The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Marley Holden has signed an official letter of intent to play soccer for the Corban University Warriors. Holden has been a four-year starter for the Sisters Lady Outlaws, a leader, and a very integral part of the squad, and has dreamed of playing at the collegiate level since she was in seventh grade.

Holden visited several colleges prior to signing with Corban and was accepted by at least seven bigger colleges including University of Wyoming, Montana State Billings, and Washington State.

When asked why she chose Corban, Holden stated, "I had the opportunity to showcase in front of those colleges, but it just didn't click and I was almost forcing it. But at Corban it immediately clicked!"

In November 2023, Holden attended a skills camp held at George Fox University. Coaches from all over the West Coast were in attendance and took notes on the players at the various stations, which included footwork, passing and possession, small-sided game, and shooting and finishing.

Coach Travez Whyte, Head Coach at Corban, immediately took notice of her.

"I noticed her right away... her spirit, her fight, her energy, and leadership," said Whyte. "I said to myself, 'this is a quality player.' I spoke to her about possibly attending Corban and after several follow up conversations we both knew it would be a good fit. Marley was interested in me being her coach and I was very honored."

"She's a technical player - fast and confident with the ball going forward and creating chances,"added Whyte. "She works hard to defend for her team."

Holden said, "When Coach Whyte first asked me if I'd ever thought about attending Corban I told him, 'no it really wasn't on my radar,' and that I was actually looking at bigger schools out of state. He told me he'd like me to apply to Corban, gave me his card and invited me to an official visit, and I thought to myself, 'why not?'"

Holden told The Nugget that this was the first time she'd gotten so much attention. She'd attended other camps at the other colleges she was interested in, and although she was accepted at several, she really didn't hear much from the coaches.

A few days after the clinic at George Fox Holden decided to apply to Corban, and was accepted immediately. The following Monday, Marley and her dad Brian drove over for an official visit.

"I toured the campus, went to a class, and saw the dorms," said Holden. "It was a really cute campus and I loved the dorms! It reminded me a lot of Sisters. I practiced with the team later that night. I was so nervous, but I had a blast! The team reminded me a lot of my team here in Sisters."

The very next day Holden received an official offer, but had one more showcase camp to attend at Montana State University. She attended the camp, but never heard back, so she contacted Corban.

"I realized Corban was a better fit for me and close to home," said Holden. "I connected with Travez quickly at the camp at George Fox, and just knew that was where I should go."

Just before Christmas break Holden contacted Whyte, verbally committed to play for the Warriors, and scheduled a time for the official signing.

"I'm so excited!"said Holden. "I'm so grateful I get to keep playing. It's been my dream to play at the college level."

Coach Whyte, originally from Jamaica, attended Corban on a soccer scholarship and played for the Warriors from 2014-2019. He was hired as their head women's soccer coach July 24, really had no time to recruit, and still took his team to a third place finish in the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC).

Whyte told The Nugget his coaching philosophy is based on Brazil's style of play.

"My coaching style is player-centered, holistic, and creativity driven," said Whyte. "I'm passionate about developing leaders both on and off the soccer field that are confident, creative, smart and skillful to make the best decisions based on their situation. I'm very attack-and-possession minded with the purpose of creating teams that enjoy playing with the ball on their opponent's half and scoring lots of goals."

He told The Nugget he's very excited about Holden joining the team, her specific soccer skills, and especially her leadership. Holden will continue to play at the midfield position and will start practice August 1st, trading in her black and white Outlaws uniform for a Warrior uniform of navy and gold.