Pushing for maximum potential
Porirua City United’s Alex Carter would give all the awards away to see one of his players reach their true potential.
Carter, who coaches PCU’s premier one women’s side, the under-18 women’s team and has roles at the regional and national level, was recently awarded the Trish McKelvey Volunteer Leadership Award by Sport Wellington.
It is given to someone who makes an outstanding contribution in sport as an administrator, coach, official or player and has demonstrated leadership qualities.
Sport Wellington chief executive Phil Gibbons said Carter was a skilled coach and an effective and respected leader.
‘‘He has achieved a significant amount for his players, his club, his region and his country.
‘‘While this is quite remarkable in itself, it is made even more so by the fact Alex has been legally blind since 2006.’’
After losing partial sight in his left eye when he had measles as a child, Carter lost total sight in his right eye six years ago because of a tumour.
Although the cancer was aggressive, and the diagnosis not good, he has overcome it with treatment.
His coaching expertise in softball grew as his eyesight got worse.
Today, though he has to hold team lineups right up to his face, he does tend to make light of the situation.
‘‘I was told once that I might need a seeing-eye dog and a cane, but I was determined not to become an umpire.
‘‘ I have yelled at umpires ‘ you’re blinder than me’ before, it doesn’t go down that well.’’
His past year in the game has been top drawer.
Carter won coach of the year at this year’s Porirua Sports Awards, his Wel- lington under-19 women’s side won their tournament at nationals, his third win at the national level, and he was named head coach of the tournament.
He is also head of the New Zealand girls’ development squad.
Carter is involved in softball six days a week, through coaching and his role as PCU club captain.
He says the flexibility from his employers at Whitireia Community Polytechnic, where he is a business tutor, is ‘‘a godsend’’.
‘‘I just like to make sure everything is taken care of [ at PCU], things like uniforms, subs and transport.
‘‘This sport is my passion – I started playing in Porirua when I was 6 years old and while I’ve had a few breaks, it’s something I’ll be involved in for a long time.
‘‘That’s probably not something my wife wants to hear, she calls herself a summer widow.’’
The recent accolades are ‘‘humbling’’, he says, and he hopes they shine a positive light on a sport that can be driven by politics and negative perceptions.
‘‘I’ve got a saying, it’s from the Tom Hanks movie A League of Their Own. I tell my players ‘there’s no crying in softball’, but it took a lot for me to stop welling up when I got the Trish McKelvey award. It was a pretty good feeling.’’
Asked about why he coaches, the answer is simple. ‘‘I’ve had some success and that’s nice, but for me it’s about seeing players live up to their potential.
‘‘That’s what it’s about, passion for your sport.’’
Carter says financial support from Mana Community Grants, Waitangirua Lions and Titahi Bay Lions makes it possible for him and PCU to pay for uniforms, travel and other club expenses.