We are also proud to celebrate a significant achievement for one of North Carolina’s most respected coaching figures, David Gentry. As the winningest football coach in North Carolina history who led Murphy High School to nine North Carolina High School Athletic Association Class 1A state football titles, his recent selection to the NFHS National High School Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor that reflects a lifetime of impact on student- athletes, schools, and the coaching profession. Coach Gentry’s legacy is defined not only by competitive success, but by the values he instilled in generations of young people. His recognition on the national stage is a point of pride for the entire state of North Carolina. The Office of Athletics remains committed to supporting coaches through clear policy, consistent communication, and collaboration with key stakeholders across the state. We appreciate the North Carolina Coaches Association for its continued partnership and leadership in advancing education- based athletics. Thank you for the work you do each day to positively influence student-athletes across North Carolina. We look forward to seeing many of you at the clinic and throughout the seasons ahead. Brad Alford, CMAA Director for the Office of Athletics North Carolina Department of Public Instruction New NCSBE Districts Now in Use The NCCA has officially adopted the new NCSBE Districts for all-star game selections and for representation on the NCCA Board of Directors. Please note that the NCHSAA has not yet fully transitioned to these new districts, so playoff assignments may differ slightly for some schools. Regardless of your NCHSAA playoff region, be sure to reference the new NCSBE Districts map for all NCCA-related purposes.
A Note from the NCDPI
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s Office of Athletics extends its sincere congratulations to all winter sports state champion coaches across our state. Your leadership, preparation, and commitment to education-based athletics have once again elevated the standard of excellence in North Carolina. Each championship represents not only competitive success, but also the development of student-athletes who demonstrate discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship. We commend you and your programs for the pride you bring to your schools and communities. As we transition into the spring season, we also look forward with great enthusiasm to the 2026 North Carolina Coaches Association Clinic. This annual event remains one of the premier professional development opportunities for coaches and athletic leaders in our state. The Office of Athletics is especially excited about continued engagement with Middle School Monday. This focused effort highlights the importance of intentional coaching education and leadership development at the middle school level, where foundational experiences shape the future of interscholastic athletics. Investing in middle school coaches strengthens the entire educational athletics pipeline and reinforces our shared commitment to student-centered programming. Important Update on Balfour Championship Rings As a reminder, Balfour generously provides free rings for all-star coaches and state champion coaches. To ensure timely production and delivery, we are now enforcing strict submission deadlines: Requests received after these dates will not be processed, and unfortunately, you’ll forfeit your free ring. We aim to present fall and winter rings at the NCCA Clinic each summer. Spring rings will be mailed or presented at the following year’s clinic. Please submit your ring size promptly to help us keep things on schedule! • Winter Sports: April 15 • Spring Sports: July 15
Sport-Specific Organizations We’ve long had a policy of allowing North Carolina sport-specific organizations to put articles in our newsletters. If you lead such an organization, openly support the NCCA, and want to have something inserted in future issue(s) please contact us at: pweaver@nccoach.org .
NC Coach • Spring 2026 • Page 9 • nccoach.org
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