As soccer season comes to a close, Logan Holdaway of Williamson County, a team member of the Nashville Soccer Club (NSC) Unified team, has had an incredible experience as part of the club this season.
Tryouts for the Unified soccer team were held in late February this year. This year, Logan joined for the first time enjoying every part of it. On the team, he holds an important position on the field.
“I play midfield,” said Holdaway. And when playing, “I don't think about it, I just do it.”
Holdaway is a confident player who doesn't get his confidence from anywhere but from someone. Inspiration can be given to anyone. Or for some people, like Holdaway, it's an older brother.
“My brother was training me when we didn't have practices,” Holdaway said. “And then, when we would have practices, we would say good job to each other. And if someone's going to go in then we would tell them good job.”
With a great season that included many travels and relationships forming, there are a lot of memories that were made. The energetic midfielder’s favorite memory with the team was playing at Soldier Field and GEODIS Park.
“It was my first time playing and I got to meet Joe Willis,” said Holdaway on his experience at GEODIS Park.
Holdaway's mom has seen his involvement and how meaningful these opportunities are for him.
“There are a couple of the MLS soccer players that have been a big inspiration for Logan," said Erin Holdaway, Logan's mother. "Like Taylor Washington, Jacob Shaffelburg and Joe Willis. They come to practices, they've come to games. It's really cool. The community has surrounded this team and Special Olympics Tennessee. We're really thankful for that.”
There is so much to be thankful for this team and the opportunity given to athletes and Unified Partners. Holdaway has tremendous gratitude for his coaches for this incredible, joy-filled year, saying,
“Thank you for this opportunity and for pushing me to be the best out on the field," Holdaway said, regarding his coaches.
Holdaway also provided some closing advice to any athlete thinking of joining and/or rejoining:
“Just go out there and try your best and know that you can do it!”
