By Deirdre O’Neill ’15, Athletic Communications Intern
Sky Holden ’95 – one of two brothers to play men’s volleyball at the State University of New York at New Paltz- is still a name that is seen in the record books.
Holden grew up in East Greenbush, N.Y. near Albany and attended Columbia High School. “Coming out of high school, volleyball was a huge factor, focus, and passion of mine,” Holden explained. “New Paltz offered both a competitive volleyball team and a great communications program.”
Holden earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications from New Paltz in 1995 and afterwards, continued his studies and received his Master’s in Integrated Communications, Advertising, Public Relations and Marketing from Florida International University (FIU) in 1999.
During his time at FIU, he was a graduate assistant for the men’s volleyball team and also an assistant hall director in resident life.
“New Paltz prepared me for the next step and transition in life after I chose a career in digital media sales and online sales. In 1999, this was a new field and a great learning opportunity. It’s been an exciting ride.”
Holden credits many valuable life lessons to his time at New Paltz. The teamwork and camaraderie that the volleyball team provided is something he still looks back on and to this day, Holden still keeps in touch with many of his former teammates.
One teammate in particular is his twin brother, Shadow. To Sky, playing with him was the absolute highlight of his playing days and he explained how their relationship only grew deeper from being teammates. Sky’s last match against Springfield on April 5, 1995 is one that he still remembers being very emotional for both him and his brother.
To this day, the Holden brothers can be seen all over the statistical record books of the men’s volleyball program.
Sky currently is ranked number one in solo blocks in three sets with 11 and is also ranked first in total blocks with 16 in three sets. Sky is also tied for second with 15 total blocks (five sets) as all of these records were achieved in a match against East Stroudsburg University on Feb. 4, 1995.
Holden credits his success to playing under current assistant coach and Director of the Educational Opportunity Program, Tony Bonilla ‘87, who in 1995 was the head coach of the Hawks.
“Bonilla was a great coach and mentor and still means a great deal to me. I wouldn’t have succeeded had it not been for Tony. I am grateful for him and I salute him,” expressed Holden.
Bonilla also has positive memories of while Holden was a member of the team.
“It was a delight to have had the opportunity to coach Sky, primarily because of his volleyball skills and second for the amazing person he is. He was a team player and worked very hard at his craft,” Bonilla explained.
While playing for Bonilla, Holden learned many important life lessons, explaining how he challenged himself and played with high expectations. By doing this, he was able to extend this mindset into his career and life after graduation.
“New Paltz was very instrumental in my life. I gained opportunities in athletics, in my professional life, and through social interactions. New Paltz is where I built my skill set and learned the building blocks for my career.”
Sky is currently the Senior Vice President of Advertising Sales at AdColony. He met his wife Diane at New Paltz and together the couple has three children: Lila (16 years old), Avya (11 years old), and Harrison (8 years old).
