World of Sports

swimmers goggles at olympics

A swimmer’s goggles reflecting the Olympic rings at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. (Photos courtesy of Grace Hollars/Indianapolis Star)

Graduate Capturing World of Sports, Earning Accolades for Work

Grace Hollars, ’19, knew from the time she was a child that she was destined for big things in the world of photojournalism. She just didn’t think they’d come this soon. 

Grace Hollars

Grace Hollars

“I come from a creative family, and ever since I was a child, I wanted to take photos,” Ms. Hollars said. “I never doubted myself, but I admit that I’m humbled by my recent awards.”

A “BSU at the Games” and Daily News alum, where she covered two Olympics as a student photojournalist, Ms. Hollars has been a photographer for The Indianapolis Star since graduating from Ball State. In that role, she has excelled in the world of sports photography.  

Ms. Hollars, a Muncie native, was recently hailed as one of the world’s best sports photojournalists when she placed sixth in the prestigious and worldwide “Pictures of the Year International” competition for her portfolio of sports images. 

She was also honored for taking the 2021 “Indy Car Photo of the Year,” a compelling photo of the scarred hand of Indy Car driver Romain Grosjean. He was seriously burned during an accident in the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix Formula 1 race. 


Grace Hollars’ Photography

Helio Castroneves with Borg-Warner Trophy

Helio Castroneves embracing the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy after winning his fourth Indianapolis 500 in 2021. (Photos courtesy of Grace Hollars/Indianapolis Star)

Flagman at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Hollars’ award-winning “Pictures of the Year International” portfolio includes: A lone flagman framed by the sun and clouds at a small Indiana midget car dirt track. (Photos courtesy of Grace Hollars/Indianapolis Star)

Racer holding trophy

Hollars’ 2021 “Indy Car Photo of the Year” of the scarred hand of racer Romain Grosjean accepting the 2nd place trophy at the GMR Grand Prix in Indianapolis. (Photos courtesy of Grace Hollars/Indianapolis Star)