Randolph School is proud to announce the appointment of Carl Cole as the new Head Coach of the Raiders Girls Basketball program. With 26 years of coaching experience across multiple levels and organizations, Cole is stepping into his first varsity head coaching role—a move he describes as both a professional milestone and a personal calling.

“The chance to be a varsity coach at a school with the resources and potential that Randolph has is something I could not pass up,” said Cole. “The Randolph community—the faculty, staff, families, and students—are exemplary, and to be able to continue being a part of that community not just as a parent, but as a coach, was very important to my family.”

Cole brings with him a decorated background of coaching experiences, including stints with Middle School Boys Basketball, RAP, RAP Select, and Pro One Basketball. His first foray into coaching came in 2013 when then-Decatur High School coach Jamie Lee asked him to lead a TVBA team of sixth graders.

“That was when the idea of transitioning from law to coaching really took hold,” Cole shared. “Coaching is still part of my long-term vision.”

Though basketball has always been his favorite sport, Cole was a Division I track athlete at Troy University, where he competed as a sprinter. He also received offers to play basketball and football at the Division II and III levels but ultimately chose Troy for the opportunity and scholarship support.

“Troy had just transitioned to D1, and their new track coach saw me at the state meet where I had a great showing. It felt like it was meant to be,” he said.

Cole’s coaching philosophy is grounded in four core principles:

“Play hard, play smart, play together, have fun.”

“If you do those four things, basketball becomes easy. Success follows,” he explained. “I want to adapt what we do based on the players, rather than force them into a system. This isn’t college where you can recruit players to fit your style. I’m going to figure out what fits these ladies' talents and build from there.”

Randolph Director of Athletics Mike Morris expressed full confidence in Cole’s leadership and impact on the program:

“We are very excited to have Carl Cole lead our girls’ varsity basketball program. As a Randolph coach for the past three years, Carl has demonstrated a sharp knowledge of the game and the ability to coach our student-athletes hard and care for them even harder. Carl loves Randolph and the great game of basketball. This will be evident to our young ladies as they get to know Coach Cole and he gets to know each one of them. We are very fortunate to have someone in Coach Cole that appreciates Randolph’s core values and has the passion for our student-athletes and their growth as individuals through the game of basketball on and off the court.”

Cole also shared a heartfelt message to prospective student-athletes considering joining the program:

“First, we are going to have fun. If it’s not fun, why do it? Second, let’s make some memories. There’s nothing quite like being part of a team. I don’t want anyone to look back thinking, ‘I really regret not trying this or being with my friends.’ My message to students is: ‘play as long as you can.’”

Reflecting on his own high school experience, Cole spoke about a challenging senior season that ended with meaningful triumphs, unforgettable memories, and lifelong friendships—something he hopes to replicate for his team.

Coach Cole also extends a special thank you to his wife for supporting him in this exciting new chapter.

“Thank you to my wife for supporting me and allowing me to pursue this. It means the world,” said Cole.

The Randolph community is thrilled to welcome Coach Carl Cole as he steps into this new leadership role and brings his enthusiasm, experience, and student-first mindset to Raider Girls Basketball.

Varsity Girls evaluations will be next Monday, May 12th, from 4:00-6:00pm in the Shields-Jones Athletic Complex.

There will be an informal Meet & Greet with Coach Cole next Monday immediately following evaluations.