C
Volleyball is booming in Northern California. I’m happy to report that UC Merced is in good hands with newly named Head Coach Chris Carter. Back in high school, Carter played libero for El Toro High School. He took his talents to play at Irvine Valley College. Due to injurie,s Carter had to exit the game as an athlete, but he quickly grabbed a clipboard and got into coaching.
Carter got involved in coaching because, “I loved the game, loved the idea of teaching and giving back to a community. The game has done so much for me, and I want to give back.” His first coaching jobs were at El Toro and Pulse Volleyball Club. After gaining some coaching experience at the youth level, Carter took his talents to coach at Westcliff University (women’s assistant) and after the 2021 seaso,n he headed to Springfield College to work as an assistant for the legendary Men’s Head Coach Charlie Sullivan.
Springfield has won multiple NCAA Division III Championships, and Sullivan has mentored many coaches who are now running their programs. Carter is one of Sullivan’s finest mentees. “Chris has a lot of great, high-level coaching experience and has a great work ethic. But Chris’ strength is creating simple and positive solutions and outlook for his players. The student athletes at UC Merced will have a great college experience,” said Coach Sullivan.
After Springfield, Carter spent a season on the Albany women’s volleyball coaching staff under Josh Pickard. Carter was enjoying his time at Albany and making an impact on the program. The California native was not looking to leave, but when the job was offered at UC Merced, it was an opportunity he could not pass up.
“Obviously, it’s incredible to be back in my home state of CA. UC Merced in general and within the athletics program, which is growing at a rapid rate. There is a passion from the people that work there, live there, go to school there, for the continued growth and development of the institution and community. The level of pride they have is something you don’t see in many places, and that was something I was excited to be a part of the second I stepped on campus. Also, with the excellent academics that UC Merced offers, central location, incredible people, and the opportunity to build a perennial D2 contender,” said Carter.
The University draws high school interest from Fresno, Merced, Sacramento, Stockton and other Bay Area locations. In the past UC Merced had Ai Prachumsri running both the men’s and women’s programs. Carter is coming in to focus on the men’s program and it is fantastic to see UC Merced’s investment in the men’s program. When Carter was asked about what recruits, administration, the community and parents can expect from his program he enthusiastically stated, “My philosophy centers around three things: Character, Cohesion, and Competition. Our program will center around excellent people of character playing excellent volleyball. I think Vince Lombardi sums it up the best “Although perfection is unattainable, chase it and you will catch excellence along the way”. I want this group to want to be excellent, not perfect in everything they do. From how we play, to how we succeed in the classroom, to how we treat others on campus and our community. People can expect this program to have a passion and desire for growth and learning, in all aspects of life. They can also expect some great volleyball on the floor.”
I have had the pleasure of working with Carter while he was at Springfield. I recommended a lot of athletes that are now playing for Coach Sullivan. Carter works tirelessly at recruiting and his student-athletes give him great reviews. I believe UC Merced is a sleeping giant and their program can reach greater heights under Carter’s leadership. It will be exciting to see them compete at the NCAA D II level in the competitive MPSF conference.
KP’s Volleyball Camps
About The Author
Kevin Pratte has enthusiastically been involved in volleyball for over 23 years. Pratte started playing in middle school and was fortunate enough to play NCAA Division 1 volleyball at The University of the Pacific. After his playing career Pratte got involved in coaching volleyball. In 2009 Pratte was the graduate assistant coach for the University of Nebraska women’s volleyball program. Later in his career Pratte made coaching stops at University of the Pacific, multiple community colleges and coached at WAVE Volleyball Club for seven years. Currently Pratte is a physical education teacher in the San Diego Unified School District and is head boys’ high school volleyball coach. Along with coaching, Pratte is a college volleyball recruiting coordinator. He has helped numerous athletes earn roster spots at multiple universities. “I am extremely passionate about volleyball. I got into coaching and teaching because my parents instilled in me at a young age to give back. My parents and coaches helped shape my life through the sport of volleyball. I am grateful that my parents are board members of The Kevin Pratte Foundation. We are on a mission to help raise funds to help high school boys all across our country to help pay for club volleyball fees,” said Kevin Pratte
Discover more from Middle Hitter
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
