A 2006 graduate of Cleveland State University, Holly Koester served in the U.S. Army from 1981 to 1991 until she was injured. She is the first person to complete a marathon in all 50 states from a wheelchair. Koester is currently working on her second tour of marathons in all 50 states. She won six Gold Medals in the 2016 National Veterans Wheelchair Games. 

Koester has special ties to Cleveland and the state of Ohio. She has served as a peer counselor for newly injured spinal cord veterans at the Cleveland VA. A motivational speaker, Koester has addressed veterans organizations, school groups and attendees at Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies. 

Koester has also served as sports director and secretary of the Buckeye Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America. Her achievements and dedication led to her induction into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame in 2017.

Koester is a retired U.S. Army Captain, and a patriotic theme has a special place in her life. Since 1996, she has competed in numerous Air Force and Marine Corps marathons. Others include the Columbus Marathon, the Mount Rushmore Marathon and the Maui Marathon. 

Koester grew up in Buffalo, played high school sports and participated in volleyball at Fredonia State in New York, where she also joined ROTC. She was injured in an accident in the Persian Gulf War in 1990.  

Holly’s twin sister, Joy, is a retired Army Colonel, and several other family members have also served in the military.