Holliday ISD hears support for softball coach

Two days after the Holliday High School softball team completed another standout season, reaching No. 1 in the state rankings and finishing 30-5, the head coaching position held by Billy Arbogast has been posted.

Arbogast has led the Lady Eagles for eight seasons.

After winning just 14 games combined in his first two years, Arbogast guided Holliday to a school-record 39 victories in his third season. Under his leadership, the Lady Eagles have won 75 percent of their games.

So why is the job open?

According to sources, Holliday administrators received a complaint from a parent at the end of last school year. Arbogast was placed on administrative leave while the district investigated.

Sources tell KFDX that in January, Arbogast was informed he could coach the 2026 season if he agreed to submit a letter of resignation effective at the conclusion of the season.

That brings us to Monday night, when dozens of supporters attended a school board meeting in Holliday to voice their support for Arbogast.

Current and former players, managers and parents spoke passionately Monday night about the impact Billy Arbogast has had on their lives.

One current player told the board the program “impacts lives well beyond wins and losses.”

“Coach Arbogast creates an environment where people grow, not only as athletes but as people,” she said. “He teaches responsibility, dedication, patience and so much more. He believes in people even when they struggle to believe in themselves. He creates a space where people feel safe, supported and valued.”

A current team manager said Arbogast helped her feel accepted from the moment she arrived at Holliday as a freshman.

“When I was a freshman and new to the school, he made sure I wasn’t alone,” she said. “He introduced me to the team and made me feel like I belonged right away. That kind of support is rare, and it is a big part of why our team is as strongly connected as it is today.”

One parent said Arbogast saw her daughter’s potential when others did not.

“He sees Aubree for who she truly is, even when others haven’t,” she said. “He believes in her when teachers and coaches have overlooked her.”

The parent added, “One percent should not have the power to remove a coach when 99 percent are fighting for him to stay.”

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.