Athletic Director of Excellence Awards
ClosedThese awards will be presented to individuals who are to be recognized for excellence and significant contributions in the field of athletics within their Region, State, and across the nation. The nominee must have five or more years of experience in athletic administration, be a member of the NCADA. and be (CAA) Certified Athletic Administrator.
Current Year: 2026 (4/1/26 - 10/31/26, 2027 opens on 4/1/27)
Athletic Director of the Year
ClosedHighlights the efforts of athletics directors from across the state for their commitment to excellence and positive contributions to student-athletes, coaches, and their communities.
Current Year: 2026 (4/1/26 - 10/31/26, 2027 opens on 4/1/27)
Citation of Merit
ClosedPresented annually to honor an individual who has made significant contributions to the NCADA, NCHSAA, NFHS, or the coaching profession.
Current Year: 2026 (4/1/26 - 10/31/26, 2027 opens on 4/1/27)
Jerry McGee Award of Excellence
ClosedIn 1991 Jerry was named the executive director of the NCADA and held that position until his retirement in December of 2015. Jerry continued to serve the organization as Executive Director Emiratis until his death in January of 2019.
In 2007, the NCADA created an Award of Excellence to honor his legacy. To be presented to an individual for loyalty to the NCADA and for contributions to the profession which represent excellence in achievement.
Jerry is a member of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame, the National Federation High School Hall of Fame, the National Interscholastic Administrators Association Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. He has also been a recipient of the Order of The Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian award.
Current Year: 2026 (4/1/26 - 10/31/26, 2027 opens on 4/1/27)
Leadership Award of Merit
ClosedPresented annually to a member in recognition of their servant leadership of education-based interscholastic athletics and their commitment to personal and professional growth.
Current Year: 2026 (4/1/26 - 10/31/26, 2027 opens on 4/1/27)
Lifetime Achievement Award
ClosedCurrent Year: 2026 (4/1/26 - 10/31/26, 2027 opens on 4/1/27)
Middle School Athletic Director of Excellence Awards
ClosedThese awards will be presented to individuals who are to be recognized for excellence and significant contributions to Middle School athletics within their community.
Current Year: 2026 (4/1/26 - 10/31/26, 2027 opens on 4/1/27)
NCADA Athletic Trainer of the Year
ClosedNCADA members may nominate ATC/L Athletic Trainers who have been involved in service and leadership activities at the community, state, or national level. During our conference luncheon, the NCADA will recognize an NCATA member who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to leadership, volunteer service, advocacy, and distinguished professional service each year.
Current Year: 2026 (4/1/26 - 10/31/26, 2027 opens on 4/1/27)
NCADA Braveheart Award
ClosedThis award will recognize individuals who have exhibited bravery and courage while enduring “trying personal” experiences. This award will be given at the discretion of the NCADA’s Executive Director.
Current Year: 2026 (4/1/26 - 10/31/26, 2027 opens on 4/1/27)
NCADA Citation Awards
ClosedThese awards will be presented to individuals who have significantly impacted their school, conference, or region in the past year. The nominee must have less than five years of experience in athletic administration and be a member of the NCADA.
Current Year: 2026 (4/1/26 - 10/31/26, 2027 opens on 4/1/27)
NCADA Distinguished Alumni Award
ClosedThis award is determined at the discretion of the NCADA’s Executive Director. Must be a product of the North Carolina Public Schools who has excelled in the field of athletics beyond the high school level.
Current Year: 2026 (4/1/26 - 10/31/26, 2027 opens on 4/1/27)
NCADA Distinguished Service Award
Closed(State Award of Merit to individuals outside the field of Athletic Administration). This award is based on individuals who have made significant contributions to athletics.
Current Year: 2026 (4/1/26 - 10/31/26, 2027 opens on 4/1/27)
Official of Excellence
ClosedA Regional Supervisor or Certified Official who demonstrates leadership, professionalism, performance, selfless service, and training for the betterment of officiating, possesses officiating abilities/qualities emulated by fellow officials, and is regarded as a person of integrity and high character.
Current Year: 2026 (4/1/26 - 10/31/26, 2027 opens on 4/1/27)
Rusty Lee Professional Development Award
ClosedThis award was established in 2017 by the NCADA Board of Directors and is presented annually to a recipient who has made significant contributions and demonstrated excellence in professional development at the local and state levels as an instructor or participant in Leadership Training Courses. The nominee must be a dual member and nationally certified administrator.
Current Year: 2026 (4/1/26 - 10/31/26, 2027 opens on 4/1/27)
State Award of Merit
ClosedPresented annually to an NIAAA/NCADA Dual member in recognition of meritorious service, servant leadership, and exceptional contributions to interscholastic athletics at the local, state, and national levels.
Current Year: 2026 (4/1/26 - 10/31/26, 2027 opens on 4/1/27)