Our Speakers
Speakers play a vital role in the Coaches for Character mission by sharing personal stories of resilience, leadership, and integrity. Their experiences inspire students to believe in their potential and make positive choices.
Over the past two decades, Coaches for Character has welcomed nationally recognized coaches, athletes, and leaders whose voices reinforce the importance of education and character.
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Cade Klubnik
Clemson University
April 26, 2025
"It was such a blessing to give back to the community through an amazing event like Coaches for Character's CHAMP Awards. To be able to see the impact this event has on these kids' lives is unlike anything I have ever participated in. The joy and smiles these kids get to have from one night is so spectacular!"
LaNorris Sellers
University of South Carolina
April 26, 2025
"Being a part of the Coaches for Character CHAMP Awards was such an inspiring experience. The energy, the stories, and the genuine commitment to uplifting youth were powerful reminders of the impact we can all make. Seeing how this organization pours into young lives through character, leadership, and opportunity was so special."
Shane Beamer
University of South Carolina
May 15, 2024
“It was a true honor to be the keynote speaker for the Coaches for Character event this past year. I hope those young kids always dream big and know that anything they put their mind to is attainable. Greg Blatt’s passion for this program and dedication are unmatched. Thank you for having me be a part of such a great organization!”
A'ja Wilson
Las Vegas Aces
April 4, 2023
“It was such a blessing and honor to participate in the Coaches for Character event in April. As someone who grew up in the state of South Carolina, it was a special privilege to be able to speak to the Lowcountry youth, and to see the impact that Coaches For Character has made on the community. Thank you to Greg Blatt and his staff for creating such a memorable moment in my journey and I can only hope the kids had as good of a time as I did.”
Tim Scott
United States Senator
May 14, 2022
"As someone who grew up in a single-parent household mired in poverty with the odds stacked up against me, I have a personal admiration for the 'Unsung Heroes' honored at this year’s CHAMP Awards. Despite their environment, these students have chosen to push on and pave a different path for their futures. I am so thankful to Greg and his team at Coaches For Character for their commitment to our youth"
Christian Wilkins
Clemson University
May 10, 2022
“It was great to be able to give back and pour into the kids' lives in Upstate SC, an area and community where I was able to grow and develop on and off the field. It was truly a special time for me to honor those kids, who I believe have bright futures. I resonated directly with their journeys.”
Darien Rencher
Clemson University
May 10, 2022
"I had an amazing time at the Coaches 4 Character event pouring back into the youth of the upstate of SC. It was a full circle moment for me being that I used to be an attendee coming to listen to the prominent people on stage and now that was me. Huge thank you and salute to Greg Blatt and the entire team for all the work they've done over the years through this great organization. Looking forward to many more lives impacted through this initiative."
Kirk Herbstreit
ESPN Analyst
December 9, 2020
"Although we were in the middle of a global pandemic, I was very fortunate to be the honored guest of Coaches 4 Character. Not only did we make the most of it via Zoom, but the evening was a great success. I had the good fortune to listen to stories about the years of incredible work this organization has put forth and also chat with a few student athletes who have benefitted from their involvement with Coaches 4 Character. I was so impressed with ALL OF THEM. With the challenges our youth face in today’s world, I couldn’t think of a better group to lead and provide an example for them than Coaches 4 Character. I hope to return in the future to be a part of another fun night."
Brad Brownell
Clemson University
October 21, 2020
"I’d like to thank Greg Blatt and all those involved with Coaches 4 Character for giving me the opportunity to speak this year. I am grateful to be a part of an organization that has positively impacted the lives of tens of thousands of kids in the Upstate. Young people need to know that through hard work, education and a determined spirit, Big Dreams can be achieved. We are fortunate to have an organization like Coaches 4 Character doing such good work with the youth in our community."
Erica Wheeler
UIndiana Fever
November 13, 2019
"Greenville, South Carolina will always have a special place in my heart. From the time I arrived, it felt like a home away from home to me. I got a chance to spend some time with the sponsors of Coaches 4 Character. Everybody was so welcoming. For them to show me so much heartfelt gratitude made me feel good. The kids were simply amazing. As I shared my story, you could see the kids locking in on me and really receiving my message. I am blessed that I was able to play a part of such an elite event, an event that helps youth find motivation through life stories of others. It helps give struggling youth hope to be whatever they desire to be. Thank you again, Coaches 4 Character."
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Gregg Marshall
Wichita State University
September 17, 2019
"Greenville, South Carolina has always held a special place in my heart and now the Coaches 4 Character organization does too. It was an honor to be a keynote speaker and have the opportunity to meet so many great young people. Every young person deserves a chance to be successful in life. I hope my words inpired everyone to dream big and realize their opportunities are endless with hard work."
Dabo Swinney
Clemson University
May 15, 2019
"I had a great time at the Coaches 4 Character ACE Awards. What an amazing organization!!! It was an honor to speak at the event and help support the recognition of so many worthy students. I am thankful for all the people that support Coaches 4 Character and making the event possible each year."
Deebo Samuel
University of South Carolina
March 3, 2019
“I would like to thank the organization of Coaches 4 Character for inviting me to be a part of such a wonderful event. When I was invited, I didn’t know what to expect; but once I was on stage and gazing out at so many amazing young adults, I understood the purpose. I enjoyed speaking with the kids and interacting with them. I hope my positive words of encouragement motivated each one of them to stay in school and keep striving to become the best they can be. Thanks again for having me.”
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Rick Barnes
University of Tennessee
December 3, 2018
“I have been so impressed by the life-changing impact of Coaches 4 Character. We all realize that through education, you learn the skills necessary to pursue your dreams. Coaches 4 Character nurtures achievement-oriented thinking, helps kids excel in the classroom and positions them for future success.”
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A'ja Wilson
Las Vegas Aces
October 4, 2018
“It was such a blessing and honor to participate in the Coaches 4 Character event in October. As someone who grew up in the state of South Carolina, it was a special privilege to be able to speak to the Upstate youth, and to see the impact that Coaches 4 Character has made on the community. Thank you to Greg Blatt and his staff for creating such a memorable moment in my journey and I can only hope the kids had as good of a time as I did.”
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Tony Elliott
Clemson University
March 13, 2018
"I would like to thank Greg Blatt and all the individuals that work with Coaches 4 Character for providing me with a life changing experience. To see the investment in the community that Coaches 4 Character is making is very refreshing. Our true purpose in life is to cultivate relationships and serve others. It was very humbling to be given an opportunity to do my small part."
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Mike Dunleavy
Tulane University
December 13, 2017
"What a terrific job my friend Greg Blatt and his team do with Coaches 4 Character. I was impressed with their organizational skills, hard work and focus. The students that struggle the most are the very ones whose lives Coaches 4 Character impacts. My Greenville trip was more than worth the effort."
Tamika Catchings
Indiana Fever
October 17, 2017
"Thanks to Greg and everyone that assisted in making my Coaches 4 Character experience one to remember. I love the purpose of what Coaches 4 Character stands for, and that they are looking to help assist and give opportunities to youth who otherwise wouldn't have certain opportunities. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of it!"
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Tim Scott
US Senator, South Carolina
May 12, 2017
"As someone who grew up in a single-parent household mired in poverty with the odds stacked up against me, I have a personal admiration for the 'Unsung Heroes' honored at this year’s ACE Awards. Despite their environment, these students have chosen to push on and pave a different path for their futures. I am so thankful to Greg and his team at Coaches 4 Character for their commitment to our youth."
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Mike Williams
Clemson University
March 27, 2017
"I want to thank Greg Blatt and Coaches 4 Character for giving me a platform to educate, motivate and encourage these great kids from my home state of South Carolina. It was an honor to team up with my guy Ben Boulware again to be part of such a meaningful night. Coaches 4 Character is a great organization."
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Maya Moore
Minnesota Lynx
December 5, 2016
"My time in Greenville was a special treat! I loved being able to honor bright and deserving students as well as plant seeds of inspiration in the next generation. Everyone with Coaches 4 Character is first rate and their constant passion in pursuing the kids in their community is energizing.
Tubby Smith
Memphis University
October 10, 2016
“It was great to be back in SC, especially Greenville, for such a wonderful occasion. I appreciated the honor to speak. It was truly a privilege to be invited to share with the regional youth why it is important to have good character and be a good person. Coaches 4 Character exists to help kids develop life skills needed to be successful. Greg Blatt and his team do an excellent job."
Frank Martin
University of South Carolina
May 17, 2016
"I can’t express what an unreal experience it was to be a part of the ACE Awards and Greg Blatt’s Coaches 4 Character organization. The doors that are being opened and the opportunities that are being created for young people are amazing. Kudos for caring about the most important group of people, our children.”
Joanne McCallie
Duke University
December 7, 2015
“I thoroughly enjoyed my day and evening with the Coaches 4 Character Series. The dedication, enthusiasm and work ethic of all involved, led by Greg Blatt, are truly amazing. The Greenville community and support is exceptional as well. It was an honor to be a small part of helping young people think and choose to make the right choices in their lives.”
Mike Young
Wofford College
September 22, 2015
“An unbelievable experience for me personally and nothing short of blown-away at the fine work that Coach Blatt and his team are doing with Coaches 4 Character. The more our young people can hear and experience the positive benefits of education and being good citizens, the better our communities can become and the better opportunity for them to become engaged and active participants in their respective schools and neighborhoods.”
Tim Worley
Chicago Bears
May 19, 2015
"My experience as a Coaches4Character ACE Awards keynote speaker was, in a word, extraordinary. From the second we arrived in Greenville, my wife and I were shown first-class hospitality and professionalism. I'm honored and humbled to have been a part of this pivotal event honoring the "Unsung Heroes" in Greenville, South Carolina. I would do it again in a heartbeat."
Connor Shaw
University of South Carolina
March 2, 2015
"It was an honor to speak with Vic to the students at the Coaches for Character event. I was in their shoes as a young athlete not that long ago and found other athletes to look up to and model my behavior after. It is important to me that these kids choose role models to emulate who have the values that will help them mature into successful athletes and, furthermore, young men and women. "
Vic Beasley
Clemson University
March 2, 2015
“Coaches 4 Character gave me a chance to interact with young adults and allowed me to impact their futures. In retrospect, this was one of the best times of my life because it showed that two in state rivals, Connor Shaw and I, could come together for a great cause.”
Tim Corbin
Vanderbilt University
December 1, 2014
"I really appreciate having the opportunity to be a part of Coaches 4 Character and in some small way providing an experience that is long lasting to young people. There is nothing more rewarding than giving back time to kids with a growing spirit to learn. Greg’s organization creates a vision for these kids that they might not ever experience anywhere else. I am grateful to be a small part of this program.”
Bruce Fowler
Furman University
October 6, 2014
“It was a huge honor to be a part of the Coaches 4 Character program. There is nothing more important than our young people, and Coaches 4 Character is making an impact that is life changing for the young people of the Upstate community. I am very grateful to have Coaches 4 Character in our Upstate community providing positive opportunities and educational experiences to the young people that will help shape the future."
Bob Costas
NBC Sportscaster
May 22, 2014
"My experience with Coaches 4 Character and the ACE Awards was first class. Everyone involved made me feel very welcome and made clear how appreciative they were of my involvement. Greg and his team do a terrific job planning, marketing, and staging their programs - all with the students in mind. I enjoyed every aspect of my visit, including the charming and historic city of Greenville itself."
Jack Leggett
Clemson University
February 6, 2014
"I am very proud to have been a part of Coaches for Character. It is a great avenue for the many kids involved to hear great messages about making good decisions, being strong and confident under peer pressure, understanding the value of their education, and associating with the right people. The message provides an awesome opportunity for these kids, and I know that it can change many of their lives in a very positive way! Thanks for letting me be a part of it!"
Carolyn Peck
ESPN Basketball Analyst
November 18, 2013
“Coaches 4 Character is an outstanding organization. It provides kids the opportunity to be armed with the life skills to achieve their dreams. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the donors who really care about the kids. The highlight was actually getting to speak to such an enthusiastic group of young people. Our future is bright because of organizations like this.”
Mark Gottfried
NC State University
September 23, 2013
“I am thoroughly impressed with the Coaches 4 Character program. Greg and his team do a phenomenal job because their hearts are in their work. This is a unique program that is as good as I’ve seen anywhere. The young people in Greenville are fortunate to have a program like this in their area."
Merl Code
Greenville Attorney
May 23, 2013
"My involvement in the ‘ACE‘ Awards program was extremely gratifying. This event that spotlighted outstanding young people as ‘Unsung Heroes‘ for their triumph over personal challenges was uplifting .Their demonstrated leadership and commitment to serve others in their schools and communities was heartwarming and a testament to the human spirit."
Marcus Lattimore
University of South Carolina
April 15, 2013
"I really enjoyed my Coaches 4 Character experience. Having grown up in Upstate South Carolina, I especially appreciated the great turnouts at both the Nantucket reception and Redemption program. I was honored to be asked to speak for this home grown program that focuses on two values I strongly believe in - character and education. Coaches 4 Character, thank you for the opportunity and thank you for all that you have done to give youth hope and inspiration."
James Franklin
Vanderbilt University
February 26, 2013
“I have the utmost respect for the Coaches 4 Character Series and its mission to instill the value of education and character development in at-risk youth. Coming from a similar background, I know the power of a consistent positive message in giving young people the opportunity to overcome doubt and succeed despite the negativity. I am honored to have been chosen as a speaker for the event.”
Jeff Davis
Clemson University
December 3, 2012
“What a privilege and honor to be among one of those chosen as the speaker for Coaches 4 Character! The Coaches 4 Character staff was very accommodating, and the various activities and events were spectacular. It was an experience that so enriched my life, and I will treasure the memory of those bright and beautiful young people that Coaches 4 Character serves.”
John Thompson III
Georgetown University
September 17, 2012
"It is a privilege for me to be associated in some small way with Coaches 4 Character. It is an organization comprised of selfless leaders in the community that only care about assisting those in need. Their commitment is inspiring. I look forward to working with them again."
Tom Izzo
Michigan State University
April 19, 2012
"Being a part of the Coaches 4 Character Series was a great honor. Having a program like this in place to make a positive impact on the lives of young people is a tremendous asset to the community. Every young person deserves a chance to succeed in life, and this program will put them on the direct path to success. I feel truly humbled to have taken part in such a meaningful cause."
Joan Cronan
University of Tennessee
February 16, 2012
“I was honored to be a part of the Coaches 4 Character Series and the Young Ladies Night Program. I am so impressed with the difference this organization is making in the lives of at risk students. So many young women are touched by this program, as it teaches them to believe in their potential and to pursue their dreams.”
Mike Ayers
Wofford College
December 12, 2011
"Coaches 4 Character is a program that is trying to make a difference in kids’ lives. We are in a world that is losing kids at an alarming rate. We are blessed to have a program like Coaches 4 Character that reaches out and lifts up our at risk children. It was a special night and special time for me as a father and coach, and I want to thank the Coaches 4 Character staff for the tremendous job that they are doing."
Roy Williams
University of North Carolina
September 27, 2011
“I was truly honored to speak at the Coaches 4 Character Series. I think everyone there does a marvelous job, and I love the opportunity to emphasize to students and parents that education and sports can have such a tremendously positive effect on our children. Every young person deserves an opportunity, and Coaches 4 Character is trying to offer that to as many people as they can touch. Thanks so much for allowing me to be involved. ”
Vivian Stringer
Rutgers University
May 19, 2011
“I was very honored and excited at the opportunity to give back to the young people on “Ladies Night” at Coaches 4 Character. So often we hear about various organizations that make differences in young people’s lives; but I can honestly tell you that Greg, his entire staff, and supporters of Coaches 4 Character have a tremendous pulse on the needs of our young people in today’s society. I would encourage anyone to get involved with Coaches 4 Character as a means of giving back to our youth.”
CJ Spiller
Buffalo Bills
February 22, 2011
"I truly enjoyed the experience given to me and the love shown to me by the kids at Coaches 4 Character. It is an organization that impacts the lives of students who need it the most. Being a part of Coaches 4 Character was a great honor that I will forever appreciate!"
Jay Bilas
ESPN Basketball Analyst
December 14, 2010
"Coaches 4 Character does amazing work in the community, and I could not have been more impressed. Every young person deserves an opportunity, and the Coaches 4 Character Series helps provide that opportunity, along with encouragement, life skills, and belief in their potential. I was honored to be a part of it."
Ray Tanner
University of South Carolina
September 28, 2010
"Today's youth have so many distractions and temptations that can lead them in the wrong direction. A program like Coaches 4 Character can make all the difference to a young person. It guides them along a path that will give them every opportunity to succeed. It was my pleasure to participate in a small way to give encouragement not only to the youth, but to those who work with them."
Dawn Staley
University of South Carolina
May 11, 2010
"I was honored and humbled to take part in the Potential Youth Foundation's Coaches 4 Character Series. The foundation works tirelessly to create partnerships within the Greenville community. The way they positively impact the lives of young people and empower them with the qualities needed to be successful leaders of tomorrow is phenomenal."
Phillip Fulmer
University of Tennessee
March 4, 2010
"I was honored and thrilled to be a part of the Potential Youth Foundation's Coaches for Character Series. It was so impressive to walk in and see the faces of so many young people from the Upstate South Carolina just hang on to your every word. The Potential Youth Foundation has and will continue to pay great dividends to the young people they serve and to the area as a whole. What an educational opportunity and character encouragement evening it was for all!"
Dabo Swinney
Clemson University
December 10, 2009
"It was great to be a part of the Coaches 4 Character Series. I was very impressed by what the Potential Youth Foundation is doing in the lives of so many young people. Many of these young people will be successful because of the core lessons learned through the Potential Youth Foundation."
Bobby Cremins
College of Charleston
October 13, 2009
"I really enjoyed my trip to Greenville. The enthusiasm in the community about the Coaches 4 Character Series speaks for itself. It is so important to reach out to young people, and that is exactly what the Potential Youth Foundation does. I highly recommend the program, and it was an honor for me to be a part of it."
Sylvia Hatchell
University of North Carolina
May 19, 2009
"Every city in America needs a Potential Youth Foundation. The life lessons that young people learn through education and sport experiences provided by the Potential Youth Foundation are priceless. What a way to give back, by investing in the young people today who will be our future leaders."
Skip Holtz
East Carolina University
January 22, 2009
"I was honored to be a part of the Coaches 4 Character Series. The Potential Youth Foundation is doing an amazing job teaching youth what is truly important in life. There is a need for more programs like this to provide guidance and skills to youth that may not otherwise have the opportunity to succeed."
Bobby Johnson
Vanderbilt University
December 11, 2008
"I really enjoyed returning to Greenville to speak for the Potential Youth Foundation Coaches 4 Character Series. I was extremely impressed with the educational programs they have established for the young people of Greenville. My congratulations to the Potential Youth Foundation for a job well-done."
Steve Spurriere
University of South Carolina
January 31, 2008
“My hat is off to the Potential Youth Foundation for their efforts to convince youth that education and sports and character, not drugs and gangs and dropouts, are the keys to a successful life. During a time when kids have so many vices thrown at them, there are no substitutes for sound judgement and wise decisions.”
Lloyd Carr
University of Michigan
December 13, 2007
"I enjoyed my trip to Greenville and especially the opportunity to speak to Upstate youth about character development. The Potential Youth Foundation's learning center and unique Coaches 4 Character series emphasize to students and parents alike the positive impact education and sports can have on the lives of young people."
Rick Barnes
University of Texas
September 18, 2007
"I have seen first-hand the quality of work being done by the Potential Youth Foundation. We all realize that through education, you learn the skills necessary to pursue your dreams. The Potential Youth Foundation gives kids a chance to succeed in the classroom and sets them up for success in the future."
