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Kyla Holas Chat Wrap
11/1/2002 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Nov. 5, 2002
Lenny: What advise would you give a coach starting a new college program?
Kyla Holas: Hi Lenny. The biggest thing is to stay positive, have high expectations and give the appropiate time to reach those expectations. All of us want to win and win now, but building a program takes time. Bypass a step and you will only have to repeat it later when you should not be. Thanks, hope that helps.
Houston Cougar: Going into your third year as head coach, what expectations do you have of your team this year that you didn't in their first two seasons?
Kyla Holas: Hello Cougar. Year three should be the year when the experience starts to pay off. The majority of our team are juniors and have been through alot together. In addition, we have had two great recruiting classes to add to that experience. All of that should mean a team that is more consistant and better poised. We expect to start beating the ranked opponents and take control over the top of CUSA. Thanks. See what happens soon. Houston: Your coaching staff is very young, yourself included. How does that affect the way you coach and interact with your athletes?
Kyla Holas: Hello again. We feel our age is a positive to our coaching staff. My assistants and I all have playing experience. I feel that gives us an advantage and allows us to be able to guide them through the rough times of being a student-athlete. Age is only a number. Thanks. Houston: How did it feel to get your first ever win against A&M at the end of October? How did that win affect your team's confidence?
Kyla Holas: Houston, that was a great night for us and softball in South Montogomery County. We had a huge turnout and alot of future athletes got to see a good game with some tremendous athletes. We also signed autographs and gave interviews at the end of the night. All of those things felt better than the win. We have kept the result in context and are saving the big celebration for regionals. See you then. Houston Cougar: What are your expectaions for the Cougar softball teams standings in C-USA this season?
Kyla Holas: Hello HC. My expectations are very high. Our Conference is the ticket to post season. Our only goal is to finish first. Nothing else gets us into post season. We have adjusted our schedule in March and April to better prepare for Conference play. We will be hosting the Championships this year. May will have the answer. Thanks. Houston: What schools do you see to be your biggest competiton this season and how have you fared against them in the past?
Kyla Holas: Great question Houston. Our schedule is different than it has been in the past. Each year we have made some adjustments to get a good balance of ranked and regional teams. LSU and Texas should be the highest with Depaul falling next in line. We have not been able to bust through against any top 10 opponent. We are working to make this the year. Thanks. Houson Cougar: How is your team looking in the preseason? How does your style of coaching differ in the preseason as opposed to your style during season?
Kyla Holas: Hi again HC. The fall went decent for us at 12-4-2. We had some losses that we did not expect, but are focusing on making sure they do not happen that way again. Our fall time is always the teaching time of the year. We spend more time with individuals than with the entire team. Our style is more focused on breaking fundamentals down and putting them back together properly. The spring is more intense. Make a mistake and we could lose the game. We strive for the whole picture then. Crunch time. Thanks. San Antonio: Coach, Was unable to find your e-mail address on web page. I will be having a College Exposure Tourney and would like to send you some info. Please reply and I will send info to you. Tommy Moreno-Alamo City Tournaments
Kyla Holas: Hi San Antonio. You can reach us at 3100 Cullen Houston, TX 77204-6002. Our number is 713-743-9304 and my email is kholas@mail.uh.edu. Thanks for keeping us informed. B.D.: What areas or skills are you and your coaching staff focusing on teaching this off-season and how are the players responding?
Kyla Holas: Hi BD. This fall we have divided our goals into pitching, offense and defense. Our pitchers are working hard on fundamentals, break points and the mental side to pitching. Our hitting is spending time on fundamentals, ball/strike decisions, pitch recognition and situational execution. Defense is getting the basic class. Proper throwing, fielding fundamentals and decision making. The players have been working very hard and are understanding the breakdowns that have happened in the past. Should we pass the fall, expect huge things from us in February. Thanks, see you at the game. LMHIGHLIGHTS: Houston 5, Utah 2
Sunday, March 30
HIGHLIGHTS: Houston 10, McNeese 6
Wednesday, March 26
HIGHLIGHTS: Houston 10, Lamar 6
Wednesday, March 19
Cinematic Recap vs. Iowa State
Tuesday, March 11