Holly Collinsworth, the wife of former NFL player and renowned sports broadcaster Cris Collinsworth, is a successful attorney who has managed to keep a low profile despite her husband’s fame. While Cris’s voice is familiar to millions of football fans, Holly has carved out her own path, balancing a thriving legal career with family life in their Kentucky hometown.
Early Life and Education
Holly Bankemper, as she was known before marriage, grew up in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. She attended Highlands High School, where she laid the foundation for her future success. Her academic prowess was evident early on, and she was later recognized for her achievements when she was named the 2019 Alumnus of the Year by the Highlands High School Alumni Association.
After high school, Holly’s path led her to the University of Kentucky, where she brought her energy and spirit to the cheerleading squad. This experience likely honed her skills in teamwork and time management, which would serve her well in her future career.
Meeting Cris Collinsworth
Holly’s life took a significant turn when she enrolled at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. It was here that she met Cris Collinsworth, who was also pursuing a law degree after his NFL career. Their meeting was serendipitous, orchestrated by mutual friends at a dinner in Cincinnati.
The couple’s shared interest in law initially brought them together, but it was their compatibility and shared values that cemented their relationship. They dated throughout their time in law school, with Holly graduating in 1988 and Cris following in 1991.
Marriage and Family Life
Holly and Cris tied the knot on June 3, 1989, marking the beginning of a partnership that has lasted over three decades. The Collinsworths chose to settle in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, Holly’s hometown, where they’ve built a life away from the spotlight.
Their decision to make Fort Thomas their home base was largely influenced by Holly’s close ties to the area. Cris once remarked, “My wife is very happy here. Her parents are five minutes away. Her brother and sister are nearby. With me being away so much, it really does help that they’re around to help”.
Professional Career
While Cris transitioned from professional football to broadcasting, Holly pursued her passion for law. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1988 and has been practicing law ever since. Holly is affiliated with the Cincinnati Bar Association and has built a respected career as an attorney in Fort Thomas, Kentucky.
Her commitment to her profession is evident in her continued practice, balancing her career with her roles as a wife and mother. Holly’s success in law demonstrates her intelligence, dedication, and ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
Family Life
The Collinsworths have raised four children: Katie, Austin, Ashley, and Jac. Each of their children has pursued their own path to success:
- Katie worked in sports media at the Golf Channel.
- Austin played football at Notre Dame and now works as Chief Operating Officer at Pro Football Focus.
- Ashley ran track at Harvard and now works as a producer at MRI Online.
- Jac has followed in his father’s footsteps, working as a sports commentator for NBC.
Holly’s role in raising such accomplished children while maintaining her own career is a testament to her strength and dedication as a mother and professional.
Maintaining Privacy
Despite being married to a public figure, Holly has managed to maintain a remarkably low profile. She rarely appears in public or speaks to the media, preferring to focus on her family and career. This desire for privacy extends to social media, where Holly does not maintain a public presence.
Her ability to stay out of the limelight while supporting her husband’s high-profile career and raising successful children speaks volumes about her character and priorities.
Supporting Cris’s Career
While Holly has built her own successful career, she has also been a pillar of support for Cris throughout his broadcasting career. Cris has often praised Holly’s support, saying, “I have a really strong wife… It’s amazing all that she can handle, particularly with as much as I’m away from home”.
This support has been crucial to Cris’s success, allowing him to focus on his broadcasting career while knowing that their home and family are in capable hands.
Community Involvement
Despite her low public profile, Holly has been active in her community. The Collinsworths have been involved in various local initiatives, including helping to install an all-weather field at Highlands High School, Holly’s alma mater.
Their commitment to their community is evident in their decision to remain in Fort Thomas, contributing to the town’s development and maintaining close ties with family and friends.
Personal Life and Interests
While much of Holly’s personal life remains private, it’s clear that family is at the center of her world. She has successfully balanced her career with raising four children and supporting her husband’s demanding career.
Holly’s background as a cheerleader at the University of Kentucky suggests an interest in sports, which likely helps her connect with her sports-oriented family. Her continued practice of law indicates a passion for her profession and a commitment to intellectual pursuits.
The Collinsworth Home
The Collinsworths have built a life together in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, where they’ve created a comfortable family home. Their residence is described as a mini-compound, featuring a main house of around 7,000 square feet, along with a barn, swimming pool, and pool house.
This home serves as a base for the family, providing a retreat from the public eye and a gathering place for their grown children and extended family.
Holly’s Impact on Cris’s Career
While Holly has maintained her own career, her influence on Cris’s professional life is undeniable. Cris has often credited Holly’s support as a key factor in his success. Her ability to manage their home and family has allowed Cris to focus on his broadcasting career, which has led to numerous accolades, including 17 Sports Emmy Awards.
Balancing Act
Holly Collinsworth’s life is a masterclass in balance. She has managed to maintain a successful legal career while raising four children and supporting her husband’s high-profile job. This balancing act requires exceptional time management skills, dedication, and a strong sense of self.
Her ability to keep her family grounded despite the potential distractions of fame and fortune is particularly noteworthy. The Collinsworth children’s successes in their respective fields suggest that Holly and Cris have instilled strong values and work ethic in their offspring.
Legacy and Future
While Holly prefers to stay out of the spotlight, her impact is evident in the success of her family and her own professional achievements. As an accomplished attorney, devoted mother, and supportive partner, Holly Collinsworth has created a legacy of her own.
Looking to the future, it’s likely that Holly will continue to balance her legal career with family life. As her children pursue their own paths and potentially start families of their own, Holly’s role may evolve, but her commitment to family and profession is likely to remain constant.
Conclusion
Holly Collinsworth embodies the idea that one doesn’t need to be in the public eye to have a significant impact. Her successful legal career, coupled with her role as a supportive wife and mother, paints a picture of a woman who has achieved a remarkable balance in life.
While her husband’s fame has put the Collinsworth name in the spotlight, Holly has shown that true success isn’t always measured by public recognition. Her story is one of quiet strength, unwavering support, and personal achievement. In many ways, Holly Collinsworth represents the backbone of her family, providing the stability and support that has allowed each member to thrive.
As the Collinsworth family continues to make their mark in various fields, Holly’s influence will undoubtedly continue to be felt, even if it’s not always seen. Her story serves as an inspiration to those who seek to balance personal ambition with family life, proving that it’s possible to have a fulfilling career while also prioritizing family and maintaining privacy.
In the end, Holly Collinsworth’s life reminds us that some of the most impactful roles are played behind the scenes. Her quiet strength and unwavering support have helped shape not just her own success, but that of her entire family.
Image Alt Text: Holly Collinsworth, attorney and wife of Cris Collinsworth, balancing career and family life.
