A freshman frenzy for UTRGV guard Jayda Holiman

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — UTRGV guard Jayda Holiman has made the most of her freshman season after an early injury.

Holiman is coming off her best performance in her collegiate career. Holiman finished with 17 points and five three in a loss to Seattle U. 

UTRGV Women’s Basketball Head Coach Lane Lord acknowledged that Holiman brings a game that few on the roster possess.

“She brings an element that we don’t really have, and that’s a big-time athlete that can make plays on her own,” Lord said. “She can go get her own shot, she can shoot the three, make pull-up jumpers, and get to the rack.”

There was an adjustment period for Holiman this season. The speed of college basketball was something Holiman had to get used to.

Thanks to a supportive coaching staff and a cast of teammates, Holiman’s confidence on the floor has grown.

“I’d say just changing my speed, pacing myself, and having confidence were huge,” Holiman said. “My coaches and teammates are helping me, and I’m thankful for that.”

Jayda’s minutes have grown in each game she has played. In UTRGV’s last two contests, Holiman has been on the floor for 77 of the 80 total minutes.

It was a journey for Holiman to reach that mark. She dealt with a preseason injury requiring surgery. That delayed her collegiate debut until after Christmas.

Holiman knew she had to stay mentally strong to step back on the court.

“When I came back from my surgery is when I knew I had to dig,” she said. “I felt like I had taken a step back, so I think just working hard every day in practice and pushing myself is what got me here to this place I want to be.”

Holiman dealt with that adversity. Now, it’s time for the entire UTRGV team to deal with adversity.

The Vaqueros have four games remaining in the regular season. Currently, UTRGV sits in the eighth spot in the WAC standings.

Only eight teams qualify for the WAC tournament, so it’s all about staying positive and closing out games the rest of the way through.

“The third and fourth quarters are what matter the most,” Holiman said. “Keep pushing, keep fighting as a team and just stay strong and positive.”

UTRGV returns to action at UTRGV Fieldhouse on Thursday, Feb. 29, against the best team in the conference, Grand Canyon.