JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Long time Carson-Newman Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance Eddie Carter has announced his retirement.
A member of the Carson-Newman Athletics Hall of Fame and former women's basketball coach, men's basketball assistant, Carter has been at Carson-Newman for the better part of four decades. His official last day will be June 30.
"What do you say about someone who means so much, to so many for so long," Carson-Newman Vice President for Athletics Matt Pope said. "Our senior team has been anchored by Eddie Carter. His decision, while great for him and his family, creates a hole for us. We are beyond fortunate to have his heart for Christ, his sense of humor, his work ethic and his outstanding Christian leadership in all manners of capacity for four decades. We know Eddie won't be a stranger to Carson-Newman, but we will miss him day to day within our offices for all that he has done. We wish him, Vicki and his family nothing but the best as he begins prolific full-time career as a grandfather and fisherman."
Carter played, coached or worked alongside C-N's last five directors of athletics (Ron Case, Ken Sparks, David Barger, Allen Morgan and Matt Pope). He went into the Carson-Newman Hall of Fame on Feb. 21, 2020.
On the hardwood, he is one of three players in school history with at least 1,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds. He had 1,255 career points and 1,064 career boards. As a senior, he pulled down 29 rebounds against Tennessee Wesleyan, a record that has stands to this day
"When the university adopted the motto of truth, beauty and goodness," Carson-Newman AD Emeritus Allen Morgan said. "I think they were describing Eddie Carter perfectly. Eddie is as truthful as any man I have ever known. The kind of man Eddie is typifies one's internal beauty. And he is a strong representation of God's goodness in man. Eddie has given of himself to our university with a love and commitment that is immeasurable. In his retirement, I wish him, Vicki and the entire Carter family nothing but the best."
He transitioned from his playing days to an assistant with the men's basketball program under Dr. Chris Jones. He helped coach future Hall of Famer Steve Adams, All-American Zeke Gilbert and helped guide Carson-Newman to an appearances in the NAIA National Tournament in 1983 and 1984.
As head coach of the women's basketball program from 1989-2001 he coached C-N to a record of 251 wins and 148 losses. He is third all-time in league history in career wins, guiding C-N to a quartet of national tournament appearances and three SAC titles.
"College Athletic Directors are always looking for good coaches," Carson-Newman Director of Athletics (1990-2012) and Hall of Famer (Class of 2013) David Barger said. "They want to hire staff members who are competent. Confidentiality is a must for their senior assistants. I was blessed to enjoy all three of these qualities in C-N Hall of Famer Eddie Carrer. I can only smile when I think about his personal class and professional integrity."
Carter has been a senior member of the athletic department's administration since exiting as the head women's basketball coach in 2001.
He also was the head coach of the Eagles track and field/cross country squads in the 1980s.
The only year of his career not spent at Carson-Newman was when he was the head coach of Oliver Springs High School in 1980 where he guided his high school alma mater to a 27-7 record. That same year he was named the Young Educator of the Year as presented by the Oliver Springs Jaycees.
