Coaches vs. Cancer is an initiative that brings together coaches, their teams, and fans to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. Founded by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches, it leverages the passion of college basketball to support cancer research, education, and patient services. Through events like basketball games, golf tournaments, and other community activities, Coaches vs. Cancer raises millions of dollars each year to help advance the fight against cancer.
Dan Crockett is a distinguished entrepreneur, philanthropist, and competitive golfer based in Nashville, Tennessee. As the founder and former CEO of Franklin American Mortgage Company, he grew a small startup into a nationally recognized mortgage leader.
Off the course, Dan is also a champion amateur golfer, most recently winning the 2023 Tennessee Senior Match Play Championship—reflecting his drive, discipline, and passion for excellence.
Dan’s remarkable journey began early. At just 4.5 years old, he became the bone marrow donor for his brother in a pioneering transplant procedure—performed by Dr. E. Donnall Thomas, who would go on to win the Nobel Prize in 1990 for his groundbreaking work. That moment of sacrifice and courage helped shape Dan’s lifelong commitment to family, faith, and service.
In recognition of his extraordinary story and impact, Coaches vs. Cancer Tennessee honors Dan by putting his name right next to ours in the fight against cancer.
Dan’s story is a lasting reminder of how one act of love can echo for a lifetime—and why our shared fight against cancer matters now more than ever.
Coaches vs. Cancer Tennessee is proud to honor Coach Mark Byington, head men’s basketball coach for Vanderbilt University, with the 2026 Loos Award, recognizing his extraordinary impact in the fight against cancer and his unwavering commitment to the American Cancer Society. Through his leadership and dedication to Coaches vs. Cancer, Coach Byington has used his platform to raise awareness, inspire action, and support those affected by cancer both on and off the court.
Established in 2017, the Loos Award was created to honor the legacy of Coach Dave Loos of Austin Peay State University, whose remarkable career was defined not only by success in basketball, but by his passionate support of the American Cancer Society’s mission. This award is given annually to an individual who embodies that same drive, compassion, and purpose.
Coach Byington exemplifies these values through his personal connection to the fight against cancer and his willingness to share his story to make a difference. His impact extends far beyond the game, serving as a powerful reminder of how leadership, heart, and resilience can unite communities in the pursuit of a world without cancer.
Dear Supporters,
As Chairs of Coaches vs. Cancer Tennessee, we invite you to join us, our dedicated coaches, corporate sponsors, business and philanthropic leaders, and esteemed guests in the ongoing fight against cancer. Coaches vs. Cancer has a proud history of contributing to this vital cause, and we are excited to continue this tradition with your support.
Each year, we host the Tip-Off Reception and Golf Tournament, followed by the Coaches vs. Cancer Tennessee Classic High School Basketball Tournament in the Fall. Through these events, we raise over $400,000 annually to support the battle against cancer. We are reaching out to ask for your participation and support in this crucial endeavor.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has been a leader in cancer research and patient care for over a century. Their mission to fight cancer from every angle relies heavily on the generosity of donors and corporate partners like you.
By joining us at our Coaches vs. Cancer Tennessee events, you will help advance the ACS’s critical work and celebrate the collective efforts of our community and coaches across Tennessee.
Let’s unite to make a difference. Together, we can continue to support the American Cancer Society’s mission and honor those who are fighting cancer.
JOIN THE FIGHT!
For more than 10 decades, the American Cancer Society has been dedicated to pursuing better outcomes for every cancer, every life. Today, more people are surviving cancer than ever before, but there is still work to be done. Join us, support us, and help us end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
towards cancer research
winning scientists received research funding
through all patient support initiatives in 2024
