Holly Hamilton is a star on and off the soccer field. As a sophomore on varsity, she is a key part of the team’s mid-field, connecting all players.
How do you balance school life and soccer?
It is definitely a hard balance. I get home from practice late, so I only have so much time to do my homework. Being an athlete keeps me motivated to do well in school. Being on a team means keeping my grades up and submitting all my work on time. So being an athlete can be hard with school work, but it can also be beneficial.
Why do you love soccer?
Soccer has been my whole life since I was young. I started playing when I was 5 years old. I have never stopped since. Since it is such a common thing throughout my life, I love it. It is something I know will always be there for me.
How would you describe your soccer journey over time?
When I was young, I wasn’t great but that is normal. I started taking it more seriously in middle school, where I played travel. It started really getting serious once I got to Penn. It is a competitive environment where I have to be more aggressive. My whole journey has been very fun, no matter young or now.
How does the team chemistry reflect on the field?
The girls on the team are all such good friends. One of the best parts about being on the team is the friendships you make. We all support each other no matter if we played well or made mistakes. I think that shows a lot on the field as well.
How do you plan to better yourself this season?
The team is a tough environment where you have to constantly be improving. I want to hold myself accountable more. I will make sure I am trying my best in practice and benefiting the team in some way each practice or game.
What are your goals for your career, not just in soccer?
I would like to move forward with soccer after high school, but I am not certain about that. My future isn’t something I am very certain about. I just want to be somewhere that makes me happy and challenges me academically.
What skills would you like to improve on this season?
My communication. It is something I can struggle with at times. I think the best way to improve something is to first implement it more in practice. So, I’ve been trying to communicate better at practice while playing with the team.
How do the girls on the team help each other improve?
We are always so supportive of each other. Like I said, we are all very close. It is everyone’s goal to be the best team we can be together. So, we help each other out. We have a good balance between supporting each other and holding each other accountable.
How do you stay motivated during the regular season and off-season?
I play soccer almost all year round. In Penn season, I stay motivated through my teammates and coaches. They really push me to be the best I can be. In the off-season, I play club. Club helps me to prepare and better myself for the school season, which also keeps me motivated.
How do you handle the pressure of high school soccer?
It can be slightly overwhelming at times, but I have many different things that help me. One is my teammates. Luckily I am surrounded by people who look out for me. The other is my parents. They have supported me throughout my whole soccer career and I am very grateful for them.
