Fresno State Athletics
A Purpose Driven Coach
6/22/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
June 22, 2010
FRESNO, Calif. - When it comes to the deep, unfeigned and often unspoken respect for the game of basketball and the hardwood, no one knows the importance of reverence more than Fresno State's assistant coach Senque Carey. He's a passionate leader whose personal triumphs and tribulations in the sport have crafted his intense coaching and leadership with the Bulldogs the last five years.
Having started playing the game at age 12, Carey worked his way for many years to earn a position on the University of New Mexico team. As a point guard, Carey always felt that his place on the court was an extension of coaching and that coaching was something he had always eventually wanted to do.
"I knew that I always wanted to coach," said Carey. "In college I felt like I needed to give back to the game and felt I did so in my position as a point guard playing on the team. The action of passing the ball gave me the greatest thrill and I think that is what the game is about."
But an unexpected injury just two years into his college athletic career brought his coaching career on prematurely, while at the same time closed the door on his playing days. He learned a tough lesson in respect for the game he loved to play.
"I suffered a spinal cord injury and was told by a doctor not to play anymore," said Carey. "Since I wasn't going to play anymore I got right into coaching at UNM. From there, I went on to coach as an assistant at Portland State."
Feeling the swift end to his college career on the team, Carey came to understand the true need of respect for the game, because, as he learned it can be taken away in just one day and game. His experiences and outlooks in life are reflected in his coaching and recruiting duties with the Bulldogs, a job he says means everything to him.
"My coaching style is intense and hands on," said Carey. "I lead these players with a play for purpose attitude, because these guys go from freshmen to seniors fast and they have to have a purpose and take advantage of all situations."
But when he isn't on court or the sidelines, Carey continues the action putting in hard work as Fresno State's premier recruiter, a job that he often puts 12-hour days bring in some of the best recruiting classes the `Dogs have seen.
"The job of recruiting really is a 24-hour job," said Carey. "Because I started my coaching career so young and early, I was able to sign players easily and I could relate to them and I could speak the language while giving recruits direction. I have to look deep into the character background of potential recruits and find student-athletes who can make adult decisions, make acceptance into the university and possess the ability to score baskets. Because of our great programs, facilities, the Bulldog Foundation, administration and the school, it is easy to sell it here. It is my number one duty to bring in the best student-athletes on the court."
Throughout his five-year tenure at Fresno State, where he has spent the majority of his professional career, Carey has spent well over half of his job working under head coach Steve Cleveland, a coach he has learned much from in all aspects of the game.
"Coach Cleveland is someone I have learned from, look up to, and he is someone who is well respected and has great work ethic and morals. He has been all around basketball, coaching high school, junior college and then Division I basketball. This is definitely one of the best situations to be in here at Fresno State."
And his goals are high for the `Dogs, both short-term and long-term.
"I want to see this team play to their full potential and become WAC champions in the long term," said Carey. "I am very goal driven person and I want to see them playing for purpose and with a respect for the game."
When he isn't at the office, one the road recruiting, or on the floor of the Save Mart Center, Carey loves spending time with his wife, Nadia, and his 18-month-old daughter, Indira. But when it comes to other interests or hobbies outside the job, the answer is simple for Carey: basketball is number one.
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