Story and Photos by Rusty Ellis
Livingston Academy senior Estie Holman took the next step in her academic and athletic career on Friday by signing her national letter of intent to play soccer at Cumberland University.
“It’s so rewarding,” Holman said. “It makes me feel like every single early morning and workout I’ve done was worth it…it’s such an amazing feeling.”
The four-year starter for the Lady Wildcats has put together quite the illustrious career, including being a three-time First Team All-District member, the district Freshman of the Year, the district Defensive MVP as a sophomore and the Co-Defensive MVP this year.
For Holman, the recruiting process was lengthy, but she ultimately felt like she settled on the right choice for what she wanted in a school.
“The recruiting process was a pretty long one, I had a few places I was looking at,” Holman said. “Cumberland, I love the atmosphere of the university. The coaches were so nice and welcoming…I just really felt like I fit in.”
And her head coach had plenty to say about his senior defender, citing her work ethic as what led her to this moment.
“Estie is one of those girls who goes above and beyond,” said head coach David Sadler. “She plays travel and she played all the way through middle school…she just brings so much to the team no matter where she’s at. Dedication and heart, I’m very excited for her.”
For all the great things she’s done on the field, Sadler believes where she can help Cumberland the most in in the leadership department.
“I’m sure they’ve got a great team, but leadership and dedication (is what she’ll bring),” Sadler said. “She makes the team better no matter where she’s at, so she’ll bring something that will be noticed on the team.”
As far as what she’ll miss most about playing at LA, Holman goes right back to that family atmosphere she cherished in her four seasons.
“I’m really going to miss my people,” Holman said. “Whenever you’re here at a place for so long, this is your family. This school is pretty much my family…I’m going to miss that family we built.”
