A nonprofit is shining a light on the often-overlooked role coaches play in the lives of the youth.

Charles Grady founded Hang Time more than a decade ago and has long provided support for those transitioning out of incarceration.

The program has since grown to include initiatives like Her Time, which empowers women through education and community support, and Choices, a mentoring program working with high school student-athletes.

"Whether students recognize it or not - when they're representing their team, they are influencers. And if you can get them to do the right thing and make right choices, then that trickles down to the rest of the student body," says Grady.

"We all hear about teacher of the year, principal of the year, superintendent of the year, but we never hear about coaches of the year," says Samantha Tellefsen, assistant program manager. "Coaches give back to their kids and their athletes positively in anyway influence, impact."

Hang Time will host their fist-ever coach of the year awards on June 7, recognizing coaches who serve as mentors and role models. Organizers hope to expand the event across the region.

Find tickets to the COTY Awards and information HERE.