Long-time North Henderson High School Coach Receives Two Prestigious Awards for Athletic Achievement

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (Sept. 29, 2023) – With an impressive career spanning nearly 40 years, Sue Moon, a Henderson County Public Schools’ (HCPS) educator and venerated coach has been recognized for extraordinary service and lifetime achievement by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) and the WNC Mountain Athletic Amateur Athletic Club.

During a recent sports banquet, NCHSAA awarded Sue Moon the Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Award for Region 8, in honor of its long-time executive director.

The recipient of the award must have a minimum of ten years experience in education and athletics, still be active in the field, and have gone above and beyond their expected duties. The recipient must also demonstrate participation in NCHSAA activities such as hosting events, serving on committees, board member affiliation, student services, and other important commitments.

Moon has served more than 39 years in education and athletics. She has spent countless hours volunteering and raising over $200,000 for cancer research through community outreach and hosting ‘Cure for Cancer’ games. As a volleyball coach, Moon has accumulated over 600 wins, while also boasting an impressive record of 400 wins as a basketball coach. Additionally she has received the following honors over her career:

• Volleyball Coach & Assistant Athletic Director – North Henderson, NCHSAA Regional Award, 1985
• North Carolina East-West All-Star Basketball Coach, 2004
• NCHSAA Highest Team GPA for Volleyball, 2013
• NCHSAA Highest Team GPA for Women’s Basketball, 2014
• NCHSAA Region 8 “Who Made a Difference Award,” 2015
• NCHSAA Commissioner’s Cup for Service, 2014-2020
• North Henderson High School Teacher of the Year, 2018
• NCHSAA Tony Webb Coach of the Year, 2018
• Kiwanis Spirit Award for Community Service, 2019
• NCHSAA Commissioner’s Choice Award, 2019
• NC Volleyball Coaches’ Association 3A Coach of the Year, 2021
• Organized the Inaugural Men’s Volleyball Program- North Henderson, 2023
• 17 Conference Championships
• 10 Coach of the Year Awards

“These honors could not have gone to a more deserving person. Sue Moon is an outstanding educator and coach who continues to build her legacy,” said Superintendent Mark R. Garrett. “Her impact on young people is not only evident in the outstanding numbers she has produced on the court but also in the impactful community service projects that she has performed with her teams. We are grateful to have her leadership here in Henderson County Public Schools.”

In addition to the NCHSAA honor, Moon has also received the WNC Mountain Athletic Amateur Athletic Club Adams-Ochsenreiter Award for Lifetime Achievement. For over 22 years, the Mountain Amateur Athletic Club has recognized and honored a Western North Carolina community leader involved in athletics with its Lifetime Achievement Award. The Mountain Amateur Athletic Club is a nonprofit organization that presents the annual High School Sports Awards Banquet and Western North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony through generous sponsors.

“I am honored to receive recognition from both the North Carolina High School Athletic Association and the Mountain Amateur Athletic Committee. Both of these agencies do wonderful things for our student-athletes and coaches,” said Moon. “Any recognition I receive is because I am blessed to be surrounded by wonderful and successful people. I feel it is important to give back to this wonderful community we live in. It’s always the students that inspire me.”

“Coach Moon is a cornerstone of the North Henderson community,” praised Dr. John Shepard, Principal of North Henderson High School. “Her service to students and families far surpasses the thresholds of the North campus.”

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