Episcopal Academy’s Grace Holland is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week (May 27 – June 2)
The junior goalie, a Boston College lacrosse commit and a second team All-Inter-Ac and All-Main Line girls’ lacrosse selection as a sophomore, recorded her 300th career save in a game against Germantown Academy May 21. Episcopal Academy girls’ lacrosse head coach Josie Tomaino said, “That’s a huge milestone considering that our defense only allows, on average, five goals per game, and that she was out with an injury for the first part of season with limitations on her game time. She is a great kid, an amazing leader and a tremendous athlete.” Off the field, Holland is the news editor for the school’s newspaper.
Q: Tell us a little about your 300th career save – can you describe how the play unfolded, and your role in it?
A: To be completely transparent, I had no idea that it was my 300th save. I knew I was on pace to reach the milestone, but I had no clue if I had already hit it or still had to, it’s never really been something on my mind, especially during the game! The actual save however came off of a great forced shot from my defense which allowed me to get my body behind the ball and make the save towards the end of the game.
Q: Can you give us an example of how good communication between the goalie and the defense has helped the EA girls lacrosse team this season?
A: Our ability to communicate as a defensive unit has been the core of our defense. I like to think of communication as the glue of our D, and between me and our D. Communication has allowed us to make adjustments, and since our team has played several types of defense this year it helps us stay organized, such as knowing where the ball is and when we need help.
Q: Have you always been a goalie, or have you played other positions as well? What originally attracted you to the goalie position?
A: I played defense (and all over the field) until about 3rd grade. Ever since I tried playing goalie, when we all were forced to try, I absolutely loved it. I really enjoyed the feeling of making a huge save or even getting hit with the ball and I gravitated towards the position. I started permanently playing goalie as early as I could and I definitely did not enjoy the field so that helped my decision.
Q: You rebounded back from an injury earlier this season that reduced your playing time. What was the biggest challenge you faced in your rehabilitation, and how did you meet that challenge?
A: I would say the biggest challenge was actually when I began to return to sport. Early on I could focus on the little things but when I got back to playing it was difficult since getting in goal was a goal I had been working towards for months, so accepting it would take work to get to my old self was hard. I got through it by tackling my frustration head on and putting in the work to improve, I learned that I had to be patient with myself and keep pushing. Just like early on in recovery I had to take it day by day and not focus on the outcome, rather the process, that really helped and was a huge lesson for me and continues to be!
Q: Who have been your biggest lacrosse mentors, and what was the important thing each of them taught you?
A: My biggest lacrosse mentor is Kate Goldstein who has been my goalie coach since 5th grade. She has taught me countless things about my game itself, and is always very wise and she is always making me a better player. More importantly, she has taught me to believe in myself and trust the hard work I have put in, and has overall helped me with the mental side of being a goalie. She always pumps me up and believes in me while giving me great advice. She has pretty much shaped me into the player I am today.
Q: What aspect of your play are you currently working on the most at the present time?
A: Currently I am working on really committing to the ball, and going out to it, not just up, as well as driving off my back foot.
Q: What has been your most memorable moment as a lacrosse player outside of EA?
A: My most memorable lacrosse moment outside of EA would probably be being able to play on the U-16 USA select team two summers ago. Playing at a high level and with so many talented and older players was such a fun and new experience. I looked up to the players I was playing with and it was so incredible and an honor to wear the USA on my jersey.
Q: What is your favorite academic subject at EA? What do you plan to major in at Boston College?
A: My favorite subject is AP Biology. I plan on entering the business school at Boston College and possibly majoring in finance but might switch to a pre-med track/STEM major if I don’t find that interesting.
Fun facts – Grace Holland
Favorite book: Can’t Hurt Me.
Favorite TV show: Grey’s Anatomy.
Favorite athlete: Caitlin Clark.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Hall of Fame.
Favorite pre-game meal: Chicken parm.
Person I most admire, and why: “My Dad, he has shown me that through hard work anything is possible, and constantly reminds me to believe in myself and never give up.”
Family members: parents Tim and Meredith, younger brother Spencer.
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
To view a gallery of the previous Main Line Students of the Week click here
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