Still at the top: How Cannons Marcus Holman continues to defy time
Come on, you know how it is its a young mans game, Marcus Holman said on the broadcast during last Saturdays Boston Cannons vs. Carolina Chaos matchup in Denver.He wasnt wrong.On a day when rookies accounted for more than half of the goals scored on both sides, the future of the PLL was on full display.Then there was Holman.Fourteen seasons into his professional career, the 35-year-old attackman wasnt simply watching the next generation take over. He was at the top of the stat sheet, tallying a team-high four points (2G, 1T, 1A) in Bostons overtime loss.Holman currently leads the Cannons and ranks third in the PLL in points (30), behind only Philadelphias Michael Sowers and CJ Kirst. Hes also tied for second in the league with 21 goals; only Kirst has more.On a roster with an average age of 25, he isnt just keeping pace with teammates a decade younger; hes setting the standard.MARCUS HOLMAN TIES THINGS UP!!! pic.twitter.com/y08cWaQEiR Boston Cannons (@PLLCannons) July 25, 2026He plays the game with the same energy and passion that he did when he was 7, 8 or 9 years old, father and head coach Brian Holman said. And that is the most amazing thing out of all this.So how is Holman not just surviving in a young mans game, but thriving in it?An intentional approachThere isnt one workout, diet or secret recovery method for Holmans longevity. Instead, its the accumulation of countless small decisions made every day.Its just about being present and trying to be where my feet are, he said. I do breath work pretty much every night before I go to sleep. So, I think tying that in, your breath really helps you stay grounded in the moment.That presence has become even more important as he added dad to his list of titles this offseason. But for Holman, starting a family hasnt changed his love for the game; its simply given him more to love.Being his best as a husband, father and athlete means starting the day before the sun is up.Most mornings, hes awake at 5:15 a.m., unless he wants to sleep in; then its 6 a.m. He starts the day with his dogs before moving through stretching and mobility work that he believes has become essential to extending his career. Quiet time follows: journaling, reading a devotional or guided meditation and breath work are what he prioritizes to prepare for the day ahead.Bostons youngest players notice the intentionality behind how he spends every minute.When we shoot together, the quality of the reps is super important, rookie Mikey Weisshaar said. Everything he does is precise. Hes a busy guy, so when we go out and shoot, hes just so dialed in.Offensive coordinator Will Manny has seen those habits for years.Holmans best friend, former teammate and now coach doesnt think Holmans longevity is the result of suddenly finding another gear. He believes its the product of showing up the same way for more than a decade.I dont think hes getting better; I think this is just who hes been, Manny said. Hes just doing it at a consistent rate. Hes always worked hard and played 100% with effort, but now hes working a little bit smarter.Embracing changeFor someone whose dad jokingly describes him as stubborn, Holman has become remarkably comfortable with change.The version of himself playing today is different from the 22-year-old who was drafted by the Ohio Machine in 2013.I think that the quote, Only the strong survive, was misconstrued by people, Holman said. Really, its those who are most adaptable to change.Brian Holman says people often overlook just how much Marcus has reinvented his game over the years. The attackman who entered the league was multifaceted dodging, scoring and playing midfield.Marcs not the same player he was when he came into the league 13 or 14 years ago, Coach Holman said. He knows he cant do those kinds of things anymore, so how does he evolve? Thats an area where people dont give him enough credit.The evolution has kept Holman among the games elite. Entering the final stretch of the season, hes just 14 goals away from breaking John Grant Jr.s all-time record of 393.Rather than clinging to the player he once was, Holman has embraced the parts of the game that help his team win now.While some have come to view him as simply a finisher, Coach Holman believes that overlooks his off-ball movement, willingness to set screens and ability to win tough ground balls.Those are the plays Bostons young core notice most.Shaping the next generationHolman brings a physicality to gameday that fires up a sideline a decade younger than him.You know, Marcus is 35 years old and hes knocking dudes on their a in the first quarter, Manny said. Hes setting the tone. We have guys on our team that open their eyes and say, Holy s, Marcus just did that.'For Weisshaar, the impact is even more personal.The two Maryland natives train together, grab lunch and spend time away from the field. Weisshaar was just 10 years old when Holman began his professional career. He grew up watching Holman, studying his film and imagining what it would be like to play at the highest level.Now theyre teammates.As a rookie, Weisshaar says Holman has become a bridge between Bostons coaching staff and its young players, helping explain not just what the coaches want, but why.He knows what the coaches are looking for, Weisshaar said. But hes also been in our shoes and understands what were thinking.More than anything, Holman has shown Weisshaar what it takes to build a career.Holman challenged him to get to the field on his own, seek out extra reps and understand that greatness isnt built during mandatory practice alone.The message stuck. Weisshaar now carves out time for extra shooting sessions throughout the week, often joining Holman.Sometimes our schedules dont line up, and I cant make it out to shoot with him, but even though Im not even close to as busy as he is, he still finds a way, Weisshaar said. Thats just one way hes a good leader. If Marcus can do that with a wife and kid, I can certainly find the time.For Weisshaar, the player he once studied on film has become the example he tries to follow every day.Holman knows what its like to be the rookie chasing a dream, and now he gets to help others do the same.Its really exciting to see them experience this lifestyle for the first time, Holman said. I want them to know theyre all great players, and that I believe in them.Two-way influenceAs much as they look up to him, the young players around Holman have left their own mark.I think this team, with the influx of the young guys, has kind of reinvigorated him a little bit, Brian Holman said. Hes around a group of guys that really have high energy, and he has high energy too, so I think it feeds the beast a little bit.The Cannons offense is now made up mostly of rookies and second-year players, a stark contrast from last season after veteran retirements and departures reshaped the locker room. Rather than feeling out of place as the oldest player on the roster, Holman has embraced the role.Hes said that he hasnt had this much fun with a group in a really, really long time, Manny said.And its easy to see why.How ya like them apples? pic.twitter.com/iXt2eWYHUE Boston Cannons (@PLLCannons) July 19, 2026Holman may be the veteran voice, but hes also the one on aux in the locker room, dancing to whatever song comes on and bringing the same energy as the recent college grads. Hes still the guy pushing through workouts and winning running tests, but hes also the teammate everyone wants to be around.For Holman, that connection has made this chapter feel different.The rookies look to him for advice on lacrosse, life and everything in between, but hes just as willing to learn from them, whether it be in Gen Z slang or swapping his pregame espresso for a Celsius to stay with the times.Still learning, still loving the gameFor someone in his 14th professional season, Holman is quick to admit he doesnt have it all figured out.Hes still adjusting routines, learning what works for his body and searching for ways to feel his best. And while he has become a mentor for Bostons young core, hes never stopped looking for ways to improve.Former teammates Kyle Harrison and Scott Ratliff have become trusted sounding boards throughout the season friends whose honesty matters more than praise.I dont need people telling me how good I am all the time, Holman said with a laugh. My mom does that.And while trying to uncover how Marcus has continued producing at this stage of his career, everyone came back to the same answer: He simply loves lacrosse.I dont want to take any days for granted, whether Im on the practice field or a walk-through, Holman said. I just want to be excited about it because I know that in my heart, this is going to end one day.The numbers, records and accolades will eventually fade. What Holman hopes lasts is the impact he leaves behind.My grandkids arent going to know how good I was at lacrosse, right? he said. But the feeling that I gave a young kid when he watched me play, maybe that sparks him to want to go on and be a pro lacrosse player. Thats whats important to me.He continues to strive to be his best for the team, but sitting second on the all-time goals list isnt what keeps Holman coming back. Its the joy he still finds in every moment with a stick in his hand.
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