Jackson's Holland Guilliams eclipses 1,000 dig mark

JACKSON - It’s hard to measure the impact a player like Holland Guilliams has on a program.

Recently, Guilliams recorded her 1,000th career dig as a member of the Jackson Indians.

“It’s really so impressive,” Indians coach Dave Mirly said. “I don’t think I’ve ever had another player accumulate 1,000 digs in their career. That’s a huge milestone.”

Obviously the impact Guilliams has now isn’t forgotten, but Mirly said this doesn’t happen if she didn’t have an impact as a freshman.

“It just shows how great she was at a young age coming in,” Mirly said. “Then she only got better every single year. I’m just really happy for her.”

For Guilliams, reaching 1,000 digs is a reflection of all of her hard work.

“It was definitely a personal goal for me,” Guilliams said. “We practice defense every single day. It’s a key skill we work on in practice. Me. Grace (Newell) and Charlee (Koepp) work every single day together and they have helped me so much.”

Guilliams, a four-year starter, also holds the school record for digs.

“I don’t really pay attention to that stuff,” Guilliams said. “It is pretty special though.”

With her goal of reaching 1,000 digs accomplished, Guilliams is now focused on helping lead the Indians on a deep postseason run while enjoying her senior season.

“It’s bittersweet,” Guilliams said. “Especially with senior night the other night. While we’re all going our separate ways after this season I’m just glad I get to spend this time with them. It’s also sad to know I won’t get to play with them again.”

Mirly has often described Guilliams as the glue holding the team together.

“When she didn’t miss time we could tell something was missing with our team and it was Holland,” Mirly said. “That was when she was a sophomore and a junior. She’s just meant so much to us. She keeps everybody focused and she keeps everyone energetic. She brings so much to our team and it’s been an honor to coach her.”

Upon graduating in May, Guilliams’ volleyball career will continue at Southeast Missouri State University.

“She can definitely handle the speed of the game,” Mirly said. “College is so much faster but that is something she can handle. It’s more powerful but the way she works and the attitude she has, she’s going to do great.”

SEMO was an ideal landing spot for Guilliams as she can remain close to home.

“I’m very close with my family and I wanted to stay close to home,” Guilliams said. “I went on my official visit and I enjoyed my time and the team atmosphere.”

As the Indians continue their dominant regular season, Guilliams hasn’t let her mind wander to how her game will adjust at the college level.

“I just try to stay present,” Guilliams said. “In the future I know I’m going to have to work for my spot on the floor and just give it my all.”

Mirly hopes the younger players in the program have learned from Guilliams over the last four years.

“We have so many great captains,” Mirly said. “But, she may be the most loved by all of the younger ones because of how energetic and positive she is. We’re just hoping that all the younger ones want to be the next Holland Guilliams out there. She’s leaving a legacy behind for so many to follow up.”

Guilliams and the Indians return to the court on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at the Gateway Matchup Tournament against Webster Groves.