30 October 2008
“What it Takes”
Today I stand a junior in college, a first year walk-on, on the Presbyterian College Women’s Basketball Team. Never would I have
thought that I would have the privilege to say those words after the obstacles I faced to get here. I came from a high school where I
was the star player; I thought I knew everything and my future as a college athlete seemed unquestionable. What a reality check it
was for me to get to college with the intentions of walking-on the basketball team, only to find out after six weeks of pre-season
tryouts—I didn’t have what it takes (or so I was told). After facing rejection, I had too many insecurities to go back and try a second
time my sophomore year—so I settled for the statement that I didn’t have what it takes.
However, going through another year in college without my passions in life really killed me. Sports were the only thing I knew, they
were the only reason I ever went to school, and now I suffered each day living the lifestyle of just a regular student. I finally decided
that if I couldn’t play basketball, I would go to the second best thing, tennis. The same week that I had planned on going to meet the
tennis coach...the women’s basketball team signed on a new coach! This was not a coincidence—this was God. HE directed my
path straight to the basketball office where I told the new coach my intentions of walking-on and the experience I had two years
before. He gave me the ‘go-ahead’, that I would have a fair chance to try-out in the fall. The next week summer vacation started.
It wasn’t until the third week of July that I had the opportunity to commit the rest of the summer to one thing, basketball. I knew that I
could not do it alone this time; God humbled me with the realization that I didn’t know everything about basketball, but there is
someone out there that does. I scrolled through my cell phone only to find a number that had been unused for years, but for some
reason, I still had it in my phone—God knew why. I called the number and came to a voice-mail box that was already full:”Willis
Holliday is not available”; (do I hang up? do I give up? should I call back? maybe I shouldn’t do this…what will he think when I ask for
help?). All of my insecurities came back like lightening. So I decided to take a chance and send a text message, in which I received
an immediate response and scheduled a workout for the end of that week.
It wasn’t long until I found that I was practically living in the gym for the rest of the summer, Willis had me working out two or even
three times a day—I loved it, I found my passion again! Everyday I had encouragement from Willis, everyday he showed that he was
confident in me, everyday he didn’t let me slack off because he knew the disappointment I would face if I did. And little by little
everyday I started to believe it: ‘I have what it takes’. I learned more about basketball in a month in a half than I had ever learned in
my whole life. Sometimes Willis would get more frustrated with himself because he wanted to make certain that he was teaching me
everything I needed to know and that no time was wasted. I can witness to the fact that no time was wasted, I even had to go
through a week of physical therapy on my feet because I had never worked myself so hard in my life. Willis knew my optimum level
of output and that is all he ever asked for, and the rest would fall into place.
Before I knew it school was starting and that meant that it was going to be time to put not only my skills, but my heart and soul,
everything I had that God had given me to make the basketball team. A couple of individual practices went by and then came the
day where the coach set a specific day that I would know where I stand. I had one week…the longest week of my life! Everything
was going so well, but still I had the devil whispering doubt into my ear and I just had to fight it out with God. A song came on the
radio:
“The pathway is unspoken and the signs are unclear, and I don’t know the reasons why you brought me here. But just because you
love me the way that you do I’m gonna walk through the valley if you want me to. Cause I’m not who I was when I took my first step
and I’m clingin’ to the promise that your not through with me yet, so with all of these trials bring me closer to you, I’m gonna walk
through the fire if you want me to.”
What an overwhelming presence of God I felt when I heard that song and I knew that it was being played for me at that very
moment. I told God that I knew that there was no way He put this desire and passion and love for basketball back into my heart that
this dream was not going to happen! And for sure, I cannot argue with God, I told God, you must have something else pretty
amazing for me if this feeling in my heart is wrong. I was scared because I didn’t know why God brought all of this back into my life
and I wanted it so much now that I didn’t know what would happen if it did not come true.
The day I will never forget, a Friday morning at the end of a workout, the whole team and I were on the floor finishing up with an abs
routine. The head coach started talking about the week’s progress, when he mentioned my name…MY NAME! He said “As yall can
see from this week, Holly has proven that she is a hard worker, and she is now a part of this team.” If it was physically possible for
me to have jumped off the ground from lying flat on my back and just shouted for joy I might have. But I lied there on the floor
finishing up the workout and came in for the huddle a part of the team. That morning I came in for a workout, undecided, unsure, a
bit distant, but 45 minutes later my heart was at peace…I had what it takes.
It was so comforting to have that presence of God, knowing that He had placed me in these situations, but it was so encouraging to
have a physical human being who I could get advice from or encouragement or practically anything that I needed. And that person
was Willis Holliday. Only God, Willis and I know the hardships that I have gone through in order to make this dream a reality. And I
thank God for bringing Willis into my life to help make this happen for me, not only has he given himself to be my trainer, but he has
become one of my greatest friends...he has an incredible gift of understanding someone and developing different tactics to use to
break them out of their shell, not to become the best basketball player, but the best all-around person, because what I learned from
day one, it’s not about basketball, it’s about life.
Holly Whatley
09/30/2008
27 January 2006
Growing up in the State of Indiana, basketball certainly took a precedence over many other sport's activities. It was great to find
serious basketball being played and taught here in Greenville, SC.
The first (Willis) practice I attended, I knew he understood what it takes to develop a good player. It was clear his practices were not
a place to 'drop your child off to play' but rather a place to learn how to excel at the sport of basketball.
Willis has a special knack of providing personalized instruction even though he may have dozens of players on the court. He also
demonstrates a good balance between toughness and understanding for the youngster at their particular stage of development. My
daughter is very interested in what Willis thinks of her basketball skills, and frankly, I find that is a good reflection on the program.
There is a seriousness about the practice sessions which result in players learning from other players as well as from the coaches.
It is an environment I cannot duplicate even though I think I understand basketball fairly well. There is a synergy that has evolved
from the program over time, younger players watching and learning from older players, as well as from the coaches.
If my daughter never played a single game during AAU season, I'd still say the most valuable aspect of Willis' program would be
fulfilled - the hours of year round training on basketball fundamentals. One of the complaints I have heard about some AAU
organizations, especially among high school age players, is that there is limited instruction, mostly games. That is not a problem
with Willis' program. As my daughter's high school career begins and progresses, I'm comfortable that his program can help her
excel there, and beyond, if she remains committed and serious in the sport.
Sharing the Excellence puts teaching, training, execution and healthy competition together in one package. I wish the opportunity
would have been there to start my daughter in this program at an even earlier age. I'd certainly recommend it for other parents
who's children are serious about their development in the sport of basketball.
Bill Schori
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27 January 2006
This is the first year that my daughter has participated in the
Practice workouts with Coach Holliday. We currently live in Clemson and she makes the trip each week on Sundays (along with two
of her other basketball teammates) to work out with Coach Holliday. My daughter has had some middle school basketball
experience and last year played on her school's JV basketball team. She is on the Varsity basketball team this year and with Coach
Holliday's guidance and his belief in her playing ability, my daughter's skills have improved as well as her confidence level. We are
looking forward to her finding a spot on his summer AAU basketball team. If there is one person who can help players like my
daughter to reach their potential, it is Coach Holliday and his program. Thank
Michelle Black - Parent
Brittany McMickens – Player
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28 January 2006
In 7th grade, our daughter was cut from her middle school team. We Found Willis and Kristin started going to his sessions. It was a
lot of hard work, but at the end of each month she could see improvement and so could we. In the short period that Willis has
trained Kristin, she has improved tremendously. By the time middle school try-outs came around she was more than ready. Willis
gave her confidence in the skills that she had developed. She went from being cut in 7th grade to a starter in the 8th grade. Willis
has helped her so much. Kristin told us that "The good thing about Willis is that he pushes you to do the best you can do in every
drill, whether it's a lay-up or a between the legs full court drill." The whole experience has taught her that hard work pays off. He
gives 100% and he expects the girls to do the same. It has been a great experience for us and for Kristin - we just wish we would
have known about Willis earlier!
Allyson and Rhett Hancock
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30 January 2006
My son, Harrison, has been working out with Willis Holliday for the past two and a half years. His level of skill has improved
tremendously, as well as his knowledge of the game of basketball. More importantly, Willis’s influence has helped Harrison grow in
ways off of the basketball court as well. Willis builds great character and self esteem. I feel Willis is the most knowledgeable
basketball coach Harrison has ever had, and I would strongly recommend him to any aspiring player. Not only is Willis Holliday a
coach, a leader, a mentor, a motivator, and a teacher – but most of all he is a friend!
Tessa Collins
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5 January 2006
Willis has trained both of our daughters, Amy and Rebecca Clanton, in basketball. Amy was able to work with Willis for only one
summer while she was playing in college; upon her return for the next season, her college coach recognized her as the most
improved player on the team.
Our younger daughter, Rebecca Clanton, has had the privilege of learning basketball skills from Willis for five years and of playing
on his Carolina Cougars team. Now as an eighth grader on the Travelers Rest High School varsity girls' team, she has earned a
starting position and has averaged over 11 points per game. Her accomplishment is largely due to the excellent preparation that
Willis has provided. Willis is an wonderful teacher who motivates Rebecca to put in extra work. His practices are always well
organized, educational, and competitive. He is excellent at preparing the girls for the varied situations that they may face in future
ball games. We greatly appreciate the caring and time that Willis has put in to help our daughter. He spends his own time to attend
Rebecca's games and gives her great feedback. Rebecca looks forward to workouts with Willis and has a great relationship with
him. As parents we highly recommend supporting Willis's program.
Sylvia Clanton and Larry D. Clanton, Ph.D.
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25 January 2006
Our daughter Rachel has benefited greatly from being involved with the Carolina Cougars. Willis and his staff have done a
phenomenal job preparing her mentally and fundamentally for high school basketball. Their focus on fundamentals, hard work, and
attention to detail are characteristics of the program. This focus and discipline should benefit Rachel and all others that participate,
not just in basketball but also in other aspects of their lives.
Tim Woodlee
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15 February 2007
We have two daughters that attend the Holliday Hoops Program. Our oldest daughter, a freshman in high school, has been
attending Willis’ workouts for just over two years. We have watched closely as fundamental drills are repeated for the benefit and
betterment of the kids. Willis does an outstanding job of taking a drill one step at a time and adding to the drill – the process that
the kids go through is akin to a builder – building a solid foundation and building one brick upon another. The learning that takes
place is astounding. Many times we have witnessed parents who come to view the workouts and they are amazed at the skill level,
the speed, and the intensity of the workouts. We have witnessed families who have stopped attending for a time and when they
return, the recognition of how far the participants have evolved as a result of the steady diet of repetition, drills, and practices is
easily noticeable.
Willis does more than just build up basketball players; he works to build the inner individual. He builds mental toughness into each
of his players. He teaches them the game – the team concept of working together and the 100% effort that is required of his
players. While this is true on the court, he is also teaching them it is true in all facets of life – not just basketball. However, these
young athletes are learning, through basketball, to give 100% involves a mental and physical commitment to all facets of life.
Our youngest daughter has been working out with Holliday Hoops for approximately 3-4 months. She watched, with careful eye, of
some of the workouts of her older sister. While being nervous about the commitment level it takes with Willis, she has signed on and
recognizes that for her to be her best; she needs to be pushed physically, mentally, and emotionally. She and her sister are
continuing to be not only better basketball players as a result, but better young ladies.
Willis gives sacrificially for many of the kids – unbeknownst to many of us. As a result of his financial gifting to these kids, many
have gone on to play basketball at the college level. There are undoubtedly many variables which led to these young ladies on to
college, but their training from Willis and his teaching of the skills of basketball and life are imprinted for all to see.
We have witnessed the results and are firm believers in not just Holliday Hoops, but Willis Holliday the individual.
Kim and Lisa Jenerette
Testimonials from Clients of
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