Coaches off the Clock: Holly Hasler on giving up the 'glamorous grind'

For as long as she can remember, Holly Parkinson Hasler, BYU women’s tennis head coach, dreamed of trophies engraved with “U.S. Open Champion.” Now, when asked about her dreams, a trophy engraved with “Best Mom and Grandma” is top of mind. 

Holly has played at the highest level of professional tennis, performing on tennis’s biggest stages. By age 23, Holly had a victory over Maria Sharapova in the Italian Open, competed in the main draw of every Grand Slam Major and ranked in the top 100 in the world in both singles and doubles. 

But, even with features on magazine covers and a crowd full of people chanting her name, she found that a life on the road, away from her family and friends wasn’t fulfilling anymore. She was lonely and decided to take a different path; one filled with the gospel of Jesus Christ and more accomodating of her divine role as a wife and mother. She played on tour until July of 2002 when she ultimately made the decision to retire from professional tournaments and begin coaching. 

“Life on tour was a glamorous grind,” Holly remembered. “The Grand Slams were huge paydays but the road to get there included living out of a suitcase 35 weeks of the year for five years straight. Growing up, my faith and family taught me there was a bigger picture and much more to look forward to than winning tennis matches."

Holly’s first date with her now husband, Blair Hasler, ended with a hospital visit and a broken nose. In 2001 they were set up on a blind-ish date — Holly had picked Blair out of the crowd at church. Her aunt set them up and the fall season called for a date to a haunted house.

As they walked through the haunted house in the dark, a clown jumped out, scaring them both. In the chaos of it all, Blair’s elbow slammed right into Holly’s nose, leading to blood– real blood, not the haunted house's fake blood–gushing everywhere. 

This accident ended up setting the scene for second, third and fourth dates in the hospital with movies and smoothies. Now, with twenty-two years of marriage under their belt, the two balance their busy jobs with their top priorities: God and their family. 

“Blair is my saving grace. He’s a really good communicator and problem solver. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have him,” Holly said.

Holly attributes who she is today to her many mentors growing up, including her dad and other coaches. Through their examples she was taught patience and unconditional love. They helped her develop a belief in herself and be able to believe in others. 

“I had so many mentors and coaches in my life who had such a big impact on my life not just as a tennis player but as a person,” Holly said. “I loved that, and it’s something I try to carry on.”

Whenever Holly has free time, she is preparing for, or on, her next adventure in the mountains, camping, river rafting or exploring. Her life embodies the cliche “work hard, play hard,” and she shares her passion for life with everyone, but especially her family and team.

Holly’s passion for life is matched with her passion for the gospel. Her actions are proof that she prioritizes God in her life, even making time to always visit the local temple while traveling to tournaments with her son Bryson and staying up late to read the Book of Mormon every night with her oldest son Caden while growing up.

“What is truly most important to me is my family and the gospel,” Holly expressed.

Holly and Blair have four kids: Caden (19), Cambria (17), Brinley (13) and Bryson (11). Caden and Bryson have followed in their mom’s footsteps on the tennis court, ranking as some of the top junior tennis players in the country. Caden is currently serving a mission in the Nevada, Las Vegas West mission and is committed to play tennis at BYU when he returns. Cambria and Brinley are both accomplished singers, taking after their dad. Cambria is a sprinter and has received multiple full-ride scholarship offers to schools throughout Utah and Brinley dedicating her time to soccer.