ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) — Milligan University Softball announced the passing of its beloved Coach Wes Holly early Sunday morning. Holly led the Buffs for four decades after founding the program in 1988.

The program’s full announcement is below:

With heavy hearts, yet deep gratitude for his life and legacy, we share the passing of Coach Wes Holly, Sr., who went to be with the Lord early this morning.

Coach Holly founded Milligan’s softball program in 1988 and faithfully led it through the spring of 2025, earning 1,009 career victories along the way. On March 4, 2025, he celebrated his 1,000th win—an achievement that ranks third all-time in NAIA history. Throughout his remarkable career, he guided the Buffs to eight regular-season conference championships, two conference tournament titles, and a memorable trip to the 2021 NAIA World Series.

Beyond the numbers, Coach Holly was a devoted family man who poured his heart into Milligan and its students. Milligan Softball and the entire Milligan community will forever be grateful for the program he built, the standard of excellence he set, and the countless lives he touched. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations, and his impact will be felt for years to come. We lift up the Holly family in prayer and celebrate a life so well lived.

Milligan University Softball

News Channel 11 interviewed Holly in March. He said his love for the game and relationships with “the girls” is what kept him in the Anglin Softball Field for 37 years as head coach.