Bonnie Holland is Extra Inning Softball’s CEO and oversees everything for us from payroll to marketing & advertising to human resources.
She is also, as I’ve said multiple times to her and anyone who will listen, the “hardest working person I’ve ever known.”
Bonnie has been a single mom raising four kids at times but has never given up her dreams and perspective of how important getting an education is.
Today—Saturday, August 5, 2023—she is in Texas receiving her master’s degree in Victim Services Management from Sam Houston State Univ. with a 4.0 GPA.
On behalf of everyone associated with Extra Inning, I wanted to share her Facebook post from this week which I believe is a great example and story for young people or those having hardships that you can do it, you can persevere to accomplish your goals and fulfill dreams.
And, in Bonnie’s case, to make a positive influence in the lives of all who know her and all she comes across in life.
*****
Someone once told me I was too stupid to attend college.
In 2011, I made the decision to enroll at CWI (College of Western Idaho). I was terrified and overwhelmed as a single mother of four small children, all under the ages of 12. I had no confidence in my ability to succeed.
Balancing school with motherhood was daunting, to say the least.
It took me seven years before I graduated with my associate degree in Criminal Justice. Two years later I graduated with two bachelor’s degrees—in Psychology & Sociology—with an emphasis in Criminology from the U of I (University of Idaho).
I did this while working two to four jobs, being a mom and fighting to keep my sanity.
Three weeks after graduating from the U of I, I started a master’s program in Victim Services Management through Sam Houston State University (SHSU). I just found out that I am graduating this weekend with a 4.0 GPA and, to date, I have taken 57 college courses equaling 168 college credits.
I know I may come across as braggadocious but for those of you who know me, you know what this means to me and how happy I am!
- From my first non-credited math class in the computer lab at CWI to taking statistics online during COVID after just having a miscarriage…
- From moving five times in the last four years, to being a mom, to balancing 2+ jobs for years….
- From wanting to pull my hair out at times, crying myself to sleep, and whining to my family/friends about upcoming finals….
- From going to school year-round (including summers) for the last four years, to reading so much my eyes burned….
- From my kids never knowing their mom without the stress of school, to teasing them that one day I will pursue a doctorate…
Although I am unlikely to make millions in the Criminal Justice field, what I care about the most is helping others.
I hope to empower those who feel vulnerable, trapped, and/or lost and to help bring them hope, resources, and education.
My degree is unique because SHSU is the only school in the country that offers Victims Services Management. I am excited to see what the future holds and how God would like me to help those who are suffering.
We all have gifts, skills, and passions that drive us… what is yours?
In the meantime, to the ‘one’ who told me I was too stupid… do you know what ‘Stupid’ actually means?
STUPID = (Smart, Talented, Unique Person In Demand 😊
| New Content | Content Descriptions | Trending & New Features | Trending & Feature Descriptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Inning Softball Influencers | Hear from top-ranked athletes from the Extra Elite 100 as they share their journey as an author of their own story. | TRENDING NEWS: The Evolution of Rankings | Bonnie Holland, CEO of Extra Inning Softball shares the inside scoop on the controversial topic of rankings & shares improvements to content. |
| Commit Crew | Meet our EIS Commit Crew as they share tips, drills, and advie on player development. | Coaches Endorse New Rankings Software | Learn more about Extra Inning Softball's new cutting-edge sofware which has been met with excitement and anticipation across the country. |
| Sports Performance | Cutting-edge content on speed training, mobility, and strength training from expert, Jacob Billingsley. | TRENDING NEWS: Introducing the Commit Crew | Hear directly from committed players heading to powerhouse programs. They share drills, advice and tips on player development. |
| Hitting/Offense Tips | Led by experts such as Paul Petricca, who dives deep into strategies and drills to elevate offensive skills. | Content Calendar | What's coming next? Check out our content calendar! |
| Mental Edge & Agility | Success starts with mindset. Weekly insights from experts like former D1 coach, Julie Jones. | STORE | Your one-stop shop for stylish apparel, including unique styles created especially for Extra Elite 100 players. |
| Overcoming Adversity | Tips on recovery and resilience, reaturing inspiring stories from players who have faced hard times. | Committed Players/Master Verbal Database | Committed players share their journey and will be highlighted by Extra Inning Softball and added to our Master Verbal Database. |
| PODCAST | Hosted by pro player Jessie Warren and former D1 athlete Katie Lively, as they tackle hot topics. | Dugout Discussion Polls | Weigh in on hot topics in the softball world. Results will be discussed in our exclusive interviews and podcast. |
