Former Severna Park Student Recognized For Giving Back As A Coach

Hunter Roberts, a Severna Park High School class of 2021 graduate, has been recognized for outstanding community service, having founded an after-school basketball program for students at Belle Grove Elementary School in Baltimore. Roberts and program co-founder and coach Jeremy Carr earned the prestigious Volunteer of the Month award from the Board of Education of Anne Arundel County at a meeting in March.

Both men have dedicated countless hours coaching their team, the Belle Grove Bulldogs, since its inception in fall 2024. In that time, 17 young basketball players have had the opportunity to learn new skills, be part of a team, and play in Saturday games through the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks. School administrators have noticed improved attendance, behavior and school pride among the players.

Carr grew up in and played basketball for multiple high school programs throughout Anne Arundel County, before going on to play at the collegiate level and eventually professionally in Europe. Carr had a desire to pass on his love for the sport, as well as teach the skills and discipline he gained from it, all while being a positive role model. Having a few of his own children at Belle Grove Elementary inspired him to kickstart the program there, and he suggested it to Principal Keri Allen while chaperoning a field trip to Washington, D.C.

Roberts was inspired after not making his own high school team. Growing up in Severna Park, he found many other outlets to play ball, including the Amateur Athletic Union and a local church league, eventually going on to play at the college level as well. He had a desire to be a role model and give local kids the opportunities and coaching that he did not have. Currently a student at Towson University, he takes time between classes to coach the players at Belle Grove.

Carr and Roberts met a few years ago at a men’s pick-up league event. Over the course of many Saturday morning games, they discussed their mutual desire to coach their own team, mentoring student-athletes who might otherwise not have the opportunity. They began fundraising, planning and presenting their ideas to school administrators. Finally, in 2024, the Belle Grove Bulldogs came to fruition. The program has been so successful that the two coaches recently held tryouts for a spring season, growing the program to over 25 students and two teams at Belle Grove. Plans for a summer program are in the works.

“These coaches … have taught our kids how to be great teammates, strong leaders and respectable individuals,” said Board of Education Vice President Gloria Dent as she presented the awards. “Their focus extends far beyond the fundamentals of basketball.”