Kelvin Carter to retire after nine seasons as Vicksburg High Head Coach

VICKSBURG, Miss.(VDN) — After nine years at the helm, Vicksburg High School head basketball coach Kelvin Carter has announced his retirement, closing a chapter defined by consistency, leadership and unwavering Gator pride.

Carter informed his team of his decision Friday night following a close season-ending loss to Pontotoc High School.

He said the time has come to focus more on family after spending more than two decades working within the Vicksburg Daily News-Warren School District.

“It takes a lot of time and patience to be a head coach,” Carter said. “I was a young coach when I first started off and my kids were in school as well, but now I’m a grandfather. This journey has been bittersweet and my wife has been my rock, but it’s time for this chapter to end.”

Carter’s career in the district began in 2005 when he joined the program as an assistant coach for one season. He was later promoted to the high school as head ninth-grade coach and assistant varsity coach.

In 2017, Carter stepped in as interim head coach after Coach Robinson fell ill during a game. From that moment forward, he led the program, guiding the Gators to the playoffs in eight of his nine seasons as head coach.

Under his leadership, at least one player signed a collegiate scholarship each year he was in charge. During the 2023-24 season, Vicksburg climbed into the Top 10 rankings and rose to No. 2 in Class 6A midway through the year.

As an assistant coach, Carter also helped lead the Gators to two state championship appearances.

His impact did not go unnoticed. Carter was inducted into the VWSD Athletics Hall of Fame and was recognized by the Mississippi Legislature for his years of leadership and service to student-athletes.

A true Gator at heart, Carter’s story traces back to East View Apartments, where he grew up. He often credited the women who raised him — his mother and grandmother — for shaping his character and work ethic.

As a student at Vicksburg High, Carter blossomed into a standout athlete. A three-year letterman, he averaged 16 points per game in 1992 and earned defensive player of the year honors from his team while playing under head coach Chris Adamson.

Over the past nine years as head coach, Carter became the steady force behind the program. He earned his 100th career victory in 2023 and finishes with more than 150 wins at age 51.

He was named the Vicksburg Daily News Head Basketball Coach of the Year three times and was selected to coach in the MAC All-Star Game.

Among his proudest accomplishments, Carter said, was watching his players grow — both on and off the court.

“Seeing that kid who couldn’t dribble at first, then seeing him three months later looking like a true baller has always been special,” he said. “The most special thing is seeing them grow to become better men.”

After missing the playoffs last season, Carter helped guide the Gators back to a winning campaign in 2026, further solidifying the program’s resilience.

Though stepping away from coaching, Carter will remain at the school through the end of the academic year as Vicksburg begins the search for its next head coach.

As he turns the page, Carter looks forward to supporting his wife, Stace Carter, who is nearing graduation from nursing school.

“I told her a long time ago that if she gives me 25 years, we can do whatever she wants to do,” Carter said proudly.

The title of head coach may soon be relinquished, but Carter’s love for his alma mater remains firm. He closed his announcement the only way he knew how — with the chant that defined his years on the sideline:

“Gator Gator all the way. Gator Gator here to stay.”