Alumni Spotlight: Carter Ahrens – Discs and Dedication: Carter’s Journey at Washington Virtual Academies 

For most high school juniors, balancing schoolwork with sports means carving out time for a few after-school practices. For Carter, a graduate from Washington Virtual Academies, balancing education and athletics means traveling around the country, competing in national disc golf tournaments, and dedicating three hours a day to training, even in the rain. Carter, who lives in Washington, is no ordinary student athlete. At just 18 years old, he’s the youngest person on the professional disc golf tour and holds a tour card that grants him access to major events nationwide. With nearly a dozen pro tour events lined up this year alone, including a trip to Florida, Carter needed a school that could meet the demands of his unique schedule. That’s where Washington Virtual Academies came in. 

After attending a local high school, Carter and his family realized that the traditional brick-and-mortar learning model didn’t provide the supportive environment required for his growing career. Following the closure of a previous online program in their district, the family explored new options and found Washington Virtual Academies’ Flex Program, an innovative, self-paced curriculum that allows Carter to complete coursework from the road. 

“Washington Virtual Academies has been amazing for Carter for so many reasons,” his mom shared. “As Carter travels and competes, he has appreciated the flexibility, and he can complete the work when it is best for his schedule. He mentioned that some students may work best in the morning where others may work better in the afternoon or evening.” 

The ability to work at his own pace hasn’t just supported Carter’s training; it has also empowered his learning. Carter has benefitted from the one-on-one support Washington Virtual Academies teachers provide. Despite working independently most of the time, he checks in regularly via Zoom and receives the guidance he needs to stay on track. His teachers are communicative, responsive, and have built a strong partnership with his family. 

“I also have appreciated how Washington Virtual Academies has gotten to know Carter, been responsive to my thoughts, a true partner with parents,” his mom said. “This is different than past schools, as I used to constantly advocate for Carter. He is doing extremely well and works hard at both school and disc golf. His work ethic is incredible!”  

Carter’s disc golf journey began during an after-school program in elementary school and soon grew into a full-family passion. He and his older brother, Tyler first picked up the sport thanks to a babysitter who brought them along to local courses. By 2019, the boys were representing Team USA at the Youth Disc Golf Team World Championships in Estonia. 

Since then, Carter’s career has soared. With sponsors who help support his travel and gear, he competes regularly across the country and is becoming a familiar name in the disc golf community. Off the course, he’s also helping grow the sport, designing a disc golf course at a local elementary school in Washington, and hosting school assemblies and clinics to introduce the sport to others. 

Since graduating, Carter fought his way to a podium finish at the Disc Golf Pro Tour Elite Series – Preserve Championship, tying for 3rd Place. In Carter’s first collegiate disc golf event, The Collegiate Presented by Innova Discs he was able to take down the win. This was the first ever singles match only format tournament in collegiate disc golf. Carter is currently ranked the No. 1 athlete in Division 1 College Disc Golf.

Carter’s talent is matched by his work ethic. His daily routine includes three hours of disc golf training, regardless of the weather, and when he needs a break, he turns to another favorite pastime, ‘regular’ golf. 

After graduation, Carter plans to continue his pro disc golf career full steam ahead. He plans to take summer classes and reduce his academic course load at Emporia State University where he’s already joined the Emporia State Disc Golf Team to focus even more on his sport. While he hasn’t met many classmates in person, Carter says the focus and support that Washington Virtual Academies provides is worth it, especially for students balancing other priorities.