Alexander Hollings

Alexander Hollings: Elite Athlete, Marine, and Journalist

Alexander Hollings stands out in the United Grid League not just for his strength on the competition floor, but for the unique path that led him there. As a Strength Specialist for the Orlando Aces, he’s earned respect for his explosive power in events like snatch ladders and yoke carries. His 2023 season peaked with an impact score of 141, leading his team through the challenging Ascend format matches.

The foundation of Hollings’ athletic career was built during his time in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served from 2006 to 2012. As a member of the Marine Corps Fight Club 29, he honed his combat skills and earned his black belt in Marine Corps Martial Arts. His competitive spirit found other outlets in rugby, representing Southern Vermont College and competing in the 2014 Can-Am tournament.

CrossFit became another arena for Hollings to test his limits. His numbers tell the story of dedicated training: a 425-pound back squat, 565-pound deadlift, and a sub-two-minute Grace time. While competing in CrossFit Opens since 2016, he’s steadily improved his rankings while managing the demands of a full professional career.

Born into a Marine family in San Diego, Hollings grew up moving between Florida, Virginia, and Okinawa, Japan. Those early years watching his father’s dedication to fitness sparked his own journey in strength sports. In high school, he played linebacker and boxed, laying the groundwork for his later athletic achievements.

Beyond the gym, Hollings has built an equally impressive career in journalism. As Editor-in-Chief of Sandboxx News, he covers military technology and veterans’ issues with such insight that his work has been cited in Senate hearings. He also contributes to Popular Mechanics, bringing complex defense topics to a broader audience.

His approach to fitness reflects his military background, focused on consistency over trending workouts. “The secret isn’t another workout trend, it’s showing up, even when it hurts,” he wrote in a 2017 SOFREP article. This mindset has helped him navigate both athletic competition and career advancement while dealing with the realities of injury management and aging.

Now based in Cumming, Georgia with his wife Jamie and their daughter, Hollings continues to push boundaries in both athletics and journalism. His story resonates particularly with veterans transitioning to civilian life, showing how military discipline can fuel success across multiple fields.

From the Marine Corps to the Grid League floor, from international deployments to viral workout videos, Hollings demonstrates that elite athletics and professional achievement aren’t mutually exclusive. His journey proves that with enough drive, it’s possible to excel in seemingly disparate fields while staying true to your core values.