SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College Volleyball Coach Bill Carter has announced his retirement from coaching after 13 years of leading the CCCC volleyball program.

"I have enjoyed the success of our volleyball student-athletes off the court the most. Seeing evidence of athletes graduating from a program at CCCC, a four-year university or attaining a career path that utilizes their potential is what has given me the most gratification over the past 13 years as the head volleyball coach," said Carter. "Also, watching our assistant coaches grow in their ability to guide, motivate and teach the CCCC student-athletes has been incredible. I have enjoyed the journey on a day-to-day basis, which has created new relationships and strengthened current relationships."

This year's fall 2021 team finished the season on a high note, winning six consecutive matches before falling to Sandhills Community College in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 10 Tournament Championship.

The spring 2021 team won six of its eight matches - and claimed the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III Region 10 regular season and tournament championship.

"I am opening up space in my life to be there for the ones I love. Coaching volleyball will always be a passion for me, but it is time to pass the torch to the young guns," said Carter. "I have always given it my all and will have no regrets walking away. I set out a long-time ago to raise the bar for volleyball in Lee County, North Carolina -- and I think I did that, while leaving the game in the great hands of the young. I feel great about the state of the volleyball program at Central Carolina Community College and look forward to seeing where it will go next."

"We are very thankful for all that Coach Carter has done during his 13 seasons at Central Carolina," said Jonathan Hockaday, CCCC Athletic Director. "He was able to bring us our first region championship in volleyball and lay the foundation for a successful volleyball program. He will be missed greatly by Central Carolina athletics, and we wish him all the best."

What message would Carter like to convey to the student-athletes that he has coached at CCCC? "I want all the student-athletes past and present to knock down barriers, refuse to set limits on themselves or others, reach for the highest star, and be proud of whatever they accomplish on this journey we call life," said Carter. "I want them to know that I always will believe in them and the passions they pursue in life. I want them to give all they have to achieve their dreams."

Carter notes: "It has been a blessing to be a college volleyball coach at Central Carolina Community College, a place where dreams are created, visions are shaped, and futures are forged. The luckiest man is the one who lives out his passion with the ones he loves and who love him. Go Cougars!"

For more information on Central Carolina Community College - which is dedicated to providing pathways to achievable dreams, visit www.cccc.edu.