Defender Holly Bernhold delivered a strong career for the women’s soccer team, playing in 58 games over three years while performing even better in the classroom. An allied health major who compiled a near-perfect 3.99 grade-point average, she would go on to graduate in just three years before pursuing a career in physical therapy.

Standing 5-8 and featuring a long stride, Bernold helped protect the outside wings on the Cardinal back line and rarely let opponents get behind her. As a result of her efforts, Otterbein posted 28 shutouts during her time and a cumulative 40-13-5 overall record.

Bernhold’s final year in 2018 would stand above the rest as Otterbein went 17-3-1 overall, winning both the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) regular-season and tournament titles before hosting an NCAA Regional at Memorial Stadium. The Cards, reaching No. 24 in the national rankings, advanced to the Round of 32 before suffering narrow elimination in a 2-1 showdown with Hope College.

Bernhold delivered one of the program's most memorable moments in the regular-season finale against rival Capital, where the Cards trailed 1-0 entering the 80th minute. She came up to corral the ball just across midfield, promptly lofting a 43-yard equalizing shot over the goalkeeper to give her team new life. Otterbein went on to win 2-1 in overtime and clinch the OAC regular-season crown.

Otterbein secured 11 shutouts that fall, including a stretch in September where the team did not allow a score for six-straight matches.

A 2x Academic All-OAC selection, Bernhold ultimately received accolades on a larger scale for her work in the classroom to culminate a great career. She earned third team CoSIDA Academic All-American honors as one of just 34 NCAA Division III players chosen, and one of just two from the state of Ohio.

Bernhold was the eighth different player in program history to land the honor and first since 2014. She always remained active within the community, serving as a certified HCBS Supported Living Provider while also volunteering with Best of Both Worlds and Share Bac-A-Pac through the Westerville Area Resource Ministry. Benrhold also earned an Otterbein Presidential Scholarship and stayed involved with the Health Professions Club on campus.