Carthage ISD is proud to announce that John Goodwin will return to the helm of the Bulldog Baseball program as the head baseball coach. With an extensive background in coaching and a proven track record of success, Goodwin brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence to the Carthage Bulldogs.
"John Goodwin has been a big part of our athletic program, and we are excited to have him lead our baseball team once again,” said Carthage Athletic Director Scott Surratt. “His dedication to developing young talent and his proven track record of success make him the perfect fit for this role. We are confident that under his leadership, our baseball program will continue to thrive and achieve great things."
Coach Goodwin's coaching career began at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where he served as an assistant coach for hitters and infielders from 2007 to 2009. During his tenure, the team achieved notable success, winning the 2008 Lone Star Conference championship and qualifying for the NCAA Regional Tournament.
Following his time at TAMUK, Goodwin continued to excel as an assistant coach at Southeastern Community College in Burlington, Iowa, from 2009 to 2011. Under his guidance, the team amassed an impressive 86-33 record over two seasons, earning top 10 national rankings each year.
In 2011, Goodwin transitioned to the role of head coach at his alma mater, Liberty High School, before joining the staff at Carthage as an assistant coach for both football and baseball in 2012. His dedication and leadership were quickly recognized, and he was promoted to head baseball coach in 2015.
During his tenure as head baseball coach at Carthage High School from 2015 to 2020, Coach Goodwin achieved remarkable success being named District Coach of the Year three times, led the team to three district championships, finished the 2019 season ranked seventh in the state, and when the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the 2020 season, his team was ranked third in the state. He has served Carthage ISD as an assistant principal since 2020.
Coach Goodwin's commitment to developing talent is evident in his impressive record of player advancement. Over his 4.5 years at Carthage, 20 players went on to play collegiate baseball, and five players he coached at TAMUK and Southeastern were drafted in the Major League Baseball draft.
"I am just thrilled to have another opportunity to lead the Carthage baseball program,” said John Goodwin. “Especially with the new facility, I think it's the best job in the state, and I'm grateful to our athletic director, Scott Surratt and our superintendent, Jarrod Bitter for entrusting me again with such a storied program. I'm ready to get started immediately building on the great tradition of Bulldog Baseball.”
Carthage ISD is excited to welcome Coach John Goodwin back and looks forward to the continued success and growth of its baseball program under his leadership.
Goodwin and his wife, Aubrey, have been married for 3.5 years. Goodwin will continue to serve as the Carthage Junior High assistant principal in addition to the new additional role as head baseball coach. Goodwin replaces Jason Causey, who resigned from his position.