PREP GIRLS BASKETBALL: A dream coming true ... Carlson, a Lake City product, returning to take over T-Wolves program
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 1 day, 2 hours AGO
Carlson
By JASON ELLIOTT
Sports writer
To say that Nina Carlson has been thinking about coaching basketball someday could be an understatement.
She played it at the Division I level at the University of Idaho.
Watched it as her parents — Chris and Carey — led the North Idaho College women to the NJCAA title in 2011.
It's in her blood.
And now, she’ll get the chance to teach it at her alma mater, Lake City High.
Carlson was named the Timberwolves' girls basketball coach on Thursday, replacing David Pratt, who led the Timberwolves to a 39-32 record in three seasons, including a runner-up finish in the 2024 state 5A tournament.
“This is something I’ve been dreaming about since I was in their shoes,” Carlson said of her parents. “I’ve always dreamed of coaching someday. When I’m all in on something, I’m all in. And right now, it’s a good time to go home.”
Carlson, 27, graduated from Lake City High in 2017. She is currently a health teacher at Coeur d'Alene High, where she was an assistant basketball coach for the Viking girls for three seasons.
“It’s incredibly special to me,” Carlson said. “I’ve been preparing to coach for a long time, and I want to give them that same experience I had.”
Under Chris and Carey Carlson, NIC qualified for the NJCAA Tournament in 2009, 2010 and 2013. Prior to that, Carey was an assistant girls basketball basketball coach at Post Falls High.
“They’ve always emphasized the impact that coaches make on kids,” Nina Carlson said. “When you’ve got the ability to do a job, you do it. My parents have always been very supportive to go after the things I want to do.”
When Nina Carlson was a junior, Lake City finished fourth at state in 2016 with a 21-5 record, then went 20-7 in 2017, also advancing to state. Carlson's coach with the T-Wolves was Bryan Kelly, now the school principal.
Carlson played four years at Idaho, graduating in 2021.
“Nina, she’s one of those rising stars in the coaching world,” Lake City athletic director Troy Anderson said. “She’s so well thought of by many people, a good relationship builder, and knows the game so well. She’s a great ambassador for the game. The time was right for her, and we were fortunate enough to get her here.”
Anderson added there was two other finalists.
"She's got a good amount of experience already," Anderson said. "Whether it's being an assistant, or playing, she's got a wide range. We're really excited about this one."
Lake City will lose five players to graduation off this year’s team that finished 7-14.
“I’ve heard great things about the players in the program and the pieces coming back,” Nina Carlson said. “I’ve heard a lot about their desire to continue to get better and work hard. It’s not going to take long to turn things around with that kind of attitude. I’m really excited to coach them.”
“It’s a huge game changer for our students and athletes,” Anderson said. “This is the right fit for us and she’s going to build a fantastic program. Once our girls get into the gym with her, they’ll be inspired by what she can do.”