Carter

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

Carter loves everything about football—the competition, being part of a team, making plays, and challenging himself to get better. He’s been playing since he was 4, so football has become a huge part of who he is. Whether he’s on offense or defense, he loves being on that field. I think more than anything, he loves the feeling of knowing his teammates are depending on him and being able to show what he can do.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

Carter is inspired by the people who believe in him, especially his coaches, teammates, and family. He watches other athletes and learns from them, but I also think the people who continue to push him and remind him of what he’s capable of inspire him the most. Sometimes he doesn’t see the talent in himself that everyone else sees, so having people in his corner encouraging him to keep going means everything.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

Honestly, it’s hard to pick just one moment. Watching him earn Defensive Player of the Year while playing safety and cornerback made me extremely proud, but I’m proudest of the way he keeps growing. He’s gone from playing pee wee football at 4 years old to now playing both offense and defense at 10. Seeing coaches from Tennessee to Alabama recognize his talent makes me proud, but I’m even more proud of the heart he has for the game.