Kyle Holtby has made 1,021 saves, which places him 3rd highest on NJ Boys Lacrosse saves history!
Graphic by Bianca Borja '24
SOMERVILLE–From the moment Immaculata lacrosse goalie Kyle Holtby stepped onto the field as a starter in his freshman season in 2022, it was clear he was something special. Now, four years later, the standout from Flemington has cemented his legacy not only at Immaculata High School but across the entire state of New Jersey. With an incredible 1,021 career saves, Kyle ranks third all-time in New Jersey high school boys lacrosse history and is first in Immaculata’s all-time history—a staggering accomplishment that reflects his consistency, toughness, and leadership between the pipes.
In his Senior season, his accolades include: First Team All-Conference, First Team All-State, All-American, and New Jersey Goalie of the Year.
Holtby’s lacrosse journey began at Building Blocks Lacrosse, where his athletic foundation was built before arriving at Immaculata. As a freshman, he stepped into the starting goalie role for a young Spartans team in the midst of a rebuild, finishing his first season with a 5–11 record. But with Kyle anchoring the defense and setting the tone with his calm, focused presence, the program began to change. By his senior year in 2025, the Spartans finished 14–8, won the Skyland Conference Championship, and delivered one of the most thrilling wins in school history—an upset playoff victory over top-20 ranked Pope John XXIII, Sparta, propelling them to the Final 8 of the fiercely competitive Non-Public Parochial bracket.
At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Holtby is a physically imposing figure in the crease—a sharp contrast to his quiet, humble demeanor. He leads not with volume, but with presence and poise. Kyle lets his work ethic, focus, and play do the talking. His teammates and coaches respect him not just for his athletic ability, but for his selflessness, maturity, and team-first mentality.
Kyle’s the kind of kid who walks right up to you, looks you in the eye, and gives you a firm handshake—not to impress you, but because that’s how he was raised. There’s an old-school respect in the way he carries himself. He doesn’t have to say much—his humility and integrity do the talking. “It’s never just about being a good player for Kyle,” says Immaculata head coach Dave Hobson. “It’s about being a good teammate, a good competitor, and more than anything else, a good person. And the thing is—his teammates see that. They respect him not just for how he plays, but for how he leads, how he shows up every day, and how he treats people. That kind of character doesn’t go unnoticed.” His place as third all-time in New Jersey goal save history—and current Immaculata school record holder—is just the embodiment of everything he brings to the game: steady, selfless, and always putting the team first.
Photo by Haylie Hansen '26
Kyle wasn’t just a star on the lacrosse field. He was also a key contributor on the football team, starting at tight end and helping guide the Spartans to a strong 8–2 record in his senior season. A true multi-sport athlete, he brought the same discipline, toughness, and leadership to every sport he played. His classmates and coaches consistently describe him as an elite athlete with exceptional character—a model student who led by example both on and off the field.
“What sets Kyle apart isn’t just his athletic ability—it’s who he is at his core,” said Immaculata football coach Mike Colombo. “He’s got a quiet toughness and a steady presence that everyone respects. He doesn’t seek attention or praise, but he earns it every day through his attitude and effort. Kyle’s the kind of person who makes a team better just by being part of it."
Photo by Valentina Agostino '25
Through Kyle, the Immaculata lacrosse legacy remains in the family. He broke the school’s all-time saves record previously held by his older brother, Kevin Holtby ’19, who finished his Immaculata career with 689 saves. Kyle didn’t just surpass the mark—he shattered it by more than 330, with 1,021 career stops. The Holtby name now holds a permanent—and perhaps unbreakable—place in Immaculata lacrosse history.
Kyle is now set to continue his academic and athletic career at the Division I level with Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, where he’ll join the Hawks lacrosse program. His future is bright, and Immaculata is proud to send off a player—and person—of his caliber to compete at the next level.
Photo by Haylie Hansen '26
“As Kyle heads off to compete at the highest level of college lacrosse, the entire Immaculata athletic community celebrates not just his remarkable achievements, but the lasting impact he’s had on our program,” said Immaculata Athletic Director Tom Gambino. “Kyle is one of the all-time greats to come through our school—his work ethic, leadership, and dedication set a standard for future Spartans. We couldn’t be more proud of him.”
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Immaculata High School, a co-ed college preparatory high school founded in 1962, is committed to the development of the whole person within the framework of Catholic traditions and values. Guided by the pillars of Faith, Scholarship, Service, and Friendship, Immaculata integrates a challenging academic curriculum that promotes spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and social growth while fostering moral responsibility to self and others. For more information, visit: immaculatahighschool.org