Seven coaches, administrators honored as Making a Difference Award recipients

1 week ago 8

Hoover celebrates withe the championship trophy during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Hoover coach Krystle Johnson celebrates the win over Bob Jones with MVP Khloe Ford during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates the victory over Bob Jones during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Hoover races to grab the championship trophy during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Hoover players cheer as Hoover's Chasity Johnson backflips after the win over Bob Jones during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Hoover races to grab the championship trophy during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates with the championship trophy during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates with the championship trophy during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates with the championship trophy during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Bob Jones' Asia Robinson looks for a shot against Hoover's Khloe Ford during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Kristen Winston and Bob Jones' Taelor Adkins battle for a rebound during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Bob Jones' Asia Robinson shoots against Hoover's Khloe Ford during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Hoover coach Krystle Johnson directs her team during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Bob Jones' Elise McClain shoots a 3-pointer against Hoover during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Bob Jones' Ja’Kyah Smith and Hoover's Ava Leonard and Chasity Johnson battle for a rebound during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Bob Jones coach Sherell Robertson directs her team during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Bob Jones coach Sherell Robertson directs her team during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Bob Jones' Ja’Kyah Smith and Hoover's Chasity Johnson battle for the ball during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Bob Jones' Ja’Kyah Smith speeds upcourt against Hoover's Chasity Johnson during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Bob Jones' Alaya Obianozie shoots a 3-pointer against Hoover during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Hoover coach Krystle Johnson directs her team during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Bob Jones' Alaya Obianozie tries to take the ball from Hoover's Khloe Ford during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Bob Jones' Asia Robinson shoots against Hoover's Khloe Ford during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Kristen Winston passes the ball against Bob Jones during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Bob Jones' Asia Robinson defends Hoover's Khloe Ford during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Bob Jones' Ella Watts shoots against Hoover during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Bob Jones' Taelor Adkins shoots against Hoover during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Akeera Sparks battles for position with Bob Jones' Jael Robinson during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Bob Jones' Ja’Kyah Smith looks for an opening against Hoover during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Bob Jones' Elise McClain shoots a free throw against Hoover during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Dennis Victory | preps@al.com)

Hoover fans cheer during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala, Saturday, March 7, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps.al.com)

Hoover fans cheer during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala, Saturday, March 7, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps.al.com)

Hoover fans cheer during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala, Saturday, March 7, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps.al.com)

Hoover's Kristen Winston shoots long against Bob Jones during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala, Saturday, March 7, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps.al.com)

Hoover's Chasity Johnson guards Bob Jones' Ja’Kyah Smith during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala, Saturday, March 7, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps.al.com)

Bob Jones cheerleaders perform during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala, Saturday, March 7, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps.al.com)

Hoover coach Krystle Johnson works with her team during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship against Bob Jones at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala, Saturday, March 7, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps.al.com)

Bob Jones' Elise McClain, Hoover's Aaliyah Blanchard, Bob Jones' Ella Watts and Hoover's Hadley Williams battle for a rebound during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala, Saturday, March 7, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps.al.com)

Hoover's Aaliyah Blanchard shoots a free throw against Bob Jones during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala, Saturday, March 7, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps.al.com)

Hoover cheerleaders perform during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala, Saturday, March 7, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps.al.com)

Bob Jones fans cheer during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala, Saturday, March 7, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps.al.com)

Hoover's Aaliyah Blanchard rebounds the ball against Bob Jones during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala, Saturday, March 7, 2026.
(Vasha Hunt | preps.al.com)

Bob Jones' Ja’Kyah Smith grabs a rebound during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Kristen Winston dribbles the ball up court during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Chasity Johnson and Bob Jones' Ja’Kyah Smith fight for the ball during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

A general view during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Bob Jones coach Sherell Robertson directs her team during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Aaliyah Blanchard looks to pass the ball during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Aaliyah Blanchard shoots a 3-point shot during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Kristen Winston readies for play during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Aaliyah Blanchard shoots a free throw during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Chasity Johnson looks to drive toward the basket during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Aaliyah Blanchard looks to shoot the ball during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Bob Jones' Jael Robinson pulls down a rebound during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Ava Leonard drives past Bob Jones' Ja’Kyah Smith during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Bob Jones' Ja’Kyah Smith blocks a shot by Hoover's Aaliyah Blanchard during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Kristen Winston drives past Bob Jones' Taelor Adkins during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Khloe Ford shoots over Bob Jones' Jael Robinson during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Aaliyah Blanchard shoots a 3-point shot defended by Bob Jones' Ella Watts during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Khloe Ford drives past Bob Jones' Ella Watts for a 2-point basket during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Kristen Winston puts it back up under the goal during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Bob Jones team cheering for a basket during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Londyn Cook shoots a 3-point shot during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Bob Jones' Ella Watts goes for the loose ball during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Khloe Ford shoots under the goal during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Kristen Winston shoots a free throw during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Aaliyah Blanchard helps up Hoover's Kristen Winston during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Khloe Ford shoots a free throw against Bob Jones during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Aaliyah Blanchard shoots a layup against Bob Jones during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover's Aaliyah Blanchard breaks free for an easy layup during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Hoover celebrates a win during the AHSAA Class 7A girls state championship at BJCC Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Ala., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (Jason Homan | preps@al.com)

Seven coached and administrators have been selected by the Alabama High School Athletic Association and the Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association as 2026 Making a Difference Award recipients.

Read Entire Article