Holden Trent, 25, of Greensboro, passed away on October 26, 2024 surrounded by close family and friends, his fiancé Brie Losito, and a village of soccer teammates and coaches that supported him throughout his career. Holden made the courageous decision to be an organ donor, and we celebrate that his life will live on through the numerous recipients whose miracles are being granted through his selflessness.
Holden was born on July 7, 1999 in Greensboro, North Carolina. As a kid, he was rarely seen without a soccer ball. Holden figured out his passion in life at a very young age and committed himself to achieving his dreams. He faced numerous obstacles that would have stopped most, but he never gave up on his love for soccer. When he wasn’t on the field, he loved to be at a Wake Forest game with his Poppie, playing golf, being at the beach with his Babee, or spending time with his best friends. Holden loved a great watch, a pair of shoes, a stylish tracksuit, and making fun of his family for not being as fashionable. Everyday after soccer practice, Holden would rewatch training videos, listen to podcasts, and spend time with Brie.
In October 2019, Holden and Brie met while attending High Point University. Their friends describe them as inseparable. After dating for four years, Holden proposed to Brie on December 15, 2023 in Florence, Italy. Holden and Brie added Ghost, a rambunctious German Shepard, to their family in May of 2024. They loved to order take out, watch movies, and never had enough soccer in their life together.
One of Holden’s last days was spent at his favorite place, High Point University, with his beloved coaches Zach Haines, Josh Gillon, and the team playing for the school he loved so much.
Holden was beloved by his mother and stepfather, Annie B. and Bryan Carter, sister Liza McGowan and brother-in-law Bryant, fiancé Brie and the Losito family, brothers Steven James and Thomas Trent and sister-in-law Kayla, “Aunt T” Tricia and Bart Goodson, Lilly and Scottie Goodson, “Babee” Barbara Williams and late “Poppie” James Thomas Williams Jr., father Chris Trent, grandparents Richard and Susan Trent, his entire soccer family, and his loving puppy Ghost.
Holden was recruited and signed to play at the collegiate level his junior year at Page High School. He was a five year member of the US Development Academy and played club soccer for the NC Fusion and Carolina Rapids.
During his tenure at High Point University (HPU), Holden was a team captain and finished his career sixth among NCAA Division I active goalkeepers with 22 clean sheets in the fewest games played (52). He anchored the HPU defense in goal, helping lead High Point to its first two Big South Tournament Championships and its first-ever men's NCAA Tournament win, a 2-0 shutout of North Carolina.
In addition to being named 2023 Athlete of the Year at HPU, he received many accolades at HPU, including being named to the TopDrawerSoccer Best XI Second Team, honored two-time Big South Goalkeeper of the Year, earning a spot on the Big South All-Conference First Team, and being named to the Big South All-Tournament Team. Holden turned in NCAA DI top-10 performances in single-season minutes played (5th, 1,890) and shutouts (10th, 8). He was a United Soccer Coaches All-South Region Third Team member and was named to TopDrawerSoccer's Best XI Second Team in 2022.
Holden was selected in the first round of the 2023 SuperDraft to the Philadelphia Union. In 2023 and 2024, he made six appearances (six starts) for Union II in league play. He was named “Man of the Match” on May 14, 2023, with 9 saves. He has been recovering from a hand injury throughout 2024. The goalkeeper community at the Union led by Phil Wheddon, have been formative in Holden’s life, both professionally and personally.
Holden wrote his mother a letter on the day he left to start his professional soccer career. He told her that everything in life after making it to the MLS was just a cherry on top because he had finally achieved what he had worked so hard for throughout his entire life.
“I have given most of my life to the game of soccer. It took me to the highest of highs and lowest of lows. In a strange way, I wouldn’t change a thing.” -Holden Trent
A Celebration of Life will be held at Vert Stadium, Panther Dr, High Point, NC, on Sunday, November 3 at 2 p.m. Feel free to dress like Holden is styling you – trendy and comfortable but especially by wearing your favorite sneakers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Holden Trent Goal 13 Foundation, www.goal13foundation.org, an organization that will honor Holden’s legacy by helping other athletes or the Holden Trent Memorial Scholarship Fund, https://tinyurl.com/zz8wm4mh, at High Point University that will benefit a first generation player on the HPU Soccer Team that exudes leadership and dedication to the sport. Please send any photos or videos of Holden to [email protected].
In honor of Holden’s memory, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating his life by registering as an organ donor. This decision provides an unparalleled opportunity to give the gift of life and hope to others. To register, please visit honorbridge.org/registerme.
For the foreseeable future, the family will not be receiving visitors at their home. We appreciate everyone respecting their privacy at this time. The family feels the incredible love and support that has been sent their way through your thoughts and prayers.
All services will be closed to any press or media.
