When people hear the name Holly Bankemper, many first think of her as the wife of famous sports broadcaster and former NFL player Cris Collinsworth. However, Holly’s story is about much more than her marriage. She has built her own successful career as an attorney, supported her community, and created a strong family life away from the spotlight.
Holly Bankemper Collinsworth is an American lawyer and philanthropist from Fort Thomas, Kentucky. She became known to many sports fans after marrying Cris Collinsworth in 1989, but she had already created her own path through education and hard work. Her journey shows how a person can balance a professional career, family responsibilities, and helping others.
In this article, we will explore Holly Bankemper’s early life, education, legal career, relationship with Cris Collinsworth, marriage, children, and the important work she has done for her community. Her story gives readers a closer look at the woman behind one of football’s most recognized broadcasters.
Holly Bankemper’s Early Life in Kentucky
Holly Bankemper was born on December 23, 1963, in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, United States. She grew up in a close family with her parents, John Bankemper and Charlene Bankemper. Her Kentucky roots have remained an important part of her life, and she has continued to stay connected with the community where she was raised.
Holly spent her childhood in Fort Thomas and attended Highlands High School. Her early years in Kentucky helped shape her values, especially her focus on family, education, and helping people around her. Even after becoming connected to the sports world through Cris Collinsworth, she continued to maintain strong ties with her hometown.
Her connection with Highlands High School remained important throughout her life. In 2019, Holly was honored as the Highlands Alumnus of the Year for her achievements and contributions. This recognition showed the respect she earned from the community that watched her grow.
Besides her personal success, Holly also became involved in local education efforts. She served on the board of directors of the Fort Thomas Education Foundation, supporting programs that helped students and schools in her area.
Holly Bankemper’s Education Journey
Education has always been an important part of Holly Bankemper’s life. After completing high school, she continued her studies at the University of Kentucky, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. During her college years, she was also a cheerleader for the Kentucky Wildcats.
Her time with the Wildcats gave her an early connection to the world of sports. While she was not pursuing a career as an athlete, being part of a major college sports program helped her understand the dedication and teamwork needed in competitive environments.
After finishing her undergraduate studies, Holly decided to continue her education in law. She attended the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where she worked toward becoming an attorney.
Holly earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in 1988. Her time at the University of Cincinnati College of Law was also meaningful because this is where she shared an academic connection with Cris Collinsworth. Cris later attended the same law school and graduated in 1991.
Holly Bankemper’s Career as an Attorney
After earning her law degree, Holly Bankemper started her career as a practicing attorney. She built a professional identity based on her own skills and education rather than only being known as Cris Collinsworth’s wife.
Holly became a member of the Cincinnati Bar Association and worked as a lawyer in different areas. She has practiced law in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, and also in Longboat Key, Florida.
Her legal career lasted for many years, showing her dedication to her profession. While managing a busy family life, she continued working and building experience in the legal field.
Being an attorney required focus, patience, and strong decision-making skills. Holly balanced these qualities with her responsibilities as a wife and mother. Her career is an important part of her story because it shows that she created her own achievements outside of her husband’s fame.
Many people know Holly because of her connection to Cris Collinsworth, but her work as a lawyer remains one of her biggest personal accomplishments.
How Holly Bankemper Met Cris Collinsworth
Holly Bankemper and Cris Collinsworth first met in Cincinnati during the 1980s. At that time, Cris was playing professional football as a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, while Holly was preparing to begin her law studies.
The two met through mutual friends at The Precinct, a restaurant in Cincinnati that Cris co-owned. Their meeting happened before Cris became one of the most recognized names in sports broadcasting, making their relationship a story that started long before fame.
Cris later shared that he felt very lucky to meet Holly. In an interview with Cincinnati Magazine in 2001, he spoke highly of his wife and described her as a strong person who handled many responsibilities while he was often away because of football and broadcasting.
He said that Holly was a “really strong wife” and admired how much she managed at home. His words showed the respect and appreciation he had for Holly’s support throughout their life together.
Their relationship grew during a busy time in both of their lives. Holly was building her future in law, while Cris was managing his NFL career, but they created a strong connection that continued for decades.
Holly Bankemper and Cris Collinsworth’s Marriage
Cris Collinsworth proposed to Holly Bankemper in July 1988. The proposal had an interesting story because Cris originally wanted to make the moment very public.
He hoped to propose to Holly during the MLB All-Star Game at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati by using the stadium’s video screen. He even asked sportscaster Al Michaels if he could help make the announcement happen.
However, because it was such a major event, the plan did not work out. Looking back, Cris believed that a private proposal was probably better because Holly may not have enjoyed a huge public moment.
Instead, Cris proposed to Holly on a bridge over the Ohio River. It became a personal and meaningful moment for the couple.
The pair got married on June 3, 1989. Their marriage has continued for more than three decades, making them one of the long-lasting couples connected to professional sports.
Holly Bankemper and Cris Collinsworth’s Children
After building a strong marriage, Holly Bankemper and Cris Collinsworth started a family that became one of the most important parts of their lives. The couple has four children: Katie, Austin, Ashley, and Jac Collinsworth. Each of their children has created their own path while staying connected to sports, media, and education.
Holly has always played an important role in supporting her children. Although Cris’s career kept him busy with football and broadcasting, Holly helped create a stable family environment. Her children have often spoken about her guidance, kindness, and the values she taught them.
The Collinsworth children grew up around sports, but they were encouraged to follow their own interests. Today, all four have built successful lives in different areas, showing the strong support they received from their parents.
Katie Collinsworth Hughes
Katie Collinsworth is the oldest child of Holly and Cris. She was born in 1990 and later attended the University of Florida, where she studied public relations.
Katie developed a career connected to sports and media. She has worked with companies such as GolfNow, a part of the Golf Channel, and has also had experience with CBS and NBC.
Katie is married to Patrick Hughes, and the couple has four children. She often shares family moments and has shown appreciation for the support she received from Holly and Cris while growing up.
Austin Collinsworth
Austin Collinsworth was born on December 24, 1991. Like his father, he developed a strong connection with football.
Austin played safety for the University of Notre Dame from 2010 to 2014. During his college career, he became a team captain, showing his leadership skills both on and off the field.
After finishing his football journey, Austin moved into the business side of sports. He became involved with Pro Football Focus (PFF), a sports analytics company connected to his father, Cris Collinsworth.
Austin’s career shows how he combined his love for football with business and sports technology.
Ashley Collinsworth Briley
Ashley Collinsworth was born in 1993. She followed the family’s athletic background by becoming a track and field athlete at Harvard University.
During her time at Harvard, Ashley competed in track and graduated with a degree in psychology in 2015.
After college, Ashley explored professional opportunities outside sports. She later married Jared Briley, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Collins, in October 2024.
Like her siblings, Ashley has created her own identity while keeping the strong family values taught by Holly and Cris.
Holly Bankemper’s Life as a Mother and Grandmother
Family has always been one of the biggest parts of Holly Bankemper’s life. While she built a successful career as an attorney, she also focused on raising her four children and creating a supportive home.
Her children have often shared their respect and love for her. They describe Holly as someone who taught them important values, including kindness, hard work, and helping others.
Today, Holly is also enjoying life as a grandmother. Her daughter Katie has four children, and her daughter Ashley has a daughter named Collins.
Cris and Holly have spoken about the happiness that grandchildren bring into their lives. Cris has shared that spending time as a grandfather is one of his greatest joys.
Even with her connection to the sports world, Holly has always valued family moments and a private lifestyle.
Holly Bankemper’s Charity and Community Work
Beyond her career and family life, Holly Bankemper has spent years helping others through charity work. One of her biggest contributions came through the Cris Collinsworth ProScan Fund, which she created with Cris in 2002.
The nonprofit focuses on helping women fight breast cancer, especially through early detection and education. The organization works to provide important health services to women in the Cincinnati area.
Through the fund, women can receive support such as:
- Breast cancer education
- Early screening programs
- Diagnostic mammograms
- Breast ultrasounds
- Transportation help for medical visits
- Care packages for newly diagnosed patients
Holly’s involvement shows her dedication to improving people’s lives. She has worked behind the scenes to support programs that make a real difference in her community.
The charity also helps young people through chess programs. The Queen City Classic Chess programs provide training and events that encourage children to learn skills like focus, patience, and problem-solving.
Holly Bankemper’s Support for Education
Holly has always remained connected to education, especially in her hometown of Fort Thomas, Kentucky.
She served on the board of directors of the Fort Thomas Education Foundation, where she helped support local schools and students.
Her community work included helping improve several schools, including three elementary schools, Highlands Middle School, and Highlands High School.
Her son Austin once praised her dedication and shared that she taught her family that helping others is one of the greatest ways to show gratitude.
Holly’s work in education reflects her belief that strong communities begin with giving children better opportunities.
Holly Bankemper’s Private Life and Personal Values
Unlike many people connected to famous sports figures, Holly Bankemper prefers to live a quiet and private life. She does not often appear in the media and keeps much of her personal life away from public attention.
However, her actions show the kind of person she is. She has built a successful legal career, supported her family, and helped many people through charity work.
Holly is often described as a strong wife, caring mother, successful professional, and dedicated community member.
Her life story proves that being connected to a famous person does not define someone completely. Holly has created her own achievements through years of hard work and dedication.
Interesting Facts About Holly Bankemper
- Holly Bankemper was born on December 23, 1963, in Fort Thomas, Kentucky.
- She studied at the University of Kentucky and was a Wildcats cheerleader.
- She earned her law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1988.
- She and Cris Collinsworth met in Cincinnati during the 1980s.
- Holly and Cris married on June 3, 1989.
- She has worked as a practicing attorney for many years.
- She helped create the Cris Collinsworth ProScan Fund in 2002.
- She has four children: Katie, Austin, Ashley, and Jac.
- She has grandchildren through her daughters Katie and Ashley.
- She has supported education programs in her Kentucky community.
Bottom Line
Holly Bankemper’s story is about much more than being Cris Collinsworth’s wife. She has created a meaningful life through her career as an attorney, her dedication as a mother, and her efforts to help others.
From her Kentucky childhood to her legal career, long marriage, and charity work, Holly has built a legacy based on family, education, and service. While she prefers to stay away from the spotlight, her impact can be seen through the people she has supported and the family she has raised.
Holly Bankemper remains an example of someone who found success not only through personal achievements but also through the positive difference she has made in the lives of others.
(FAQs)
What does Holly Bankemper do for a living?
Holly is a practicing attorney. She has worked in Kentucky and Florida and is a member of the Cincinnati Bar Association.
When did Holly Bankemper marry Cris Collinsworth?
Holly Bankemper and Cris Collinsworth got married on June 3, 1989. They have been together for more than three decades.
How many children do Holly Bankemper and Cris Collinsworth have?
The couple has four children: Katie Collinsworth Hughes, Austin Collinsworth, Ashley Collinsworth Briley, and Jac Collinsworth.
Where did Holly Bankemper go to college?
Holly studied at the University of Kentucky for her bachelor’s degree and later earned her law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law.
What charity did Holly Bankemper help create?
Holly and Cris Collinsworth created the Cris Collinsworth ProScan Fund in 2002. The charity supports breast cancer awareness, early detection, and community programs.
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