Lady Panthers Head Basketball Coach Carla Crowder To Retire at End of 2018-2019 School Year

Media Release: November 14, 2018

Cabot, AR – Lady Panthers Head Basketball Coach Carla Crowder has announced she is retiring at the end of the 2018-2019 school year. In her 38 year coaching career, Coach Crowder's high school (826) and junior high (110) basketball wins combine for an astounding 936 victories!

This is Coach Crowder's 16th year with the Cabot School District. She was named head coach of the Lady Panthers in 2002. Prior to coming to Cabot, Coach Crowder was the girls basketball and track coach for Bryant High School and the girls basketball and track coach for Atkins High School.  

During her basketball tenure, Coach Crowder led her teams to four State Championship titles (Cabot 2012, Bryant 1988, 1989, 1991). She also holds four State Runner-Up titles (Cabot 2004, Bryant 1990, 1993, & 1996) and from 1988-1990, Coach Crowder and her team captured 63 consecutive wins. 

Throughout the years, Coach Crowder has received numerous recognitions including: NFICA Girls Basketball Outstanding Coach in Arkansas (1981), Outstanding Coach in Girls Athletics (1987-89), Outstanding Coach in Girls Basketball (1988), Arkansas Democrat Coach of the Year (1987-88), Arkansas Gazette Super Team Coach of the Year (1988-89), Arkansas Gazette Coach of the Decade (1980-90), Nike/WBCA High School All-American Team Selection Committee Member (1994-96), Head Coach – All-Star Game (2004), NFHS Sectional Coach of the Year for Girls Basketball (2004), NFHS National Coach of the Year for Girls Basketball (2004 & 2012).

Growing up, Coach Crowder was an active basketball player thanks to her parents who both played the sport. Her high school record included 170 wins and 16 losses. She was named MVP numerous times and was All-Conference.

Coach Crowder has two older sisters and two younger brothers. “Our parents made us what we are today. They instilled in us hard work and a great work ethic. I am extremely fortunate to have had great influences in my life including my Bradford High School Basketball Coach Ronnie Johnson, and my Arkansas Tech University college coach Jim Yeager.” 

Superintendent Dr. Tony Thurman says, “Coach Crowder has been a tremendous asset to the Panther family. I admire Coach Crowder for her commitment, dedication, and love for her players. We wish Coach Crowder a happy retirement and congratulate her on a long and successful career.”

Coach Crowder is excited to enjoy retirement with her husband. They plan to spend more time with their son, Colton, who is a video coordinator with the UALR Women's Basketball program. 

“It is going to be tough to step away from the basketball court but after nearly four decades it is time,” states Coach Crowder. “Throughout my career, I could not have asked for better staff or administrators. They always supported our program and players.  What I am most proud of is that I was able to play a part in helping every one of my athletes further their education. I will miss the game and my kids, but I will always be cheering on the Lady Panthers.”

Again, Coach Crowder will officially retire at the end of the 2018-2019 school year.