Lisa Hearin Alexander recently took a trip down memory lane.

And what a thrilling journey it was for the 1978 Cullman graduate who’s about to join a prestigious group.

Alexander, along with 10 other honorees, will enter into the Cullman County Sports Hall of Fame when the 19th class is officially installed during the annual banquet at the Civic Center on Saturday, April 28.

“It’s a great honor, of course,” she said. “It takes me back a good bit, because my brother is the one who nominated me. It just brought back a lot of memories related to that.”

Alexander lettered in basketball for two years and tennis for three years at Cullman. 

She was a member of the first girls basketball team at the school and secured All-Tournament Team honors (Area 14) in 1977 and 1978.

She averaged 15.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per matchup during her senior campaign, which helped her pick up a scholarship to the University of

Montevallo. 

“I think my favorite memory on the basketball court is the first time we walked out there as a team,” Alexander said. “Absolutely the best moment of any of them. It was an exhilarating experience. We got to play and have jerseys. That was the best thing.”

During her prep career at Cullman, she played for coaches Ray Heitmueller (Class of 2005) and Don Wilbanks (Class of 2010). Her brother, Robert Hearin, was inducted posthumously into the Cullman County Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 as well.

Not exactly bad company to surround yourself if you love sports.

“All of them taught me everything I know about everything I played,” she said. “Coach Heitmueller was such a gift as a coach. A fantastic man. Coach Wilbanks …. same with tennis. He brought with him his experience. My brother, of course, I spent my whole life growing up with him. He was my foundation. He taught me sports. Then those coaches took what I had and made me as good as I could be. I was really lucky.”

Alexander has spent the past 25 years in advertising.

Next Saturday, however, she’ll spend a night to remember in the company of some truly exceptional people.

“I’m excited to see the other inductees and hear their stories,” Alexander said. “It’s an incredible thing Cullman has to recognize these people. I’m looking forward to being back in Cullman, too. It’s home, but it’s been a while since I’ve been back. I can’t wait.”