Kelly Holtgrefe, USTA Professional member from Cincinnati is a true student of the sport and she's on a mission to hone her skills behind the table as a judge. As a lover of the arts, Holtgrefe brings a fresh perspective to twirling. Here's how she explained that to Inside Loop:
Inside Loop: Kelly, your journey as a USTA Professional has been full of various chapters. Can you tell us about your journey and the knowledge you've gained along the way?
Holtgrefe: My journey began when I was in fifth grade, and I first picked up a baton at a rec center twirling class. Shortly after, I joined a competition team (Positive Outlook) and started competing in solo events as well. I twirled with my high school marching band and went on to be the feature twirler at Ohio Northern University. After graduating, at the suggestion of my former coach Cindy Harmon, I investigated becoming a certified USTA judge. In 2015, I started judging! Since then, I've thoroughly enjoyed judging local, state, and regional competitions.
I have learned SO MUCH along the way! Learning about the events that I didn't really compete in has taught me a lot. I have also learned to trust my training and be confident in myself and my scores. I just want to give back to a sport that gave so much to me.
Inside Loop: : All judges have favorite parts of the job and least favorite parts of the job. What are yours?
Holtgrefe: My favorite parts about judging are seeing athletes grow up before your eyes and seeing the potential of an athlete. It's so wonderful to see teams come back year after year and see how their confidence builds.
One thing that still gets to me is seeing the nerves of athletes doing their compulsories. I have been on that side of the table, and I still get nervous for them!
Inside Loop: Tell us three things the twirling world probably doesn't know about you.
Holtgrefe:
- When I'm not judging, you can find me at my day job as digital marketing manager for The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati.
- I adopted a 10-year-old hound mix in November 2020. Her name is Liza, and she is the best dog!
- I love seeing Broadway shows and visiting NYC! Hadestown and Hamilton are my favorite musicals.