Who Is Ken Carter? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ken Carter, born on January 1, 1959, is an American basketball coach renowned for his dedication to mentoring young athletes and the incredible story of how he transformed the lives of his players. Widely recognized for his leadership at Richmond High School in California, Carter became famous after the film "Coach Carter" was released, based on his life. As of 2025, he is 66 years old and continues to inspire many through his motivational speaking and coaching clinics.
| Occupation | Basketball Coach |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 1, 1959 |
| Age | 66 Years |
| Birth Place | Fernwood, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Ken Carter's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ken Carter stands tall at 6 feet (183 cm) and maintains an athletic build with a weight of approximately 200 lbs (91 kg). His strong physical presence underscores his commitment to fitness and healthy living, principles he instills in the athletes he coaches.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While Ken Carter has always kept a level of privacy regarding his personal life, he is known to have a close-knit family. As of 2025, he is reported to be single, focusing on his coaching career and community projects. Previously, he was in a long-term relationship but has chosen to keep any details private.
Carter has a son named Damien, who played for his father at Richmond, and was portrayed by Robert Ri'chard in the movie, and currently resides in San Antonio, Texas.
Net Worth and Salary
Ken Carter's estimated net worth in 2025 is around $3 million. His wealth stems from various sources, including his coaching career, motivational speaking engagements, and business ventures. Coaching at high school and collegiate levels often brings in a steady income, coupled with earnings from public speaking appearances where he shares his insights on discipline and success.
Career, Business and Investments
Ken Carter's career as a basketball coach began in the 1980s, and he quickly became known for his unconventional strategies, focusing on both athletic skills and academic performance. His coaching journey has led him to establish various training programs and camps, helping young players develop their skills. In addition to coaching, he is also involved in youth mentorship programs and has launched a line of athletic apparel. Carter's focus on creating a positive impact extends beyond basketball, as he invests in community development projects and educational initiatives.
Social Network
Ken Carter possesses a robust social media presence, utilizing platforms like Instagram and Twitter to connect with fans, share motivational content, and promote awareness for various causes. He often shares updates about his community initiatives and coaching events, engaging with his followers to inspire them to pursue their passions.
This belief was put to the test when, as a high school basketball coach at Richmond High School, he locked out his undefeated team for not honoring academic and behavioral contracts.
While the community was outraged at first, public opinion eventually changed, and Carter was praised for his determined emphasis on prioritizing good values for his team. His approach also bore results: every one of his players at Richmond, where he coached from 1997 to 2002, graduated.
The story of the 1999 season is the basis for the 2005 film Coach Carter, with Carter played by Samuel L. Jackson.
Education
Ken Carter is a product of the educational system in California, having graduated with a degree that aligns with his coaching philosophy and interest in sports management. His commitment to education is reflected in his coaching methods, where he encourages student-athletes to prioritize academics alongside sports.
Coming from a supportive family, Carter was raised strictly on academics, but he found a liking in sports. Carter attended college at Contra Costa College, then San Francisco State, and finally George Fox University, where he played basketball.
As a basketball coach, he maintained that his athletes must take their studies seriously, as good academic performance would give them access to college and other opportunities in life.
