Tom and Erin Holmes have been key players in Union College soccer circles. Tom, a senior who will graduate in June with a dual major of history and political science, has helped the Dutchmen post winning seasons each of the last two years. It marks the first time since the 1992 and 1993 campaigns that the men's program has had back-to-back winning seasons.
Erin, a junior who is majoring in psychology and visual arts, has helped the Dutchwomen earn a berth in the last two NCAA Division III national championship tournaments. While Tom's season, and career, has
concluded, Erin will be on the field when the Dutchwomen host the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association's championship tournament this Saturday and Sunday. The tournament winner receives the UCAA's automatic NCAA berth (please see Dutchwomen to Host UCAA Soccer Tournament
Saturday and Sunday on Garis Field).
Tom, a graduate of Chaminade College Prep in St. Louis, Missouri, was an All-State, All-Conference and senior captain during his high school days.
“Tommy has been a quality player for Union through out his four years here,” said head coach Jeff Guinn, “It was unfortunate that he missed the second half of his freshman year with a broken collar bone and missed his sophomore season with a stress fracture. Both injuries hurt our team. “His possession play and penetrating passes in the midfield, as well as ability to win headers, have been very valuable to our success the last two seasons. Tommy showed his versatility by playing wide midfield, forward, and central midfield the past two seasons.”
Erin is a graduate of Cor Jesu Academy in St. Louis, and, like her brother, was an All-Conference and All-State selection. Following her sophomore season at Union, Erin was an All-Conference Second Team selection as well as an All-State midfielder. Her play helped the Dutchwomen to their third consecutive berth in the NCAA tournament and enabled the squad to finish with an overall record of 15-3-1.
“Erin reminds me of Abby Harris (a former standout for the Dutchwomen). Erin is one of the most technical players I have coached here at Union,” said head coach Brian Speck, now in his eighth season at the college.” She continues our string of great attacking midfielders.
“Erin has been slowed a bit this year by a nagging quad pull and she suffered a concussion in our last regular-season game against Nazareth. We are hopeful that she will be ready to play in the UCAA tournament this weekend.”
Their talents and the soccer field as well as their friendly personalities have made the Holmes siblings and Union College the perfect fit.