Reflecting on his new role, Carter expressed the excitement and responsibility he feels as he succeeds Coach Chillious. “This is a thrilling challenge in my career and a significant responsibility,” Carter said. “Coach Chills has set a high standard in player development and has shaped South Kent basketball into a national contender. I’m honored to continue that legacy, especially with such a talented group of players this season.”

Carter brings not only a wealth of experience but also a natural ability to lead. A former two-time captain at Rutgers University, he competed in Division I basketball and demonstrated his leadership on the court during the 1989 and 1991 seasons. Since joining South Kent in the fall of 2023, Carter has quickly become an advocate for student-athletes, earning him the role of Dean of Students alongside his coaching duties.

On his leadership style, Carter emphasizes the importance of trust and respect between coach and players. “While I’m grateful to be recognized as a leader, it’s vital that my team trusts me. I’m intentional with my words and avoid harsh criticism, even in moments when a player misses an easy shot. Instead, I aim to build them up, offering encouragement that fuels their resilience,” he explained. “I also share lessons from my own mistakes in high school and college to help them learn without repeating the same errors. My goal is to prepare and motivate them to give their best effort every time they’re on the court.”

With 24 years of coaching experience at various colleges and universities, including over 15 years at the NCAA Division I level, Carter brings a diverse and seasoned perspective to South Kent. Head of School Brian Sullivan expressed his confidence in Carter’s leadership, noting, “Craig’s extensive background in coaching both men’s and women’s teams across different levels uniquely positions him to connect with and inspire our players. His leadership will undoubtedly enhance our basketball program and benefit the entire South Kent community.”

The South Kent basketball season opens tonight at 6:30 p.m. in Brown Gym, where the Cardinals will face off against Redemption Christian Academy. With Coach Carter’s leadership and the team’s shared camaraderie, South Kent basketball is set to shine brightly on the court once again.
Find the 2024-25 Season Schedule here. #GoCardinals

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Craig Carter joined South Kent School in 2023, quickly making an impact as a leader and advocate for student-athletes. With over 24 years of coaching experience, including 15 at the NCAA Division I level, Craig brings a wealth of knowledge to the Prep Basketball program. A former Rutgers University player and team captain, Craig earned All-Conference honors in the Atlantic 10. His commitment to student development and leadership earned him the role of Dean of Students, solidifying his place as a key figure in South Kent’s basketball legacy.

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A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Carter made a name for himself as both a player and coach. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, where he also played for the University’s Division I basketball program. Craig played in the NCAA Tournament with Rutgers in 1989 and 1991, was a four-year letterwinner for the Scarlet Knights from 1987-91, and was a two-time team captain, earning an Atlantic-10 All-Tournament Team selection in 1989.

After College, Craig served as an elementary school teacher in Brooklyn for two years and worked for Chase Bank and GE as a financial analyst in foreign exchange. While teaching, he started his coaching career at the high school level and has since garnered twenty-four years of basketball coaching experience at various colleges and universities across the country on both the men’s and women’s sides. In that time, he spent over fifteen years coaching at the NCAA Division 1 level and spent two years as a Director of Basketball Operations at the University of Massachusetts and the University of North Carolina Greensboro.

In his most recent positions prior to joining South Kent School in 2023, Craig was the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Florida State University (under Coach Sue Semrau and Coach Brooke Wyckoff) for two years and the Associate Head Coach of Women’s Basketball at the University of Wisconsin (under Coach Jonathan Tsipis) for five years. His former Head Coach, Sue Semrau, spoke highly of Craig: “It’s a privilege to be able to work with Coach Carter. He is a coach with integrity and extensive experience. He is “fluent” in the game of basketball, having hands-on experience in every area. He is also versatile, having served in corporate America and as a teacher. As a former player at Rutgers, he understands the needs and the challenges of the athletes we coach.”

Prior to coaching women’s college basketball, Craig spent fifteen years assistant coaching men’s basketball at institutions such as Cornell University, Longwood University, Skidmore College, Siena College, Elizabeth City State University, and his alma mater, Rutgers University.

Coach Carter has become known as a top-notch recruiter and his player development abilities have been evident over the years in both men’s and women’s sides. In the 2018-19 year, Wisconsin’s Marsha Howard earned second-team All-Big Ten honors under Craig’s guidance, averaging 14.7 points. Fellow Badger teammate Cayla McMorris became a two-time Honorable Mention Big Ten performer under his watch as well in 2017 and 2018. Craig also assisted with the development of notable Siena Alum Kenny Hasbrouck, who became one of the best players in program history with 1,917 career points and 248 steals.

Outside of coaching, and in his short time at South Kent, Craig has already proven himself as a tremendous school leader and student advocate. His commitment to South Kent, its Mission and Values, and his enthusiasm for investing in and developing student-athletes both on and off the court has helped earn him the promotion to Dean of Students this past summer.

South Kent is lucky to have Coach Carter take over its legacy premier basketball program from the esteemed former Director of Athletics, Director of Basketball, and Head Coach of Prep Basketball Raphael Chillious, who recommended Coach Carter for the position.

“I have been at South Kent for nine wonderful years and two different stints. I can truly call the Hillside home and the basketball program, it’s like one of my kids. I have known Coach Carter for over 20 years, and I am honored to leave this program and these talented players in his capable hands. He will assuredly continue to recruit great student-athletes who will continue to keep South Kent on the map as one of the country’s premier prep programs.”

Craig’s wealth of experience, passion for the game, and deep commitment to the development of young men will undoubtedly benefit the School’s basketball program and enhance the overall athletic experience for the student-athletes. With the support of his daughter, Amber, and grandson, Ellis, the School is excited to have Craig guide the exciting next chapter in South Kent Basketball.

Please join us in congratulating Coach Craig Carter on his new role. We look forward to his continued leadership both on and off the court.

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