Chapel Hill, NC – On May 29, 2025, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) named Seaforth High School girls’ basketball coach Charles Byrd the Region 5 recipient of the prestigious Homer Thompson “Eight Who Make a Difference” Award, a testament to his transformative impact on his players, school, and community.
Byrd, who has helmed the Seaforth Hawks’ girls’ basketball program since its inception in 2021, is no stranger to building something from the ground up. A former athlete himself, Byrd brings a blend of passion, discipline, and empathy to the court, fostering an environment where student-athletes thrive both as players and as people. His coaching philosophy, rooted in high academic standards and personal growth, has elevated the Hawks into a competitive force in the 2A division.
The NCHSAA’s Homer Thompson Award celebrates coaches who go beyond the scoreboard, recognizing those who inspire, mentor, and uplift. This annual award honors coaches across the state who exemplify exceptional sportsmanship and serve as inspiring role models for student-athletes.
Named in honor of Coach Homer Thompson, a long-time coach and respected sportsmanship advocate from Winston-Salem Parkland High School, the award highlights the vital role of coaches who lead with character, respect, and integrity both on and off the field. These coaches are selected from each NCHSAA’s eight regions and will be recognized at the NCHSAA Annual Meeting.
Each recipient has been nominated by their peers and communities for their leadership and their positive impact on education-based athletics. The NCHSAA applauds these individuals for embodying the spirit of the “Benching Bad Behavior” initiative and promoting respect in high school sports.
Byrd’s journey with Seaforth has been marked by milestones. In just a few short years, he led the Hawks to the 2A state championship game in 2023, a remarkable feat for a fledgling program. Though they fell to Salisbury, Byrd’s steady presence during the post-game press conference showcased his grace under pressure, focusing on his team’s growth rather than the loss.
Byrd’s honor comes at a poignant time, as the 2024-2025 high school sports season winds down. The award ceremony, held in partnership with the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association, highlighted eight coaches statewide for their exemplary leadership. For Region 5, Byrd stood out not only for his coaching prowess but for his ability to foster a culture of respect and ambition at Seaforth.
As the Hawks prepare for the upcoming season, Byrd remains focused on the next generation of talent. His website, CoachByrd.com, outlines his mission: to elevate skill and basketball IQ while nurturing character.