Seaforth girls’ basketball coach Charles Byrd earned recognition from the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.
The NCHSAA named Byrd as the Region 5 recipient for the Homer Thompson “Eight Who Make a Difference” Award.
In partnership with the North Carolina Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company, the award honors eight coaches across the state who display “exceptional sportsmanship” and “serve as inspiring role models for student athletes.” Homer Thompson, whom the award is named in honor of, served 35 years as a head football coach and sportsmanship advocate, spending 26 years at Parkland High School.
Byrd received the honor for his success with the program and how his coaching goes beyond the basketball court.
“Emphasizing the philosophy of ‘family,’ Coach Byrd fosters deep connections with his players, teaching lessons that extend beyond basketball,” the NCHSAA said in a release. “Through every tough loss, he encourages growth — reminding his team to ‘Grow 1% every day.’ His focus on character and sportsmanship has shaped the foundation of the Seaforth program.”
Byrd has coached Seaforth’s girls’ basketball team since the school opened in 2021. After leading a group of mostly freshmen to a 19-win season and the state playoffs in their first year, Byrd led the Hawks to the regional final in each of the last three seasons, including a state title appearance in 2023.
Over the four years, Seaforth has achieved a 102-19 record. The Hawks lost one regular season Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference game in that span and won or earned a share of the regular season conference title each year.
