Andre Carter steps into new role as Riverview athletic director

By: Michael Love
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 | 3:04 PM

Andre Carter knows a lot about the athletes at Riverview.

As athletic director and girls basketball coach at Leechburg, he witnessed numerous matchups between the Alle-Kiski Valley rivals.

Carter’s mission now is to give the Raiders athletes the best advantage to succeed, both as individuals and in team competition.

He was hired Monday as the new athletic director at Riverview and is excited to get going at his new school with the 2024 fall season just a couple of weeks away.

“Seeing a lot of them play in competitions with Leechburg, I didn’t know many of their names, but I did know they don’t give up. They don’t quit, and they give you 100%,” Carter said. He takes over for Corey Thomas, who parted ways with the school district shortly after the 2024 spring season concluded in early June.

“The football game last year, Riverview lost (to Leechburg) by one point, but they were aggressive going for two and the win at the end. That showed the character and determination to want to win.

“I just found out about their cross country and track and field teams and how much they’ve won as individuals and as teams. Of course, the girls soccer team went far last fall, and the girls basketball team and the baseball team were in the playoffs. There are a lot of big things happening here.”

Carter said he understands there is kind of a crunch to get everything ready for the start of fall preseason practices in three weeks. But he credits Thomas for having a lot of things organized for the fall before his departure.

“He had 90% of the schedules done,” Carter said. “I just have to verify, confirm and check on a few nonsection games. He made sure I wasn’t starting from scratch.”

Carter said meetings this week and next with all of the Riverview coaches will be valuable in terms of understanding what they need to succeed and for them to understand where he is coming from as the new athletics leader.

Riverview Superintendent Dr. Neil English said the district is grateful to be able to announce the hiring of someone of Carter’s caliber.

“He emerged as the top candidate through a rigorous selection process among a rich pool of applicants,” English said.

“Not only does he come highly recommended, but he also brings a wealth of experience, having served as athletic director at Leechburg for many years. Ultimately, the team felt that he embodies the values and commitment that sets Riverview apart. He is passionate about the success of our student-athletes and athletic programs, and his organizational skills, communication and leadership will serve us well. We are excited to have him on board.”

English said members of the high school administration were able to assume the brunt of the athletic responsibilities while the search process for Thomas’ replacement was ongoing.

Carter stepped down from his athletic director position at Leechburg in June 2023 after three years in the position.

He stayed on as the Blue Devils girls basketball coach and will remain in that capacity moving forward.

With Riverview moving up to Class 2A for this next two-year cycle, it will not face Leechburg in or out of section play. Carter said it is good there won’t be any conflict of interest.

“I am forever grateful to (former Leechburg Superintendent) Tiffany Nix and the school board for giving me the opportunity at Leechburg to be the athletic director,” he said. “They supported me and allowed me to learn.

“Riverview is just another great chance to grow in a positive, energetic environment that is so welcoming, not only with athletics but everything. It is an atmosphere that helps create success.”

Michael Love is a TribLive reporter covering sports in the Alle-Kiski Valley and the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh. A Clearfield native and a graduate of Westminster (Pa.), he joined the Trib in 2002 after spending five years at the Clearfield Progress. He can be reached at mlove@triblive.com.

Tags: Riverview