Ronnie Carter, born on June 26, 1945, embarked on a distinguished career in the field of education and athletics, which led to his induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2011. Before his tenure at TSSAA, Carter dedicated 11 years to teaching and coaching at McMurray Jr. High and John Overton High School in Nashville, where he honed his skills in mentoring young athletes and developing athletic programs.

In 1978, Carter progressed to a pivotal role within the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA), taking the position of Assistant Executive Director. This was a period of significant growth and challenges in high school sports, and Carter proved instrumental in navigating these with a steady hand. Upon the retirement of Gill Gideon in 1986, Ronnie Carter was the natural choice for the successor, becoming the Executive Director of TSSAA. This role amplified his impact on high school sports across Tennessee, allowing him to implement policies that promoted fairness, sportsmanship, and healthy competition among student-athletes.

During his dynamic leadership, Carter also contributed on a national level. He served on various National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Rules Committees and was a valued member of the NFHS Board of Directors from 1988 to 2002. His expertise and dedication to high school sports were recognized nationwide when he was elected President of the NFHS for the 2001-2002 term.

Ronnie Carter's remarkable 31-year tenure with TSSAA, including 23 years as Executive Director, was marked by his unyielding commitment to high school athletics. His retirement in 2009 did not go unnoticed; among many accolades, he received the Lifetime Service Award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Fred Russell Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nashville Sports Council.

The 2011 induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame was a fitting tribute to Carter's profound influence on high school athletics in Tennessee and across the nation, celebrating a career that was not just about sports but shaping the lives of countless young individuals through them.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2011
Category: Administrator