Pullman High School junior Vaughn Holstad is not just a one or two sport athlete; he is a three sport athlete. Holstad plays some of the most important positions in each of the sports. In basketball, he can play either guard position or small forward. In football, he plays both sides of the ball as a wide receiver and corner/safety. In baseball, he plays outfield and pitches. 

Balancing three sports isn’t easy, but instead of shying away from it, he embraces the grind. Each season builds something different, whether it is speed and toughness from football, decision making and conditioning from basketball, or patience and precision from baseball. 

Holstad’s passion lies on the court, though; he has his eyes set on playing college basketball. 

“I just want the opportunity to play at the next level,” Holstad said. “Everything I do now is about getting better and putting myself in that position.”

Last season, the Greyhounds basketball team was good, going 16-7 and 10-2 in conference play, but this year they have started off on fire, 12-3 and 5-1 in conference.

“We have been playing together since middle school, so the chemistry is already there. Four of our five starters came back, and that makes everything easier,” Holstad said. 

Holstad plays his role with discipline. He is not focused on flashy stats or forcing shots. Instead, his mindset is simple: run the offense correctly, trust the system, and let the right opportunities come. 

“The goal is to get an open three or a layup,” he said. “If we do that, the offense works.”

Head coach Craig Brantner is known for detailed scouting, breaking down opponents’ plays, best players, and tendencies before every game. 

“He knows every play that the other team runs and who their best players are and the strengths and weaknesses they have. We also run their plays against each other in practice to get a feel for how to guard their plays,” Holstad said. 

Whether the Greyhounds are playing GSL games or the Moscow Bears, he takes something from the games. Against the Bears, it’s more local and means more to the community; winning the game matters more. When playing in Spokane schools, he is able to get better as a player due to higher competition and shows him his weaknesses. 

He is only in his junior year, leaving his mark on Pullman High School, and has accomplished a great amount with another year left.