On Tuesday, the Utah High School Activities Association released its list of Gold Star Coaches, and Chad Cowdell, the Carbon boys’ soccer coach, received the honor.

The UHSAA’s Gold Star Coach award honors coaches who go above and beyond in mentoring their athletes, encouraging success in sports, and instilling values of integrity and leadership on and off the field.

Cowdell is entering his 11th year helming the boys squad and has led them to an overall record of 81-59-6 and a 65-19-3 mark in region play.

In 2023, Cowdell was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer, and the community rallied around him and his family, supporting a GoFundMe campaign as well as taking part in a three-on-three fundraiser tournament.

The award is about ensuring that athletics not only teaches competition but also teaches student-athletes how to be the best people they can be. Cowdell’s resilience throughout his cancer fight teaches his players about perseverance and, more importantly, that you should never give up.

Congratulations, Coach Cowdell, on this award.