Member Spotlight

Peggy HollenPEGGY HOLLEN

CLUB MEMBERSHIPS:  COASTAL CAROLINA

YEARS CURLING:  3 1/2

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES: BONSPIEL CHAIRPERSON

Peggy Hollen is a founding member of the Coastal Carolina Curling Club.  She became interested in curling while watching past Winter Olympic Games where the sport quickly became her favorite. She decided that, if curling ever came to Wilmington, she would be there to try it out.  Her wish came true when the Coastal Carolina Curling Club was founded in 2011.  Ever since then, you can find Peggy out on the ice curling.

Peggy grew up playing sports such as basketball, racquetball, and softball. She played competitively on co-ed teams and coached girl’s 10-12 year old softball for Winter Park Optimist in Wilmington for many years. Peggy was one of the first female members of Winter Park Optimist.

As much as any of us, Peggy enjoys the social aspect of curling.  Early on in the club’s history, she found a connection with other members who shared a common vision for the growth of the club and the growth of the sport in southeastern North Carolina.  Peggy believed that the club could host its own event in its first year and took on the role of Bonspiel chairperson.  As part of the effort to make the bonspiel a success, Peggy reached out to other clubs and  encouraged local curlers to compete in bonspiels.  Notable bonspiels in which Peggy has competed include the Chesapeake Funspiel, Charlotte Grits-N-Granite, Potomac Cherry Blossom, Pittsburgh Tropicurl, Carolina Classic, and GNCC Arena Club Championship.

Aside from bonspiel destinations, Peggy enjoys vacation travel to various venues abroad.  Her fondest travel memory to date is watching the sunrise during a camel ride at Ayers Rock in the Australian Outback.  She reports that ‘Lazy Daisy’ the camel took good care of her.  While in Australia, Peggy visited the Melbourne Curling Club also.

If you ever find yourself in need of a new curling friend, look up Peggy Hollen.  She plans to curl as long as she is able.  We’re thinking that’s going to be a long time!