Greensboro, NC - June 14, 2023 - Union Academy Coach Ashley Grant was awarded the Tony Webb Outstanding Coach Award On Wednesday, June 14, at the North Carolina High School Athletic Association annual Awards Ceremony. Established in 2005/06 through the NCHSAA Endowment Fund and generous donations from Toby Webb supporters, the Toby Webb “Outstanding Coach Award” recognizes two outstanding coaches annually, one male and one female.

Coach Grant has served as the men’s and women’s cross country coach for 10 years, the men’s and women’s indoor track coach for 2 years, and the coach of the mid and distance runners for the men’s and women’s track team for 4 years. In 2022, the men’s track and field 4x800 relay team won the 1A NCHSAA state championship and placed first in indoor track. Most recently, the 2023 men’s track and field team won the 1A state championship which included a stellar performance from the men’s 4x400 relay team as well as two individual long distance state championships. 

According to Athletic Director Michelle Phifer, Coach Grant has been a valuable leader at Union Academy and has been an advocate for all athletes. As the daughter of a high school athletic director, Coach Grant understands the importance of "coaching" the full student, not just on the track or cross country course and is viewed as a mentor and confidant for her athletes. Coach Grant has included many athletes that have not had a history of participating in athletics and has welcomed them to her various teams. Coach Grant holds each of her athletes as well as the athletes in all other sports to hold themselves accountable both on the track, course but more importantly in the classroom. She understands that they are "students" first and athletics is a privilege, not just a right at the high school Level. Additionally, Coach Grant is an active volunteer in the community with her teams.