coovert

Kingwood Park coach Eric Coovert chosen as Inspiration Award honoree for 7th Annual Houston Sports Awards

Humble ISD

November 28, 2023

On Tuesday, Kingwood Park High School assistant coach Eric Coovert was announced as a honoree for the Houston Sports Awards Inspiration Award during a live announcement show on KPRC2+.

"It's an extreme honor to be nominated for such a prestigious award for the great city of Houston," Coovert said following the announcement. "I don't feel like I deserve it as it was my family, friends, community and peers who inspired me everyday with their outpouring of love and support to fight my battle. If I am able to give just a hint of inspiration to others going through their battles then I would be happy."

Coovert is one of three nominees for the award along with Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III and adaptive sports advocate Doug Dillard. All three nominees will be recognized during the 7th Annual Houston Sports Awards, which will take place at the 713 Music Hall on January 30, 2024 - Ticket Information.

The show will be hosted by Houston Astros pitcher and World Series Champion Lance McCullers Jr.

Coovert was diagnosed in July 2023 with plasmablastic lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Despite this diagnosis, Coovert continued to teach history and hold his position as an assistant coach on Clayton Maple’s staff.

Coovert was named the 2023-2024 Kingwood Park High School teacher of the year. He went on to be named a Top 10 Finalist for the Humble ISD District Teacher of the Year Award.

On October 12, after months of treatment, Coovert stood in front of the Panthers’ football team prior to their game against Port Arthur Memorial and told them that he had received a phone call from his doctor and that he had “gone 1-0 against cancer”. The team erupted in joy and embraced Coovert.

The video of the moment went viral on social media, garnering over 29,000 views and more than 75,000 impressions.

Coovert’s inspirational moment and story was then featured on KHOU by sports reporter Zack Tawatari and also featured in the KPTimes by Maya Ortiz.

"Coach Coovert's victorious battle over cancer has been an inspiration for our staff, our players and our entire community," Maple said. "His daily display of physical and mental strength as well as his positive attitude has been an inspiring example."

Photo above by Maya Ortiz of KPTimes