Her Double Dutch teams won dozens of world titles. This beloved SC coach has died

Columbia Double Dutch legend Joy Holman, who for decades coached championship youth teams with a combination of sternness and love, died on Tuesday.

Holman helped found Columbia’s national and world champion Double Dutch teams known as Double Dutch Forces. Some simply called the team The Forces.

Holman and her team certainly were a force.

The team was formed in 1985. Under her leadership, teams from different age groups won 324 state titles, 139 world titles, 28 nationals and five grand national titles, including five national speed records, according to the Double Dutch Forces website. They won several titles at last year’s American Double Dutch League World Invitational Championship.

Beyond the competitive recognitions, Holman was remembered as a mentor and positive force in young people’s lives.

“She was a wonderful person, very dedicated to her team, and she wanted the best for everyone,” said Jean Ford, head of the American Double Dutch League and a friend to Holman for more than 30 years. The American Double Dutch League’s website says it is the official governing body of the Double Dutch sport.

Holman was competitive, as well. She would always challenge judges about her teams’ scores to make sure they were properly ranked, Ford recalled.

Holman’s passing brought an outpouring of remembrances on social media from people and organizations.

USA Jump Rope, a leading sanctioning body for competitions, said its members had the pleasure of working with Holman for many years.

“Her dedication and impact to the sport of Double Dutch will never be forgotten,” the organization said.

Holman was still being recognized for her contributions as recently as last week. On July 14, Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin presented Holman the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, on behalf of Gov. Henry McMaster. The award is given for contributions of statewide significance by an individual.

Holman served as an inspiration to generations of young leaders across the Midlands, Benjamin said.

“She coached them, mentored them and loved them, and they became champions in sports and in life,” Benjamin said. “She will be missed, but thank God her legacy will live on.”

Many say that Holman gave Columbia a point of pride. Cita Wise said he’s the person he is today because of Holman. He joined Holman’s team in 1990 and still jumps for the Forces. Holman was a second mother to him, Wise said.

While Holman had countless qualities that made her a unique person, the one he’ll remember is her discipline.

“She had a method to her madness,” Wise said. “It was stern, straight to the point, but loving, caring and endearing all in one.”

Wise said he was a kid in the public housing projects before he joined Holman’s team. She allowed him to look beyond those confines.

“I became a world champion and began to see the world thanks to Joy,” Wise said.

While he may experience sadness the next time he’s jumping, any tears will be overcome by the love his former coach provided.

“We’re going to carry on her legacy and make sure it’s strong,” Wise said.

This story was originally published July 20, 2018 at 3:43 PM.