WALTHAM, Mass. – Bentley Director of Athletics Vaughn Williams is pleased to introduce Grace Carter as Manager for Student-Athlete Development. Carter's holistic approach to supporting student-athletes includes addressing physical and mental wellness, collaborating with the university's award-winning career services office, impactful community engagement opportunities, financial literacy, and personal development.

"We are excited to take yet another big step in our strategic plan by appointing Grace for this new position," said Vaughn. "Grace becomes another valuable member of Bentley Athletics, furthering our mission to assist student-athletes in becoming the best version of themselves."

Carter is a native of Arlington, Mass. She walked on the women's basketball team at Stonehill, where she was a three-year starter. Carter earned her master's degree in Sports Administration from Boston College, where her thesis focused on the holistic development of college student-athletes. 

"I always knew Bentley is a special place, but that notion was solidified when I saw this new, progressive position open up" said Carter. "It shows to me that the University is committed to supporting its student-athletes beyond competition.

"I want to thank the search committee and everyone who was involved in the interview process," she continued. "Being able to speak with the different departments that work with the student-athletes, and then speak with the student-athletes themselves, was a window into the passionate community I am joining."

Carter is no stranger to the Bentley community. She grew up attending the girls' basketball camps hosted by legendary coach Barbara Stevens. Carter still has the plaque from when she was named the Defensive Player of the Camp.

She continued that defensive prowess in college, where she totaled 106 steals in 100 career games. Carter's playing career included a run to the NCAA D-II Elite 8. The Stonehill standout is all too familiar with the sudden jolt of a collegiate playing career coming to an end.

"When you graduate, that athletics identity is stripped from you," she said. "One day you wake up and there's no practice, there's no team lift." Carter aims to prepare Bentley student-athletes for life beyond Bentley.

Carter emphasizes that her approach is not geared towards checking boxes, but rather towards student-athletes slowly improving different facets of their life during their years at Bentley. Instead of adding to their already busy schedules, Carter aims to have student-athletes develop a schedule that is fulfilling and efficient.

"The most exciting part is that the University already has amazing programs in place," said Carter. One such program is Bentley's Career Services department, which ranks number one in the nation, according to the Princeton Review. "I can build off of these programs and listen to the student-athletes to understand what areas they need more support in."

Carter's e-mail: gracecarter@bentley.edu