Texas highschool soccer icon Freddie James died Thursday morning, his household confirmed.
He was 89.
James was head coach at Carter High School in Dallas from 1982 to 1995 and turned the program into the most dominant in Texas.
James was a half of the inaugural Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame class in 1996 and was also inducted into the Dallas ISD Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018.
Freddie James coached the Carter High School soccer crew from 1982 to 1995, constructing one of the most dominant applications in Texas. PVAMU Office of Alumni Relations, University Advancement
His 1988 crew, despite controversies surrounding ineligible gamers, is immortalized by some as one of the biggest soccer groups in Texas highschool historical past. James’ teaching led him to win eight Dallas ISD Coach of the Year awards during his tenure at Carter.
“He let me know that it’s not about the wins and losses; it’s about the legacy of people you impact along the way,” present Carter High School head coach Spencer Gilbert advised NBC 5 in Dallas.
Freddie James, Prairie View A&M alumnus, coached Carter High School’s soccer program from 1982 to 1995. PVAMU Office of Alumni Relations, University Advancement
During his 14-year teaching profession, James compiled a 139-27-5 document. He helped eight gamers get to the NFL, including All-Pro linebacker Jessie Armstead, who also performed on the notorious 1988 roster, and the late Chet Brooks, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the 49ers.
James graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Dallas before taking part in for Prairie View A&M’s 1958 nationwide championship crew at both working back and defensive back.
He started his teaching profession in 1964 at Spigner Colored School in Calvert, Texas. The coach then took over Carter in 1982.
Freddie James was 89. Kimberly Rhodes
Even after his demise, James’s legacy lived on through varied media alternatives, including movies such as “Friday Night Lights” (2004) and “Carter High” (2015). “Friday Night Lights” turned a cult basic among soccer motion pictures.