Holly Holm -- High School Honoring UFC Champ ... 'Inspiration to Our Female Athletes'

Holly Holm is getting major praise from her former high school -- with the athletic director telling TMZ Sports they've already ordered a banner to hang in the gym because "she's an inspiration to our female athletes."

Holm attended Manzano High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico -- where she played SEVERAL sports -- and even served as a team manager for the football team.

We spoke with athletic director Matthew Espinoza who tells us the entire city was glued to their TVs when Holly fought Ronda Rousey this past weekend -- and everyone wants to pay tribute to their hometown hero.

"We're going to hang a banner in the gym to recognize her because she is quite the inspiration for our female athletes," Espinoza says.

"The whole city of Albuquerque is proud of her."

Espinoza says he remembers Holm from when she was in high school -- and says he's amazed how far she's come.