The girls’ basketball locker room is situated just left of the gym entrance. The shared wall between the two rooms is just thin enough that the buzz of awaiting fans permeates through the brick and grout. As the team completes their final preparations before the game, the voices of the crowd hum ceaselessly in their ears. On the bench, Kennedy Holman sits with her eyes closed and her back against the locker. In her head, Holman plays through the oncoming game, visualizing what comes next. Another player may have been distracted by the noise, but Holman never seems to break focus as she prepares.
“I visualize before games, practices, everything. Visualization is more important than actually warming up,” Holman said.
Keeping a healthy mind has played a large part of Holman’s game throughout high school. Mental preparation techniques like this have allowed Holman to keep cool and stay on her A-Game before and during practices and games.
“I don’t really get distracted during games because when I’m playing, I block out all outside noise and don’t hear anything” Holman said.
Muting external sound has been vital for Holman, especially being part of such a high performing team. The girls’ basketball team has gone 25-0 for the season, and with regionals around the corner, the burden of success is growing. Along with these pressures, expectations from others weigh Holman and her teammates down
“I don’t look or listen to outside voices that aren’t in my circle of people including my coaches, trainers and family,” Holman said.
Being careful not to listen to others’ opinions has only benefited Holman’s mental health. Along with a healthy mind comes peace of mind for Holman. With tranquil thoughts and a clear head, Holman is able to divert her attention onto what really matters. Stepping into a leadership role as an upperclassman and point guard has been different for Holman, but it’s a challenge that she’s taken in stride. To give her all in every role she holds, Holman has prioritized confidence.
“When I’m not playing with confidence, I don’t have fun, and it goes downhill from there,” Holman said. “I think building your confidence truly comes from you but also the people you surround yourself with.”
Holman lays her strength with the people who hold her up. Without her teammates, Holman wouldn’t be where she is today, physically and mentally.
Emphasizing mental health throughout the season has been extremely beneficial, but with semi-state and state on the horizon, it will be more important than ever.
