Chasing Dreams: One Student’s Path to Professional Soccer

Gabby Hollar, a 2019 graduate of West Liberty-Salem alongside the 2024 HS Girls Soccer Team

West Liberty-Salem high school girls soccer team took a break from the pitch on Monday to care for their minds and bodies. Head Coach Mandy Lauck used the practice to inspire the team to remember the importance of not only their physical health but also the importance of their mental well-being. They began practice with deep stretching and relaxation exercises followed by surprise guest speaker, Gabby Hollar.

Gabby Hollar, a 2019 graduate of West Liberty-Salem and daughter of elementary principal Aaron Hollar and elementary physical education teacher Kim Hollar, signed with Perth Glory, an A-League Australian Professional Soccer Club in Perth, Australia. A 2017 and 2018 High School All-American Soccer Player, Gabby catapulted into an equally impressive collegiate career with Purdue, West Virginia, and South Alabama. In 2023 Gabby received the esteemed Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year Award, but her career would not stop there. In 2023, Hollar moved to Melbourne to play for Boroondara in the National Premier League, a top tier league supporting professional soccer leagues. The move led to a dream come true for Hollar. In June of this year, Gabby confirmed at first signing with Glory for the 2024/25 A-League Women’s professional season.
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Gabby spoke to the team she once called her own about her journey, what it took to be successful, and pursuing their own dreams. The lady Tigers asked great questions and took advantage of their time with Hollar whose dream started on the very field they call home. Gabby will return to Australia on Friday, September 13th to prepare for preseason that begins on September 25th. Her season officially kicks off the first weekend of November.