Wetumpka High’s Coach Derrick Carlton Powell Jr.’s motto is “P.E. is not just a class, it’s a lifestyle!” He took that to heart when he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Faulkner University and started his coaching career in 2005.
He recently returned to campus to speak to students during Homecoming Weekend’s Marketplace Faith Friday Forums where he was honored as the College of Education’s Young Alumni.
At Faulkner, the Fort Deposit native played basketball and then furthered his education at another Christian school, Grand Canyon University. There, he earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching with an Emphasis in Teacher Leadership.
He started his coaching year while he was in the United States Navy and has spent the last three years as the head boy’s basketball coach and PE teacher at Wetumpka High School.
Before coming to Faulkner, Powell received a basketball scholarship to Marion Military Institute, where he was the MVP as a rookie
He is happily married to Shante’ Powell and they have one child, Kinsley. Coach Powell is an active member of his church, community, and his classroom.