Desoto County Sports

Ole Miss AD Keith Carter to keynote 2026 Northwest Mississippi FCA Breakfast

SOUTHAVEN, MS — The Northwest Mississippi Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) has officially announced that Keith Carter, University of Mississippi Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics, will serve as the keynote speaker for the organization’s annual fundraiser breakfast.

The event is set to take place on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Landers Center in Southaven.

A Legacy of Leadership and Faith

Keith Carter is a familiar face to Mississippi sports fans. Before becoming the architect of the modern “Golden Age” of Ole Miss Athletics, Carter was an All-American basketball standout for the Rebels. Since taking the helm as Athletic Director in 2019, he has overseen historic milestones, including the 2022 Baseball National Championship and the hiring of elite coaches like former Rebel football coach Lane Kiffin and current Rebel men’s basketball coach Chris Beard.

Beyond the box scores, Carter is widely recognized for his commitment to integrity and character-driven leadership—values that align perfectly with the FCA’s mission to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Supporting Northwest Mississippi Student-Athletes

The annual breakfast is the primary fundraising engine for the Northwest Mississippi FCA, supporting ministry efforts across 22 counties. Proceeds from the event fund campus “Huddles,” coaching clinics, and sports camps that impact thousands of local students.

The morning will also feature the presentation of the Coach Bob Patterson Scholarship, awarded to two local student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional Christian character on and off the field.

Event Schedule & Ticket Information

Supporters are encouraged to secure their seats early, as the event traditionally draws a capacity crowd of nearly 1,000 attendees.

  • Date: February 26, 2026
  • Location: Landers Center, Southaven, MS
  • 6:30 a.m. – Doors Open & Breakfast Buffet Begins
  • 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. – Program and Keynote Address

Investment Levels:

  • Individual Tickets: $140
  • Standard Table: $700
  • Corporate Table: $1,400

All proceeds directly benefit the Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ regional operations. For sponsorship inquiries or to purchase tickets, please visit the official Northwest Mississippi FCA website or contact Cecil Sowell with the FCA at 901-409-1927 or csowell@fca.org.

Key Points

  • Featured Speaker: Ole Miss AD Keith Carter will share insights on leadership, faith, and the current landscape of collegiate athletics.
  • Impactful Cause: 100 percent of proceeds fund FCA ministry work, staff, and student-athlete resources across 22 Northwest Mississippi counties.
  • Community Recognition: The event highlights local excellence through the presentation of the Coach Bob Patterson Scholarship.

Bob Bakken

Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.