Carter Sole is the starting quarterback this season for the Ponte Vedra Sharks, but his path to Ponte Vedra had some bumps along the way.
Sole began his high school football journey at Tocoi Creek, but his freshman season was over before it started after he suffered a broken thumb in the third game of the year.
Sole transferred to Ponte Vedra in his sophomore year and spent a season learning behind senior quarterback Cole Rosendahl. If he had stayed at Tocoi Creek, he probably would have become a starting quarterback sooner. However, Sole recognized that studying under Rosendahl and Head Coach Stephen Price would make him better, so he chose the path that would make him stronger in the sport he had always loved.
“I’ve loved football for as long as I can remember,” said Sole.
Growing up, Sole played a variety of sports including basketball and baseball, but football has always been his first love.
“I started playing flag football when I was 5 years old. I’ve been playing ever since, and my love for the game has only grown as I’ve gotten older,” he said.
Through his first five games this season, Sole has thrown for 1,317 passing yards and 15 touchdowns. In the first start of his varsity career against University Christian, he had 220 passing yards in the Sharks 31-29 loss.
In Week 2 against the Bishop Kenny Crusaders, Sole erased a 21-point deficit to send the game to overtime. The Sharks lost 28-21 in overtime, but Sole finished the game with 419 passing yards.
There are a lot of people who have shared in Sole’s football journey along the way, but none have had a more important impact than his biggest fan.
“My dad coached me when I was younger, and he played a big role in developing my passion for the game. He taught me the importance of hard work, discipline and always giving my best. Having him as my coach made those early years special, and football has been something I’ve wanted to pursue ever since,” said Sole.
At 16 years old, Sole is right in the middle of his developmental years, and he is committed to putting in the work to be the best version of himself.
“Right now, my focus is on getting better every day, being the best quarterback I can be, and doing everything I can to help my team win,” he said.
As he continues to lead Ponte Vedra, Sole is quick to give credit to his head coach for continuing to pour into him both on and off the field.
“Coach Price has taught me that being a quarterback is about more than throwing touchdowns. It’s about leadership, accountability and earning the trust of your teammates. I’ve learned that leadership means staying composed under pressure, taking responsibility and believing in the guys around me. He’s helped me grow as a quarterback, but more importantly, he’s helping me become the kind of leader and man I want to be,” said Sole.
