Danny Elkhoury is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Campo Verde High School for AZPreps365.com

GILBERT – Campo Verde beach volleyball player Brandon Holland has much more to monitor than the moves of his opponents on the court.

While balancing club tournaments, school games and schoolwork, Holland also has to take control of Type 1 diabetes through hard work, grit and extra precaution.

“I would say you have a lot more on your plate to worry about than someone that might not have it,” Holland said. “But I think you still practice aggressively and hard, but you just definitely have to be more cautious.”

Holland was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was in the fifth grade, and aside from the physical effects of the disease, he has also had to deal with some mental challenges. 

“You always can be like, ‘Why me? Why do I get diagnosed?’ But then it's just kind of what God gave you,” Holland said. “You just have to deal with that and you're strong in your own way, so just be your own person.”

Despite the challenge, Holland continues to compete at a high level, with an impressive record of 8-1 this season in Pairs 2 and 3. Holland is currently riding an eight-game winning streak.

Coach Keone Coronado said Holland continues to be optimistic and humble about his struggles, brightening the day of not only himself but his friends and coaches as well. Coronado said he admires Holland’s ability to balance his diabetes with his goals at such a young age.

“Brandon is a competitor. He doesn’t let his diabetes affect how he plays,” Coronado said. “He is one of the mentally toughest players on the team, and it shows when he plays.”

Coronado praises the young player's ability to recognize when he needs to prioritize his health both on and off the sand, and how he prepares in order to make sure he is in the best shape possible to perform at an impressive level.

“He knows how to fuel his body so he’s ready for competition, and if he ever feels down he calls timeouts and makes sure he does what he needs to do,” Coronado said. “He’s young but very dedicated to making sure he’s able to play at a high level.” 

As a sophomore, Holland has already gained the trust and respect of his Campo Verde teammates.

“He’s one of the younger kids on the team but a natural leader,” Coronado said. “Other kids look up to him and he leads by example.” 

Holland has a lot of confidence in himself, but his teammates and coaches carry the same feeling of poise about their fellow Campo Verde student.

“BB is a baller, and he’s only getting started,” volleyball teammate Owen Horton said. “He always gives the maximum effort, and he’s very consistent.” 

Holland said he is focusing on his career one step at a time, building a foundation that will carry him to college volleyball.

“I want to go play and continue it in college and definitely like to see where that takes me,” Holland said. “But I'd definitely like to finish out high school and hopefully then play in college somewhere.”