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Longtime Lakeland Christian basketball coach Mike Carl steps down
TL;DR
Mike Carl, the longtime girls basketball coach at Lakeland Christian, has stepped down to become the athletic director at Lakes Academy. He will start his new role on July 1 after 18 seasons with Lakeland Christian.
Key points
- Mike Carl steps down as Lakeland Christian girls basketball coach
- He will become athletic director at Lakes Academy
- Carl coached for 18 seasons at Lakeland Christian
- He expressed gratitude for his time at Lakeland Christian
- Carl's family has strong ties to the school
Mentioned in this story
Mike Carl
Lakeland ChristianLakes Academy
Longtime Lakeland Christian basketball coach Mike Carl steps down
Lakeland Chrisitan girls basketball coach Mike Carl led his team deep in the postseason once more in his near-two decades as head coach. But after the regional quarterfinal game against John Carrol Catholic concluded, it was a different type of moment.
Because he accepted a job as an athletic director at Lakes Academy, Carl informed the school of his decision. A brief team meeting transpired the day after, telling his team he won’t be returning and will start his new job July 1.
“Lakeland Christian will always be very special to me,” Carl said. “I was blessed to coach for 18 seasons in the girls basketball program ― six years of middle school girls basketball and twelve years of varsity girls basketball. My wife teaches music at LCS, and both of our daughters graduated from LCS. We have strong relationships with LCS colleagues and families. I truly appreciate the opportunity LCS gave me, and I have a lot of tremendous memories of players, coaches, parents and referees.
“It was always my desire to use the game of basketball to teach life lessons and to help the players to grow closer in their walk with God as well.”
Carl savored in those moments for sure. But it was a couple of years ago when, at the very least, the thought process of potentially leaving started.
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In August of 2023, Carl lost his brother, Brent Carl, in a brief bout to cancer. And after experiencing that untimely moment, Lakeland Christian’s longtime girls coach really pondered about his future, praying on what to do next. Additionally, his family grew even more thanks to four more grandchildren, and he said he really wanted the chance to see them even more.
After all, it’s been 30 years since he taught physical education and has coached, among other jobs.
Q&A
Why did Mike Carl resign from Lakeland Christian?
Mike Carl resigned to accept a position as the athletic director at Lakes Academy.
How long did Mike Carl coach at Lakeland Christian?
Mike Carl coached at Lakeland Christian for 18 seasons, including 12 years as the varsity girls basketball coach.
When will Mike Carl start his new job at Lakes Academy?
Mike Carl will start his new role as athletic director at Lakes Academy on July 1.
What impact did Mike Carl have on Lakeland Christian's basketball program?
Mike Carl led the Lakeland Christian girls basketball team deep into the postseason multiple times during his coaching tenure.
