Anna Hall shares a two-word description for her coach as she extends heartfelt wishes on her birthday

Anna Hall is one of the most promising American heptathletes, having won silver at the 2023 World Championships. On Friday, Hall took the time to send birthday wishes to her longtime coach, Mellanee Welty.

Welty is the Associate Head Coach and recruiting coordinator for sprints, relays, and high jumps at the University of Florida. The 46-year-old has led the Gators to 13 National Championships and 14 SEC Championships. Outside of Hall, she has also trained Talitha Diggs and Olympian Taylor Manson.

Anna Hall wished Welty a happy birthday on Instagram and shared some photos of the two. She wrote:

“Happy coach Welty day to those who celebrate.”

Via Hall's Instagram story

In a separate story, Hall shared pictures of Welty at an NCAA meet and wrote:

“A mastermind.”

Via Hall's Instagram story

Anna Hall first began training under coach Welty in 2022, when she transferred from the University of Georgia to the University of Florida. At the time, the heptathlete was dealing with a foot injury she had suffered at the 2021 US Olympic Trials.

Reflecting on their relationship, Welty told The Denver Post:

“The beginning of our relationship was getting her back to who Anna Hall was. It was an interesting dynamic because we were getting to know each other while going through the trauma of her foot. She has the talent and mentality to do it (become an Olympian). It’s who Anna Hall is: She will continue to fight until she can’t anymore.”

Anna Hall bids goodbye to 2024 with a short note

Hall at the Paris Olympics (Image Source: Getty)

Anna Hall began her 2024 season on a difficult note, as she was forced to undergo surgery on her knee in January due to an injury.

Despite this setback, the American made her return to competition in April, participating in the javelin throw, long jump, shot put, and 200m sprint at the Tom Jones Memorial. She then went on to compete in multiple events at the LSU Invitational, HBCU Pro Classic, and the USATF New York City Grand Prix.

Hall’s first big win of 2024 came at the US Olympic Trials, where she finished first to qualify for her debut Olympics. At the 2024 Games, the 23-year-old finished fifth in the heptathlon, with her best performance being a first-place finish in the 800m.

Reflecting on her year, Hall wrote on Instagram,

“Bye 2024. 2024 was a lot. A lot of priceless moments (too many to count!), a lot of family, a lot of challenges & growth, but soo much fun. This life is a blessing."

Hall heads into the 2025 season as the reigning World Championships silver medalist. With the 2025 Championships scheduled to take place in September later this year, fans will no doubt be excited to see what she can do in Tokyo.