Passion & Determination; Meet Assistant Coach Carlos McMath,J.D.

University Center, MI---------The Delta Men's Basketball team had a historical and to some a shocking year to say the least, but when we examine the men in the program we get a great understanding of the improbable becoming possible.  Assistant Coach Carlos McMath,J.D. is one of the individuals that brings his story of improbable circumstances as having an amazing impact on others. 

Coach Carlos McMath basketball background is extensive but his education prowess is something that gives his players a true sense of reality.  Carlos McMath went to Wayne State University to play football however, after two years and a severe injury to his knee, the focus shifted on his education.  While focusing on education Carlos earned a scholarship after joining the nationally ranked Wayne State Speech and Debate team.  McMath states, "Joining the debate team at the time in which I did, motivated me to become a more well-rounded person and knowledgeable person of not only my own community but the world at large. This helped me to understand my own better."  Coach McMath' s ability to become more organized and focused of theory based arguments while competing is what intrigued him the most.  Debating allowed McMath to satisfy that drive and hunger for competition that he was lacking from playing football. 

After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Communications at Wayne State University, Coach McMath found another intellectual challenge by enrolling into Thomas M. Cooley Law School.  At Cooley Coach McMath was awarded the Blue Book award for having the highest grade in the class for Torts II.  Coach McMath than transferred to Michigan State College of Law earning his Juris Doctrine in 2013. When asked about his improbable accomplishments, Coach McMath replied "a tremendous accomplishment for a kid from a single parent home from 14^th and Burt." 

The hard work Coach McMath developed through this journey of education molded his experiences as a basketball coach. After being asked how Law School was, McMath articulated that "law school is like the NBA meaning, everyone in law school is smart within their own right, but those that rise higher than others are those that consistently work harder than others.  This is no different than what our athletes say about Michael Jordan, others may say the same thing about Johnnie Cochran." 

As a coach, Coach McMath' s players love the enthusiasm he brings every day to practice, study table, and the film room. He states, "I believe the love of the game is what drives me and I hope that love drives our athletes the same way." McMath goes on to say, " I truly believe our athletes have a set of tools to be successful on the court, but part of my job is to mentor and mold these same players to become successful off the court."  As a coach he prides himself in being organized, thorough, and detailed orientated, which are all traits he learned from debate and law school. 

The Delta Men's team had a historical run this year finishing with a record of 19-13 with wins over some top programs in the country but Coach McMath is not satisfied.  "I am always appreciative of the accomplishments of this year's team, but we are never satisfied with what we achieved this year because there is so much more we need to do in order to have our name mentioned with the top teams in our conference." 

The uniqueness of Coach McMath's J.D., story is one of hard work, determination, and passion which bled over to the Delta Men's basketball program in his first year. The story does not stop here. Head Coach Kyle Blackbourn is looking to Coach McMath to guide our future players in creating their own story. A story that will build a championship culture within in our men's basketball program.

"The 2014-2015 men's basketball team may have achieved the improbable, but the best is yet to come," states Athletic Director Shelly Raube.