Our Staff

Elijah Holifield is an educator, advisor, mentor, and former student-athlete whose life has been shaped by independent school education, academic mentorship, and high-performance environments. Having attended independent schools throughout his life, Elijah understands the value of structure, accountability, and student-centered guidance. His professional experience spans four distinct levels of education, including early childhood and elementary education, Upper School college counseling and student-athlete mentorship, admissions and academic advising in higher education, and youth development through individualized coaching and mentoring. From helping prospective students navigate the admissions process to supporting young athletes through academic check-ins, college preparation, and personal development, Elijah’s work has consistently centered on helping students build confidence, discipline, and genuine personal connection. As a current doctoral student in Educational Leadership, he brings both professional experience and scholarly preparation to his work with students and families.

Elijah’s approach to education is deeply informed by his own journey as a student-athlete, scholar, and leader. He competed at St. John’s University under NBA Hall of Famer Chris Mullin, earned Big East academic honors as a freshman, later became a SWAC Champion and Dean’s List member at Prairie View A&M University, and continued his career professionally, winning a Bosnian Premier League Cup championship. Beyond the accomplishments themselves, those experiences taught Elijah the importance of preparation, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and mentorship—principles he now applies to student development through Game Plan Education Group. His leadership foundation began early, serving as a peer leader at Pace Academy mentoring freshmen, and continued at St. John’s University, where he taught weekly transition classes for freshman student-athletes. As a neurodivergent learner diagnosed with ADHD inattentive type in childhood, Elijah also understands firsthand the importance of executive functioning skills, individualized support, and learning environments that help students turn challenges into strengths. As someone who has experienced the power of education, athletics, and guidance firsthand, Elijah is committed to helping young people create their own “game plan” for success by equipping them with academic tools, life skills, and the strategic support needed to turn potential into achievement.