Rylee Holtorf - Identity in Christ

As Rylee Holtorf has become a star on the field at the University of Washington, she finds joy each day in knowing that her worth does not come from her performance on the field. After being named to the Pac-12 All Freshman Team in 2022, she helped guide the Huskies all the way to an appearance in the Women’s College World Series in 2023.

As she now prepares for what her future will bring in the coming years with Washington, she looks to be an inspiration to those watching her as she leans on her faith and finds purpose in who God says that she is.

Originally from Peoria, Arizona, Rylee was named the Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year and was a highly recruited infielder in high school. It was in her high school years that Rylee also says she began to see faith become more important than ever before.

“My parents always took us to church when we were little but it was not until junior high that I made Jesus a priority in my life. I got baptized and felt like I was able to understand the freedom that comes in knowing Jesus. I’m thankful my parents always took me to church and prayed with me at home so that I had roots even when I was little.”

After arriving on campus at Washington, Rylee quickly made an impact as she appeared in 42 games and made 35 starts in just her first year with the program. Improving in year 2 and becoming a centerpiece of the Huskies lineup, Rylee says that her faith plays the biggest role in her softball career. In the midst of the pressures of the game, she finds peace and comfort in her faith.

“Because of my faith in Jesus and who He is, I can play free without pressure to perform well because my identity is not in the game. I know that Jesus died for me and my worth is in that, not in softball. It’s so fun to play the game free and for God’s glory.”

Quickly becoming a fan favorite around the game of softball, Rylee says she hopes to use her platform to make an impact. As she hopes to inspire young girls with her play, she looks to show them that your performance is not what defines you.

“I hope that I can show little girls that softball is so fun. When you put your identity into the game it is not fun because you fail so much in the sport. When your identity is in Christ, softball is one of the best things. I hope that the way I play, how I treat my teammates and coaches, and how I live my life reflects Jesus and that people can see I am different. Not because of what I do but because of Jesus.”

As Rylee and the Huskies gear up for the 2024 season, they look to come back even stronger and take home the Championship title. While Rylee prepares to play at her best, she also remains at peace knowing that her future is in God’s hands. Regardless of what happens on the field, she knows she is not defined by it. Instead, she finds her identity in knowing that she is a child of God.