It has been an adventurous year for the Carpenter family and as Mrs. Jenny Carpenter moves to Montana to join her husband Bruce at his new job, the Cotter community took time to say their goodbyes and reflect on her time here.

Her passion for helping the students become better people is what attracted Pat Bowlin to hire her as the Junior High softball coach.

For the past several years, Carpenter has been thoroughly immersed in Cotter as a coach, teacher, and athletic director.

As she finished up her time here she said, “I am going to miss the relationships. I will miss laughing and sharing with co-workers who have become dear, dear friends. I will miss working hard for the future of Cotter.”

As a coach, Carpenter will miss the mentoring relationships she has made with her athletes and being able to see them stand on the field on their senior night.

 When looking for a junior high softball coach, Pat Bowlin didn’t hesitate to hire Carpenter. “Sometimes when you interview someone you know you have found someone special, I knew that with Mrs. Carpenter immediately.” said Bowlin.

As the years went on, Carpenter took on the role as the  junior varsity coach, and as an assistant cross country coach.

“I’m proud every time I see a kid or a team achieve something they didn’t think was possible–but with the right attitude and effort they were able to overcome and succeed. I’m proud to call myself a Rambler,” said Carpenter

 “Looking back, Mrs. Carpenter has always been a good friend and colleague” said Dave Forney, an administrator at Cotter.

Forney continued, “One of my favorite memories is asking her to do a girls cross country sleepover if you will. Overall, I have and will always admire her care and love for the kids she’s worked with.” Carpenter has played an important role not only as an AD, but as a coach to, connecting with the students.

 As the athletic director, she is proud of the strides they’ve taken in dedication to the fitness center in the John Nett facility and the work the athletes have put in to become strong, balanced players. She has also made an effort to let the coaching staff know what the team thought of their performance over the course of the season. “It has made a huge difference,” said Carpenter.

Hannah Kosel, a former player and babysitter of the Carpenters, had the chance to get to know the family well.

“Basically growing up with her either as a coach, or even as a teacher at one point she has made a huge impact on me and my life. Having her teach me to become mentally tough and staying positive during the hard times are just a few takeaways from the time I have got to spend with her.”

As a teacher and coach, Carpenter leaves hoping that the co-curricular programs continue to  teach great life lessons to the student-athletes and teach them how to persevere, overcome, laugh, play, learn to compete, and strive for excellence through their teams and friends. As an athletic director she hopes that the dedication to the growth and development of our coaches will continue on, and create an incredible  impact on the lives of kids–and an undeniable influence to those who witness it.

Mr. Bowlin was proud to pass the torch as AD to Carpenter. “I enjoyed our conversations about our families, sports and most importantly our students at Cotter. I have enjoyed watching her children grow and it often reminds me of my children when they were younger.” says Bowlin

Mrs. Carpenter concluded, “I’m proud of lots of little things and ways that I’ve seen students and the culture change. I am proud of a more unified student body–in regards to supporting one another and our surges of school spirit.”