Extra Effort: Jeallen Holland's passion for hoops, animals & NC State

"Basketball has always been my passion," said Greenfield School senior Jeallen Holland. "I started playing basketball when I was in preschool and have been playing ever since."

Holland has played for the Greenfield School varsity girls' basketball team since she was in the seventh grade, a total of six years.

"Jeallen's funny on the basketball court. She can shoot the ball, and she thinks she should never miss," said Greenfield School athletic director Rob Salter.

"Yeah, I'm super competitive in everything," agrees Holland, who plays four different sports at Greenfield.

"She's going from sport to sport," said Greenfield School girls' soccer coach Randol Mendoza. "She's always going from volleyball to basketball, basketball to soccer."

In soccer, Holland is the Greenfield goalie, making the NCISAA state championship game the last two years. The Knights won the state title in 2021. "It's probably number one on my sports memories," said Holland, who also started running cross country this year.

Holland also has memories of when former UNC guard Coby White played at Greenfield and set the state high school career scoring record in 2018.

"I was playing on the (junior varsity) team when Coby was here," Holland remembers. "I got to know him just as 'Coby' and not necessarily 'Coby White.' Even though I was (an NC State) fan, I met Roy Williams here."

Holland has always had a passion for the Wolfpack. "My dad went to State, so we have been NC State fans diehard ever since I was born," she said.

But Holland's first love? "I am completely and wholly dedicated to animals. I've already dreamed of going to NC State and doing the pre-veterinarian program and going on to be a vet one day, and I still plan to do that," she said.

It helps Holland has a 5.06 grade point average.

"Jeallen brings that same determination that she brings to the basketball court to the classroom," said Greenfield School English teacher Glenn Griffin.

Holland is also in more clubs than she can remember, including: Fellowship of Christian Athletics, vice president of the Student Government Association, president of the Spanish Club, Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy, Diversity Inclusion Club, Outdoor Adventure Club, Ronald McDonald Club, Trivia Club and Drama Club in addition to participating in Meals on Wheels and Bountiful Blessings.

"She defines what a student athlete is," said Salter.