Coach Stephen Carter enters his second full season as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC), bringing with him a wealth of experience and a clear passion for developing student-athletes both on and off the court.
Before arriving at CNCC, Carter built a strong résumé at multiple levels of the game. He spent two seasons at Glendale Community College (AZ), first as an assistant before being promoted to Head Coach of the women’s basketball program. His time in the NJCAA ranks prepared him well for the challenge of leading a competitive program in the Scenic West Athletic Conference.
At the NCAA Division II level, Carter served as an assistant coach for three seasons, first at Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina, where he was heavily involved in recruiting and post player development, and then at Upper Iowa University, where he focused on player development, scouting, and game planning.
Carter began his coaching career in Arizona at Sandra Day O’Connor High School and Desert Edge High School, gaining valuable experience as a junior varsity head coach, varsity assistant, and associate head coach. His foundation in player development was further strengthened through his long-standing role at the Snow Valley Basketball School in Iowa, where he has worked since 2013 as the Skill Development Director and Lead Clinician. In 2019, he expanded his reach as a Camp Advisor and Lead Clinician for Breakthrough Basketball, impacting players across the country.
Now at the helm of the CNCC women’s basketball program, Carter emphasizes player growth, accountability, and a team-first culture. His strategic approach and dedication to excellence have already begun to shape the Spartans into a program built on resilience and development.
Coach Carter resides in Rangely with his wife, Emily, a Clinical Mental Health Therapist. Together, they are excited to continue building their life and investing in the CNCC community.
