Guided by faith, basketball, Carroll signs with Bryan College

Basketball has been a part of Haley Carroll’s life for as long as she can remember.

Another part of that has been her faith. Carroll will carry her basketball career forward, after high school, while she keeps growing her faith.

The Sequoyah senior made that official when she signed with Bryan College.

“The environment of the coach and the team was very welcoming. Being a Christian was a really big part and I will be able to continue my faith in the sport I love. It was a real deal-sealer,” Carroll said. “It was very important to me (to find somewhere religiously focused). I talked to other colleges, but this one fit all the boxes. I prayed about it, but this feels like the one God was leading me to.”

The Sequoyah senior was a leader on the floor for the Lady Chiefs, but her role that often goes unseen — behind closed doors in the locker room or in practices — makes for her bigger strengths.

“Haley is one of those who carries herself with high class, high character and high integrity on and off the floor. She is a leader in the classroom and a leader in the church,” Sequoyah coach Allyson Bowers said. “Haley can do it in all facets of life and I am excited to see this venture for her and I am excited to see her reward for her hard work and extra time she puts in the gym.

“I could not ask for a better leader for our team this year.”

Carroll’s love for basketball goes back years. She followed in the footsteps of her sister and cousins, being coached by her grandfather.

“My whole love for basketball came from my grandfather. His teaching and following my sister and cousins helped me get into it,” Carroll said. “I don’t think I would be where I am today without his help.”

The Bryan College coaching staff helped Carroll to feel at home with the program. Gabe Johnson will coach the Lady Lions for the third season this winter.

“Their persona and how they were welcoming (stood out). They did not make me feel like I was less than any of the other girls or that I was not measuring up to the college standards. They made me feel like I was at home,” Carroll added.

Carroll was named to the All-District 5-3A first team as well as The Advocate & Democrat’s All-County team.

“They just don’t only get a stout athlete, but they get somebody who is going to represent their school and their program with the best of their abilities,” Bowers said. “She is going to carry those values very strongly as she leads with her spiritual life. I am excited to see what God has in store for her.”

Carroll averaged 9.1 points per game her senior season.

“I feel like I am a really good team player and I am really dedicated to trying to better myself and my team,” Carroll said. “I feel like I try to pick up everybody when I can and lead the team.”

The reality of playing basketball at the next level came to Carroll during the summer ahead of her sophomore season, playing AAU basketball.

“I really felt like I could play with these girls and compete at this level,” Carroll said.

Carroll played with Tennessee Force Elite out of Dayton.

“It takes another level of commitment. It is more than just a regular season and 30 ball games. It is putting time in the spring in AAU to get exposure and surrounding yourself with other athletes that have that commitment level,” Bowers said. “It takes the weekends putting in extra drill work and extra hours in the weight room.

“It is not just a commitment for her but also a commitment for her entire family. She has a great support system in her family, her teammates and her coaching staff. The old saying is it takes a village and she has been surrounded by her village and taken that support to a whole nother level.”

Carroll plans to study elementary education.

“She comes from a lot of educators that have put their time into public education and continued that legacy,” Bowers said. “She is an all-around great kid with a great attitude and a great love for life.”

Carroll and Sequoyah finished 2023-24 with a 5-21 record.

“I think of family (when I think of Sequoyah basketball). I have made lifelong relationships with my teammates and coaches throughout the years,” Carroll said.