BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — It might be safe to call Larry Carpenter the Lebron James of Lee University! Like James, a legacy in the National Basketball League, Carpenter's legacy will always be at the top of the chart at Lee.
Carpenter, who went to rest in his heavenly home on Sept. 29, 2024, will be walking in the clouds after the Gulf South Conference office announced on Monday, he will be joined by three others in being enshrined into the GSC Hall of Fame, Class of 2026. Others are Franziska Bremm (University of West Georgia), Terry Fleming (Mississippi College), Janet Montgomery (University of West Alabama), and Shannon Williams (Valdosta State University). Details about the 2026 GSC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be released later,
"The Class of 2026 exemplifies everything the Gulf South Conference stands for—competitive excellence, dedicated leadership, and a lifelong commitment to the values of collegiate athletics," said GSC Commissioner Matt Wilson. "Each of these honorees has made a profound impact on their institutions and our conference, and we are proud to celebrate their extraordinary achievements and lasting legacy."
In selecting Coach Carpenter in the GSC Administration Class, the committee listed Lee's many accomplishments since joining the NCAA and Division II:
He was a man of many firsts at Lee, serving as the athletic director from 1995 to 2023. He helped guide the institution through its transition to NCAA Division II and joining the Gulf South Conference in 2015. Under his leadership during the NCAA DII-era, the Flames won 42 GSC championships, one team NCAA national title (2022 Men's Golf), and six individual NCAA national titles.
In 2022, Lee finished 11th in Division II Learfield Directors' Cup Standings. The Flames have also collected a total of 10 GSC All-Sport Trophies (3 Overall, 4 Women's, 3 Men's). He served as the GSC administrative liaison for eight years and was on the NCAA DII Women's Soccer Championship Committee and Women's Soccer Regional Advisory Committee.
Before moving to NCAA and DII, Carpenter was already a Lee Legacy:
The Ohio native enjoyed an outstanding basketball and baseball career at Lee (1973-1976)
He was Lee's first NCCAA All-American, an honor he earned twice. He was a member of Lee's second NCCAA National Championship team (1973) and was the first men's jersey to be retired in Walker Arena. He scored 1758 points in 104 games and had 994 career rebounds. He led the Flames to an NCCAA National Championship in 1994.
Several shared their thoughts about the GSC Hall of Fame selection:
Said his wife Cherri, "My children and I were both humbled and thrilled to learn that the Gulf South Conference has chosen to induct Larry into its Hall of Fame.
"Reflecting on the 49 years we shared, I know Larry never sought the limelight; he always preferred to let his actions speak for themselves. I believe his response to this honor would be one of deep humility. He would certainly emphasize that his accomplishments were only possible because of the coaches, athletic staff, and student athletes he worked with throughout his career. He truly loved them. Our family is incredibly grateful and proud of this tribute to a man who will always be our "legend."
Lee Athletic Director John Maupin, "Larry Carpenter's induction into the Gulf South Conference Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor that reflects a lifetime of excellence and impact. It is only fitting that our first Gulf South Conference Hall of Fame inductee be the person who led Lee University through the transition to both NCAA Division II and membership into the Gulf South Conference. Coach Carpenter was someone who cared deeply about people and the mission of our university, and his legacy continues to shape who we are today."
Lee Coaches
Mark Brew, "I am incredibly proud that Coach Carpenter will be the first Lee representative inducted into the GSC Hall of Fame. He played a pivotal role in leading our transition from the NAIA into the GSC and built a program that consistently competed at the top of the conference.
"Beyond the field, he quickly established meaningful relationships with administrators across the league and helped elevate the respect and reputation of Lee University within the GSC. The impact he has made on this conference is undeniable.
"This honor is a testament to his lasting influence, and it is especially meaningful to see Cherri and the entire Carpenter family continue to witness the far-reaching impact of his legacy beyond Lee University."
Marty Rowe, "This is such an amazing honor the GSC is bestowing on Coach Carpenter. To be elected to the GSC Hall of Fame in such a short time honestly shows everyone the impact Coach not only had on all of us but his peers as well. No one has or will ever represent Lee Athletics better than Larry Carpenter. I am so happy for Cherri, the family, our department, and our school that gets to continue to live his legacy."
Former Player, Coach - Cole Rose "What a fitting honor for Coach Carpenter to be inducted into the GSC Hall of Fame. He rose to the challenge of leading the Lee Athletic Department into the NCAA era and did so with tremendous success. But most importantly, he was able to accomplish it without compromising the integrity or identity of what makes Lee University such a special place."
