Jayden Holman, a senior at Alliance High School, and the son of Steve and Annie Holman, signed his letter-of-intent to play baseball for the WNCC Cougars starting this fall. Holman, a three-year starter for the Alliance Spartans, will play shortstop for the Cougars. “Ever since I was young my goal was to play college baseball,” said Holman. “And signing to play has been a dream come true.”

Holman is a two-time Star Herald All-Region Team member, and was named the 2013 Offensive Player of the Year. Through the last two years with the Spartans, Holman has earned a .418 batting average with 125 hits and 83 runs batted in on 299 at-bats. Holman’s pitching statistics have been impressive as well, with a 2.38 earned run average and 157 strikeouts. Perhaps Holman’s greatest pitching performance came in a game last season against Cody, WY, when he struck-out 16 batters.

Mike Jones, who has been keeping course with Holman since his high school career began, coaches the Cougars baseball program. “(Coach Jones) has always been there for me, he’s been calling me up and giving me advice, and it’s great to have a coach willing to do that,” Holman remarked.

Spartan’s head coach Scott Gullion had high remarks on Holman as a player. “He always wants to get better and is always working on his game. When he was pitching, he kept us in every game and defensively he was tremendous.  At the plate he led the team in batting average and was among team leaders in every other category offensively.” Gullion also has familiarity with the Cougars baseball program, saying, “Coach Jones does a great job at WNCC.  They have been recruiting locally a lot more lately, and he demands a lot of his players… Jayden will grow a lot as a player.”

Jeff Harris, a Spartan assistant coach spoke of Jayden’s team playing skills saying it’s his greatest strength – his commitment to a team atmosphere. “I’ve watched him grow into this,” said Harris. “It wasn’t something that just happened.  It took commitment on his part, but the Spartans and Jayden are better because of it.”

As for Holman’s senior season, Harris says, “Jayden has put in a great amount of time this off-season to prepare himself for his final season in Alliance and for playing at the next level.” Harris also urges people to watch Holman and the Spartans this summer saying, “The level of talent on the field is going to be pretty impressive.”

Holman credits most his successes thus far to his parents, Steve and Annie. “They’ve always been there for me,” said Holman. “Especially my dad, who has helped me out a lot.” Holman also credits longtime friend and former Spartan player Andy Gomez. “He always pushed me, told me to never give up, and to give it my all,” Holman mentioned.

Holman is still undecided about his studies at WNCC, but after completion at the college, his goal is to sign with a Division I school to further his career playing baseball.

“Throughout my years of playing baseball, I’ve realized it’s not always easy, but with hard work and determination, I’ve realized I can accomplish anything,” said Holman.