Randy Wrenn presented the 6th Annual "Team Mike" Coach Mike Newsome scholarship to area high school senior.
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.
2021 Halifax Academy Lady Vikings softball senior Tare Simmons has been named as the 6th Annual Halifax Academy "Team Mike" Coach Mike Newsome scholarship award winner. Simmons has attened Halifax Academy since the 7th grade (2015) and played softball since the 8th grade, Basketball since the 9th grade, and volleyball since the 11th grade. Simmons also played in the Roanoke Valley softball league for years. Simmons will be attending East Carolina University (ECU) in the Fall and pursuing a career in Pediatric nursing,
2021 KIPP Pride High Softball had no season.
2021 Roanoke Rapids High Yellow Jackets Basketball had no senior.
"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. I guess that is part of where I get my drive, because 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, Lynch's Signs and Graphics, RRspin .com Sports).
Coach Newsome's widow Jeane sent her congratulations to Tara Simmons and stated "Mike would be so happy to see this. He loved all of "his girls".
Past winners
2020
Halifax Academy Softball - No Senior
KIPP Pride High Softball - Brianna Marie Vann
Roanoke Raoids High Basketball - Caitlyn Bobbitt
2019
Halifax Academy Softball - Kayla Gaertner
KIPP Pride High softball - Alexis Vasaturo
Roanoke Rapids Basketball - Abbie Carpenter
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