Jalen Holley brings remarkable poise to UW-Whitewater soccer
WHITEWATER, Wis. (BVM) 鈥� For too many student-athletes in 2020, soccer is an afterthought. For University of Wisconsin-Whitewater junior Jalen Holley, however, the beautiful game is an enduring passion.
鈥淕rowing up, I played soccer, wrestling, basketball and I ran track as well,鈥� Holley said.
However, soccer provided the most significant appeal.
鈥淭he moment I knew that soccer was my favorite sport was my senior year in high school [at Wauwatosa East],鈥� Holley added.
Wauwatosa East鈥檚 success in Holley鈥檚 final campaign fueled a lifelong love.
鈥淲e had a solid team that year, and I had the most fun I have ever had playing soccer,鈥� Holley said. 鈥淢y teammates and I got along very well, and there were just positive vibes throughout the entire squad.鈥�
Throughout his career, Holley continues to develop emotionally and ethically through his craft.
鈥淭he values that I have learned through soccer will stick with me for the rest of my life,鈥� Holley said. 鈥淢y [Wauwatosa East] head coach Eric Dale always preached to be humble and to respect your opponents.鈥�
Holley鈥檚 actions reflect Dale鈥檚 advice.
鈥淔or example, when I would score goals, I would act as if I have done it before,鈥� Holley added. 鈥淭here was no reason to do celebrations that professionals do. We would give our teammates hugs and high-fives and do it again.鈥�
East finished the regular season 13-5-4 before Holley鈥檚 last push towards state. Holley worked for more than his essential responsibilities, earning first-team all-conference and all-state honors. The Raiders eased past Whitnall, 7-1, and New Berlin Eisenhower, 5-1, to reach the sectional final — one stop short of state.
However, the Raiders fell, 5-0. Nevertheless, the loss did not deter Holley鈥檚 passion, and soccer guided his college choice.
鈥淚 decided to go to Whitewater because I thought it was my best chance of playing college soccer,鈥� Holley said. 鈥淚 did not know much about the soccer program, but I knew that the UW-Whitewater men鈥檚 soccer team usually makes the NCAA Tournament. That intrigued me because I wanted to play against tough competition.鈥�
Unfortunately, Holley encountered adversity right off the opening kick in college.
鈥淢y largest frustration about my college career is definitely getting a red card in my first college game ever,鈥� Holley said. 鈥淚 was the first person to come off the bench in that game and was very excited to get on the field for the first time.鈥�
His excitement quickly turned to disappointment.
鈥淢y coach told me to go out and give 110%, and that is what I did,鈥� Holley continued. 鈥淎fter the red card, some of my confidence was diminished, and then I found myself not receiving the minutes that I wanted in games. I had to earn the trust of my coach back.鈥�
Holley enjoyed considerable success in his sophomore season. He recorded four goals, tied for third on the team and tied for 16th in the conference. Whitewater finished 14-4-1 in the regular season before a memorable tournament victory.
鈥淥ne of my favorite memories is going to Boston and winning the conference tournament last year,鈥� Holley said. 鈥淲e flew out as a team and just had a great time enjoying the city.鈥�
The Warhawks defeated Finlandia University, 7-2, in the American Collegiate Athletic Association conference semifinals before battling the University of California-Santa Cruz. The schools tied 2-2, forcing penalty kicks. After winning the PKs, 4-2, Whitewater earned an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament, fulfilling Holley鈥檚 aspiration.
The Warhawks slipped with a 1-0 loss in the first round against Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Mich. However, the Warhawks seemed poise to build momentum for this season.
Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Whitewater canceled its 2020 season. With the cancelation, Holley now faces an uncertain future.
鈥淚 am not 100% sure about my soccer career right now due to the cancellation of the season,鈥� Holley said. 鈥淲e are currently practicing during the fall, but we are not able to play against any other teams. Right now, I am currently on pace to graduate in four years, so I have thought about taking a semester off. That way, I could use my last year of eligibility.鈥�
Although he does not know what the future holds, Holley鈥檚 future career is how, not if.
鈥淚 will always continue to play the beautiful game for the rest of my life,鈥� Holley said. 鈥淚 do not plan on playing professionally, but I plan on playing in men鈥檚 leagues later in my life. I always have fun on the pitch; it is a great way for me to relieve stress.鈥�
