News Summary

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association celebrated its annual State Award winners in a heartfelt ceremony, recognizing exceptional athletes, coaches, and administrators who have made significant contributions to high school sports across the state. With awards for coaching excellence, academic achievements, and resilience, the event highlighted the dedication and passion of individuals who have impacted the athletic community.

North Carolina High School Athletic Association Honors 2024-2025 State Award Winners

In a delightful ceremony on a bright Friday afternoon, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) unveiled its annual State Award winners, shining a much-deserved spotlight on the incredible contributions of athletes, coaches, and support staff across the state. This event is all about appreciation and recognition, focusing on the overall impact and dedication of individuals rather than just win-loss records or one-time achievements.

Tim Stevens Media Representative Of The Year

The coveted title of Tim Stevens Media Representative Of The Year went to none other than Cory Smith, a proud member of the Mount Airy News team. Cory, who is an alumnus of UNC-Chapel Hill, has made significant strides in sports journalism since joining the local news outlet in 2017. His impressive resume includes covering a remarkable 16 state championship teams and ten runner-up teams, along with stories on 64 individual state champions in Surry County. With his extensive background, including reporting on NCAA women’s soccer championships and numerous ACC football matches, Cory has firmly established himself as a remarkable voice in North Carolina athletics, evidenced by his collection of nine NC Press Association awards.

Harvey Reid Male Coach Of The Year

The title of Harvey Reid Male Coach Of The Year was awarded to Chris Goodman, a retired military veteran who now excels as the tennis and basketball coach at Terry Sanford High. Since taking over the men’s tennis program in 2020 and the women’s program shortly thereafter, Chris has demonstrated exceptional coaching skills. His men’s tennis team boasts an outstanding record of 48 wins against only 8 losses, with numerous state qualifiers and a standout player winning four individual singles state titles. On the women’s side, Chris has led his team to a record of 58-5, also securing four consecutive conference titles and a state championship.

Doris Howard Female Coach Of The Year

The honor of Doris Howard Female Coach Of The Year went to Tiffany Lowrance, the head volleyball coach at West Henderson. With over 300 career victories, Tiffany’s expertise has guided her teams through numerous conference and regional championships, culminating in a prestigious state title in 2024. Her coaching experience spans over two decades in volleyball, softball, and basketball, making her a pillar in the coaching community.

Dave Harris Athletic Director Of The Year

Dustin Kerley, the athletic director at Watauga High School, was celebrated as the Dave Harris Athletic Director Of The Year. With a strong history that includes being a physical education teacher and coach, Dustin has proven himself a leader dedicated to fostering an environment where student-athletes can thrive. His accolades include the NCADA Citation Award and the NCADA Athletic Director of Excellence Award, reflecting his commitment to student success.

Bob Deaton Principal Of The Year

Sonya Blankenship, recently retired as principal of Swain County High School, was honored with the Bob Deaton Principal Of The Year award. With 21 years of coaching experience under her belt, Sonya transitioned to administration and guided her school’s athletic programs to numerous state championships during her tenure.

Bob McRae Superintendent Of The Year

The Bob McRae Superintendent Of The Year award went to Tanya Turner, the superintendent of Perquimans County Schools. Tanya’s impressive 31-year career in education includes significant contributions to the improvement of school facilities, directly impacting student-athlete participation and success in state competitions.

NFHS State Award for Outstanding Service

Burt Jenkins from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction received the NFHS State Award for Outstanding Service for his more than 29 years of dedicated work in high school athletics policy.

Scholar-Athlete Team Awards

Another noteworthy category celebrates student-athletes boasting a GPA of 3.5 or higher, along with teams that maintain an average GPA of at least 3.1 during competitive semesters. This initiative recognizes the importance of academic achievement alongside athletic excellence.

Tony Simeon Courage Awards

A standout highlight of the event was the presentation of the Tony Simeon Courage Awards which honor individuals who exemplify remarkable character and resilience in the face of adversity. From Chadlyn Traylor overcoming surgeries to excel in basketball, to Laura Eakins’s selfless act of donating a kidney to a former student, these recipients inspire us all. Trooper Wright’s triumphant return to the field after an accident and Jacob Gainey’s dedication to academics and community service despite injuries underscore the spirit of determination recognized in this cherished award.

With such passionate individuals making a difference in high school athletics across North Carolina, it’s easy to see why the NCHSAA’s State Awards program is a heartwarming event that celebrates the very best among us!

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