Wake Forest Athletics
Where Are They Now: David Holden
1/13/2011 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Jan. 13, 2011
This article originally appeared in the Dec. 4 edition of Gold Rush
In each issue of Gold Rush, "Where Are They Now" features a former Wake Forest student-athlete. This issue features former baseball player David Holden. David now lives in Winston-Salem with his wife Shelley ('00) and their daughters, Joanna and Libby. He works with corporate and individual clients as an insurance and investment advisor with Holden & Mickey, Inc.
When did you graduate from Wake Forest?
1999
What was your major and/or minor?
History Major/Politics Minor
What does being a Demon Deacon mean to you?
I grew up going to Wake Forest games ever since I can remember. Proudly wearing my Deacon sweatshirt to middle school in the Bob Staak years made me a target for ridicule among middle school bandwagon Carolina fans, but years later being given a scholarship to play baseball at Wake Forest was absolutely a dream come true.
From a different perspective, there are just so many great people in the Wake Forest family. The school naturally attracts people with good values and a strong work ethic. I am proud when I tell people I went to Wake and when I meet a new Deacon, it instantly tells me something about them.
Why are you still involved in Wake Forest Athletics?
I enjoy going to games with my wife, daughters and friends. I also want to support the student-athletes and the University. I have something in common with every Wake Forest student-athlete, and I want them to enjoy as much success as possible.
Why do you feel it is important to give back to the University?
Many others had to give back first so that I could have four great years at Wake Forest. It is my responsibility to help give that opportunity to the next generation, and hopefully others will have an even better experience.
What is your favorite memory of your time at Wake Forest?
There are way too many great memories to name one favorite, but on the field it would be hitting a home run in practice off of future Major League All-Star Mike MacDougal and then playing against and getting a hit against Carolina at "The Hook" after rooting against them so hard for so long. Off the field, I have so many great memories of building relationships with teammates, fraternity brothers and other friends that have meant so much to me in my life. After graduation, travel abroad to Europe with other Wake Forest students on Dr. Bob's trip was a highlight. I had such a wide range of experiences at Wake Forest in so many different areas. Wake Forest offers so much in terms of opportunities, and it makes it easy to make good memories.
What makes you most proud of Wake Forest?
The people. The people that Wake Forest helps mold were great when they got there, and Wake Forest helps just make them that much better. And that 2006 ACC Football Championship. I still can't believe it...
When you come back to Wake Forest, you always...
Drive around campus and just think about all the good times I had and the friends that I made there.
I was there when...
Tim Duncan won the second of back-to-back ACC basketball titles. Back-to-back ACC baseball championships. Desmond Clark's last-minute catch in upset of Northwestern.
Who is your favorite coach at Wake Forest, current or past?
Strength Coach Chris Reed, who unexpectedly passed away during my sophomore year was a great man. We heard the news in the locker room before a game vs. heavily favored Clemson, and with heavy hearts, proceeded to blow them out. We had some help that day.
Assistant baseball coach Mike Rikard was my favorite baseball coach. Current soccer coach Jay Vidovich was actually my youth soccer coach for the '76 Winston-Salem Twins when I was 12 and is obviously a great coach.
