Heart of Dixie to the Palmetto State: One women’s soccer player’s road to the Ville
Photo courtesy of Robbie Gawrys
Kelsey Watson, Sports Editor
Haleigh Holland, a senior standout on the North Greenville University women’s soccer team, has consistently exceeded expectations both on and off the field.
Being from Alabama, Holland grew up around sports with her dad. Whether it was Alabama football games or playing almost any sport you can think of, she has been surrounded by athletics her whole life.
“I played basketball, soccer, track, whatever, you name it. But soccer is really where I found kind of my passion with my team and with the people that I grew up playing with. Growing up within sports and really realizing that soccer is probably where I had the most potential and the most excitement when I got to go to the game or practice,” said Holland.
Growing up, Holland’s dad, who played collegiate basketball, was always her role model.
“He really understands the grind. He has always pushed me to be my best and kinda walk through those fires with me,” said Holland.
When Holland was playing soccer before the collegiate level, she played on a club team that set her up to play in college. Her recruitment process started as early as 13 or 14 years old.
When she first committed to play soccer at 15, Holland went to Lee University in Cleveland, TN.
“I was there for 3 years, and I had a super great time there. I love Lee. I would recommend it to literally anybody who would want to go,” said Holland.
While at Lee, Holland was splitting playing time with someone else who played for the Irish national team. She was only in the United States for half the season, so Holland only played when the other player was overseas.
“It was a really difficult decision to leave, but I felt like if I didn’t go somewhere else, I wouldn’t be living up to my potential as an athlete. So it was really hard to leave, but I’m so thankful that I did,” said Holland.
When looking for schools to transfer to, Holland’s first visit was to NGU. She got to meet with the team, practice with them and ultimately fell in love with the Ville.
“I came here [NGU], and I got to meet the girls, and I got to see how they play and the way that they love each other and support each other on and off the field. I was just really, really encouraged,” said Holland.
As she prepares for a game, Holland has a strict routine. She has a planned meal, and she gets to the locker room around 30 minutes early to get in the zone. Holland likes to lock into focus by listening to music. Right now her favorite hype song is “Mr. Right Now,” by Metro Boomin and 21 Savage.
“That’s the one that’s kinda been hitting lately. It changes so much, and I feel like everybody has such a good hype song. I gotta hear somebody else’s and be like, I’m gonna steal yours,” said Holland.
As an athlete, Holland believes she has certain strengths that are even off the field. She is experienced in nutrition and the fundamental aspect of the sport.
“Fundamentally I feel like I have a lot of really strong skills . . . And then my experience. I obviously played for a really competitive club team when I was in high school, and Lee is a top 25 program. So, I got to play with some really elite players and against some really elite competition when I was there. So just my experience coming in paired with my fundamentals, I think makes me a really consistent player,” said Holland.
To get home to Alabama, Holland would have to drive five to six hours. While this may seem like a tumultuous drive to some, Holland’s dad has not missed a game in the Ville.
“My family is very, very supportive and they consistently show up. I mean, my dad never misses a game. I’m really lucky. My family comes up here a lot. I do sometimes miss them, but sometimes I feel like I don’t even have a chance to miss them because they’re up here,” said Holland.
While she may be done with soccer, her academic life is just taking off. After she finishes her undergraduate degree in digital media from North Greenville this December, she plans to attend Clemson University to pursue a master’s degree in sports communication. She believes being at a school like Clemson with those level of athletes will help her gain experience to figure out if she wants to work with collegiate or professional athletes one day.
“I’m hoping that that experience with Clemson will help kind of steer me in more of a direction. And I think that getting that practical experience that comes with graduate school will really help me hone in what do I want to do,” said Holland.
