Franchelle Hill’s journey from standout track athlete to coach has come full circle, and she’s now back at her alma mater Hightower High School, where she is making a significant impact on the girls’ track program.
“Coach Hill is motivating, supportive and a mentor both on and off the track,” said Hightower 100-meter sprinter Jocelyn Higgins. “She never lets me hold my head down for too long and always has the best advice in moments when I felt that I didn’t do my best. I’m grateful for her and wish we could have crossed paths sooner.”
A former star athlete herself, Hill’s return to Hightower has been marked by inspiring success, hard work and a deep connection to the legacy that shaped her athletic career.
As a high school sprinter, Hill made a name for herself in various events, including the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, 4×100-meter relay, 4×200-meter relay and 4×400-meter relay. But it was her performance in the 100-meter dash that really stood out.
In the 100-meters, Hill ran 11.59 seconds, setting the Hightower High School record, which still stands to this day.
After competing in college at Texas State University, Hill began coaching track at Summer Creek and later Stafford High School. However, when the COVID-19 Pandemic hit in 2020, Hill decided to take a break from coaching. But as the pandemic subsided and a position opened up at Hightower High School, Hill knew it was time to return home.
“With the influence of my high school coach David Pollack, my collegiate coach Dana Boone and my father and youth coach Frankie Hill, I’ve always felt a calling to give back to the same program that helped me become the athlete and person I am today, said Hill.”
Now back at Hightower, Hill is bringing her passion, knowledge and experience to the next generation of track athletes. She is committed to not only coaching but also inspiring and mentoring her athletes, especially the girls in the program.
“It’s incredibly meaningful to see these girls achieving success,” said Hill. “As a Hightower graduate, I feel so proud to give back to this program and help these athletes create their own legacy. Their growth and accomplishments make me proud—not just as a coach, but as someone who once walked in their shoes.”
Recently, at the 73rd Annual Texas Southern Relays, the Hightower girls’ 4×100-meter relay and 4×200-meter relay teams both captured first place, a major accomplishment for Hill and the program.
The girls’ 4×100-meter relay team clocked an impressive 48.14 seconds at the relays, though their season-best time remains 46.96 seconds. Meanwhile, the 4×200-meter relay team set a new personal record with a time of 1:42.48. While Hill is proud of these accomplishments, she remains focused on improving the team’s handoffs and overall technique.
“Even with that achievement, our handoffs still need a lot of work,” Hill acknowledged. “There’s plenty of room to drop time, and we’re focused on improving our exchanges and getting stronger as the season progresses.”
The 4×100-meter relay team includes Jocelyn Higgins (Senior), Lauryn Mayon (Junior), Oprah Dimson (Sophomore), and Germani Carhee (Sophomore). The 4×200-meter relay team features the same runners, with Destinie Woodall (Senior) replacing Carhee.
Hill has high praise for all of her athletes, acknowledging their unique contributions to the team’s success.
“Jocelyn Higgins is our steady hand,” Hill said. “Her consistency and technical precision make her a reliable competitor, and she executes her races with discipline. Lauryn Mayon is one of our most dependable runners, always giving 100%. She has the endurance and smooth transitions that make her invaluable in relays. Oprah Dimson’s raw talent and fearlessness are a big asset, and she’s becoming a major force in our team. Germani Carhee is still young, but she already has the maturity and grit of an elite athlete. Destinie Woodall is a powerhouse with her explosive speed and competitive spirit. She pushes herself and her teammates to higher levels every race.”
One of the greatest challenges Coach Hill has faced since returning to Hightower is helping the track program reinvent itself. Hightower has a rich history of competitiveness, and Hill is dedicated to bringing that mindset back to the forefront.
“Rebuilding a championship mindset takes time,” said Hill. “It requires getting the athletes to believe in both themselves and the process. Establishing a culture of discipline, accountability, and trust while pushing them to meet the high standards this program is known for has been a challenge—but also an incredibly rewarding experience.”
