Anniston, AL – As two-time class 4A State Track Champion Anniston receives rings in 2023. Holland receives two NFHS honors.

By Joe Medley

Lisa Howard Holland has turned Anniston’s track team for boys into a two-time Class 4A champion. Her work has earned two honors at Anniston’s National Federation of State High School Associations.

At the Bulldogs”ring ceremony” on Monday, in the auditorium of the school, Holland received honors as the NFHS’ Alabama and Section 3 coach of the year 2022-23.

Lisa Howard Holland is the NFHS Coaches Association coach of the year for Section 3 and Alabama. (Submitted photo)

“It is indeed an honor and privilege to be awarded this award and be able to share the moment with my team members,” said Holland who is also The East Alabama Sports Daily’s track coach of year for the 2023 boys track. “This isn’t just an award for me, but also for each child I taught as well as every coach and teacher whom I believed in.

“Everyone who has supported me, this message is for you.”

Anniston took home Anniston won the Class 4A state titles in 2022 and 2023.


Anniston’s track team, which is led by coach Lisa Howard Holland, celebrated the team’s latest state title during a ceremony on Monday night in the auditorium of the school. (Submitted photo)

Jayden Lewis was the winner of the 100 200-meter and 100-meter dashes, while Malachi Taylor took home the triple jump. They take the lead in the Bulldogs on their final day during Gulf Shores in May. They moved up from eighth place in the team standings following the first day, and ended with 81 points. That’s 27 over second-place Priceville.

Lewis was the winner of the 100-meter race in 10.72 seconds, and the 200 in 21.89.


The ring in honor of Anniston’s recent class 4A state championship in track. (Submitted photo)

Taylor did the triple jump and covered 44′ and 3.75 inches. Taylor also placed fourth on the long-jump (21-09) with five points.

Anniston scored 68 points of its 81 points on the final day of the competition.

The Bulldogs also earned first-place places on relays 4×400 (3:27.89) and 4×800 (8:17.29) relays as well as finishing fifth for the 4×100 (44.32).

“As coach I am constantly challenging the younger individuals every time I have the chance since it is my responsibility to inspire the best within the kids,” Holland said. “Sometimes all you need is for people to trust you, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

“Special thank you for my spouse Samuel Holland, my high school coach, Robert Lynch, Bishop Ellis, Pastor Handly, my sister Jacquline Jackson and my family and friends, and my teams in particular.”