Ravenscroft School proudly celebrates a historic honor for one of its most influential leaders. Ned Gonet, longtime Athletic Director, legendary coach, and member of the Class of 1862 (honorary alum recognition), has been selected as one of four inductees into the North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association (NCISAA) Hall of Fame, with the induction ceremony scheduled for June 15, 2026, at the Embassy Suites in Concord, North Carolina. 

For more than four decades, Ned Gonet has been the face of Ravenscroft School Athletics. He has served 45 years as Athletic Director while also leading Ravens teams as Head Football Coach for 42 seasons, Girls’ Basketball Coach for 17 seasons, and Baseball Coach for 17 seasons. During his tenure, Gonet has built and sustained an athletic department that now provides opportunities for student-athletes on 51 teams across 20 sports, serving students in grades 7 through 12. His dedication to student-athletes, competitive excellence, and the growth of independent school athletics has left an indelible mark on the Ravenscroft community and beyond.

A highly respected leader statewide, Gonet has already been inducted into three Halls of Fame: the Ravenscroft Athletic Hall of Fame (2008), the George Whitfield Hall of Fame for contributions to North Carolina high school athletics (2017), and the inaugural class of Oakton High School’s Hall of Fame (2019). In 2004, he earned the designation of Certified Master Athletic Administrator with the NIAAA, further reflecting his commitment to excellence in athletic leadership.

Gonet’s coaching resume is equally distinguished. As head football coach, he guided the Ravens to five state championships (1985, 1989, 1994, 2000, and 2015) and eight conference titles, earning Conference Coach of the Year honors eight times and State Coach of the Year twice. Under his leadership, countless student-athletes advanced to collegiate football, including Antwan Harris ’96, who went on to play in the NFL and win three Super Bowl championships.

On the basketball court, Gonet’s 17 seasons coaching Girls’ Basketball produced a remarkable 383–125 record (75.4 winning percentage), along with 11 conference championships and two state titles. He also coached baseball for 17 seasons, contributing to the program’s development during his tenure.

Beyond Ravenscroft, Gonet has served the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association in multiple leadership roles, including as an Athletic Director, Board Member, and host of NCISAA State Championships in Football, Baseball, Basketball, Lacrosse, and Track & Field during his tenure. He also served as North Carolina Shrine Bowl Head Football Coach in 2006 and 2008, and as an assistant coach in 2005 and 2010. His many honors include the Contribution to Amateur Football Award from the Triangle Chapter of the National Football Foundation and the College Hall of Fame, Wake County Coach of the Year (1994), and the Chuck Carter Athletic Directors Achievement Award (2015).

Assistant Athletic Director Jim Gibbons reflected on Gonet’s remarkable legacy, stating, “Ned Gonet has devoted an extraordinary four and a half decades to Ravenscroft School and its athletic programs. His legacy is unparalleled on Ravenscroft's campus and throughout North Carolina. Through his leadership, coaching, and mentorship of countless athletes and coaches, he has positively shaped many lives and strengthened the culture of athletics at every level. Ned’s unwavering work ethic, commitment, and dedication to Ravenscroft Athletics, the Triangle Independent School Athletic Conference, the Big East Independent Football Conference, and the North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association stand as a powerful testament to his character, integrity, and lifelong commitment to doing things the right way.”

Ned Gonet’s induction into the NCISAA Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of a career defined by leadership, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to student-athletes. The Ravenscroft community congratulates Coach Gonet on this extraordinary and well-deserved honor.

Ned Gonet: By the Numbers

• 45 years as Ravenscroft Athletic Director
• 42 seasons as Head Football Coach
• 17 seasons coaching Girls’ Basketball
• 17 seasons coaching Baseball

Athletic Department Leadership

• Oversaw 51 teams across 20 sports
• Served student-athletes in grades seven–12

Football Coaching Highlights

• 289 career victories
• 5 State Championships (1985, 1989, 1994, 2000, 2015)
• 27 Conference Titles
• 25 State Playoff Appearances
• 21 State Playoff Wins
• 8× Conference Coach of the Year
• 2× State Coach of the Year

Girls’ Basketball

• Record: 383–125
• 11 Conference Championships
• 2 State Championships
• 75.4% winning percentage

Athlete Development

• Numerous collegiate athletes coached
• NFL Player: Antwan Harris ’96, 3× Super Bowl Champion

Leadership & Honors

• Certified Master Athletic Administrator (NIAAA)
• NCISAA Athletic Director & Board Member
• Hosted NCISAA State Championships in Football, Baseball, Basketball, Lacrosse, and Track & Field

Halls of Fame

• Ravenscroft Athletic Hall of Fame (2008)
• George Whitfield Hall of Fame (2017)
• Oakton High School Hall of Fame — Inaugural Class (2019)
• NCISAA Hall of Fame (2026)