Naismith College
College Coach of the Year Award
The Story
When the Atlanta Tipoff Club needed to honor the most exceptional coaches in college basketball, they turned to one of the sport's most prestigious recognitions: the Werner Ladder Naismith College Coach of the Year Award. Presented annually since 1987, this award celebrates the coaches who shape champions and inspire generations of student-athletes. For 2024, legendary coaches Dan Hurley of UConn men's basketball and Dawn Staley of South Carolina women's basketball earned this ultimate recognition, requiring awards that matched their extraordinary achievements.
The Design
Bennett Awards collaborated with Werner, the official ladder of NCAA March Madness and world leader in ladders, to create prestigious custom awards based on an iconic pre-existing design. The sculptures embody the spirit of coaching excellence and the ladder-climbing journey to championship success. The bronze finish elevates the design to championship caliber, while the two-tier perpetual walnut bases provide a foundation worthy of college basketball's most honored coaches.
The Craftsmanship
Each sculpture was 3D printed in ballistic nylon, allowing for precise reproduction of the intricate design details that make this award instantly recognizable. The printed pieces were then painted bronze to achieve a premium finish that reflects the prestige of the Naismith name. The sculptures are mounted on elegant two-tier walnut bases, each featuring engraved plates that permanently commemorate the individual award winners and their remarkable achievements.
The Impact
When Dan Hurley and Dawn Staley received these awards, they joined an exclusive league of coaching legends spanning over three decades of college basketball excellence. These awards become centerpieces in their offices, serving as daily reminders of their coaching mastery and inspiring current and future student-athletes who visit. Each piece works as a powerful symbol of coaching achievement, generating respect and admiration from players, peers, and visitors while reinforcing the Werner and Naismith brands' commitment to recognizing excellence in collegiate athletics year after year.