By Morgan Widdifield
LoCoSports Copy Editor
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Purcellville (November 4, 2015) – Loudoun Valley High School senior McKenna Holtz has committed to play softball for St. Bonaventure University starting in the 2016-2017 school year.

“St. Bonaventure has been my number one choice for a long time,” the 5-foot-2 Holtz said. “I was looking at schools in the Atlantic 10 Conference and St. Bonaventure had the small, close-knit feel I was looking for.”

The Division I Bonnies — who were 15-24 on the season and 7-11 in the Atlantic 10 in the spring — had a solid season, finishing right in the middle of their conference.

“I’m not afraid to work hard,” said Holtz who will be a utility player for the Bonnies. “That alone can help benefit the team in the long run.”

Holtz started playing softball when she was only six-years-old, mainly because her older sisters played it, but she quickly began to love the game.

“I love having the instant group of friends in my teammates,” said Holtz who plays travel for Virginia Lady Lightning. “I also love every aspect of the game, I love hitting and I especially love fielding.”

Committing to St. Bonaventure was a dream come true for Holtz.

“This was my dream school and it’s amazing to think that the dream has become a reality,” Holtz said. “Committing at this time in my senior year has also allowed me to enjoy my senior year without the stress of applying to colleges.”

The Loudoun County native believes that this year’s Loudoun Valley softball team is going to be the best we’ve seen throughout her career as a Viking. In 2015, the Vikings finished 19-4 and won the Conference 28 regular season and tournament championships before falling to Warhill in a VHSL 3A East region semifinal.

“We are a very close team and that will only help us get better. We are also getting a lot of strong talent, which is really exciting,” Holtz said. “My ultimate goal would be to get to states, but I just want to have a fun last season as a Viking.”