Versatile Kaelyn Carroll Found the Right Chemistry at Kentucky

Kaelyn Carroll with her father and mother.

With attention on Kentucky’s win over Duke and coach Mark Pope signing three high profile players in Jasper Johnson, Acaden Lewis and Malachi Moreno, it was easy to overlook the significant roster addition for the UK women’s basketball team Wednesday.

Kaelyn Carroll, the No. 15 prospect in the 2025 recruiting class and top recruit in  Massachusetts, signed with the Wildcats and first-year coach Kenny Brooks. The 6-2 wing is Brooks’ first 2025 signee and second top 40 prospect — he signed freshman Lexi Blue for his first UK team.

The five-star win player picked the Cats over South Carolina, North Carolina, Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Villanova and Minnesota but had other offers.

“I think she was just ready (to make a decision,” Carroll’s mother, Suzanne Carroll, said. “She went on seven official visits in a short time starting in September after she narrowed down her list. South Carolina and North Carolina were both big in the end. It was about her finding the best fit for herself, where she could make the biggest impact and helping grow the program at UK appealed to her.”

She was a 44 percent shooter from 3-point range last season at Tabor Academy but also was a standout on the Bay State Jaguars, Massachusetts-based AAU team. She participated in the USA Basketball Women’s U18 National Team Trials along with the Under Armour Next Elite 24.

Brooks offered her a scholarship when he was at Virginia Tech and then quickly did the same thing when he got to Kentucky. She can play four positions, much like sophomore Clara Strack is doing at UK this season.

“We are thrilled and excited for her,” Suzanne Carroll said. “We told her not to be afraid to go away (to school) if that’s what she wanted. We first met Kenny and his staff at Virginia Tech and when he made the move to Kentucky, he re-offered her.

“We didn’t know much about Kentucky other than BBN on the men’s side. We went on a visit, she loved the campus and the whole vibe of the team. We are still learning about Kentucky. We know the history of (former WNBA No. 1 overall pick) Rhyne Howard and some other special players there. The last few years have not been the best but the new staff and players coming in make for exciting times. But the biggest thing is she felt comfortable and felt the chemistry on the team.”

The versatile Carroll has always been taller than others her same age and joined an AAU basketball program when she was in third grade to get a “bigger challenge” and stayed with the Bay State Jaguars for nine years.

She tried soccer, softball and volleyball but her mother says she always “gravitate” back to basketball.

Suzanne Carroll played basketball at the University of New Hampshire for four years and her father played basketball at Suffolk University.

“I coached her through middle school, then she went to Tabor Academy,” Suzanne said.  “In my day you put the tall girl down low, but she could handle the ball and play point guard if needed. She’s  unique.”

Carroll’s mother believes that her and 6-5 sophomore Clara Strack will compliment each other well at UK.

“Kaelyn is more of an outside player and shoots outside the (3-point) arc and gets to the rim. Clara is  back to the basket player who is expanding her game. They will play well together,” Suzanne said. “They already have a strong foundation with Clara and Clara Silva. Amelia Hassett will compliment her. They have some really strong players already on the team and Kenny has some really good plans for Kaelyn and her development because her goal is to get to the W (WNBA).”

Off the court, Kaelyn knows how to enjoy her free time.

“She is a really funny kid. She is light hearted. She goes to the beach, loves hanging out with friends,” the UK signee’s  mother said. “She hypes up the students and fans for all the sports across the high school. She will have the best costume and will cheer for every team at the school. She’s very supportive.”