Coach Ken Carter
Keynote Speaker: Coach, Educator, Author & Entrepreneur; Founder & Chairman of the Coach Ken Carter Foundation; Inspiration for the Film "Coach Carter"
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Categories:Inspirational, Health & Wellness, Business Leadership, Author, Diversity & Inclusion, Personal Growth, Empowerment, Peak Performance, Human Resources, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Black Heritage, Black History Month, Christian, Basketball, Athlete, Professional Development, Sports Motivation, Success, Education, Sports, College, Commencement, Motivational, Leadership, Television & Film, Sports Coaching, Youth, Social Activism, Christian Athletes, Education Reform, Faith & Religion
Coach Ken Carter Biography
Ken Carter is an entrepreneur, education activist, philanthropist, and former high school basketball coach known for his commitment to academic achievement and student development. A former standout player for Richmond High School in Richmond, California, Carter set team records for points, assists, and steals, and earned All-American honors. He attended Contra Costa College, San Francisco State University, and George Fox University before returning to Richmond High as head coach. Upon accepting the coaching position, Carter inherited a struggling program with low academic performance and underperforming athletic teams.
Carter implemented a new culture by requiring players to sign contracts mandating minimum grade point averages, class attendance, and adherence to a strict code of conduct. His approach emphasized that athletic ability alone was not sufficient for long-term success. This philosophy was tested when several players failed to meet academic standards, prompting Carter to lock the gymnasium and bench his undefeated, playoff-bound team until academic obligations were met. The decision, known as the Great Lockout, generated national debate and drew attention from educators, public figures, and the media. During Carter's tenure, all players graduated from Richmond High, with several earning college scholarships.
The story of the Great Lockout inspired the film "Coach Carter," produced by Paramount Pictures and MTV Films, with Samuel L. Jackson portraying Carter. The film brought national attention to Carter's leadership style and educational philosophy. In addition to his basketball coaching, Carter led the SlamBall team The Rumble to a championship in the league's inaugural season.
Carter is also an author and keynote speaker, focusing on youth empowerment, education, and leadership. He founded the Coach Ken Carter Foundation, a nonprofit organization that develops education, training, and mentoring programs for minority youth. Carter also established the Coach Carter Impact Academy, a boarding school for students in grades eight through 12, offering rigorous academics and a structured environment. His book, "Yes Ma'am, No Sir: The 12 Essential Steps for Success in Life," outlines the principles that guide his approach to coaching and education. Carter was selected to carry the Olympic torch for the San Francisco Bay Area, recognizing his contributions to youth development and community leadership.
As a speaker, Carter addresses topics such as accountability, integrity, teamwork, and leadership, engaging audiences that include students, educators, and corporate professionals. His experiences in sports, education, and youth mentorship position him as a prominent figure in motivational speaking, youth development, and educational leadership.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Coach Ken Carter and other top speakers and celebrities.
Coach Ken Carter Speaking Topics
This book chronicles Coach Carter's personal experiences in life that shaped him to be the man that he is today. Additional books written, Success Uncomplicated which is coupled with the "Think & Grow Rich" in 1 book, Listen to the Woman, and a host of other additional success resources he has developed.
Coach Ken Carter Videos
How do I book Coach Ken Carter to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Coach Ken Carter for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Coach Ken Carter, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Coach Ken Carter or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Coach Ken Carter for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Coach Ken Carter, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Coach Ken Carter are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Coach Ken Carter, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Coach Ken Carter speak about?
Coach Ken Carter is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Inspirational, Health & Wellness, Business Leadership, Author, Diversity & Inclusion, Personal Growth, Empowerment, Peak Performance, Human Resources, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Black Heritage, Black History Month, Christian, Basketball, Athlete, Professional Development, Sports Motivation, Success, Education, Sports, College, Commencement, Motivational, Leadership, Television & Film, Sports Coaching, Youth, Social Activism, Christian Athletes, Education Reform and Faith & Religion.
Where does Coach Ken Carter travel from?
Coach Ken Carter generally travels from Waco, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Coach Ken Carter?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Coach Ken Carter for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book Coach Ken Carter for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Coach Ken Carter or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Coach Ken Carter is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Inspirational, Health & Wellness and Business Leadership. The estimated speaking fee range to book Coach Ken Carter for live events is $10,000 - $20,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. Coach Ken Carter generally travels from Waco, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Rudy Ruettiger, Darryl Strawberry and Jim Morris. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Coach Ken Carter for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Coach Ken Carter Speaking Topics
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Yes Ma'am, No Sir: The 12 Essential Steps for Success in Life
This book chronicles Coach Carter's personal experiences in life that shaped him to be the man that he is today. Additional books written, Success Uncomplicated which is coupled with the "Think & Grow Rich" in 1 book, Listen to the Woman, and a host of other additional success resources he has developed.
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What You See is What You Get: How to Visualize and Reach Your Goals
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Use Your Passion to Succeed
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Five Steps to Career Success
VIDEO
Coach Ken Carter Videos
BOOKS
REVIEWS
Coach Ken Carter Reviews
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Coach Carter was INCREDIBLE!!! Everyone loved him and his message! He was incredibly easy to work with, engaging, committed to interacting with attendees - taking pictures, he brought postcards to sign/hand out, etc. Honestly, everything I could want in a speaker!
Family and Children's Center - Apr 21 2026 -
Everyone LOVED his presentation - great energy and amazing stage presence. And SO kind and easy to work with.
Champagne & Confetti: Celebrations by Catalina o/b/o Bottom Line - Apr 13 2026 -
The event went really well, and Coach was fantastic — he connected with everyone, kept the energy high, and delivered such a great message. Everyone absolutely loved him!
Martinsville City Public Schools - Aug 13 2025 -
Event Collective o/b/o PrismHR - Jun 30 2025
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In regard to Coach Carter, he couldn't have been more pleasant. He was very engaging and went out of his way to connect with any student who wanted to speak with him. Thank you all for such an excellent experience.
Leavitt Area High School - May 07 2025
NEWS
Coach Ken Carter News
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Coach Ken Carter Joins OSI - Omaha Sports Insider
Joe Quinn and Nick Handley of Omaha Sports Insider on AM590 ESPN Omaha got the chance to talk with legendary basketball coach Ken Carter. Coach Carter ...
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Ken “Coach” Carter Headlines Omaha Home for Boys' Fundraising ...
Ken “Coach” Carter – immortalized by Samuel L. Jackson in the movie Coach Carter – is the keynote speaker for the Omaha Home for Boys' Imagine Our Youth ...
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Coach Carter Interview - The Real Life Coach Carter
The first time producers called Ken Carter, he thought it was a joke and hung up the phone.
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Coach Ken Carter to Give Keynote Speech at McGlothlin Awards
His priority was school first, athletics second. On April 19, educator and coach Ken Carter will share his story and philosophy as the featured ...
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Coach Ken Carter: From Lockout to Open Doors | George Fox ...
George Fox alum Ken Carter wasn't looking for fame or even attention. He only did what he felt was right. Still, a national spotlight hit Carter in 1999, when, ...
FAQS
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How do I book Coach Ken Carter to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Coach Ken Carter for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Coach Ken Carter, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Coach Ken Carter or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Coach Ken Carter for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Coach Ken Carter, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Coach Ken Carter are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Coach Ken Carter, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Coach Ken Carter speak about?
Coach Ken Carter is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Inspirational, Health & Wellness, Business Leadership, Author, Diversity & Inclusion, Personal Growth, Empowerment, Peak Performance, Human Resources, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Black Heritage, Black History Month, Christian, Basketball, Athlete, Professional Development, Sports Motivation, Success, Education, Sports, College, Commencement, Motivational, Leadership, Television & Film, Sports Coaching, Youth, Social Activism, Christian Athletes, Education Reform and Faith & Religion. -
Where does Coach Ken Carter travel from?
Coach Ken Carter generally travels from Waco, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Coach Ken Carter?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Coach Ken Carter for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.855.383.8805, and one of our agents will assist you to book Coach Ken Carter for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Coach Ken Carter or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
BOOK COACH KEN CARTER
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This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.
All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.
