Carl Little returns to Columbus State University, bringing over a decade of proven coaching success at the collegiate and military levels. Known for his expertise in post player development, team culture, and championship-level preparation, Little previously served as an Assistant Coach for the Cougars from 2013–2016, helping guide the program to competitive success in the Peach Belt Conference.
Little’s recent coaching tenure includes serving as Assistant Coach at Austin Peay State University, where he played a key role in player development, recruiting, and competitive success in the Ohio Valley Conference. He also served as Director of Player Development at North Carolina Central University and completed a coaching internship at Duke University, gaining valuable experience within a nationally recognized basketball program. His leadership extends beyond the collegiate game—guiding the All-Army Basketball Team to back-to-back Armed Forces Tournament Championships in 2016 and 2017, and coaching Team USA to a gold medal at the 2017 Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) International Basketball Tournament, defeating France in the championship game.
A retired U.S. Army officer with over 21 years of active-duty service in both the Army and Air Force, Little’s career included deployments to Kosovo, Turkey, Iraq, and Jordan. His military background instilled the discipline, resilience, and strategic mindset that define his coaching style today.
Off the court, Little serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Soldiers to Sidelines, a nationally recognized nonprofit that empowers military members to transition into coaching roles at all levels of sport. He is married to author and screenwriter Danesha Little and is the proud father of two children, Jordan and Ariana, along with their family dog, Oreo.
