Beau Hollins has been surrounded by baseball for his entire life. 

Growing up, he attended big league games and spring training with his dad, Dave Hollins, when he served as a scout for the Philadelphia Phillies. Before that, his dad spent 12 years in the MLB as a professional baseball player for the Phillies and several other teams around the league. 

Beau’s uncle, Paul, was a member of the University South Carolina baseball team from 1978 to 1981. Dave also played for South Carolina from 1985 to 1987 before being drafted by the San Diego Padres. 

Beau has the opportunity to follow in their footsteps after deciding to continue his baseball career at South Carolina. 

“Growing up around him, around baseball players, I kind of just fell in love with [baseball] right away,” Beau said. “It’s kinda through my family blood.” 

Hollins’ blood has pushed him to be a standout on almost every team he’s played on since he was a kid. He emerged as a leader on the River Bluff High School team since starting as a freshman on varsity. 

Last season during his junior year, Beau and River Bluff won the 5A state championship game. Entering his senior season, Beau will look to run it back and close this chapter of his career on top. 

When he arrived on the scene, Beau’s approach at first was to follow the older guys’ lead, but after a couple of months went by, he realized he, too, could fill the leadership role. 

“I kind of just do my thing. I play my game as hard as I can and I give all the effort I can and hopefully the guys see the effort I give and follow by that,” Beau said. “I try to tell the guys what we are doing when we are doing it, and just try to be the best teammate I can.” 

River Bluff head coach Mark Bonnette agreed that Hollins leads by example. 

“Beau doesn’t have to say a whole lot,” Bonnette said. “When the other guys watch arguably the best player in our state practice the way the way he practices and work the way he works, it kind of helps set the tone.” 

He continued to grow with the program when it all came to a head for River Bluff in 2023. 

Beau had the best season of his high school career batting .445 with 18 HRs and 47 RBIs, leading the Gators through a deep playoff run to earn the school’s first 5A State Championship after two previous tries during its 10-year history. 

Beau marks that victory as the highlight of his career. 

“That was one of the best things I’ve ever felt in my life,” he said. “We had a great time going through that journey and I wouldn’t want to do it with any other team, one of the moments of my life I will never forget.” 

Beau has already made a statement entering the final season of his Gator career, holding a .480 batting average with 2 HR and 8 RBIs just a few games into the season. He serves as a threat on the lineup as a potential switch hitter, increasing his opportunities for success at the plate. 

He will continue to work on his primary position as a first baseman as well as producing for the Gators on the mound. So far in his pitching performances, Beau has a 14-4 record with a 1.51 ERA.

He hasn’t taken his foot off the gas. Beau continues to put the focus on the now, despite a very bright future ahead. He is persistent in putting his head down and working towards his goal of finishing his senior season on top once again. 

Coach Bonnette says his competitive edge sets him apart from other players who have his talent level as he advances through his final season. No matter the score, he is locked in. 

“He is tough, he is intense and he is locked in when it is time to compete. He never wants to give away an at-bat,” Bonnette said. 

Beau will look to continue to develop in his senior season and build upon his natural talent and ability as he looks to the anticipation of professional and collegiate ball. 

“He understands that ‘hey man, I am not a finished product and I have got to continue to work’,” Bonnette said. “But he has a great skill set right now.” 

The makeup Beau has made him a highly sought-after prospect with a likely bright future ahead of him. Beau committed to the Gamecocks in August of 2021 ahead of his sophomore season and signed his National Letter of Intent this past November. 

Despite his family ties, Beau also has a good chance of being drafted and forgoing a collegiate career.

When asked about his future, Beau stayed true to himself and put the focus on what was still in front of him -- his final year at home. 

“I understand that is something that is coming up soon,” he said. “I am trying to enjoy my senior season and take everything slow because once high school is gone, it is gone. God knows his plans for me so I’m just going to let the future play out.”