On June 14, 2023, at Wing B (2409 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27403) in Greensboro, North Carolina, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) will host its annual awards ceremony starting at 10:00 am. This highly anticipated event serves as a platform to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of student-athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, and scholarship recipients and crown the Pat Best male and female Athlete of the Year.
The NCHSAA Awards Celebration is a pinnacle moment to commend the remarkable performances and dedication of student-athletes across North Carolina. These young individuals have demonstrated exceptional talent, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the academic and athletic year, making them worthy candidates for recognition. From the realm of football to basketball, soccer, softball, swimming, track and field, and beyond, the ceremony will pay tribute to the diverse array of sports in which students excel in North Carolina. Athletes will be recognized for OrthoCarolina Performances of the Week, 4-time champion awards, Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) participation, community service efforts, and much more!!
The NCHSAA understands the significance of education alongside athletics and provides scholarship opportunities for outstanding student-athletes participating in NCHSAA programs. The awards ceremony will recognize individuals who have excelled in their respective sports and demonstrated academic prowess, leadership, and community involvement. Scholarships serve as a stepping stone toward pursuing higher education and nurturing well-rounded individuals who excel on and off the field. This year the NCHSAA will award over 40 scholarships valued at over $60,000. These scholarships include NCHSAA Cheerleading Scholarships, the Charlie Adams Endowed Scholarship, the Pat Gainey Student Scholarship, the Wilburn Clary Medal Award, the Willie Bradshaw Memorial Scholarship, The Mark Drebelbis Scholarship, the Jerry McGee Student Scholarship, the Tony Cullen Memorial Scholarship, the FloSports Track and Field Scholarship, and the Alford Family Golf Scholarship.
We likewise recognize that coaches play a pivotal role in shaping the future of high school athletes in North Carolina. The NCHSAA Awards Celebration will acknowledge the dedication and expertise of outstanding coaches by awarding eight coaches the 2023 Homer Thompson “Eight Who Make a Difference” Award. These individuals provide guidance and mentorship and instill teamwork, discipline, and perseverance values in their student-athletes. Their contributions render them instrumental in the success of student-athletes.
The ceremony will also spotlight the invaluable expertise of athletic trainers who tirelessly work behind the scenes. These professionals play a crucial role in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of student-athletes. Their expertise in injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation allows athletes to perform at their best, minimizing risks and maximizing their potential. During the 2023 Awards Celebration, the NCHSAA will award the Elton Hawley Athletic Trainer of the Year and the NCHSAA LifeSaver Citations. Several game officials will also be recognized for their years of dedication in ensuring that the game’s rules are followed for the safety of young people and to maintain the integrity of competition on the field and court. These Golden Whistle recipients have given their time and resources to ensure that schools can play games. We salute them and recognize that officials are critical members of the Association family.
The success of the NCHSAA was only possible with the generous support of various partners over numerous decades. These organizations, businesses, and individuals share the NCHSAA’s mission to provide governance and leadership for interscholastic athletic programs that support and enrich students’ educational experiences. We will recognize many partners for their financial or in-kind contributions to help ensure the continued growth and success of NCHSAA programs and initiatives for the benefit of the student-athletes and member schools.
A significant highlight of the NCHSAA Awards Celebration is undoubtedly the announcement of the male and female NCHSAA Athlete of the Year. This award, named in honor of former NCHSAA Board member and President Pat Best, recognizes exceptional athletes who significantly contributed to North Carolina high school athletics. The recipients, selected from a pool of highly deserving candidates, will embody the essence of outstanding athletic ability and sportsmanship.
SAVE THE DATE! The NCHSAA Awards Celebration will be held at 10:00 am on June 14, 2023, at Piedmont Hall in Greensboro. This celebration promises to be a momentous day of celebration, recognition, and inspiration for everyone involved. As student-athletes, coaches, school administrators, athletic trainers, and scholarship recipients are acknowledged for their unwavering commitment, perseverance, and exceptional performances, the event will serve as a testament to the power of sport in shaping lives.
