John Tatter

Biography

John Tatter is entering his third season as a member of the cross country and track & field staff. Tatter was promoted from a volunteer assistant to an assistant coach in October 2024. Tatter coaches the men’s and women’s distance teams. Tatter’s tenure has also featured team success, such as the Tar Heels winning their first ACC Cross Country Championship since 1985 and their first ACC Indoor Championship since 1996, while achieving their best finish, 5th place, at the NCAA Indoor Championships since 1973. During his first two years at Chapel Hill, Tatter coached three national champions (Parker Wolfe in the 5,000m, Makayla Paige in the 800m, and Ethan Strand in the 3,000m) and four NCAA runner-ups. Under his watch, Carolina has produced 16 All-Americans in the distance events and six in cross country. Tatter is a 2022 UNC graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies. Tatter excelled as a member of the varsity cross country and track teams at Carolina, earning All-Region honors and qualifying for the NCAA Championship.