In today’s feature we get to know a bit about Holly Williams, a Year 11 student from Westlake Girls High School. Holly has been nominated by the Director of Sport at Westlake Girls, Liz Page, who says “Holly is the epitome of a true multi-code athlete and a real all-rounder. She has a natural athleticism, but also a competitive drive to succeed in all the sports she focuses on. Holly is also a great team member and even as a young player has shown a lot of leadership in representing the school across a variety of codes.”
What sports do you play, coach or officiate?
I play Touch Rugby, Netball, Basketball, Rugby, Rugby Sevens and Tag Football. I coach and referee Touch Rugby also.
How did you get into your favourite sports?
I started playing Touch, Rugby, Netball and Basketball at primary school when I tried every sport going. I didn’t try playing Tag until intermediate.
What motivates you to play sport?
In some teams I enjoy playing because of the social aspect and I get to play with my friends. I am also a very competitive person and I get bored easily so sport keeps me active and entertained.
How have you been keeping active during lockdown?
Most of my teams have weekly Zoom calls where we check in with each other and what we’ve been working on. There are skills we have to work on at home for each code. I have been staying active by going for daily runs and a few home gym workouts also.
What were you looking forward to doing post-lockdown?
I was most looking forward to my local butter chicken shop re-opening, seeing my friends in real life and getting back into my sports.
What has been your favourite sporting moment over the past year?
I would have to say it would be winning the Touch National Championship in the 16 Girls Grade, representing North Harbour Touch for the third year in a row this February. I was the only player to return for a third year and also because I was the captain this year I felt a bit of pressure, so it was such a good feeling coming off the field knowing we had just won.
Who is your sporting role model and why?
I have a few sporting role models who I look up to:
- Touch Rugby – I admire Lovey Woodhouse because she is a legend in the game and she provides me with so much knowledge and motivation.
- Rugby – I want to be like Ruby Tui or Niall Williams.
- Netball – I admire Laura Langman and have so for years after many people commented how alike we look and play.
Anything else to add?
I just wanted to say thank you to my family for all the endless love and support they continue to show towards me.
If you’d like to nominate a student athlete or student coach/official to be featured, please email school.sport@collegesport.co.nz with their full name, school, and why you’re nominating them.