Darren Holman serves as the Head Cross Country Coach at Stanislaus State University and brings more than 27 years of coaching, teaching, mentoring, and athletic development experience to the Warrior program. With ten years of head coaching experience at Stanislaus State University, Holman has helped build the Warriors into a nationally competitive NCAA Division II distance program through strong leadership, progressive training, recruiting, fundraising, academic support, and a student-athlete-centered approach.
Under Holman’s leadership, Stanislaus State University distance athletes have produced 77 top-ten all-time marks from 2016 to present across men’s outdoor, women’s outdoor, and women’s indoor distance events. Those marks include major movement in the 800 meters, 1500 meters/mile, steeplechase, 5,000 meters, and 10,000 meters.
Coaching Accomplishments at Stanislaus State University
- Ten years of experience leading the Stanislaus State University Cross Country program
- Coached 25 All-Americans at Stanislaus State University
- Coached one NCAA Division II Indoor National Champion in the Mile in 2025
- Led Stanislaus State University to two CCAA Conference Championships in 2021 and 2022
- Led Stanislaus State University to the 2022 NCAA Division II West Regional Championship
- Named 2021 CCAA Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year
- Named 2022 CCAA Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year
- Named 2022 NCAA Women’s Cross Country West Region Coach of the Year
- Guided the Stanislaus State University women’s cross country program to a No. 12 national ranking in 2025 and 2026
- Earned Men’s and Women’s Team Academic All-America honors in 2026
- Fundraised $100,000 in 2026 to support the cross country and track & field programs
- Developed and implemented progressive training systems focused on long-term athlete development
- Recruited and mentored student-athletes committed to academic and athletic excellence
- Built a competitive team culture focused on discipline, accountability, consistency, and growth
- Provided leadership in program administration, team operations, recruiting, travel, student-athlete support, and community engagement
NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championship Success
- 2025 Women’s Cross Country: 12th place at the NCAA Division II National Championships
- 2024 Women’s Cross Country: 24th place at the NCAA Division II National Championships
- 2022 Women’s Cross Country: 18th place at the NCAA Division II National Championships
- 2021 Women’s Cross Country: 12th place at the NCAA Division II National Championships
- 2019 Men’s Cross Country: 11th place at the NCAA Division II National Championships
Indoor Track & Field National Success
- Coached one NCAA Division II Indoor National Champion in the Mile in 2025
- Coached a 3rd-place national finisher in the Women’s Indoor Mile in 2026
- Coached a 9th-place national finish in the Women’s Indoor Distance Medley Relay in 2026
Additional Coaching Background
Before and during his time at Stanislaus State University, Holman gained coaching experience across multiple levels of the sport.
- Six years of coaching experience with club, high school, college-level, and semi-professional athletes
- Founded and coached the nonprofit youth track and field organization Foothill Gold
- Five years of experience as Sonora High School Distance Coach
- Emphasizes academic achievement, long-term athlete development, positive team culture, recruiting, and student-athlete support
Athletic Background
Holman also brings a strong background as a former collegiate and professional distance runner.
- Competed professionally for the Nike Farm Team from 2001 to 2004
- Trained for the Olympic Trials in 1999 and 2004
- Earned USA Indoor Track & Field Championships All-American honors in 2000
- NCAA Big West Conference Men’s 5,000-meter Champion in 1998
- NCAA Big West Conference Runner-Up in the 1500 meters in 1999
- Cal Poly Cross Country Team Captain in 1998 and 1999
- Received the Cal Poly Student-Athlete Award for outstanding GPA and athletic achievement in 1998
Education and Teaching Experience
Holman’s background also includes extensive experience in education, leadership, curriculum development, and student support.
- Master of Arts in Education Administration, University of the Pacific
- Administrative Credential, University of the Pacific
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Teaching Concentration, Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo
- California Teaching Credential
- California Administrative Credential
- Ten years of teaching experience in Career Technical Education
- Member and author on the State Career Technical Education Curriculum Development Team
- Developed curriculum articulation for Welding Technology at Columbia College
- Practicum Supervisor, Career Technical Education
- Chaired the Career Technical Education Leadership Council
- WASC Accreditation Team Member, Contra Costa Unified
- Experienced in academic leadership, student mentorship, curriculum development, program evaluation, and student support
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