The late coach Mike Newsome, who devoted so much of himself to the youth of the Roanoke Valley for nearly 50 years as a coach passed away January 16th 2015 at the age of 67. Friends came together to form "Team Mike" and find ways to honor the late coach Newsome and keep his memories alive.

So in 2016 it was decided to award a scholarship in his name to three area senior athlete students from high schools where coach Newsome coached.

Newsome coached the Varsity softball team at Halifax Academy for five seasons (99 - 03) with a NCISSA 1A State Championship.  Newsome started and coached the Varsity softball team at KIPP High for four season (11-14) with a 1A Tar Roanoke Conference championship and conference coach of the year in 2013. Newsome coached the Varsity Roanoke Rapids Women's basketball team for one season (04 - 05) before a Heart attack sidelined him.

2019 Halifax Academy Lady Vikings softball senior Kayla Gaertner has been named as the 4th Annual Halifax Academy "Team Mike" Coach Mike Newsome scholarship award winner. Miss Gaertner will be attending Halifax Community College.

 

2019 KIPP Pride High Softball senior Alexis Vasaturo has been named as the 4th Annual KIPP High "Team Mike" Coach Mike Newsome scholarship award winner.  Miss Vasaturo will be attending Campbell University or Halifax Community College.

 

2019 Roanoke Rapids High Yellow Jacket Basketball senior Abbi Carpenter has been named as the 4th Annual Roanoke Rapids High "Team Mike" Coach Mike Newsome scholarship award winner. Miss Carpenter will be attending East Carolina University.

"Team Mike" organizer Randy Wrenn stated, "This scholarship award is just another way to honor the Late coach and also honor several senior athletes and schools Mike was part of for years. Coach was always willing to give his time to the kids in the Roanoke Valley. All of the Roanoke Valley kids need to have fun and smile. Thanks to all that helped this year in the fundraisers for "Team Mike", with a special thanks to supporters in every event (Davis Body Shop, Discount Tire of Roanoke Rapids, Lynch's Signs and Graphics, Roanoke Cinemas, RRspin .com Sports, Today's Electronics, Weldon Middle School, Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp, Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation and Wrenn Sports Graphics, Screen printing and Embroidery.).

Coach Newsome's widow Jeane again sent her congratulations to all three girls and stated "Mike would be so happy to see this. He loved all of "his girls". 

Past winners:

2018

Halifax Academy Softball - Candice Smith

KIPP Pride High softball - Harleigh Clay

Roanoke Rapids Basketball - Camden Beirbauer

2017

Halifax Academy Softball - Drew Rose

KIPP Pride High softball - Ke'shonna Gay

Roanoke Rapids Basketball - Lauren Oliver

 

2016

Halifax Academy - Brooke Robertson

KIPP Pride  High - Latajah (Tay) Jones

Roanoke Rapids Basketball - Jordan Carpenter