South Dakota State head men’s basketball coach Scott Nagy brought home a pair of honors from the Final Four festivities in New Orleans, La., for his commitment and service to the game of basketball and beyond.

The National Basketball Coaches Association awarded Nagy it’s NABC Guardians of the Game Pillar Award for Service, while Samaritan’s Feet honored Nagy as its Barefoot Coach of the Year.

“One of the hallmarks of our program is understanding the bigger picture,” SDSU director of athletics, Justin Sell said. “Whether that’s getting a degree, community service or being a good role model, coach Nagy exemplifies those traits and we’re really proud of the work he does in our community, across the country and the world.”

Both awards honor Nagy for his work with Samaritan’s Feet, and his efforts to raise money and awareness for children throughout the work without shoes by coaching games in his bare feet. Nagy coached two games at Frost Arena this past season without shoes, including an 85-58 win over UMKC on Jan. 14, and an 86-65 win over Buffalo on Feb. 18, in a game that aired on national television.

“I have traveled with Coach Nagy to Zimbabwe and saw first-hand his humble spirit and his willingness to help the impoverished,” said Manny Ohonme, President and Founder of Samaritan’s Feet. “Nagy’s humility is amazing, and the influence that he has on young people is contagious. It’s my honor to recognize him for his efforts for children around the world.”

Through his barefoot efforts, Nagy provided a voice for the voice-less and created awareness for Samaritan’s Feet, which raised over $10,000, providing 1,000 pairs of shoes to impoverished children, both in the United States and around the world.

Nagy’s work with Samaritan’s Feet does not end with these prestigious awards, and anyone interested in helping the cause can make a donation that can make a difference in a child’s life.