Oklahoma All-State baseball: How faith, desire shaped Ethan Holliday's drive for Stillwater

It didn't take long for Ethan Holliday to get comfortable in the Stillwater baseball program.

In his eyes, adverse situations aren't obstacles but opportunities for growth. Holliday's resilience shone through after the Pioneers' season his freshman year.

Stillwater was fresh from losing to eventual Class 6A state champion Owasso in the regional playoffs. While the loss stung at the time, Holiday's focus remained on a greater purpose.

"I knew we had the talent then, but sometimes baseball doesn't go in your favor," Holliday said. "I could've been better too — and that's the great thing about sports — every game is a learning experience."

Since then, he's learned a lot about himself. And the response to his evolution has been nothing short of stellar.

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Holliday's talent has propelled him to the top of the country's high school baseball players, with most outlets considering him the top prospect in the 2025 class. Over a year ago, he committed to play collegiately for his uncle, Oklahoma State head coach Josh Holliday.

Driven by his dedication to his long-term MLB aspirations, Ethan Holliday remains hell-bent on reaching the heights his family has at the professional level.

After all, his father, Matt Holliday, was a seven-time MLB All-Star and older brother Jackson is currently the top-ranked prospect in the sport.

"I try to stay humble and not think too big of myself," Ethan said. "I want to become the best version of myself. Whether that's Ethan the person or Ethan the player, I feel it'll always come with hard work if you want to be great at what you do."

So far, his diligent mindset has paid off for him vastly.

Holliday is The Oklahoman's 2024 All-State Baseball Player of the Year.

"I've known Ethan since he was about 6 years old, and it's no surprise seeing him become the player he is," Pioneers coach Marty Lees said. "He's made everyone in this program better just because of who he is on and off the field."

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Lees is a longtime college baseball coach with stops as an assistant on staff at Oklahoma State and Oregon State. He recently spent three seasons as the head coach of Washington State before becoming the head coach at Stillwater in 2023.

Holliday has left an unusual impression on Lees, whose coaching career spans nearly 30 years.

"I've been fortunate to coach a lot of college kids and players who eventually were able to make it to the big leagues," Lees said. "Ethan Holliday will be the best player I ever coach my life.

"He has talent that kids typically aren't able to scratch at his age. Some of the things that he does today often take players deep into their college careers to attain. It's gotten to the point that every time he gets up to the plate, I know he's going to do something extraordinary."

As a junior, Holliday did that more times than not.

He continued to live up to the hype in 2024, posting a .409 batting average with 12 home runs, 40 hits, and 40 RBI while leading the Pioneers to a 27-9 record. His gifted instincts also showed up in the infield, where he perpetually made jaw-dropping defensive plays.

He picked up his play in the second half of the season even further, as the Pioneers won 17 of their final 20 games thanks to his efforts at the plate. Holliday cemented himself as one of the most feared hitters in the state as nearly a third of his at-bats resulted in intentional walks.

More: The Oklahoman's 2024 All-State high school baseball roster

The walks often played to Stillwater's strengths as Lees viewed the opposing pitcher's hesitance as a cheat code. Throughout the season, he began strategizing where to place Holliday in the lineup depending on the opponent.

Whenever Stillwater needed a game-changing play, Holliday rose to the occasion.

"I just try to stay grounded in my faith and trust the plan 24/7," Holliday said. "I try my best to honor God in everything I do. I can become a little bit better every day, which pushes me to keep going when things get tough."

Since his arrival, Holliday and the Stillwater baseball program have long yearned another opportunity to play for a state championship.

In May, the team stood one game away from its goal. Yet, the Pioneers' season ended at the hands of eventual Class 6A champion Westmoore in the state semifinals. The loss evoked a feeling that Holliday aims to avoid in the future as he prepares for his senior campaign this offseason.

No matter how long his list of personal accolades grows, Holliday credits those who pour their support into him with his success.

"It's always been one of my goals to be named the All-State player of the year, and this also makes me appreciate the guys in the locker room with me even more," Holliday said.

"We're brothers on and off the field, and I couldn't ask for better teammates and coaches. I'm excited to see where our program can take it because we're returning with a great team. Stillwater baseball is in a really special place."

Jordan Davis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jordan? He can be reached at jdavis@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @jdavis34_. Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Jordan’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Stillwater's Ethan Holliday is 2024 Oklahoma HS All-State baseball POY