Glenpool’s Radeyn Holland
Glenpool junior Radeyn Holland does not take lightly the chance to wear “Warriors” across his chest. For the standout shortstop, every game is about much more than his own stat line.
“I play baseball and shortstop,” Holland said. “My favorite part is wearing my school across my chest. It feels good whenever I go on the field. I know I’m not just playing for myself, I’m playing for my teammates, my school and my coaches.”
Holland’s favorite memory came in last year’s regional tournament, when Glenpool responded after an early setback. “My favorite memory from last year is when we run-ruled Broken Bow in the regionals tournament after they beat us the first time,” he said. That bounce-back effort reflects what baseball has taught him about resilience.
“Baseball has taught me patience, mental toughness and how to handle failure,” Holland said. “In baseball I’ve failed multiple times, but I’ve never given up because I love this game.” He carries that mindset into the classroom and his relationships at Glenpool.
Holland points to an eighth-grade teacher, Mrs. Carter, as a key influence. “She was the best teacher I’ve ever had and ever will have,” he said. “She was someone I could come and talk to about anything and just a nice, down-to-earth type of person.”
At home, his biggest inspiration is his mom. “She’s such a hard-working and dedicated mom,” Holland said. “She has done so much for me and inspires me to be the best.”
On the field, former teammate Judah Byrd set the standard. Holland called Byrd “a really good leader and mentor” who pushed everyone around him to work harder. He also leans on advice from a former coach: “Control what you can control. You can’t control the umpires, but you can control your effort.”
Holland models his game after Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts, admiring his work ethic and versatility. “He doesn’t rely on talent. He also puts in work every single day, which is what I try to do,” Holland said.
