Interview with Coach Bill Holleman

                         Peachtree Ridge High School Head Boys Soccer Coach / Athletic Director


Proud Accomplishments:








Question: What advice would you give to young players entering high school who want to play soccer for their high
school team?

Do not ever limit your options, play the game whenever and wherever you can and the experience of playing for your school in front of
your peers is one of the best experiences you will ever have.  Many people are trying to say there is only one way to develop as a
player and that you should only play soccer in certain programs.  It takes a long time to develop as a soccer player and every
experience brings something to the table from which you can benefit. The real key is to develop your fitness and never stop working on
your skills and above all maintain a good work ethic.  There are plenty of good players around, the big difference is how hard some
players are willing to work. Love the game, play the game and work hard.




Question: What training would you recommend for a high school player who is dedicated to improving him or her self in
the off season?


You can never do enough when it comes to skill development, knowing how to do something is not enough, you must be able to
consistently perform your techniques under pressure of an opponent at speed in order to have real skill.  You can never have enough!  
Try to maintain a pretty good level of fitness in the off-season so that your return to match fitness is not so difficult.  Too many players
get match fit in their season and then crash and do nothing in the off-season, this is not good for your body or your development. Play
as much small sided games as you can to get maximum exposure to the ball and decision making.

Question: What advice can you give to those athletes who are not as talented as the top players in the state, but want to
get better and compete on the high school level?

You must develop yourself physically in order to compete, particularly if you may not be as talented, plus it will help ensure that you are
ready if someone gets injured. Learn as much as you can about the game so that you become tactically sound and make very few
mistakes. There are a lot of talented players around who make poor judgements and therefore become a liability for their team
because they are always giving the ball away. Play simple and within your abilities, do not try to be like others, develop your strengths
and focus on improving your weaknesses.  Most players spend most of their time working on the things they do well rather than their
weaknesses thereby limiting their improvement.


Question: What special skills do you think a successful coach must possess to lead his or her team during the season?

Today’s coach must be a great motivator and encourager. He must be understanding of what players are experiencing this day and
age and yet set high expectations for them.  With the family unit being what it is now the coach is often looked upon to provide
guidance and discipline.  Consistency is crucial, as is structure and organization, to provide direction for the team and program. The
ability to teach and share information is imperative and often dependent on ones ability to relate to young people.


Question: How has being a teacher helped you become a better coach?

I believe that coaching is one of the purest forms of teaching and personally have never seen a good coach who could not teach.  The
skills are the same, it is only the venue that changes slightly.  Communication and clarity are the keys as it is not important what the
coach knows but rather what his players know and can execute that tell the real story.  My philosophy focuses on me coaching during
the week at practice, the game belongs to the kids. I basically attend the game to evaluate how effective or not my coaching has been.

Question: Do you have any players that graduated that are playing College Soccer? If so, who are they and where are
they playing? Do you have any advice for them?

In 36 years of coaching I have had many kids move on to the next level and play, many at very good schools and programs.  I currently
have eight that I know of playing;  Brad Mitchum- Captain at Georgia Southern, Todd Denson- Clayton College and State University,
Scott Caltabiano- University of Dayton and five others at Piedmont College-Captain-Drew Griffin, Ben Pyle, Jake and Joey Krieger and
Alan Creasy.  Hope I have not left anyone out.


Question: What advice would you give to student athletes who are struggling academically in school?

If you need to take some time off to get your academics in order do so, your brain will last a lot longer than your legs. Communicate
honestly with your coach and I am certain most will understand and support your concerns.

Question:  To whom or what do you attribute your ability to be a successful high school coach?

My wife has been my biggest critic and fan along with my two sons but I have often depended on the feedback from players to let me
know what I should do.  Watching their eyes and their reactions to things is great feedback.  I have found that observation is the
greatest asset a coach has.  I have many friends around the U.S. and  the world who coach soccer and they have also been invaluable
as I have been able to steal ideas from them.


What do you love about the game of soccer?

What’s not to love, it is a beautiful game that requires great skill, intelligence and fitness. When the ball is at your feet you are the
maestro and in total control.

What do you love about coaching high school soccer?

Working with young people, watching them grow and develop and knowing that you have had a positive impact on their lives. The
enthusiasm, passion and excitement they bring with them is contagious and lord knows at my age I need that.

Who is your favorite professional soccer team?

I am fond of the passion and work ethic of the English Premier League but particularly enjoy the skill and commitment of Chelsea and
Manchester United.

Who is your favorite professional soccer player?

That is easy , the one and only “Pele”.  No doubt, he is one of the most skillful and hard working players to ever play the game and a
true gentleman of the sport.  What a great ambassador for our game.  Of course I am probably partial because I have had the
opportunity to meet and speak with him on three different occasions and personally watch him play two other times. Any young soccer
player would do well to model their life and performance after him.

Who is your favorite college soccer team?

Being from North Carolina originally I would have to say U.N.C, particularly since I went there and was a teammate of Head Coach
Anson Dorrance on club teams in the area.  In fact at one time I was a final candidate along with Anson for the U.N.C job but was
married and could not afford to take a part time job at that stage of my career.  Hind sight is 20-20, who would have thought!

Who taught you the game of soccer?

Believe it or not I was self taught along with the help of collegiate teammates.  
The first soccer game I ever saw, I started in, talk about on the job training. However; it left me with a great passion and hunger for the
game. A game I truly love and owe a lot to.  Thanks to all the wonderful friends I have met in this great game.


We Salute Coach Bill Holleman for his contributions to Georgia High School Soccer and
wish him and his Peachtree Ridge Lions all the best in the upcoming season!!!