Marquette University announced this week that Gillian Holder will join the women's soccer staff as an assistant coach for the 2026 season, bringing a blend of athletic training expertise and academic insight to the program.
A Multifaceted Background
Holder, a Milwaukee native, earned her degree from the University of Wisconsin‑Milwaukee before launching a career that bridges sports performance and biomedical engineering. She previously played club soccer at the university and captained Pulaski High School to multiple state‑level titles, including a third‑place finish at the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Association tournament.
Before entering coaching, Holder spent two years as a project engineer at DJO Surgical in Austin, Texas, where she managed cross‑functional projects in a regulated healthcare environment, ensuring compliance with ISO 13485 and FDA standards. Earlier, she worked as a fitness coach at Train Moment, designing strength and conditioning sessions that emphasized movement mechanics, injury prevention, and long‑term athletic development.
Coaching Philosophy and Impact
Holder holds certifications as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and in American Red Cross AED/CPR, and she brings a NASM‑backed approach to athlete development. Her coaching philosophy centers on mastering movement mechanics, fostering accountability, and cultivating a positive training environment. She creates individualized programs that target strength, endurance, and overall performance, aiming to elevate each player both on and off the field.
Head coach Chris Allen praised Holder’s selfless and driven nature, noting that her interdisciplinary background will enrich the team’s tactical and physical preparation. “Gillian’s blend of technical knowledge and hands‑on experience makes her a valuable addition to our staff,” Allen said in the announcement.
The addition of Holder is expected to deepen the program’s focus on holistic athlete development as the team looks ahead to the 2026 campaign. With her expertise in performance training and injury mitigation, Marquette hopes to build on recent successes and contend for conference honors.
Beyond the pitch, Holder remains active in competitive fitness, participating in HYROX events and distance running, a testament to her commitment to lifelong athletic pursuits.