What is it that turns a gifted athlete into a world-class sprinter poised to dominate the international scene? For Alexis Holmes, an up-and-coming star of track and field, the secret lies in the hands of her coach—a man whose name resounds through the corridors of sprinting excellence. Let’s go behind the tale of Lawrence “Boogie” Johnson, the mastermind of Holmes’s rise, and see what makes him such a critical figure in her success.
Meet Lawrence “Boogie” Johnson: Alexis Holmes’s Coach
If you’ve been following Alexis Holmes’s meteoric rise—especially her standout performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics—you’ve likely heard whispers of the coaching genius guiding her every step. That genius is Lawrence “Boogie” Johnson, a towering figure (literally and figuratively) in the track and field world. Now an assistant coach with the University of Arkansas women’s track and field program, Johnson lends experience and personality to his role. Born and raised in the Razorback machine, he is not merely a coach—he’s a retired sprinter who tore up the very same tracks on which he now coaches.
Johnson came aboard with the Arkansas staff over the summer of 2023 alongside his younger brother, Chris Johnson, who is the head coach of the women’s team. It’s a family operation with a championship lineage, and for players such as Holmes, it’s a golden chance to learn from someone who’s been around the block—from SEC championships as a player to Olympic medal stands as a coach. Johnson has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Arkansas (2000) and combines academic expertise with on-the-ground determination, providing a good fit for shaping talents such as Holmes.
Lawrence “Boogie” Johnson’s Career Highlights and Achievements
So, what is the big deal about Boogie Johnson? Well, let’s begin with the hardware. He’s been recognized as the USA Track & Field National Coach of the Year twice—once in 2013 and again in 2019. That’s an acknowledgement of his capacity to produce champions, from college stars to Olympic medalists. His resume is like a track and field Hall of Fame induction speech. Johnson served five seasons as Clemson University’s Director of Track and Field (2008-2013), transforming the program into a national powerhouse, generating 82 All-Americans and 48 ACC Champions. Previously, he honed his craft as Associate Head Women’s Coach at Virginia Tech (2007-2008) and got his feet wet as an assistant at Southern Illinois and Arkansas.
But Johnson’s not only a college coaching legend—he’s a force in the professional ranks as well. As head coach at Hurdle Mechanic, a premier training group, he’s led athletes to jaw-dropping heights. Think world records and Olympic gold. In 2019, he coached Dalilah Muhammad to a world record in the 400m hurdles at the USATF Championships, only for her to break it again later that year in Doha. In 2013, he guided Briana Rollins McNeal to an American record in the 100m hurdles and a World Championship gold. And at the 2016 Rio Olympics? Three of his athletes—McNeal, Muhammad, and Kristi Castlin—wrestled medals in the hurdles. That’s the level of legacy Johnson brings to the table.
Oh, and did I mention he’s an Arkansas alum? As a sprinter under legendary coach John McDonnell, Johnson was part of four SEC championship teams and the 1998 NCAA Outdoor Championship squad. The guy knows winning from both sides of the track.
How Did Lawrence “Boogie” Johnson Help Alexis Holmes Become a World-Class Sprinter?
Now, let’s cut to the chase. How has Boogie Johnson converted Alexis Holmes into the sprinter illuminating tracks across the globe? Holmes, a 2024 Paris Olympics women’s 400m finalist and integral member of the USA 4x400m relay team, thanks Johnson for propelling her to new heights. Training in Fayetteville, Arkansas, under his guidance, she’s adopted a routine that’s all about volume and intensity. “It’s been a change,” Holmes said to Team USA in 2024, looking back on how Johnson’s style—combined with an emphasis on self-care—has taken her game to the next level.
Johnson’s coaching is not merely about drills and stopwatches; it’s about creating a whole athlete. For Holmes, that involves honing her technique, increasing her endurance, and honing her mental edge. She’s not training in a bubble, either—Fayetteville’s a talent hotbed, and Johnson’s got her rubbing shoulders with world-class types like 2016 Olympic 400m hurdles champion Dalilah Muhammad and Tokyo 2020 finalist Anna Cockrell. Think of the watercooler conversations at practice: “Hi, Dalilah, how did you break that world record?” That’s the kind of culture Johnson cultivates—one in which great drives greatness.
At 6’5” and around 220 pounds, Johnson cuts an imposing figure, but it’s his warmth and wisdom that stand out. Married to Lilly Montgomery, a fellow Arkansas grad, and father to four, he’s grounded in family values that spill over into his coaching. He’s not just a mentor; he’s a motivator, a strategist, and a believer in his athletes’ potential. For Alexis Holmes, that belief is rocket fuel. As she eyes more medals and records, one thing’s clear: with Lawrence “Boogie” Johnson in her corner, the sky’s the limit.
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