Carson Holmes Shines as a Leader for Libertyville Wildcats

Carson Holmes has faced many challenges. As a senior left fielder for the defending Class 4A state champion Wildcats, his experience benefits his younger teammates. Holmes acknowledges the importance of his role. “You want to be that guy when the time comes,” Holmes said. “We’ll face tough games. When challenges arise, we rally. I assure the guys I’ve got their back, and so does everyone else. That’s our motto. It’s going to battle.”

Batting third in the lineup, 6-foot, 195-pound Holmes plays a crucial role. He reached base four times as Libertyville, seeded first, defeated eighth-seeded Stevenson 13-3 in the Class 4A Hoffman Estates Regional championship. On Saturday, May 30, 2026, Chase Lockwood, a senior right-hander and Illinois State recruit, pitched four scoreless innings. The Wildcats (26-10-1) will face fourth-seeded Mundelein (22-10) in the Libertyville Sectional semifinals on Wednesday at 2 p.m.

The Wildcats scored nine runs in the third inning aided by seven walks, three hit batters, and an error. Holmes contributed with a two-run single. He described, “I saw a good pitch, swung, and connected well. We made him throw pitches he couldn’t adjust to, while we did. Everyone stayed true to themselves; no one got selfish. If walks were available, we took them.”

Holmes, who was hit by a pitch and walked twice, had an impressive postseason last year, batting .500 in seven games. His performance included a home run in the regional final on the same field. Coach Matt Thompson expressed hopes for Holmes’s continued success, “We hope for Carson that lightning strikes again. He has a great swing and good hands. Batting third isn’t easy, but he’s been consistent, and we trust him.”

With three Division I recruits graduated, the Wildcats shaped a new lineup around Holmes, who takes pride in being an offensive catalyst. “I bat for my team,” Holmes explained. “I don’t bat for myself. I aim to see the ball, hit the ball.” Holmes, who entered last year’s playoffs with a .412 batting average, is hitting .276 with two home runs and 23 RBIs this season. Despite ups and downs, he remains confident, “I’ve faced highs and lows and had better years, but I keep my head high, focus on the next game and pitch, and compete. It’s about winning as a team.”

Holmes’s responsibility extends beyond hitting. “He’s a vocal leader, especially in the outfield,” noted fellow senior Jack Cenar. “We’re always together in the field, and you’ll hear him directing us, ensuring we make the right plays. His all-around skills are vital to the team.”

A two-way starter on the Libertyville football team, Holmes looks forward to more. “Playing baseball is the best time of the year,” he said. “It’s fun. The expectation here is clear. Win regionals today, then it’s forward to the next step.”