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By Brian O’Shea, Plateau Daily News
Highlands Coach and Athletic Director Brett Lamb was recently awarded the Charlie Adams Award from the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.
The Charlie Adams endowed scholarship awards are given in honor of the long-time NCHSAA executive director Charlie Adams, who retired after 42 years of service to the association in January 2010.
Coach Brett Lamb was recently awarded the Charlie Adams Award by the NCHSAA. Submitted photo
“I was honored to receive the Charlie Adams award,” said Lamb. “I know what Charlie Adams stood for and how he helped make the NCHSAA one of the best state athletic associations in the nation. So, to receive an award that has his name on it is very humbling.”
Highlands Coach Brett Lamb asks a referee for clarification on a call during the first round of the state playoffs in 2023.
Highlands School Principal Sarah Holbrooks said they could not have given the award to a better candidate.
“He is so deserving of this award and so much more,” she said. “We appreciate everything he does for our school, community and athletes.”
Highlands Coach Brett Lamb enthusiastically calls a play in the final seconds of the LSMC championship game in Nantahala in 2023. Highlands won by 2.
Lamb said there are so many people who help make his job easier and for that, he is grateful.
“I am very fortunate to work and live in a great place with great people, great students and great coaches,” he said. “I have had great mentors along the way that have helped me grow as a teacher, coach and as athletic director.”
Highlands Coach Brett Lamb during the final seconds of a game in January against Hayesville before heading into overtime.
Brett Lamb, a 1987 graduate of Highlands High School, has dedicated his career to nurturing young athletes and advancing sports education. After high school, Lamb played collegiate basketball at Lees-McRae College, where his passion for the sport flourished. He furthered his education with a degree in Health and Physical Education from Western Carolina University. At Western Carolina, he served as an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach, playing a pivotal role in the team’s success as the 1996 Southern Conference Champions and their notable appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
Highlands Coach Brett Lamb shouts out instructions in the final moments against Robbinsville earlier this year.
Lamb’s commitment to athletics and education led him to Macon County Schools, where he has devoted 27 years to shaping the futures of young students and athletes. His tenure includes 7 years at Cullasaja School and 20 years at Highlands School.
Highlands Coach Brett Lamb talks strategy during a timeout against Avery during round 2 of the state playoffs in 2022. Coincidentally, Lamb is not the one who threw the towel in this pic.
Throughout his career, he has coached a diverse range of sports including cross country, track, baseball, soccer, and basketball. His exceptional coaching in basketball is highlighted by 9 conference championships and 9 Coach of the Year awards.
Coach Brett Lamb and the Highlands boys varsity basketball team await a call from the ref playing against BREC on the road in 2020.
Beyond his coaching achievements, Lamb has served as the Athletic Director for both middle and high schools, significantly contributing to the development and management of athletic programs. He is also an active member of the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association (NCADA), where he represents Region 8 on the Board of Directors.
Highlands Coach Brett Lamb is psyched about a clutch basket against Robbinsville.
“His legacy in sports and education continues to inspire and positively impact the communities he serves,” said Holbrooks.
Highlands Coach Brett Lamb talks strategy during a late in the 4th quarter timeout against Towns County in 2021.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Brett Lamb is a proud father to Kirstyn, Cole, and Brent, balancing his professional dedication with a fulfilling family life.
Brett Lamb not only coaches basketball, but cross country as well. Pictured is Highlands High School’s 2019 cross country team from left are Madi Drummonds, Logan Petrone, JJ Postell, Patrick Woods, Anne Marie Moore, Addie Westendorf, and Coach Brett Lamb.
Pictured at the top of the article is Highlands Coach Brett Lamb shouting positive reinforcements to the Highlanders against Hayesville in 2020.