The Homer Thompson “Eight Who Make a Difference” Award honors the legacy of the late Coach Homer Thompson, a longtime Parkland High School coach and North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) Hall of Fame member. Known for his unwavering commitment to sportsmanship and education-based athletics, Coach Thompson set a lasting standard for leadership both on and off the field.
Presented by the North Carolina Farm Bureau, this award recognizes individuals who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship, leadership, and dedication to student-athletes. Each recipient reflects the same positive influence and commitment that defined Coach Thompson’s career.
Region 1: Vic Ramsey — Currituck (Men’s & Women’s Tennis)
Coach Vic Ramsey’s years of service to the N.C. High School Tennis Coaches Association continue to make a meaningful impact. During the 2025–26 school year, he played a key role in developing and implementing the new pre-regional format and helped lead efforts to introduce live scoring for NCHSAA state championships through the USTA Serve Tennis platform.
Region 2: Craig Underwood — Hoggard (Football)
A graduate of Hoggard High School, Coach Craig Underwood has built a program centered on strong community ties. Following a state finals appearance in 2023, he continues to emphasize connection beyond the field. One of his program’s goals—posted in the weight room—is for 90% of players to participate in another sport. His team also gives back in a unique way, welcoming elementary school students on game days by opening car doors during morning drop-offs.
Region 3: Edwin Campbell — Southeast Raleigh (Football)
Coach Edwin Campbell leads with a simple but powerful philosophy: success on the field begins in the classroom. His program reflects that belief, with 90% of returning players earning a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher entering the 2025–26 school year. His athletes also make up about 20% of the school’s student-athlete leadership council. That balance of academics and athletics helped propel Southeast Raleigh to the 7A state quarterfinals.
Region 4: Anissa Little — Union Pines (Women’s Basketball)
Coach Anissa Little’s impact extends far beyond the basketball court. A former state champion at Chatham Central, she has led multiple schools to state tournament appearances and recorded 100+ wins at both Wake Forest-Rolesville and Union Pines. Now retired from classroom teaching, she continues to inspire as a speaker, singer, and ordained minister, reinforcing the connection between coaching, teaching, and personal growth.
Region 5: Chantal Ayers — Seaforth (Women’s Lacrosse)
Coach Chantal Ayers guided Seaforth to its best-ever finish—a state quarterfinal appearance this season. A strong advocate for multi-sport participation, she has built a culture where athletes thrive across programs. That approach led to 33 participants in Seaforth’s inaugural field hockey season and 55 athletes competing in lacrosse this spring.
Region 6: Karlyn Dixon — Mallard Creek (Women’s Basketball)
Coach Karlyn Dixon reached two major milestones this season: her 100th win at Mallard Creek and the school’s first women’s basketball state championship in the inaugural 8A classification. Beyond the court, her work with the Elite Athlete Training Academy promotes development, sportsmanship, and increased participation—while helping reduce competitive gaps across the sport.
Region 7: Darren Hart — South Caldwell (Men’s & Women’s Golf)
Coach Darren Hart makes a lasting impact through inclusion. As the leader of South Caldwell’s Adaptive Physical Education program, he fosters leadership opportunities that bring students together across different learning environments. One highlight is the annual adapted kickball game with Alexander Central, giving participants a full game-day experience filled with energy and excitement.
Region 8: Joe Sayblack — Pisgah (Men’s & Women’s Cross Country)
Coach Joe Sayblack’s program reflects resilience and growth. Whether rebuilding a course after severe weather or guiding athletes to state-level success, his focus remains on personal progress. This season saw a men’s top-10 individual and team finish along with two women qualifying for the state meet. Off the course, his commitment to mentorship extends to welcoming a foreign exchange student into his home, emphasizing lifelong learning and connection.
