Anthony Carpenter Transitions from Player to Assistant Basketball Coach

Bowie State University Alumnus Helps Guide Team to New Heights

 

MEDIA CONTACT: media@bowiestate.edu

(BOWIE, Md.)—Anthony Carpenter, a former standout player for Bowie State University’s men’s basketball team, has transitioned into a key coaching role with the Bulldogs. He now serves as an assistant coach, film coordinator, and player development specialist. His journey reflects his dedication to the game, as well as his commitment to developing the next generation of athletes at Bowie State. 

Carpenter’s love for basketball began at age 3, sparked by his father, who coached him through youth leagues and instilled a drive for excellence. His mother also played a vital role, offering unwavering support throughout his early years in organized basketball.  

At Gerstell Academy in Westminster, Md., Carpenter led his team to back-to-back state championships and became the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,318 points—a record he held for 5 years. Inspired by basketball icons Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, and Kyrie Irving, he emulated their leadership and playing styles, honing a work ethic that propelled him from high school stardom to a spot on the Bulldogs’ roster. 

At Bowie State, Carpenter quickly emerged as a leader. Head Coach Darrell Brooks notes he was the first freshman in program history to start, eventually serving as team captain. Carpenter's leadership on and off the court was critical to the Bulldogs’ success, contributing to both their offensive and defensive game strategies.  

Despite setbacks, including the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Carpenter rose to the occasion in his junior year earning MVP honors in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) tournament and leading the Bulldogs to an upset win over Elizabeth City State. "It was challenging and discouraging when COVID happened and basketball was taken away from me,” he said. “Basketball is all I’ve been doing since I was a kid." 

After graduating, Carpenter faced a crossroads, weighing whether to pursue a professional basketball career or explore new paths. "I wanted to see if I could continue to play ball the entire summer after graduation,” he said. “I wanted to play professionally overseas. But God works in mysterious ways, and I soon realized I couldn’t play at a high level anymore and felt as though I had lost a piece of myself. God has restored my peace through coaching." 

Now, as an assistant coach, Carpenter balances pushing his players to excel with empathy for their personal challenges, drawing on his own experiences as a student-athlete. His influence on the team is undeniable, reflecting his resilience, leadership, and dedication. As he grows in his coaching career, Carpenter remains focused on ascending to a head coaching role, expanding his legacy with each season. 

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the ‘Research College and University’ designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.