NCCU Strength Coach T.C. Carroll focuses on building men on and off the field

The final buzzer of March Madness may have silenced the roar of the crowds for basketball, but on college campuses across the nation, a different kind of excitement is brewing.

Spring ball is in full swing, and the gridiron faithful are buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming football season. That energy is palpable than at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, where the Eagles have been working through the offseason.

"It's not just about the plays," said Director of Strength and Conditioning Thomas Carroll, or "Coach T.C." as his players affectionately call him. "There's a bigger picture here. I want to build these young men up, on and off the field. I want them to graduate, not just in sports, but in life."

This dedication manifests in the innovative "BE GREAT "program Coach T.C. instilled within the team. It's more than just a catchy slogan painted on the weight room wall; it's a culture that emphasizes Belief, Effort, Grit, Relentless Effort, Attitude, and Tenacity – the building blocks of success in any arena.

"Coach T.C. always reminds us of who we are and what we can be," says Twan Flip, a junior wide receiver. "He pushes us hard, but he also believes in us. He gives us the tools we need to succeed, not just on the field, but in life."

Coach T.C. creates a sense of community for his players.

"He truly has an unwavering dedication to supporting and developing these young Black men and women at NCCU," his wife, Alana Smith, said. "It's more than just football; it's about mentorship, about helping them reach their full potential."

Alana Smith said her husband organizes "theme lifts, cookouts, even hangout sessions in the weight room to watch the NBA Finals."

"It's about building relationships, creating a sense of belonging," she said.

More than a decade of experience prepared Coach T.C. for his arrival at NCCU in 2019. His coaching journey began with a volunteer stint at his high school alma mater in New Jersey in 2008, igniting a passion that led him to roles at the University of South Florida and Florida International University. Along the way, Coach T.C. he honed his skills and resourcefulness, qualities that would prove invaluable at NCCU.

The echoes of NCCU's thrilling victory over Deion Sanders' Jackson State University in the 2022 Cricket Celebration Bowl still reverberate. That win cemented the NCCU Eagles as 2022 HBCU National Champions, sending shockwaves through the college football landscape and amplifying the reach of the maroon and gray. Coach T.C. played a pivotal role in motivating the young men for that game, and the win became a powerful symbol: proof that hard work, dedication, and Coach T.C.'s unwavering belief could overcome any obstacle. This message continues to resonate, reminding his players that excellence is achievable, both on the field and beyond.

In February 2023, Governor Roy Cooper honored the team alongside NCCU Chancellor Johnson O. Akinleye and NCCU Football Head Coach Trei Oliver. The sting of not repeating that win last year lingers, a familiar feeling in the world of sports. But it also fueled a burning hunger in the Eagles' hearts. They're back on the field this week, determined to return to the championship game this year, armed with the unwavering belief instilled by Coach T.C. – a weapon more powerful than any play.

Unlike Power Five schools with ample resources and specialized staff, HBCU programs often require coaches to wear multiple hats. At NCCU, Coach T.C. supports the special teams, serves as, strength and conditioning coach, and works as a professional liaison to the NFL, – highlighting individual athletes’ character, work ethic and skills to professional scouts.

These are roles handled by separate individuals at bigger programs.

He's a fixture at graduations, team dinners, and even holds open weight room sessions on weekends for players seeking extra training. He fosters leadership development through innovative methods, like the mock team draft where players learn accountability by holding each other responsible throughout the season.

"He looks after his guys. He makes sure they're fueled and hydrated, and takes care of those minor injuries. His commitment is truly inspiring," said NCCU Tight Ends Coach Anthony Spencer.

Balancing his dedication to the team with family life can be a constant act of juggling, but his wife understands the importance of her role as T.C.’s MVP. "The schedule can be grueling," she admits. "Sometimes, I have to nudge him to take a break, to schedule getaways or family time. But even then, he's always thinking about his players."

The impact of Coach T.C.'s work is undeniable. "Parents come up to him after games, thanking him for the love and respect he shows their sons," Alana Smith said . "You can see the difference he makes in their lives."

But what keeps Coach T.C. going even when facing personal challenges? He recognizes the unseen battles his players might be confronting, battles that resonate with his own experiences. This understanding fuels his commitment to be a positive influence in their lives.

“Not knowing who needs to see me be that coach or that character in front of them every day, not knowing what my young men are going through in their own lives that I may have gone through, and always putting myself in a position where I can be a positive role model to them; That's one of the things that keeps me doing what I do,” says Coach T.C. “Sometimes heavy is the head that wears the crown, but I say blessed are those who aren't afraid enough to pick it up and be that positive role model for whoever may be watching.”