Mason Carter understands the importance of prioritizing academics.

“My parents have always held me to a high standard of having good grades,” Carter, an Ada High School senior, said. “My dad always tells me, ‘You’re a student-athlete. Student comes first.’ So, I’ve kinda always looked at it from that perspective.”

Carter, who previously attended Byng Schools, will play football for the first time since junior high school this year and will play running back and safety. He’s approaching his first year of varsity football as he does anything — with no regrets.

“I lifted and kind of got to know the team during the summer,” Carter said. “I love them. They made me feel super welcomed when I first moved, and that’s really all you want as a fresh move in.”

Carter also plans to continue his baseball and track careers at Ada. He plays center field and runs the 100m and 200m. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing and working out.

“Last year, during the spring season in baseball, I had the biggest slump ever,” Carter admitted. “I went the first six games hitless. I was starting to doubt myself and give up a little, especially after I had just grinded all offseason long. I was in the cages almost everyday and lifting every day. I thought I was going to do amazing leading up to the season, but boy, I was wrong.”

Carter turned to his faith, an aspect of his life he believed was lacking.

“I had kind of slacked off and was pushing God off during the offseason and wasn’t really focused on Him and what He wanted me to do,” Carter said. “I remember just asking Him why He was putting me through this, and I guess it was just His reality check to me to let me know that I had lost touch with Him.”

Carter picked up his bible and reintroduced frequent prayer into his life. In rekindling his relationship with God, Carter rediscovered his confidence. During a tournament in Alabama, he broke his hitless streak. He hopes to serve as an inspiration to his teammates.

“I remember being a freshman and always looking up to the seniors and watching them to see how I could improve,” Carter said, “so now, I feel like it’s my duty to be an example for my teammates.”

After high school, Carter plans to obtain a bachelor’s degree and attend law school.