Boys Soccer Co-Captain Garrett Holman ’24 has been a force on the field since he was four, now committed to play Division I soccer at Syracuse University. Holman’s work ethic and commitment has earned him the Richard J. Phelps’s Scholar for Outstanding Student Athletes and the New England Preparatory School All Star Selection in 2022. Peter Elliot ’24 applauded Holman for his ability to make everyone feel like they have a role on the team.
“I think given that Garrett is a player of such high quality, the attitude and the respect that he treats every other player on the team really makes everybody feel like they have a space on the team. When somebody of that level of leadership and that level of play can make space for everybody, it really creates a sense of belonging and community for everyone,” said Elliot.
Holman noted the challenges of being a notable player on the team. While he serves as a leader, there are pressures that come with navigating the role. Even so, there are many rewarding aspects of working with the team.
Holman said, “I think my favorite part is just like having a group of people that look up to you. I think that’s a major part because I think it helps me grow as a person because I have people looking up to me. I now feel that I have to watch what I do, how I act, and what I say because obviously there’s a lot of young kids on the team, so I think my least favorite and the hardest part is probably just remembering that they’re going to look at the negatives as much as they look at the positives, so I think that’s a hard balance to have as a captain.“
Oliver Buckhoff ’24 recalled his experience playing alongside Holman, after he had to fill in for another player. Buckhoff highlighted Holamn’s friendly spirit and his ability to work with his teammates in times of need.
“He’s always there to support us and help us out. Last year I was a right back and then our PG got injured, so I had to shift into center back right next to Garrett. I think he was one of the most welcoming and supportive players… I think he really showed me how to play the position and it was very helpful and it just inspired me to see him welcome and create a partnership with him and that was a really fun and gratifying experience,” said Buckhoff.
Elliot added that Holman’s ambitious nature coupled with uplifting his teammates with him motivate the team, and pushes each player to act as a unit. Holman is able to address the team and help it strive for success.
Elliot said, “I think as a player, Garrett is really just a competitor. He’s really a winner. He plays to win and I think that [his] competitiveness really drives everybody around him and it’s part of what makes him such a good leader. The passion that he brings to the sport really drives everybody on the team to push themselves. But I also think he’s become a really, really uplifting teammate and leader on the team. I think he’s made a pretty conscious effort this year to bring people up when they’re making mistakes.”
While Holman may not be the most vocal on the team, he uses his play to set a standard on the team. Working with three other captains, Holman is able to hone into his strengths and display his unique skills.
“I wouldn’t say I’m like the loudest leader, but I think I try to lead with my play, and by example, and during the week before games, I try to make practice as competitive as possible. I think that’s my job, but I think having four captains, we all complement each other pretty well, and we’re all four different captains, which can present some challenges, but I think we do a good job of balancing that,” said Holman.
Buckhoff highlighted Holman’s adept skills and presence on the field, as well as work ethic. He commended the work Holman puts in beyond Andover Soccer, like on the New England Revolution club team.
Buckhoff said, “I really respect him and everything that he does on and off the pitch. As a leader, I think he’s very vocal as I said earlier. I think he’s always there to support everyone in the team. He’s just a great guy on and off the field. As a player he is phenomenal. He’s one of the best players in the league. He plays for a great club team… He’s class.”
Holman plans to continue his academic and athletic career at Syracuse University.
