At just 18 years old, East Gaston’s River Hawkins was the youngest coach ever hired by Gaston County. Fast forward three years, and he has turned around the boys and girls soccer teams, with the lady Warriors having a record year. He also placed in the Top 5 Saturday night in Raleigh for the Stuart Scott Courage Award.
Hawkins accomplished this while fighting his own battle. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2021, just before soccer tryouts. He has since had surgery, and is now cancer free.
The Stuart Scott Courage Award recognizes people in high school sports who have demonstrated courage this school year.
