Holland finds passion at CU
- by Lauren Slate: Staff Writer

Todd Holland, head baseball coach at Cameron, always knew that he wanted to be a sports coach. There are seven coaches in his family, to include his mother and father.

“It’s in my blood,” Holland said.

His wife, Jennifer Holland, director of student development at Cameron, agreed that Holland’s family has been influential. According to her, his dad, having been a great athlete, probably had the most influence on him.

“Now [Russ] coaches high school football, wrestling and golf,” she said. “Russ is hard working, generous and always a great time.”

Although many of his family members have careers in coaching, Holland was the only one to play the sport that he coaches: baseball. He played little league, high school and college baseball.

In fact, it was baseball that brought him to Cameron University.

Originally from Minneapolis, Holland attended Normandale Community College until he came to Cameron to play baseball his junior year. That is when he met his wife, Jennifer. Holland said that he did the majority of his maturing when he met Jennifer.

“I realized what I wanted out of life,” he said. “I wanted to be successful.”

Holland began his career at CU as a grad assistant under Cameron’s head coach, then left CU to coach baseball at Tomlinson Junior High School. He later returned to CU as a grad assistant for a total of three years.

In May 2003, Holland took on the position of Cameron’s head coach.

Although he has established a successful career, Holland is still working to further his education. This summer, he will add a master’s degree in behavioral science at Cameron to his resume. After this spring, he will lack only three credit hours.

In addition to his educational goals, Holland has goals for Cameron’s baseball team.

“I’d like to win a Lone Star Conference Championship and eventually win a National Championship,” he said.
Holland strives toward the success of the team by encouraging players to get better day-by-day. He said that everyone on the team takes a step forward instead of a step backward.

As a coach, Holland realizes that the team is going to make mistakes, but he will not jump all over them for it.

“You have to understand that I made mistakes and they still make mistakes in the Big Leagues,” he said.

Holland serves as a counselor as well as a coach to Cameron’s baseball team.

As a 29-year-old, he can still relate to the students on a personal level.

“College is still the same since I’ve left,” he said. “I know what they’re going through.”

In addition to his relationship with the team, Holland’s personality aids him in his coaching. Jennifer Holland believes that his determination and enthusiasm are evident.

“He has high expectations for his athletes, believes in their abilities and is a good motivator,” she said.