March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the vital contributions, achievements, and sacrifices of women in our communities. While some have already cemented their legacies, others continue to lay the groundwork and blueprint for the next generation.
The Peekskill Herald is proud to spotlight Women Who Champion Our Champions, a series highlighting the individuals working behind the scenes in local athletics.
Nyrie Holliman
Peekskill Herald (PH) > What inspires you in your everyday life?
Nyrie Holliman > What inspires me most in my everyday life is the opportunity to give back to the same community that raised me. I’m fortunate enough to work at my alma mater public school, where I now teach physical education and coach the girls’ varsity basketball team. Walking the same halls where I once was a student is really meaningful to me. Some of the teachers who once taught and supported me are now my coworkers, and that full-circle moment inspires me everyday. It motivates me to work hard and to be the same kind of positive influence for my students and athletes that my teachers and coaches were for me growing up.
PH > What brings you the most joy?
Nyrie Holliman > What brings me the most joy is seeing students and athletes grow, both in their confidence and in their abilities. As a PE teacher and a coach, I truly feel like I have one of the best jobs. I get to be physically active every day while teaching students the importance of staying active and healthy. I love helping kids discover sports, build teamwork skills, and develop habits that can last a lifetime. Watching a student try something new, gain confidence, or find something they love doing is incredibly rewarding. Being involved with younger athletes through our intramural programs and helping them develop a passion for sports is something I take a lot of pride in.
PH > What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Nyrie Holliman > The best advice I’ve ever received is to seize the day and live every day like it’s your last. That mindset has stayed with me for a long time. It reminds me to give my best effort in everything I do, whether it’s teaching, coaching, or pursuing my personal goals. It pushes me to work hard, enjoy the moment, and never take opportunities for granted. Life moves quickly, and that advice helps me stay focused on making the most out of every day.
PH > What advice would you give that you believe is key?
Nyrie Holliman > The advice I would give is to always believe in yourself and stay consistent in your effort. Success doesn’t happen overnight. Whether it’s in school, sports, or life, growth comes from showing up every day, putting in the work, and not giving up when things get challenging. I also encourage young people to try new things and step outside of their comfort zone. You never know what you might be capable of until you give yourself the chance to try.
PH > What legacy do you want to leave behind?
Nyrie Holliman > The legacy I hope to leave behind is one of impact, both in athletics and in the classroom. As a coach, I want to continue building our girls’ basketball program into something our community is proud of. My goal is to help our team consistently compete at a high level, reach sectionals, and eventually bring home a state championship. But beyond wins and losses, I want the players who come through our program to leave as confident young women who believe in themselves, understand the value of teamwork, and carry the lessons they learned with them long after they graduate.
As a physical education teacher, I hope to make a lasting difference in my students’ lives by helping them develop a lifelong appreciation for being active and taking care of their health. If my students leave my class feeling more confident, more motivated, and excited to stay active, then I know I’ve done my job. Ultimately, I want to be remembered as someone who cared deeply about her students and athletes, pushed them to be their best, and made a positive impact on the community that gave me so much.
Lanay Rodney
PH > In your everyday life, what is the thing that inspires you?
Lanay Rodney > What inspires me the most in my everyday life are random acts of kindness. You never know what one may be going through, so being kind can go a long way and make a difference.
PH > What brings you the most joy?
Lanay Rodney > What brings me the most joy is youth accomplishments as well as seeing all my loved ones succeed.
PH > What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Lanay Rodney > Wayne Gretzky: You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. This quote encourages a proactive approach to goals and aspirations.
PH > What advice would you give that you believe is key?
Lanay Rodney > Be consistent ! Consistency is key!
PH > What legacy do you want to leave behind?
Lanay Rodney > My impact on the community, kind, supportive, inspiring, someone who looked to help others grow. My contributions to Peekskill athletics as a player and a coach. Player –– +1,000 point scorer, three Section 1 Titles. Coaching –– sports including mod volleyball, mod girls’ basketball, intramural volleyball, intramural flag football, JV softball, intramural soccer.
