HOF Class of 2025: Cam Holding

(Photo by Dave Adams)

ATLANTA – Cam Holding enters the MCLA Hall of Fame as an outstanding player.

Holding, a native of Whitby, Ontario, is one of the most prolific scorers in Division II – and MCLA – history in his three non-consecutive seasons with Grand Valley State. In his first season with the Lakers in 2008, he had no rookie nerves, scoring 88 goals and dishing out 47 assists. Behind Holding’s prolific season, GVSU advanced to the national championship game before falling to Westminster. He finished with eight goals in the final.

During his sophomore campaign in ’09, Holding posted a 75-point (57g, 18a) season and was named a Second Team All-America. After a year playing at the NCAA Division II level, Holding returned to Grand Valley State and recorded a season for the ages. He finished with a staggering 121 goals along with 33 assists for 154 points as the Lakers ended the season with a 19-1 mark and a berth in the national semifinals.

He was selected to the CCLA first team as well as being the conference offensive player of the year. In addition, he was a First Team All-America and the MCLA Player of the Year. Holding was a monster in the postseason. Four times a player amassed 12 points in an MCLA tournament game and Holding accounts for half of those. His 11 goals against Sam Houston State in ’11 still stands as the tournament record, and he is tied for third (twice) with eight goals against both Southwestern and Westminster.

After his MCLA career, Holding went on to play in both Major League Lacrosse (MLL) and the National Lacrosse League (NLL). He won an MLL championship with the Denver Outlaws in 2014 and, later that same year, he won a World Championship with Team Canada. Holding has played in the NLL for 14 years and is currently the assistant captain for the San Diego Seals.

“Cam was a different animal on the field,” said Grand Valley State coach Tim Murray. “His level of athleticism, creativity and understanding of the game separated him from the pack in terms of on-field successes. Guarding Cam was like trying to guard a thoroughbred; he was quick, powerful, and knew how to use angles and leverage to his advantage.

“But the attributes that make Cam a Hall of Famer instead of just another great player, are his work ethic, his selflessness and the way he cared about — and connected with — his teammates.

“Cam spent the majority of our fall season trying to get new players an opportunity to score in our scrimmages. He organized conditioning sessions after practices throughout the season. He was always the first to show up to practices and the last to leave. From a coach's perspective, whenever your best player is also your hardest worker, you know you have something special.

“Every one of Cam’s goals seemed like a highlight goal. He could dance around defenders or run through them, then tuck a ball in the corner of the goal before the goalie even knew it was out of his stick. He made the difficult seem so routine and effortless. So often, I was just shaking my head on the sideline thinking to myself, ‘Man, I'm glad he's on our side.’”

In addition to his playing success, Holding led Michigan State to the MCLA Division I national championship in 2018 as the head coach.

“I am honored to be inducted into the MCLA Hall of Fame,” Holding said. “Lacrosse has been a lifelong passion, and my time at Grand Valley and competing in the MCLA left a lasting impact on my life.

“The experience helped shape who I am—providing the opportunity to learn from exceptional coaches, form lifelong friendships and create unforgettable memories. Staying connected to the sport as both a player and coach has been incredibly fulfilling, and I always encourage young athletes to explore the MCLA. It offers a unique opportunity to compete at a high level while maintaining a balanced college experience.”

The induction for the MCLA Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will take place on Friday, May 9, in Round Rock, Texas. The class will be honored on Saturday in between the title games at the 2025 MCLA National Championships presented by New Balance.

Information about the championships can be found HERE.