“Carter - from the corner - for three!” roars the TV announcer, spotlighting a breakaway basket made deep in the 2003 state title game with the Redhawks trailing Fenwick by five. Freshman Erica Carter’s calm gutsiness will change the momentum that will bring home a state championship. This will not be the last time an announcer calls “Carter for three,” nor will it be the last state championship team, as that freshman starter will bring her steady confidence and leadership to a 2nd State title in 2004, all while exerting four years of DVC dominance.The list of Erica Carter’s accomplishments in basketball is long: four-year starter, four DuPage Valley Conference championships, three years on the Associated Press 2nd and 3rd team All-State teams, and 3 years DVC All-Academic recognition. She was a 2005-06 Chicago Sun Times All-Area honoree, a 3x Daily Herald All-Area Team member, the Daily Herald DuPage Valley Honorary Caption in 2006, and the 2006 Naperville Sun Player of the Year. Her senior year also saw her earn the prestigious title of McDonald’s All-American nominee, in addition to being a finalist for Miss Illinois Basketball. Carter’s consistent, team-first contributions led her to become the 2nd all-time leading scorer in NCHS history – second only to fellow Hall of Fame member, Candace Parker. Her freshman and sophomore year culminated with a team record of 68 wins, 2 losses and 2 state championships; Erica had a front row seat for a master class in the game of basketball. From Coach Andy Nussbaum instilling teamwork and selfless basketball, to her upperclassman teammates, Candace Parker, Tiffany Hudson, Rachel Crissy and Courtney Peters, Carter described her team experience as “a collective effort to ignite a passion for the game that surpassed my expectations” coupled with a “relentless push and determination that propelled me to heights I never thought possible.” Her favorite memories include the 2003 State Championship game, and the buzzer-beating 3-point basket against West Aurora to win the DVC Championship in 2005. During her junior year, Carter was on another streak: 31 straight free throws “until Coach Nussbaum mentioned something about it!” Teasing aside, Carter explains, “Coach Nussbaum's influence extended beyond refining my on-court skills; it played a crucial part in establishing my love for the game. Through his emphasis on teamwork and selflessness, he created an environment where every player felt valued and motivated to bring their A-game. I owe a profound debt of gratitude to Coach Nussbaum for shaping not just my identity as a player but also as an individual who holds a deep appreciation for the game and its underlying values.”Off the court, family was and remains central to Erica, whether it was seeing her mom in the stands with her ‘trademark red and white pom poms’ or simply running into her sisters, Alica and Jess in the hallway during passing periods. She remembers, “Those unexpected encounters brought a sense of comfort and joy to my day, turning ordinary moments into special connections. Whether it was sharing smiles, exchanging inside jokes, or just waving as we passed, these brief interactions added a unique touch to my high school experience.” Another special memory that is etched forever in her mind is one of Naperville Central’s most popular dances, the Father/Daughter with her dad. She smiled remembering that the “chance to dress up for the occasion added an extra layer of excitement, turning the event into a joyous celebration filled with camaraderie and shared moments of connection.” Redhawk life was a family affair. After graduation, Erica played Division 1 basketball at Binghamton University in New York, pursuing a Business degree, while earning American East All-Conference recognition. “Carter in the corner, for three” would be as familiar a phrase for the Bearcats as it was for the Redhawks, with Erica eventually finishing in the top-5 for NCAA 3-point shooters, and securing a spot in the Bearcat 1000+ point club.A Marketing major with strong emphasis in Entrepreneurship, Erica is currently a Senior Product Manager with the company Going (formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights). Her advice to NCHS athletes is simple: “Enjoy the journey of personal growth and cherish the memories with your teammates.”As Erica Carter knows intimately, it’s fantastic to feel the spotlight of personal achievement and cheers – but it’s all made sweeter, and lasting, by true connections with life’s teammates.