Freshman on varsity. A phenomenon that sparks curiosity among the student body each year. It begs people to ask, “What makes this athlete so special?” “What puts them above the rest?” While being on varsity as a freshman is and always will be an monumental feat, being on the starting roster as a middle schooler has definitely got that beat. Cue, Braxton Hollan. A freshman who has enjoyed his placement in the varsity golf team since the 7th grade.
To accompany Hollan’s varsity position is, of course, a long history of playing golf. He was introduced to the sport at the early age of four years old. For a child, Hollan obviously did not drive himself to the course with a fury of passion glinting in his eyes for the sport of golf. No, rather it was his family who set the domino chain off that would change the trajectory of his life.
Fostering his love for the sport, his father would regularly take Hollan and his older brother to the golf course for quality time as a trio. The three enjoyed the game with little focus on the abilities of the two boys, but more on the bonding moments of father and sons. It would be these early moments that would foster his passion for golf for years to come.
“We’d just get out to the course, hit balls and maybe play,” said Hollan.
In later years, when Hollan was 11, he started private lessons. At the age of 13, he officially became part of the LHS golf team. Though he participated in several other sports after joining the LHS golf team, Hollan narrowed his focus and stopped his other activities. He kept a straight path, practicing consistently.
Despite the age difference from his peers, Hollan fully immersed himself in the team and cemented his status as an LHS golfer. His connections with the upperclassmen on golf would shape his views about LHS early. So far, Hollan has enjoyed a positive freshman experience, not worrying about who he would know or what cliché he would fall into, as he is socialable with so many outside his grade.
“I’ve gotten to know lots of upperclassmen, so I haven’t had a hard time trying to find friends. Every time I walk in the halls, I say hi to at least 10 or 20 people,” said Hollan.
While not unheard of, Hollan is definitely a more notable case in which a middle schooler joined high school varsity, as many LHS sports do not or have stopped the practice as team sizes grow. Golf, along with a select few sports, continue to allow young athletes to participate in high school athletics.
