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First Flight High School’s head basketball coach and athletic director Chad Williams was honored with the 2024-25 National High School Coaches vs. Cancer Coach of the Year Champion Award by the American Cancer Society. The highly respected award was presented during a schoolwide pep rally on Monday, May 5.

The Coach of the Year Champion Award honors coaches nationwide who exhibit exceptional leadership and an unwavering dedication to the fight against cancer. Williams earned this recognition for his outstanding work organizing The Good Guys vs. Cancer Showcase  – a premier high school basketball tournament that not only draws top-tier talent, but also unites the community in support of a cause that is deeply personal to him.

The Good Guys vs. Cancer Showcase began in February 2018, when Williams’ father, Guy Williams Jr., was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive form of leukemia and lymphoma. Later that year, Williams and his team were invited to participate in the Coaches vs. Cancer event in Asheville, led by Enka High School’s coach Brian Carver. Through Carver’s mentorship and the impact of the event, Williams was inspired to create a similar showcase on the Outer Banks.

Under Williams’ leadership, the annual showcase has grown into eastern North Carolina’s top basketball event, drawing widespread participation and renown. Since its inception in 2018, The Good Guys vs. Cancer Showcase has raised more than $100,000 to support local families battling cancer and to further the life-saving work of the American Cancer Society.

The 2024 showcase grew significantly with a total of 32 teams from North Carolina and Virginia competing in 24 games over four days. Last year’s event raised more than $24,000 for the American Cancer Society – a testament to the event’s growth and impact.

“We have teams who are asking to participate not only for basketball, but to be a part of an event that brings a community together and raises money for a cause that hits close to home for everyone,” Williams explained.

Dare County Schools Superintendent Steve Basnight shared his appreciation, saying, “Cancer has touched far too many of us and I cannot begin to tell you how much it means to me personally to be able to honor Coach Williams and highlight the work he does for the American Cancer Society. For someone who loves watching great basketball, it is incredible to have this level of basketball talent coming to First Flight High School every year. As someone who has known Chad for a long time, I also know what Good Guys means to him personally and what a tremendous honor this is for his Dad.”

Coaches vs. Cancer is a collaborative effort between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). The initiative harnesses the leadership and community influence of coaches to raise awareness, promote healthy lifestyles and generate critical funding in the fight against cancer.

The Champion Award, first established in 1996 and awarded to legendary Missouri coach Norm Stewart, has since recognized iconic figures such as Roy Williams, Tom Izzo and Bill Self. Williams now joins this distinguished group, earning national recognition for his impact on high school athletics and his dedication to supporting other families battling cancer.

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