Tom Carter
Basketball (1965-68)
Soccer (1968-70)

There have been plenty of two-sport athletes in the history of Chico State, but very few have had the versatility to play both soccer and basketball at the high level that Tom Carter did for the Cats in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

As goalkeeper for the Wildcats, he led his team to the 1970 Far West Conference championship and then later to the West Region championship. The Cats won the regional championship in dominating fashion with Tom not allowing a goal in the tournament. That shouldn’t have been too much of a surprise as Tom set the single season school record for “goals-against” allowing a miniscule 0.60 per game. He concluded his soccer career with a “goals-against” mark of just 0.80 per game. Both of those records still stand after 35 years.

Tom earned his BA in Physical Education in 1970 and his MA with honors in 1975. Following graduation, Tom began his teaching and coaching career, in the most unlikely of places - Australia. After a few years in the outback, Tom returned to the United States and began his long career at Paradise High School. At Paradise HS, Tom has served as girls basketball coach and boys tennis coach as well as serving the students as an instructor in the math department. Over the years, Tom has earned a reputation for producing winning teams known for their high levels of sportsmanship and fair play.

Tom has been actively involved in his community. He has served as the director of officials for the Chico Youth Soccer League as well as coaching several teams over the years. He has also volunteered his time for the past 25 years as tournament director for the Paradise girls basketball tournament.