Lexington, SC 01/20/2022 (Paul Kirby) – Dignitaries from the Town of Lexington, members of the public, and family members of Joy Holman joined together one morning last week to rename Hendrix Street to Joy Holman Boulevard in her memory. The official ceremony was held at Lexington’s Willie B. Carartor Park.
Holman’s Goddaughter, Joy Mills, who is Holman’s namesake, spoke about her fond memories and the impact Holman had on so many young people through her coaching of youth sports and her Double Dutch jump roping career.
According to the website carolinapanorama.com, Joy Holman graduated from Lexington High School in 1974 and excelled in volleyball, basketball and track. She attended Benedict College on a basketball scholarship. Joy also played volleyball, softball and performed with the dance group. She served as captain and MVP of all three sports, made all conference and all state for softball and basketball. Joy received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from Benedict College in 1978 and continued her post-graduate studies at the University of South Carolina.
Referring to that story in carolinapanorama.com, in 1978, Joy played in the first women's professional basketball league in the USA, the WBL (Women’s Basketball League), for the Dayton Rockettes. Joy played point and wing guard for three years before the league was dissolved. In 1980, Joy was hired by the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department as a Park Leader.
One of her greatest claims to fame was coaching the Double Dutch Forces jump rope team. On February 11, 1985, Joy implemented a competitive Double Dutch Program at Valley Park. Joy, who at the time knew little about the sport, accepted the challenge and became the team's Double Dutch coach. The team grew from just four members to over 100 jumpers. Under her leadership, “The Forces” won 338 State of South Carolina titles, 137 World titles, 99 2nd Place World titles, 29 National titles and 5 Grand National titles. Her teams also set five national speed records.
For all that she did for the community, it seems fitting to honor and remember her by renaming the street for her.
