Aussies Abroad #15 – Jackson Holland
In this installment of Aussies Abroad, Volleyball Australia caught up with Jackson Holland, who is preparing to line up in the German Bundesliga 1 for SSC Baden Volleys Karlsruhe.
“I grew up in Adelaide, South Australia and my family’s sporting background was everything other than volleyball,” Holland said.
“I never played volleyball growing up until I attended Brighton Secondary School (BSS) where I trialled for the Special Interest Volleyball (SIV) program and that’s where it all began.
“I fell in love with the game and built some really good friendships in the first year.
“After starting at BSS I joined the Norwood Bears Volleyball Club who I am very thankful for over the years, and then I got selected for various state teams and went to national championships from 2012 – 2016.
“I play Libero now, but growing up I played as an all rounder and just wanted to see what I liked the best.
“I became a libero at practice where we played different positions for some fun, and now I am very thankful for that training as I fell in love with it and it’s funny to think back about those memories.”
Since beginning his volleyball journey, Jackson has had many moments and opportunities to reflect fondly upon.
“My proudest moment of my volleyball career so far would be captaining the Volleyroos in 2024 and 2025,” he said.
“It was an absolute honor to lead the National team and wear the stripe below my number and it is something I will always cherish and to be proud of.
“I was first interested in international opportunities when I went to my first junior national team camp when I found out that it was possible to travel overseas and play volleyball – and now I have been playing abroad since 2019.
“It was a challenging move overseas in 2019 as it was away from all of my family and friends.
“I moved to Copenhagen and it took me a little time to settle in, but I was lucky that I had the full support of my parents and family which helped me whilst being away.
“I love playing abroad because I want to achieve the highest level I possibly can.
“I enjoy seeing new places and learning about different cultures, and each city and country has something new to offer and I enjoy the differences.
“This season I am playing in the German Bundesliga 1 for SSC Baden Volleys Karlsruhe and I’m excited to play against fellow Aussie Nehemiah Mote.”
Jackson’s passion for volleyball still burns bright after all these years, and he is confident that volleyball will be a part of his life for many more years to come.
“Being an athlete is a dream to me,” he said.
“It is more than just volleyball and sport, it is the relationships and people you meet along the way.
“I love team sports because it brings people and communities together.
“I would like to keep pursuing volleyball for as long as I can professionally and I want to become as good as possible at my craft and help Australia to be successful on the world stage.
“I do still see myself being involved with the sport after my career but I don’t exactly know what that’s going to look like yet.
“I would say to any younger athletes out there that a big key is to put the effort into something that you love and enjoy.
“Hard work gets you further than having just talent. Chase your goals and believe in yourself always.
“My dad has always said to me ‘if it’s to be, it’s up to me’ and that has stuck with me.”
