While at Marshfield, Holland was a three sport varsity athlete participating in volleyball swimming and track. Holland was a state champion in the 50 yard freestyle in 1976. She was part of the 1976 district championship team and was the team MVP of the 3rd place state volleyball team the same year. In 1976 Holland was named Marshfield tracks most outstanding athlete. Holland was named the athlete citizen of the year for the 1976-1977 school year. After graduating from Marshfield Holland attended Willamette University where she was an NAIA All-American in the 50 yard freestyle and the 100 yard individual medley. Post collegiately Holland was Arizona’s triathlete of the year 6 times. She was also a Triathlon Today All-American in 1989. Holland placed second in the escape from Alcatraz triathlon in 1991. Holland won the Prefontaine Memorial 10k in 1992 and still exercises recreationally.
Holland said she still has strong memories of the city of Coos Bay, remembering the special feel that the city gives you.
“It’s familiarity, it’s family and friends,” Holland said. “The city of Coos Bay gives me a feeling that is special, that nothing else can give me.
Holland said she considers her greatest athletic accomplishment to be winning the 50 free her junior year over the defending state champion.
“That was an unbelievable accomplishment,” Holland said. “The defending champion was swimming in the lane next to me, that made it even more special.”
Holland said that her one piece of advice to current Marshfield athletes would about focusing on how good you can do and not worrying about others.
“People need to worry about how good they can be and how hard they can work,” Holland said. “Nothing good will come out of spending all of your time worrying about other people.
