If you took a poll across the Charlotte Metro area or even the state, the most likable coach among their peers would be Frank Cantadore of Concord Academy, at or near the top of the list. First and foremost, Coach Cantadore is simply an exceptional person—on and off the court. What you see is what you get: professionalism, humility, and sincerity at every level. He carries zero ego and is one of the easiest, most enjoyable coaches to work with when it comes to hosting events. His mindset is simple—he’ll play anyone, anytime. Personal wins and losses mean little to him; what matters is competing against the best and giving his players the exposure they deserve. During his 16-year tenure, more than 60 of his players have gone on to compete at the collegiate level.
Now in his 16th season at Concord Academy, Coach Cantadore has compiled an impressive 343–116 record while consistently facing tough competition. He’s one of the rare coaches unafraid of scheduling opponents that may be difficult to beat. Despite that fearless approach, Cantadore has captured three NCISAA state championships and finished as runner-up four times. Entering the 2025–26 season, Concord Academy sits at 5–0, holds the No. 4 ranking in our NCISAA state poll, and is again one of the favorites to win its classification for an NCISAA state championship.
When talking to Coach Cantadore, he shared that the 2020 season may have been his most memorable. Concord Academy finished 35–3, with their only losses coming to nationally ranked Moravian Prep (NC), Mountain Brook (AL), and a buzzer-beater against Ben L. Smith. They ended the season on a remarkable 19-game win streak and dominated their way through the postseason—winning the NCISAA quarterfinal by 40, the semifinal by 20, and the championship by another 20. Even more impressive, 10 of the 11 players from that roster went on to play college basketball, including five at the Division I level.
While Cantadore has many incredible seasons to reflect on, nothing stands out more than a 2016 matchup with Northside Christian, led at the time by coaches Byron Dinkins and Joe Badgett. Earlier that week, Cantadore’s daughter, Macie, had undergone the first of three open-heart surgeries. He left her hospital bedside to coach a highly anticipated rivalry game. During halftime, he received a call that Macie’s oxygen level had dropped to zero, and her condition had taken a sudden, frightening turn. Coach Cantadore immediately ran out of the gym and sped back to the hospital. What he didn’t know was that both teams, the entire crowd, and players from both sides—many in tears—came together in prayer for Macie. By the time he arrived, she had stabilized. Concord Academy somehow won the game, but the result no longer mattered. That moment transformed his perspective. Life is bigger than basketball. To this day, Coach Dinkins and Coach Badgett still ask about Macie every time they talk.
Today, Coach Frank Cantadore stands as proof that professionalism, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit can coexist at the highest level. He’s one of the few coaches who truly teaches the game the right way—respecting officials, modeling composure, and setting an example his players naturally follow. His team reflects his personality: mature, disciplined, and poised. Regardless of the circumstances or the competition, you will rarely hear him complain. Perhaps the events of 2016 helped shape his outlook. Still, one thing remains certain—Coach Cantadore continues to be one of the most likable and successful coaches in the state, an increasingly rare combination.