SAN ANTONIO – University of the Incarnate Word men's basketball head coach Dr. Carson Cunningham has been with the Cardinals for two seasons. UIW improved from one Southland Conference win in 2018-19 (Cunningham's first season) to six in 2019-20 (Cunningham's second season). The Cardinals look to continue that momentum going forward.
 
We checked in with Cunningham on his favorite aspect of being a coach, what is keeping him motivated, and more.
 

Dr. Carson Cunninhgam | Odged Dunes, Indiana | Men's Basketball Head Coach
 
Q: Why did you decide to become a coach?
 A: Working with younger folks on this beautiful game in an educational setting seemed like good, rewarding fun, with great opportunity for growth and fulfillment all around. It is that and more.
 
Q: At what age/under what circumstances did you start playing the sport you are now coaching?
A: I started hooping early, pretty much as early I can remember most anything. I have an older brother, so that helped to get me going as a young'in. Plus, in Indiana it's basically a way of life and I sought it out.
                    
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a coach?
A: Well, there are a slew of things. Here are some of them: working on a fun, challenging game with young adults in a Catholic, higher-ed setting; the spirited competitiveness; grappling in the literal and figurative "arena" with your fellow squad members; seeing growth from individuals and the group.  
 
Q: What is something the community doesn't know about you?
A: I've read nearly every Louis L'Amour.
 
Q: If you weren't coaching your current sport, what sport would you be most interested in coaching and why?
A: Probably baseball. The game is quite strategic; seems like it'd be fun working with guys on it; it's outdoors; and it has a kind of nostalgic rhythm.
 
Q: In the middle of these unique and uncertain times, have you been able to find a routine that works? If so, what is it?
A: I've been getting up early to get a jump on matters. Benjamin Franklin recommends as much, and he got a ton done.
 
Q: What keeps you motivated right now, and how do you share that motivation with your student-athletes to help encourage them?
A: I think we're all motivated to build on the progress from this past season. We've been Zooming and WhatsApp'ing and the like to stay connected and remind each other of our mission ... to joyfully battle on the hardwood and in the lecture hall (be it virtual or not) while representing well our wonderful school, storied Incarnate Word.
 
STAY TUNED
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The UIW men's basketball team is on Twitter at @UIWMBB and Instagram at @uiwmensbasketball.