The Texas Panhandle as well as the coaching community is still mourning after the heartbreaking news late Friday night into Saturday morning when it was known that Fort Elliott head volleyball coach Holly Lindley passed away after suffering a sudden heart attack at only 49-years of age.
The sudden word of Lindley’s passing was shocking, devastating and heartbreaking to all of those that have ever come across such an amazing individual.
Lindley, who would have turned 50 as of this writing – Nov. 26, 2025 – was born and raised in Shamrock and is survived by her husband Lance and what she always said, her two greatest joys in life, in daughters, Landry and Addison.
The West Texas A&M graduate spent 22 years in education coaching and teaching. Most notably, Lindley spent last season leading West Texas High to the playoffs and this fall led Fort Elliott to a 29-8 overall mark and an outright District 1-1A championship to go with a Class 1A Area championship.
A Celebration of Life service for Lindley will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, at the First Baptist Church in Shamrock.
Peers of Lindley spoke to Press Pass Sports and gave their words on the positive impact that Lindley left on them.
Teri Self, Shamrock volleyball head coach
“Holly wasn’t just a fellow coach, she was a friend. She was someone I could lean on, laugh with and learn from. She brought wisdom and encouragement to every conversation. Her smile could lift your spirits, and her laugh was contagious. I’ll miss her guidance and her friendship. Her impact will always last with me.”
Kerri Dukes, Miami head volleyball coach
“Holly always had a friendly smile, she was easy to talk to, and always very supportive. She was one of the kindest people I had ever met. in the coaching world, you build a bond. I think you just understand each other and know what each other is going through at times. On game day you obviously want your team to win, but when that match is over and playoffs begin, you support and root for each other. I felt that with Holly. She, along with a couple of other coaches from our district, came to our first playoff match to support us. That meant so much to me. She will be missed.”
Cody Wolfe, West Texas High head girls basketball coach
“Coach Lindley was the epitome of what a coach should be. The way she ran her program and how she could get everyone to be the best player they could be was amazing. As a basketball guy, volleyball definitely isn’t something I am comfortable with or used to doing. But I wanted to do great and win because I wanted her to be proud and wanted her to be successful. The thing that most will miss about coach is her ability to see through negatives and make you feel like everything is going to be okay and her infectious laugh.”
Fort Elliott superintendent Brandon Mahler
“Today, on what would have been Coach Holly Lindley’s birthday, we honor and remember a remarkable woman whose time with us, though far too short, brought tremendous joy, energy, and pride to our school. Her passing earlier this week has left our Fort Elliott family heartbroken, but her impact is something we will carry with us forever. If you ever met Coach Holly Lindley, you would understand that a single person could make anyone’s day instantly better. Her laugh, her energy, and her heart brought joy to every meeting, every practice, and every student she coached. She brought with her a lengthy and accomplished career in sports, built on passion, determination, and a drive to help young athletes grow. One of her greatest joys throughout her career was having the opportunity to coach her own daughters, Landry and Addison, an experience that reflected her deep love for both family and athletics. Standing beside her every step of the way was her husband, Lance, who was one of her greatest supporters and joys. His unwavering encouragement and pride in her work were evident to all who knew them. Please keep Lance, Landry, Addison, her family, friends, and all who loved her in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”