ABBEVILLE, S.C. — Carter McNeil is a senior at Abbeville High School, but this fall, he'll be a competitor on Bethel University's fishing team on scholarship.
"Carter is one of the most kind, respectful, hard-working young men I have ever had the privilege of coaching," said Wayne Botts, McNeil's fishing and football coach at Abbeville High School.
"He is a team player," continued Botts," but also shows tremendous leadership skills."
McNeil founded the high school fishing team at Abbeville and also serves as its president. He won the B.A.S.S. Nation High School Southern Divisional in April, posted a runner-up finish in the Youth Bass Fishing State Championship in March, and took third place in the Bassmaster High School Classic Exhibition in February. At the end of 2014, he won the South Carolina B.A.S.S. Nation High School Championship.
When McNeil isn't fishing, he's participating in volunteer activities with his church youth group, including going on mission trips. He also worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to plant aquatic vegetation on South Carolina's Lake Russell.
McNeil earned a place on the 2015 Bassmaster High School All-American team and will compete alongside a Bassmaster Elite Series pro, June 6 on Lake Barkley, in conjunction with the Zippo BASSfest presented by A.R.E. Truck Caps.