Juanita High has selected Jared Carter as its new varsity head football coach for the fall season.

“Coach Carter brings energy and passion for both football and the Juanita community,” reads a press release from the Juanita athletics department.

Carter — who currently teaches physical education at Juanita — spent the last four years as the defensive coordinator and associate head coach at Lake Washington High, earning 3A KingCo Assistant Football Coach of the Year honors in 2017.

“I feel extremely fortunate for this opportunity. Juanita is the community in which I live, it really is a special situation. I see a ton of potential in these kids and look forward to getting this thing started,” said Carter, adding that members of his coaching staff have local ties and are committed to making a positive impact on the players and building a close-knit squad.

“Our coaching style will be positive, fast paced and fun. Our expectations in the classroom, community and on the field will be high, but I have no doubt that these kids will meet our expectation,” Carter said.

He was born and raised in Walla Walla and competed in football, wrestling and baseball at Walla Walla High before attending Central Washington University and continuing his football career at outside linebacker.

Following graduation, he worked in the transportation industry while earning his master’s degree in teaching.

Carter, his wife Amy, daughters Addison and Blakely and son Crew live in the Finn Hill neighborhood.

“It was important to both the JHS administration and the community that we bring in someone that not only coaches football at a high level, but is immersed in our community and understands the power of education-based athletics. We are excited to have coach Carter lead this program,” the release reads.

During the first week of December 2018, Juanita High administrators and athletic director Jason Thurston decided to make a varsity football head coaching leadership change for next season, according to the Lake Washington School District.

Carter replaces Lele Te’o, who led the Rebels for four seasons and compiled a record of 18-23 overall and 9-12 in league. He was named 3A KingCo coach of the year in 2017.

“All Lake Washington School District coaches work under seasonal contracts and are reviewed on a yearly basis for continued employment. Decisions to hire and retain coaches are made at the school level,” the district said in an email to the Reporter and added that they notified parents and students of the change.