Staying in her home state to play collegiate softball, Carmen Carter hopes she inspired other native Mississippians to chase their dreams.
Senior Spotlight: Carmen Carter
April 09, 2018 | Softball
By Megan Fisher, MSU Athletic Communications
Mississippi State senior Carmen Carter has flourished and grown, both as a player and personally, since she arrived on campus four years ago.
The Jackson, Miss., native, who also ran track and played basketball in high school, chose to pursue softball long term because of her passion for the game and the hours she dedicated to the sport growing up. Carter is glad she made the decision to stay home to play softball because she hopes she can be a role model to young children in her home state.
"Growing up, not a lot of people from Mississippi ended up playing college softball," Carter said. "It's been cool to be a role model for younger kids from Mississippi."
Carter feels her four years have helped her mature on and off the field. One of the biggest lessons she has learned is to be appreciative of everything she has and to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. On the field, she has learned to focus on the mental part of the game just as much as the physical aspects. Carter credits the entire MSU coaching staff as the most influential people in her softball career.
"They all balance each other out well, and they all teach you different things whether it's about softball or not," Carter said.
Her coaching staff and teammates mean the world to Carter. She is with her softball family more than she is with her family at home, so the relationships that have formed are ones that will last forever. The family atmosphere of MSU was what enticed Carter to become a Bulldog. During her four years, the relationships she has created with past and current teammates will forever be her favorite part of her time at State.
When looking back on her career, the thing that sticks out to Carter the most is the growth of the senior class. She can see how much they have all grown physically, mentally and as women in general.
Carter's senior year has been special on the field, as well. The Bulldogs have been ranked in the Top 25 and have been playing well throughout the entire season.
"It's great to see us start off the year strong," Carter said. "It's amazing how the whole team is invested in this season and each other. We are all on the same page."
However, the season isn't over yet. Carter and her teammates still have big plans.
"We definitely want to end the year in Oklahoma City and want to end the year being as close to my teammates as I am right now," Carter said.
Carmen Carter and the 2018 senior class will celebrate Senior Day on Sunday, May 6 versus Tennessee at 2 p.m. CT.
Mississippi State senior Carmen Carter has flourished and grown, both as a player and personally, since she arrived on campus four years ago.
The Jackson, Miss., native, who also ran track and played basketball in high school, chose to pursue softball long term because of her passion for the game and the hours she dedicated to the sport growing up. Carter is glad she made the decision to stay home to play softball because she hopes she can be a role model to young children in her home state.
"Growing up, not a lot of people from Mississippi ended up playing college softball," Carter said. "It's been cool to be a role model for younger kids from Mississippi."
Carter feels her four years have helped her mature on and off the field. One of the biggest lessons she has learned is to be appreciative of everything she has and to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. On the field, she has learned to focus on the mental part of the game just as much as the physical aspects. Carter credits the entire MSU coaching staff as the most influential people in her softball career.
"They all balance each other out well, and they all teach you different things whether it's about softball or not," Carter said.
Her coaching staff and teammates mean the world to Carter. She is with her softball family more than she is with her family at home, so the relationships that have formed are ones that will last forever. The family atmosphere of MSU was what enticed Carter to become a Bulldog. During her four years, the relationships she has created with past and current teammates will forever be her favorite part of her time at State.
When looking back on her career, the thing that sticks out to Carter the most is the growth of the senior class. She can see how much they have all grown physically, mentally and as women in general.
Carter's senior year has been special on the field, as well. The Bulldogs have been ranked in the Top 25 and have been playing well throughout the entire season.
"It's great to see us start off the year strong," Carter said. "It's amazing how the whole team is invested in this season and each other. We are all on the same page."
However, the season isn't over yet. Carter and her teammates still have big plans.
"We definitely want to end the year in Oklahoma City and want to end the year being as close to my teammates as I am right now," Carter said.
Carmen Carter and the 2018 senior class will celebrate Senior Day on Sunday, May 6 versus Tennessee at 2 p.m. CT.
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