Darren Holman is an exceptional coach, teacher, and athlete who has made monumental contributions to the men's and women's cross country program at Stanislaus State. Holman's athletic career, passion for teaching and coaching, and commitment to his athletes have made him an invaluable member of the Stanislaus State community.
Holman's athletic career, which includes standout performances in track and cross country at Cal Poly SLO, has played a significant role in shaping his coaching philosophy. Holman was a Big West Conference champion in the 5000-meter run in 1998 and was well on his way to training for the Olympic Trials before an injury ended his hopes for Athens 2004. In 2000, he finished as an All-American in the USA Indoor Track & Field Championships in the mile run. Holman also competed professionally for the Nike Farm Team from 2001 to 2004.
As the head coach of the men's and women's cross country teams at Stanislaus State, Holman has been instrumental in the development of the program. Under his guidance, numerous student-athletes have achieved exceptional success at both the regional and national levels. In the past six years, seven athletes have earned All-American honors, while 13 have been named All-Region athletes. The men's team achieved its best-ever finish in 2019, placing 11th in the nation, and the women's team has dominated the CCAA conference, winning back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022. In 2022, Holman led the women's team to a regional championship and a ranking as one of the top women's teams in the country.
Holman's commitment to excellence, passion for teaching and coaching, and dedication to his athletes have earned him recognition as the 2021 and 2022 CCAA Women's Cross Country Coach of the Year and the 2022 NCAA Women's Cross Country West Region Coach of the Year. His leadership and exceptional coaching abilities have elevated the Stan State cross country program to new heights, and he continues to inspire and develop the next generation of talented student-athletes.
In addition to his coaching achievements, Holman is also involved in mentoring young athletes and has founded a non-profit youth running club, Foothill Gold. Through this organization, he has provided countless young athletes with the opportunity to develop their skills and achieve their athletic goals. Holman's dedication to mentoring and community service reflects his belief in the importance of giving back and making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Moreover, Holman's professional affiliations include his involvement in the Division II Executive Committee and the NCAA DII Cross Country Coaches Connection. He has also made the Provisional 1500-meter time for the Olympic Trials and coached his son to one world record in the 5k, two national championships, and his son is currently ranked as one of the nation's best high school distance runners.
Holman's approach to coaching is centered on developing a strong mental and physical foundation for his athletes. He recognizes that every runner is unique and has different goals, strengths, and weaknesses. Therefore, he tailors his coaching style to each athlete and works closely with them to create a training plan that is personalized and effective.
Holman's training philosophy emphasizes the importance of consistency and patience. He believes that steady progress is key to achieving long-term success in running, and he encourages his athletes to stay focused and committed to their goals. Holman also places a strong emphasis on injury prevention and makes sure that his athletes are taking care of their bodies and recovering properly after workouts and races.
Not forgetting Holman is his impressive track record of success. He has coached numerous athletes to personal bests, podium finishes, and even national championships. Holman's coaching methods have been proven to work, and runners who train with him can be confident that they are receiving top-quality guidance and support.
In addition to his coaching skills, Holman is also known for his positive and encouraging attitude.
He believes in building strong relationships with his athletes and creating a supportive and uplifting training environment. His approachable and friendly demeanor makes it easy for runners to approach him with questions, concerns, and feedback.
Finally, Holman's own personal achievements as a runner also make him an inspiring coach. He has competed at a high level himself, and his passion for the sport is evident in everything he does. Runners who work with Holman can feel confident that they are learning from someone who truly understands the challenges and rewards of running.
