2025-2026 Gainey and McGee Scholarship Winners
Pat Gainey Scholarships
These awards are made possible by a gift from the late Pat Gainey’s daughter, Mrs. Berry Jo Gainey Shoen. The student scholarship award is available to NCHSAA member schools in counties with a poverty rate of 20 percent or more for children 17 and under. Recipients can be either a female athlete or a male baseball player meeting the established criteria.
A native of Dunn, Gainey recorded a phenomenal record in women’s basketball and was a real supporter of women’s athletics. His overall record at Pamlico was an incredible 93-6 in women’s basketball, and he also fielded outstanding baseball teams there. He then moved to Taylorsville, where he coached from 1955 to 1964. His women’s basketball teams won five Western North Carolina High School Activities Association titles and, at one point, recorded 54 consecutive wins and 140 straight conference victories. His overall women’s basketball mark was 358-57.
The Gainey Scholarship recognizes athletic achievement and strength of character. The criteria for this year’s award included that the student be a female athlete or male baseball player with at least a cumulative GPA of 3.2, possess a strong work ethic, demonstrate athletic success during the high school career, and demonstrate respect for coaches and teammates.
This year’s recipients are Peyton Black from Harnett Central and Bo Moxley from Forbush.
Peyton Black is a senior at Harnett Central High School in Harnett County who has distinguished herself as an outstanding student-athlete and leader through a consistent record of excellence, discipline, and impact. In the classroom, she maintains a 4.58 weighted GPA while completing a rigorous Advanced Placement course load, earning AP Scholar recognition and ranking among the top students in her class.
A four-year varsity athlete in both cross country and soccer, Peyton has built one of the most decorated résumés in her conference, earning multiple All-Conference, All-Region, and All-State honors along with repeated Conference Runner of the Year recognition. She has served as the cross country team captain all four years and as a captain for the soccer program, setting the standard through her competitiveness, toughness, and ability to elevate those around her.
“Not only is Peyton a champion student-athlete, but she is also a leader in our community,” said school counselor Lisa Williams.
Peyton’s leadership extends throughout the school, where she has served as Student Body Vice President, Junior Class Vice President, and World Language Club President. She is also active in her community, volunteering with local schools, helping lead youth camps, and working with Lillington Parks and Recreation.
Peyton plans to attend North Carolina State University to study neuroscience, with the goal of researching the effects of drugs and alcohol on the brain. Through her achievements in the classroom, in athletics, and in service, Peyton represents her school and community with pride and will continue to make an impact at the next level and beyond.
Bayln “Bo” Moxley is a senior at Forbush High School in Yadkin County who has distinguished himself as a well-rounded student-athlete through a consistent commitment to excellence in the classroom, on the field, and in his community. Academically, he maintains a 4.33 weighted GPA while challenging himself with honors and dual enrollment coursework. He has earned ‘A’ Honor Roll recognition throughout high school and received honors, including membership in the National Honor Society, the Gratitude Award, and Outstanding Senior.
Bo is a multi-year varsity contributor in baseball, earning All-Conference and All-Region honors and being named Offensive MVP. He has also competed in swimming, helping his team achieve a strong conference finish. Known for his discipline and work ethic, he has developed into a reliable competitor and leader who sets the standard through preparation, effort, and performance.
Bo has embraced leadership opportunities by mentoring younger athletes and representing his program with pride. His impact extends beyond school, as he serves his community as a volunteer firefighter and participates in service initiatives such as Impact Yadkin and other local outreach efforts.
Respected for his character, dependability, and integrity, Bo has earned the trust of coaches, teachers, and teammates alike. He plans to attend Catawba Valley Community College to continue his baseball career while studying business, with the long-term goal of owning his own company and making a positive impact through leadership and hard work.
Jerry McGee Endowed Scholarships
The NCHSAA Foundation and the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association (NCADA) proudly recognize two outstanding student-athletes as the 2025-2026 Jerry McGee Endowed Scholarship recipients.
This prestigious award honors students who exemplify leadership, academic excellence, athletic achievement, and community service – core values championed by long-time NCADA leader, Jerry McGee.
Recipients will receive scholarship awards at the NCADA-sponsored ADs Breakfast during the 2026 N.C. Coaches Association (NCCA) Coaching Clinic. This year’s recipients are Julia Bain from Pamlico and Tyler Koonin from Mount Tabor.
Julia Bain is a senior at Pamlico County High School who has distinguished herself as a resilient and accomplished student-athlete through her commitment to excellence in the classroom, in athletics, and in service to others. Academically, she maintains a 4.203 GPA and ranks eighth in her graduating class. Throughout high school, she has earned Scholar-Athlete recognition each year for maintaining a GPA above 3.5 and was also recognized with the Above and Beyond Award for her dedication to supporting her school’s athletic programs.
A four-year varsity athlete in volleyball and basketball, Julia has built an impressive athletic résumé highlighted by her performance on the volleyball court. She earned Coastal Plains 1A/2A All-Tournament honors as a freshman and was later named the Coastal Plains 1A/2A Conference Player of the Year, Conference MVP, and First Team All-State. Her All-State recognition marked a historic achievement as the first athlete from her school to receive the honor.
Julia’s success came through perseverance. During her high school career, she battled multiple significant injuries, including a broken ankle, a rare abdominal muscle tear, and a major knee injury that required MCL reconstruction surgery. Despite missing significant time, she remained committed to her team and worked tirelessly through rehabilitation to return to the court. Her determination culminated in a standout junior season in which she recorded 310 kills and emerged as one of the top volleyball players in the state.
Beyond athletics, Julia has demonstrated strong leadership and service within her school and community. She serves as a board member of the Beta Club, participates in the Student Government Association and Debate Club, and works as the social media manager for the school newspaper. She has also volunteered extensively, serving as a junior coach for Girls on the Run, mentoring young girls on healthy lifestyles and confidence, volunteering more than 100 hours in her school’s concession stand, and supporting community events through the Partnership for Children.
Known for her leadership, resilience, and commitment to lifting up those around her, Julia has earned the respect of her coaches, teachers, and teammates. She plans to attend North Carolina State University, where she will continue pursuing her academic and personal goals while building on the lessons she learned through high school athletics.
Tyler Koonin is a senior at Mount Tabor High School in Winston-Salem who has distinguished himself as a resilient student-athlete and leader through his dedication in the classroom, on the field, and within his community. Academically, he maintains a 4.391 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society, reflecting his commitment to excellence and balance between athletics and academics.
A four-year varsity baseball player, Tyler has served as a team captain for three seasons, earning the respect of his coaches and teammates through his leadership and team-first mentality. He has also competed in indoor track for two years and spent time in the Mount Tabor basketball program as a freshman.
Known for his competitiveness and commitment to team success, Tyler has embraced the responsibility of leading his program and helping build a strong culture within Mount Tabor baseball.
Tyler’s high school career has been defined by perseverance through adversity. During his junior year, he faced multiple health challenges, including surgeries and the diagnosis of a rare cancer in his knee known as synovial sarcoma. The diagnosis required surgery and forced him to miss an entire baseball season. Throughout the process, Tyler demonstrated remarkable strength and determination, attacking rehabilitation with the same relentless mindset he developed as an athlete. His journey reinforced the lessons sports had already taught him—resilience, discipline, and the determination to overcome long odds.
Beyond athletics, Tyler has been actively involved in leadership and service. At school, he serves as a leader and ambassador for the “Stroll Into Light” mental health initiative, which has raised more than $10,000 annually to support awareness and advocacy. He has also volunteered as a YMCA youth basketball coach for three years, mentoring young athletes, and helped lead an Alzheimer’s biathlon fundraiser at Forsyth Country Club. In addition, he participates in community service through the National Honor Society and the Tomorrow Project, contributing to service initiatives each semester.
Respected for his perseverance, leadership, and commitment to helping others, Tyler has earned the admiration of his coaches, teachers, and teammates. He plans to attend Robeson Community College, where he will continue pursuing his academic and athletic goals while building on the lessons he learned through high school athletics.