Holly Wilson Greene was born on December 25, 1946, in Oakland, California. From an early age, Wilson was interested in sports but frustrated with the barriers for women and girls’ involvement; she was annoyed when her brother got to play Little League baseball and she could not because the organization would not allow girls. After graduating from Berkeley High School, Wilson continued to Chico State College in 1965. Once again, Wilson found herself battling for entry based on her gender, she was not allowed to enroll in the courses she wanted to take about athletic training because she was not a man. Wilson then transferred to Indiana State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health and then a Master of Science in Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Training. Wilson served as a graduate assistant throughout her studies at Indiana State. She then continued her studies at the University of Iowa, completing a PhD in Physical Education in 1980 while working as an assistant athletic trainer. In 1983, she became a certified physical therapist after completing the program at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, California. Also in 1983, Holly Wilson married Kevin Greene. Greene joined the Naval Reserve in 1984 and was called to Active Duty in 1990 in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Greene was on active duty from August 1990 to April 1991, serving as a physical therapist in a Naval hospital. Holly Wilson Greene earned a number of awards, including the Navy Achievement Medal and a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal while serving.