Laney Clement-Holbrook, retired coach of the Oliver Ames High School Girls Basketball team, was honored with the MIAA Sherman A. Kinney Award for her 46 years at the helm of the Tigers’ Girls Basketball team. Clement-Holbrook received the award prior to two home playoff games hosted by Oliver Ames on Friday, Feb. 27. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
EASTON — The extraordinary career of retired coach Laney Clement-Holbrook was honored on Friday night, Feb. 27, with the presentation of the 2026 MIAA Sherman A. Kinney Award, recognizing her for decades of dedication to Oliver Ames High School and girls’ basketball.
Clement-Holbrook received the award at center court prior to two home playoff games hosted by Oliver Ames on Friday, Feb. 27. Clement-Holbrook led the Tigers’ Girls Basketball team as head coach for 46 years until her retirement from coaching in 2022.
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) bestows the honor each year to an individual from the state who has made a lasting and significant impact in the arena of high school basketball.
The award is named in honor of Sherm Kinney, who died in 1999 after serving the MIAA in an executive capacity since the inception of the organization about 47 years ago, leaving a legacy of integrity and commitment to sportsmanship.
The presentation of the 2026 MIAA Sherman A. Kinney Award was made by MIAA Associate Executive Director Richard Pearson, who highlighted Clement-Holbrook’s role not only as a championship coach, but as a teacher, a mentor, a role model and a pioneer for women in athletics.
“Laney Clement-Holbrook’s career is a shining example of making a positive impact on the lives of others,” Pearson said. “In recognition of her outstanding contributions to Massachusetts high school basketball, please join in congratulating Laney Clement-Holbrook as the recipient of the 2026 MIAA Sherman A. Kinney Award.”
Coach Clement-Holbrook expressed gratitude for all her years at Oliver Ames High School and the opportunity to help student-athletes reach their potential.
“I will be forever grateful for having landed in Easton,” said Clement-Holbrook. “I am grateful for the love of the game that my mentors passed down to me and that it has reached across so many generations to so many young women. I am also grateful to see their commitment to hard work, and their understanding of what it means to use this experience to become great people, making the world a better place.”
The 2026 MIAA Sherman A. Kinney Award adds to a long list of accolades that Clement-Holbrook has been honored with throughout her career and retirement, including inductions into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame, Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Bridgewater State College Athletic Hall of Fame, Dedham High School Athletic Hall of Fame, and the New Agenda Northeast Hall of Fame.
Throughout the course of Clement-Holbrook’s basketball coaching career, her teams won 19 Hockomock League Championships and three MIAA State Championships (2006, 2010, 2022). Clement-Holbrook was also selected as a head coach for the McDonald’s All-American Girls Basketball Game in 2017.
Upon her retirement from coaching in 2022, Clement-Holbrook stands as the all-time leader in Massachusetts girls basketball history with 733 victories.
On top of her win-loss record and many championship titles, Clement-Holbrook served as the first female president of the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Association in 1992.
Starting her career as a teacher in 1975, Clement-Holbrook taught health, physical education, general science and biology until her retirement in 2011. And after retirement, Clement-Holbrook continued teaching anatomy and physiology classes on a part-time basis at Oliver Ames.
Superintendent Dr. Lisha Cabral, Athletic Director Merry MacDonald and Principal Kelly Cavanaugh joined the MIAA in congratulating Clement-Holbrook for her remarkable career and enduring legacy at Oliver Ames High School.
“Coach Clement-Holbrook’s impact on our students, our athletic program and our school community is immeasurable,” said Principal Cavanaugh. “For nearly five decades, she has modeled leadership, integrity and dedication, while also mentoring many students one-on-one. This award is a fitting tribute to a career defined not only by wins, but by the lives she has impacted on and off the court.”
“Laney set the standard for excellence in girls basketball in Massachusetts,” said Athletic Director MacDonald. “Her record speaks for itself. But what truly stands out is her commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court. She built an incredible program rooted in hard work, teamwork and pride.”
“Coach Clement-Holbrook has been a mentor, an educator and a trailblazer whose influence will be felt for generations,” said Superintendent Dr. Cabral. “We are incredibly proud to celebrate her achievements and grateful for all she has given to Oliver Ames and the Easton community. Congratulations, Coach!”
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