Holly Bankemper has established herself as the accomplished woman supporting one of sports broadcasting’s most recognizable voices. Her husband Cris Collinsworth engages millions with his NFL commentary, while she has carved out her own successful career as a practicing attorney and member of the Cincinnati Bar Association. Their remarkable bond spans more than three and a half decades since their marriage in 1989.
Cris Collinsworth’s broadcasting career shines with 17 Sports Emmy Awards, yet Holly maintains a fulfilling life. She skillfully balances her legal practice in Kentucky with family duties. She also contributes as a board member of the Cris Collinsworth ProScan Fund to champion breast cancer awareness. Holly Bankemper Collinsworth stays away from the limelight, but her impact reaches beyond being the spouse of a former NFL star who has analyzed five Super Bowls.
This piece uncovers the compelling story of the woman behind Cris Collinsworth’s success. Her path from early years through education, legal career, marriage, and raising four children showcases her achievements. Holly Bankemper’s steadfast dedication and support shine through, even as she chooses to remain behind the scenes.
Early Life and Education
Holly Bankemper’s life story began in Fort Thomas, Kentucky on November 23, 1964. She grew up in this picturesque town, which helped shape her character long before she became Holly Collinsworth. The small community along the Ohio River became the foundations of her values – hard work, education, and family responsibility.
Where was Holly Bankemper born?
Fort Thomas, Kentucky proudly claims Holly Bankemper as its own. This historic town’s view of the Ohio River has produced many strong leaders and community-focused people. Life in this tight-knit community helped Holly develop a grounded nature and resilience. These traits would define her approach to life’s challenges both professionally and personally. She turns 60 in 2025, and her Sagittarius zodiac sign reflects her adventurous nature.
Holly Bankemper young: cheerleading and high school days
Highland High School’s cheerleading squad welcomed Holly during her teenage years. Her natural enthusiasm and school spirit made her perfect for cheerleading. She showed she knew how to balance academics with extra activities. Her school connection stayed strong through the years, and the Highlands High School Alumni Association named her Alumnus of the Year in 2019.
University of Kentucky and law school trip
Holly earned her degree from the University of Kentucky in 1985. She brought her cheerleading spirit to the university’s squad. These cheerleading days would become extra special – she later married a former Cincinnati Bengals player who had played against her university’s teams.
Law became her next passion at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. These years proved crucial for both her career and personal life. Fate stepped in before classes began when she had dinner with a friend at former NFL star Jeff Ruby’s Cincinnati steakhouse. This chance meeting led her to Cris Collinsworth.
She earned her law degree in 1988 [64], launching her successful legal career. Cris Collinsworth chose a special moment to propose – during an MLB All-Star Game in Cincinnati. Their shared love of sports marked the beginning of their journey together.
Career as a Practicing Attorney
Holly Bankemper started her impressive legal career right after getting her Juris Doctor degree in 1988. Her work in law now spans almost four decades.
Holly Bankemper’s law degree and bar association membership
Holly Bankemper earned her law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law and quickly started her career in law. She became an active member of the Cincinnati Bar Association, which shows her dedication to legal excellence. This membership helped her build professional connections and stay up to date with legal changes in the region.
Her legal practice in Fort Thomas, Kentucky
Holly chose to go back to her hometown after thinking it over carefully. She set up her legal practice in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. Her office sits at 31 Crow Hill, where she runs her general practice. By 2025, she’ll have 37 years of experience. Holly Collinsworth built her reputation on integrity and professional excellence.
She picked her hometown to practice law because of her strong ties to the community. Her work centers on general practice law, which shows how well she understands different types of legal matters.
Balancing law and family life
Holly managed to keep her legal career going while supporting her husband’s broadcasting work and raising four children. Cris travels often for work, so Holly’s decision to practice near her family turned out to be perfect.
“With me being away so much, it really does help that they’re around to help,” Cris told the Cincinnati Enquirer in 2002. Her parents live just five minutes away, and her siblings nearby created the support system she needed.
All the same, Holly stayed committed to her profession. She showed remarkable skill in handling both her attorney duties and family responsibilities. Her way of managing these two roles shows her strong organizational skills and determination.
Marriage to Cris Collinsworth
Holly Bankemper and Cris Collinsworth’s love story started at a life-changing moment. Their relationship stands out from typical celebrity marriages and has lasted over 30 years, thanks to their mutual respect and shared values.
How Holly met Cris at law school
Mutual friends brought them together in 1988 at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. They hit it off right after meeting during Holly’s law school days. Holly worked hard on her legal studies while Cris made his move from NFL to broadcasting. Law school brought them together, but Cris ended up realizing that practicing law wasn’t meant for him.
Their wedding and early married life
The 1988 MLB All-Star game in Cincinnati became the perfect backdrop for Cris’s proposal. They tied the knot on June 3, 1989, just a year after Cris said goodbye to professional football. The newlyweds made their home in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, Holly’s hometown.
Holly Bankemper Collinsworth: the woman behind the broadcaster
Holly has been Cris’s rock throughout his broadcasting journey. “I have a really strong wife… It’s amazing all that she can handle, especially when you have me away from home so much,” Cris says proudly. Holly keeps her focus on family and career while staying away from social media. They split their time between Cincinnati and their house overlooking the Ohio River.
Family, Children, and Private Life
Holly Bankemper Collinsworth has built a strong family foundation with Cris since their 1989 marriage. Their home in Fort Thomas, Kentucky provides a supportive environment for their four children.
Meet the Collinsworth children: Jac, Ashley, Austin, and Katie
The Collinsworth children have each carved out successful careers. Austin spent five seasons playing safety at Notre Dame and now serves as Chief Operating Officer at Pro Football Focus. Jac took after his father and joined NBC Sports, where he covers Notre Dame football. Ashley graduated from Harvard, where she excelled in track and field, and now works in hotel sales coordination. Katie completed her education at the University of Florida and manages the GolfNow program at Golf Channel in sports marketing.
Holly’s role as a mother and mentor
Holly Bankemper successfully balanced her career with family life, helping each child reach their potential. Her parenting style emphasized hard work, personal growth, and family values. Jac shared his appreciation in a heartfelt post: “Gave us a backbone & a heart. Owe you one. We love you Mama”.
Why Holly keeps a low profile on social media
Holly Collinsworth chooses to stay away from the public eye, unlike many celebrity spouses. She prefers to focus on her family and career instead of seeking attention. Her commitment to privacy shows her strong values and determination.
Conclusion
Holly Bankemper Collinsworth is a remarkable example of professional dedication, family commitment, and personal integrity. She managed to keep a thriving legal practice in her hometown for 37 years while supporting her husband’s high-profile broadcasting career. Her choice to set roots in Fort Thomas without doubt created stability for their four children, who now excel in their chosen fields.
Strong public figures need a grounding force, and Holly has played this role perfectly for Cris Collinsworth. Their marriage since 1989 shows the strength of their partnership, built on mutual respect and shared values. Celebrity life surrounded her through her husband’s broadcasting fame, yet she considered a path focused on substance rather than spotlight. She achieved professional excellence while staying private.
Holly’s influence as both attorney and mother shines through the Collinsworth family’s success story. Her children’s achievements in broadcasting, sports management, and business showcase the strong foundation she built. Her work with the Cris Collinsworth ProScan Fund shows her steadfast dedication to community service and breast cancer advocacy.
Holly Bankemper’s story exceeds her connection to a famous sportscaster. She balanced demanding professional duties with family priorities and built her identity separate from her husband’s public image. She created a life of purpose on her own terms. Though she stays away from public attention, her work strikes a chord through her legal practice, community involvement, and her family’s achievements.
FAQs
Q1. Where does Holly Bankemper currently reside and work? Holly Bankemper lives in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, where she also maintains her legal practice. She has been an active member of the community for many years, balancing her career as an attorney while supporting her husband Cris Collinsworth’s broadcasting career.
Q2. How did Holly Bankemper and Cris Collinsworth meet? Holly and Cris met in 1988 through mutual friends at the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where Holly was a law student. Their shared interest in law brought them together, although Cris ultimately pursued a career in broadcasting.
Q3. What is Holly Bankemper’s professional background? Holly Bankemper is a practicing attorney with over 37 years of experience. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1988 and is a member of the Cincinnati Bar Association. She focuses on general practice law in Fort Thomas, Kentucky.
Q4. How many children do Holly and Cris Collinsworth have? Holly and Cris Collinsworth have four children: Jac, Ashley, Austin, and Katie. Each of their children has pursued successful careers in various fields, including broadcasting, sports management, and business.
Q5. Why does Holly Bankemper maintain a low public profile? Holly Bankemper deliberately chooses to keep a low profile, focusing on her family and career rather than seeking public attention. This decision reflects her priorities and values, emphasizing substance over spotlight despite her connection to celebrity life through her husband’s broadcasting fame.
