J.C. Carter, who spent his fifth year in college finishing his athletic eligibility, is beginning a new career in coaching as he joins The University of Texas-Pan American’s men’s basketball team this season.

A native of Joplin, MO, Carter played football and basketball at West Side High School in El Dorado, Arkansas, earning All-Conference honors as a point and shooting guard. He also was named his team’s Most Valuable Player and Offensive MVP, and played in the Southern Arkansas All-Star Game. Carter played quarterback for the football team.

Beginning his collegiate career at Stephen F. Austin State University, Carter played one year for the Lumberjacks before transferring to Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri to finish his career. He helped lead the Bearcats to the Missouri Intercollegiate Athletic Association playoffs as a junior, and received the Senior Leadership Award in his fourth and final season.

Returning for a final semester, Carter joined the Bearcat football team, playing strong safety and seeing his first varsity action since his high school days. He then began his coaching career, serving as an assistant coach at Bolivar High School, and earning a B.S. in Physical Education in July.

Carter’s brother-in-law, Jason Porter, played basketball for Texas-Pan American Head Coach Bob Hoffman at Oklahoma Baptist, and is now the Head Athletic Trainer at Liberty University.

”I knew that Coach Hoffman was very successful as a coach, and that he is also a man of great integrity,” said Carter. “It’s great to work for someone who is successful as a coach and is also successful outside the lines in regards to his family and community. That’s very important, and is something that I want to mirror down the road. I have always wanted to get into college coaching, and my ultimate desire is to be a head coach, and I consider myself fortunate to be able to start out at the Division I level.”

“J.C. is a very sharp, intelligent young man,” said Hoffman. “He is going to be a tremendous coach, and we’re blessed to have him as a part of our program.”