MORROW, Ga. – Clayton State University and head cross country and track & field coach Mike Mead have announced that former Division I University of South Florida and professional standout Jimmy Baxter has been named an assistant coach for both programs, effective immediately.
 
A former member of both the men's basketball and track & field programs at USF, Baxter has made a name for himself in both sports. In track he founded the All Heart TC track & field team based out of Atlanta, Georgia.
 
Designed to introduce young runners to the basics of track & field training, specifically the running and jumping events, All Heart builds high character and influences higher learning as part of developing great scholar athletes. The program has helped seven athletes earn full track scholarships and help produce four national champions over the past six seasons.
 
Perhaps more well known for his exploits on the court, Baxter played 12 years professionally in 14 different countries from 2005-16. That playing career ranged from countries in North and South America, Europe and the Middle East.
 
He began his career with Southern Crescent Lighting of the World Basketball Association (WBA) in the United States in 2005. From there he moved on to stops in Europe with JDA Dijon (France, 2005-06), Edimes Pavia (Italy, 2006-07), Bipop-Carrie Reggio Emilia (Italy, 2007), Ventspils (Latvia, 2007-08) and Base Oostende (Belgium, 2008).
 
Baxter made his first appearance playing in the Middle East with three teams in a four-year span with Besiktas ColaTurka (Turkey, 2008-09), Ironi Ashkelon (Israel, 2009), Ilisiakos (Greece, 2010-11) and Petrochimi Bandar Imam (Iran, 2011) before wrapping play across the pond with Krka Novo Mesto (Slovenia, 2011) and GieBen 46ers (Germany, 2012).
 
The 6-5 guard/forward then headed to South America for seasons with Quisma (Argentina, 2012-14), Guaiqueries de Margarita (Venezuela, 2013), Sao Jose Basketball (Brazil, 2014-15), Penarol de Mar del Plata (Argentina, 2014-15) and Toros (Venezuela, 2016). Over the course of his career he was named an All-Star three times (2006, 2008, 2011).
 
During his time at USF from 2000-04, Baxter was a star both in basketball and track & field. As a high jumper, he was a two-time All-American and two-time Conference USA champion in that event. He also had the third-highest jump in the nation in 2003, set the program record and earned his third straight trip to the NCAA Division I National Championships. He was also named the C-USA Freshman of the Year and competed in the 2004 Olympic trials.
 
As a member of the Bulls' basketball program, the native of St. Petersburg, Florida averaged 7.6 points and 2.8 rebounds over the course of 96 career games, 40 of which were starts. Following his first two seasons in which he saw limited playing time, Baxter exploded as a junior, averaging 14.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.0 steals in nearly 35 minutes a game.
 
He wrapped up his collegiate playing career in 2003-04 with 9.8 points, 3.8 boards, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals in 12 games.
 
Among his accomplishments away from the court or track, one of his most meaningful came in 2004 when he was named the NCAA's Award of Valor recipient. Not awarded automatically each year, the award is based upon a current or former student-athlete or current staff member going above and beyond when faced with a situation involving personal danger.
 
In 2004, Baxter received the award after saving two men trapped in a vehicle following a violent crash. He also received the key to the City of Tampa for his heroic efforts.
 
Additionally, he brings expertise in nutrition and weight training, leadership development, CPR and First Aid certifications, ACSM health and fitness proficiencies and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and certified personal trainer.

A 2004 graduate of the University of South Florida, Baxter holds a Bachelor's of Arts in Interdisciplinary Social Science.
 
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Announced that former University of South Florida basketball and track student-athlete Jimmy Baxter has been named as an assistant coach for cross country and track & field at Clayton State.