A true defensive catcher in the 2026 grad class Max Holland (Conway), solid durable build at 6’1 200 with great bat speed paired with a beautiful toe tap load that allows him to stay on time with the fastball or adjust to the breaking ball. Holland is a well-polished athlete which lands him at in the top 3 in our rankings. He is paired with a load of talent for Conway's team giving them high hopes of making a huge push in the coming season.

We recently had the chance to talk to Holland about his recruitment process along with some other fun topics, below.

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Our Q&A

Prep Baseball: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Max: I was looking for an opportunity to play and a coaching staff who cared about the person and player I was. I was looking at facilities and things of that nature as well but that was just the extra stuff, the coaching staff, atmosphere, and opportunity was the main thing I was looking for and at. My expectations were a little different then what actually happened, I was blessed to get a good amount of calls and eventually commit to Arkansas, but there were a few schools I was told would reach out that never did, so you just have to keep an open mind and go with the flow.

PB: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

M: I liked the coaches the most, and the atmosphere and college town of Fayetteville. I also really liked the facilities and the opportunity I am walking into next year.

PB: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

M: I would say Trust the Lord, he has a plan for everyone, and keep your head down and grind every day. 1% better everyday while staying humble, and your time will come.

PB: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

M: It did a little bit but it was never something I was too worried about, Arkansas ended up being the perfect amount away from home in my opinion.

PB: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

M: It heated up the summer going into the future games and before we could get calls, but I would say for sure future games. I think Arkansas first got to see me play just at Lakepoint in a normal tournament during that summer but I know for sure they got to see me at the future games.

PB: Was there a particular Prep Baseball tournament or showcase that helped accelerate your recruiting process? If yes, how so?

M: Future games for sure, best event I have ever been too. The amount of coaches and exposure is insane, super fun event to play in. If you are a young player trying to get recruited i would 100 percent advise you try to go to the future games.

PB: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

M: Kansas State, Baylor, and Louisiana Tech

PB: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

M: I would say Mark Brissey is up there for sure, he was very gross and commanded the zone very well. Other than that I would say my close friend and teammate Shaun Cover. We do pretty much everything together and it’s fun to compete day in and day out with him to try to be better than each other, which ends up making us both better. What makes him so tough is his bat. He is one of the best hitters I have ever seen, and just always will find a way to put the barrel on the ball.

PB: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?

M: I would either steal Shaun Cover's hit tool, or I would steal whoever the fastest player is speed 😭.

PB: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

M: Simon Abel, and Nate Wanamaker, as well as Gavin Mills out of Conway HS.

PB: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

M: The summer going into my junior year, I played up with a very high level team with a bunch of good players and saw I could compete with the best. I realized my catching tool was really good and the bat kept progressing so I knew I could make it happen, and realized it has been my dream all along.

PB: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

M: I would say winning conference my Sophmore year of high school. 

PB: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

M: I think we have a chance to do something really special and will have a real chance to win state. I think we have a very good rotation and arms on the mound, as well as a very good lineup. Our defense will be good like always and about everyone in the lineup will have experience so it will make us a mature team to face. I think overall we will be really good, we will just have to work every day and continue to strive for everyones main goal, a state championship.

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