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
HollidayHoops
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