Appearing in his tenth career All-Star Game, Marcus Holman had to balance a new weight on his shoulders Saturday afternoon in Louisville.

Holman’s wife, Alex Aust Holman, was on the field with him competing with the four other Unleashed women’s lacrosse All-Stars: Izzy Scane, Charlotte North, Dana Dobbie and Emily Hawryschuk.

Usually for Marcus, his dad — Cannons head coach Brian Holman — is giving him grief from the Cannons sideline. During the All-Star Game, it was Alex.

Before the game started, both Alex and Marcus competed in the Accuracy Shooting skills competition. Alex was unable to record a point during her round, but Marcus won the event.

“I had so much fun doing it,” Alex said. “It’s nightmare fuel that I didn't hit a target.”

After the event, Alex blamed her goose egg on Marcus not feeding her when she was preparing even though she helped him out.

The challenge was the beginning of an eventful day for the Holmans.

During the game, Alex was able to radio into Marcus’s helmet to give him some tips.

“Being in Marcus’s helmet today was like a dream come true,” Alex said with a chuckle. “We have a really good, healthy relationship of being able to support each other and cheer each other on.”

Cheering is exactly what Alex did when Marcus ripped a shot past Blaze Riorden to give the Eastern Conference a 5-1 lead early in the second corner.

“They told me that they were going to that and I was like, ‘OK, whatever’ and then I forgot. And then all of a sudden, I was hearing her in my ear,” Holman said with a laugh. “I was like, ‘Oh man, here we go.’”

That was the beginning of an epic All-Star performance for Marcus. The veteran Cannons star dominated throughout the game, recording five points (4G, 1T) and taking home MVP honors.

“We talking last night about some All-Star Game MVP snubs,” Alex said. “For him to win that award, I think it helps his confidence a little bit.”

Who else but @MarcusHolman1?!

5 POINTS
4 GOALS
1 TWO-POINTER

All-Star Game MVP! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/kaSPaLqHDm

— Boston Cannons (@PLLCannons) July 13, 2024

For Marcus, it was another opportunity to reflect on his long successful career.

“I’ll think about it as a full-circle moment, and I’m just super blessed to play this game that has given me the opportunity to play out here in front of these awesome crowds,” he said.

Holman’s four goals helped lead the Eastern Conference All-Stars to a 15-12 victory over the Western Conference All-Stars. He viewed the midseason exhibition as a chance to get more touches and improve as a player ahead of what Boston hopes is a championship push.

The 4-2 Cannons sit second in the East and are shifting gears toward another playoff run. Holman will be paramount in Boston’s quest for a title.

“I’m telling you, he’s going for that feeling of a championship,” Alex said. “He won’t care about today.”