About Coaches

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) that empowers basketball coaches, their teams, and local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer. The program leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of basketball coaches to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs.

Coaches vs. Cancer evolved from a concept championed by Norm Stewart, former head coach of the University of Missouri men’s basketball program, cancer survivor, and member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. He started the program by challenging fans to pledge a dollar amount for every three points made by his team during the season.

The American Cancer Society and the NABC adopted that concept in 1993 and transformed it into a nation-wide effort to unite coaches across the country in the common mission to provide help and hope to all people facing cancer. Today, high school and Division I, II, and III college coaches across the country are involved in the program. Coaches vs. Cancer has raised more than $50 million since its inception to support the American Cancer Society’s work to save lives from cancer.

In 1998, the Coaches vs. Cancer Council was formed - a distinguished group of NABC member basketball coaches, American Cancer Society volunteers, and business leaders from across the country to explore new and innovative ways to raise funds, recruit prominent coaches, enhance the program, and help save lives from cancer.

Because cancer has touched so many of our nation’s basketball coaches, Coaches vs. Cancer offers them a unique opportunity to fight the disease. Through integrated fundraising activities and public awareness campaigns, participating coaches are truly making a difference in the fight against cancer and are raising awareness in their communities about the importance of cancer prevention, early detection, and making healthy lifestyle choices.