With 33 years of experience as an athletic administrator and varsity football coach, Lance Carter has been selected as Katy ISD’s new executive athletic director effective immediately as of May 1.

Long story short: Carter began his career with the district in February 2007 as the athletic coordinator and head football coach at Mayde Creek High School. In November 2014, he became assistant athletic director for Katy ISD, a leadership position alongside Executive Athletic Director Debbie Decker.

This comes as Decker approaches retirement from the position at the close of the 2022-23 school year, per a May 1 press release from the district.

What he said: “I have had the pleasure to work under Coach Decker for the past 16 years in two different capacities. The lessons I have learned from her on leading the athletic department, for one of the best school districts in the State of Texas, have been invaluable,” Carter said.

In the release, Carter pledged to continue serving KISD coaches so they can support the more than 18,000 student-athletes throughout the district.

Zooming out: During Carter’s tenure at Katy ISD, the district implemented several efforts to improve the student-athlete experience, such as:

• The Student Athletic Leadership Team—a program for 20 to 30 students from each high school campus to gain leadership skills;

The @katyisd Student Athletic Leadership Team (SALT) meets today.

Our SALT sessions are led by @MackeySpeaks. Each table is led by coaches and community leaders.

It’s a great opportunity for student-athletes to learn leadership skills to take back to their campuses.#LeadKISD pic.twitter.com/IpDCI9Xwfw

— Katy ISD Athletics (@KatyISDAthletic) July 25, 2022

• The Katy ISD Coaches Athletic Leadership Academy—which provides training for aspiring athletic administrators and head coaches; and

It's been a great Day 1 of the @katyisd Athletic Leadership Academy! Great turnout of coaches today!

We started off with Dr. Gregorski:

“Kids more than ever need a place to feel connected. Athletics and all extra-curricular activities offer that connectivity for our students." pic.twitter.com/t58exakgz0

— Katy ISD Athletics (@KatyISDAthletic) June 27, 2022

• The Katy CUP—a competition between high school campuses that showcases athletics, academics and service to the community.

Quote of note: Superintendent Ken Gregorski said Carter's deep understanding of the district's athletic department will provide a seamless transition for student-athletes and staff when Decker retires.

“I have no doubt that he will build upon Katy ISD’s strong athletic tradition as well as ensure that our programs continue to reach greater heights,” Gregorski said in a statement.