Madill native Carlos Humphrey is the Operations Director of B.E.A.S.T. Basketball Camps, Head Girls Coach at Shorecrest High School in Shoreline, Washington, as well as a Para Educator at Meridan Park Elementary in Shoreline, Washington
Humphrey’s love for basketball started when he was seven years old playing in Madill City Park. It continued as he played Varsity basketball at Madill High School where he said he feels he was fortunate to have good coaches and tradition that set him up for a successful playing and coaching career.
Humphrey is 44 years old and currently lives in Seattle, Wash. However, he is proudly from Madill, Okla. and said he is looking to relocate back to Oklahoma to be closer to family and friends. He is married with two beautiful children: 12-year-old Mylie and nine-year-old Maxwell.
He has been a director and coach since 2012. Currently, his job consists of providing basketball programming at various high schools around the country where he helps athletes reach their potential and understand the physical, mental, and emotional preparation that makes them competitive. He said he uses his own experience in his coaching style.
“I understood the importance of specific drills or exercises. I possessed both personal and team pride and was willing to give 100% at all times,” Humphrey said. “As I matured, I learn to work through minor problems and adverse situations, fostering an ability to show control under stress. I knew that I could meet any challenge given when I prepared. I got faster and stronger through footwork, dynamic warm-up, and conditioning; but most importantly, repetition. I dedicate myself to practicing fundamentals again and again.”
The program that he coaches and teaches is based on the premise that kids have the most fun while working hard and earning their achievements. It also helps by improving basic basketball fundamentals such as shooting, ball-handling, passing, and agility.
Other key teaching points help support athletic development which incorporate comprehensive and fundamental approaches to movement patterns and other skills needed to be a successful athlete. This offers players the ability to push themselves and learn at their own pace, guaranteeing a challenging and positive environment while learning basketball skills.
Humphrey said he is rewarded with unbreakable bonds and a stellar reputation.
“After years of coaching and training, I have developed so many relationships that the athletes have become a part of my family,” he said. “The consistency of programming and the amount of thought and energy we put in every camp and clinic has given my basketball program a stellar reputation in our country.”
The camps are a lot of hard work, usually starting at 9 a.m. and ending around 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Campers learn to reinforce fundamental skills such as shooting and ball-handling with additional practice drills. Campers will do 20,000 to 30,000 repetitions during the week. They will do most of their reps in the first three days. As the week and training progresses, more fun activities are included in the training. This is used to keep the athletes motivated and working hard.
Over the years, Humphrey played Varsity basketball at Madill High School from 92 to 95, college basketball at Murray State College from 96 to 98, and basketball at Missouri Valley College 99 to 2000. He also played professional basketball in Europe with B.C. Mess Luxemburg 2001 to 2006.
He was the National Camp Director of basketball training for Advantage Basketball from 2007 to 2011. It was ranked by Sports Illustrated in 2007 for Kids Best Basketball and created programs in ten different states.
He was the Head Coach at Cascade High School and made the second round of W.E.S.C.O. 4A, where they made playoffs in the 2008/2009 school year. Along with the co-founder of Elite Pro Performance, he founded BEAST (Better Educated Athletes Strong Teams) specializing in youth basketball development.
Even though he has played basketball all his life, the process of preparing his mind and body for the summer camp season has been one of his biggest challenges. A typical season is about six weeks long, and it tests mental toughness.
He said his biggest long-term success has been ultimately giving back to his community. For example, providing scholarships to athletes in need. He said that getting to see athletes achieve their dreams like earning a college scholarship or getting drafted as professionals is true success as well as helping others reach goals both big and small.
He claims to have had many inspirations over the years, but said it is an ongoing task to stay motivated if the love is not there.
“We all know that motivation doesn't last long and fades over time,” he said. “I have been blessed to find something that I genuinely love doing. Basketball has been my escape for as long as I can remember.”
Humphrey said if given the chance to start over, he would have put even more effort into reaching his goals.
“I would've worked harder, now that I understand what it takes to reach the highest level of basketball, I would put myself on a better path to achieve more of the goal I set for myself.”
His advice to those looking to follow a similar career path is the education and relationships are important.
“First, enjoy the process of becoming the best athlete you can be. Then, learn about the sports and build a relationship with others that have the same interest. Most importantly, work hard.”