"We are thrilled to welcome John as the next head coach of NNU Softball. His proven success at both the high school and club levels speaks to his ability to develop student-athletes, build strong programs and create a winning culture. John's passion for the game, connection to the local softball community and commitment to developing young people make him a great fit for NNU. We're excited to see him build on the strong foundation of our softball program and lead the Nighthawks into this next chapter."
- Paul Rush, Director of Athletics

Carpenter comes from Owyhee High School in Meridian, Idaho where he served as the head coach of the Storm since the 2024-25 season. Prior to his stint with Owyhee, Carpenter spent time in Texas where he was on the coaching staff for Hyde Park High School from 2002-24, taking over as head coach in 2007.

He took over Owyhee and made an immediate impact winning numerous Coach of the Year honors. Carpenter was named the 2023 and 2024 National Christian Schools Coach of the Year and his 2025 and 2026 staff was named the the NFCA Region 3 Coaching Staff of the Year. At the travel ball level in Texas, Carpenter has claimed National Championships with the Texas Blaze 18U Gold and won back-to-back Idaho State 6A Championships in 2025 and 2026.

With more than three decades of coaching experience dating back to 1991, Carpenter has developed collegiate athletes and All-Americans across all levels of the NCAA. He now brings that experience and a championship pedigree to Nampa as he takes over the Nighthawk softball program.

He will be the fourth head coach in the program's 26th season. Carpenter will take over a team that finished the 2026 season with a 34-19 overall record and 15-9 GNAC record. The Nighthawks won four straight GNAC regular season titles from 2021-24 with two GNAC Tournament Championships in 2022 and 2023. NNU won their first regular season and tournament championship in 2018.