Coach Vincent Carter Sr.

Vincent Carter Sr.’s journey to becoming head coach

Banee Chadha, Photography Editor

Mekayla Upton, Social Media Editor

Whether it be through teaching youth basketball or supporting his son in the National Basketball Association (NBA), varsity basketball head coach Vincent Carter Sr. has been immersed in the sport all his life.

Growing up, Carter played football, baseball, and basketball. During his high school and college years, Carter played in his school’s bands. After high school, Carter went to Shaw University on a football scholarship. He eventually formed his own jazz band, which played all around Florida and Georgia. At one point, Carter was the opening act for the James Brown show and even played with Brown’s touring band.

“By far my favorite memories were playing two gigs with James Brown,” Carter said. “I played as his backup drummer.”

After college, Carter was a part of the U.S. Army. During his time with the army, Carter was stationed in the United States and then overseas in Germany, serving as a military policeman, race relations coordinator, and drug/alcohol coordinator.

“Having the opportunity to travel the world and the honor to serve my country while learning new languages and culture was a great life experience,” Carter said.

Years later, Carter started his coaching career at Boone High School in Orlando. At Boone, he was an associate head coach to the boys' varsity basketball team, with his friend, Greg Shirley, as the head coach.

“[Carter] is enthusiastic and he can correct [the team] when needed,” Shirley said. “Bringing enthusiasm to the game is very important when trying to make a difference in young men’s lives.”

After five years of coaching at Boone High School, Carter moved to coach at Brentwood High School. At Brentwood, he again coached with Shirley as the associate head coach. Together the two led the school to play in the state playoffs. After six years together, Shirley and Carter moved once again-- but this time, they moved to Northview.

“I moved to this area for the coaching opportunity,” Carter said. “I wanted to live in the area and work with the special needs program and coach.”

At Northview, Carter was the associate head coach to the boys’ varsity basketball team for one year and head coach for another. In his first year, Carter coached alongside Shirley. Last year, Shirley officially announced his retirement, leading to the start of Carter’s head coaching career at Northview.

“When I found out Carter was the new head coach, I was probably not that surprised,” Shirley said. “I’ve seen how he handled himself on the court, on a daily basis. He really cares about the young men.”

Not only has Carter coached at multiple schools, but he has also traveled the world and spoken to youth about basketball. For his whole life, Carter has dedicated himself to basketball, and the sport has a special place in his heart. Through coaching and teaching others about the sport, Carter is able to express his love for basketball.

“I am very detailed, aggressive, and passionate,” Carter said. “I believe in building a relationship with each player.”

One of those players is Senior Tanner Owens. Owens has played basketball for the past seven years and is currently a power forward on the Northview basketball team. Not only did Owens play for Carter this year, but he also played under Shirley and Carter last year.

“Coach Carter coaches in a way [where] everyday needs to be the same”, Owens said. “[Carter] always talks about routine and tempo. If it’s the day before the game we always walk through our plays.”

As a coach, Carter has had an immense impact on his players. Utilizing his 25 years of coaching experience, he is able to work towards helping his team improve their plays and fortify their skills.

“Whether it's a loss or a win,” Owens said. “He will always go over and tell us what we did good and what we did bad.”

Basketball and coaching are an integral part of Carter’s life. For him, basketball is more than just a game-- it is his career and a medium through which he can express his love for coaching.

“Viewers see the game of basketball as entertainment; while coaches view the game in details and skill development,” Carter said.