Carroll Leaves Lasting Legacy at NMH
One week ago today, Northfield Mount Hermon head coach John Carroll announced that he would not be returning to NMH because of changes the school has planned for the basketball program.
His departure marks the end of an era at NMH, a program that has gone to unprecedented heights under Carroll's leadership, not just for their success between the lines but in the classroom as well.
Carroll branded the program the best combination of academics and athletics in the country...and backed up that designation year after year.
They won NEPSAC championships in 2012, 2016, 2018, and 2019 and a National Prep Championship in 2013. In the last six years alone, they have won 182 games, played in 5 NEPSAC AAA games, 5 National Prep Championship Finals Fours, and 3 National Prep Championship title games.
They're known for their culture, their offense, consistency, and academic excellence.
NMH has also set the national standard in terms of Ivy League placement under Carroll's leadership, sending 45 student-athletes to the Ivy League in the last 15 years. Of course, numerous others went on to institutions like Stanford, North Carolina, Michigan, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Boston College, Davidson, Louisville, and Texas among other destinations.
Last year, when college coaches weren't permitted to visit campus because of the pandemic, Carroll's program again proved to be ahead of the curve as they constructed a state-of-the-art outdoor basketball court on the school's campus, filmed every practice session, and created an unprecedented program database for college coaches featuring daily video, contact information and transcripts. As a result, every member of NMH's 2021 class successfully matriculated to places like Penn, Brown, Columbia, Emory, Chicago, and Cal Tech among others.
In the seven days since Carroll announced his decision, the outpouring of support from parents, players, and admirers is consistent with the legacy that their coach leaves at his alma mater.
An #NMHbasketball update. pic.twitter.com/jpi5p7NVYm
— John Carroll (@NMHbasketball) March 14, 2022
The outpouring of support is more than justified. JC changed so many lives, and helped so many realize dreams they didn’t even have through the NMH family!
— Chuck Hannah (@channah617) March 14, 2022
Onto to bigger and better in wherever your journey takes you. Always rocking with you no matter what! ��@NMHbasketball https://t.co/Hmwd2gua60
JC you will be missed. You’re THE best basketball mind, motivator, recruiter, ambassador for the game I’ve ever come across. Thanks for being my son’s Coach. Better things lie ahead and can’t wait to find out��
— Jay Laszewski (@trailingdad) March 14, 2022
What a loss for NMH. Thank you for all you did for my son and all the other boys you have helped shape into men over your career. No doubt you will find success wherever you go. Thank you, thank you
— Victoria Whipple (@readfeed3_8) March 14, 2022
Forever grateful for JC and the NMH basketball program. The culture and environment he created is literally next to none. The lessons I’ve learned and people I’ve met through this program have made my teammates and I way better people. Thank you for everything JC! https://t.co/9SKOJmvsjQ
— Jorn Everson (@jorn_everson) March 15, 2022
You changed my life in so many ways. I am a stronger, smarter, and better man because of you. You allowed me to be apart of something so special the last two years and I am forever indebted. Thank you @NMHbasketball https://t.co/hP1NFvYIJ9
— Alex Halpern (@alexha1pern) March 15, 2022
Could not be more grateful for JC. One of the best leaders and people I have ever been around. He taught me and many others countless of valuable life lessons extending way beyond the court. Excited to see what’s next for the ��. Thank you JC! https://t.co/cZqBNBeIku
— Jordan Sechan (@JTHREECHAN23) March 15, 2022
Hard to put into words the impact @NMHbasketball had on me and all of my teammates last year. Feel lucky each day to have learned countless invaluable lessons that reach way beyond the game. Thank you JC! https://t.co/otnVqcO1ea
— Sam Klores (@5SKlores) March 14, 2022
��! A true leader on and off the court. Huge loss for NMH. Beyond grateful for all you’ve done and the impact you’ve made in my life for the last 10+ years. Blessed to call you a friend, coach and mentor! Can’t wait to see whats next for you. https://t.co/jhooLlreJ4
— Ryan Oliver (@RyanxOliver) March 14, 2022
JC paid homage to NMH for 21 years.
— Camryn Crocker (@camcrocker_) March 14, 2022
Now we get to see what’s next!
Leader. Winner. Learner. Visionary. https://t.co/k5k7BtDvqM
Legend. This guy is the very best at what he does. A life changer for me and many, many others. https://t.co/ZmyWhHc8Lf
— Andrew Platek (@PlatekFor3) March 14, 2022
What an unbelievable run and legacy at NMH. John Carroll took a chance and gave me a job as a recent college grad with ZERO experience in basketball. Changed my life, along with thousands of others he helped over the years. https://t.co/wtozdOPCkw
— Matt Pennie (@matt_pennie) March 14, 2022
Jorn Everson
Alex Halpern