is intangible based, as evaluators all note what a great leader she is even playing up a level with the 18s at the age of 16 her leadership stood out.
“I feel like I’m a really good leader. I like taking control of the field,” Gentry said. “But more than that, I love connecting with the girls and getting to know them on a deeper level.”
Gentry’s Focus on Faith and Family
It was very clear Gentry’s faith is a huge driving force in her life saying she “plays for an audience of one.” She prays before every competition and wears a necklace, to go along with a tattoo on her arm, of her favorite verse, Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
“I always have to have my necklace on,” she said. “It has my favorite verse, and if I don’t have it on, I feel incomplete.”
Her faith inspired the launch of her personal brand, 4HG (For His Glory), a budding line of athletic wear and accessories she hopes to grow into a full catching-gear line someday. This faith is also what ultimately led her to waking up one day and knowing Texas Tech was home.
Despite interest from the likes of Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Texas and several more scheduled visits, Gentry said the clarity she was praying for came quickly after returning from Lubbock.
“I was praying hardcore for Him to show me what school was for me,” she said. “As soon as I got home from Texas Tech, we were on the plane coming home and so overwhelmed, like, what do we do? But when I woke up the next morning, it was clear as day. I was drawn to Texas Tech.”
Her Message to Potential Future Teammates & Red Raider Nation
As a Class of 2027 recruit she’ll join the next generation of this new era of Red Raider softball. Her message to other recruits who are still going through their recruitment and may be looking at joining up in Lubbock.
“Keep an open mind,” she said. “Really understand how powerful it is for coaches and a staff to be family-based. It doesn’t matter about the offer, it matters how well you feel in the place you’re at and how confident you are on that field.”
As for her message to Red Raider nation? Make sure you are sitting down for this one because Gentry was clear on what her plans are and it involved lots and lots of confetti.
“I can’t wait to get to Texas Tech, represent the Red Raiders, and win some natties.”
Join the conversation with other Red Raiders on the Inside The Double T forum.
Subscribe today to get the most in-depth Texas Tech sports and recruiting coverage.
Follow us on X: @RedRaiderSports
Like and follow us on Instagram @rrs_rivals & like us on Facebook.
