Poetry in Motion on the Court
Celebrating Regina Carroll's Legacy in Basketball
By: Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
Regina Carroll's, a local basketball star known to many as the player whose game is often described as watching “poetry in motion,” was recently inducted into the Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2024. Carroll’s journey through basketball reads like a tale of perseverance and passion, from start to finish, and the mark that she has had on the game of women’s basketball will undoubtedly stand the test of time and be celebrated for years to come. Breanna Stewart, American professional basketball player for the New York Liberty, once stated, “Your passion and dedication can’t be sometime, part-time, or spare time … it has to be ALL-TIME!” Carroll’s basketball career is living proof that being dedicated to something you love requires hard work and determination to be the best player you can be.
Carroll's love for basketball was ignited early in life, fostered by a neighborhood filled with eager players. Carroll’s competitive spirit and talent quickly became clear as she joined the Russell High School varsity team in eighth grade under the mentorship of Coach Liz Trabandt.
This early start paved the way for an illustrious high school career, where Carroll racked up an impressive 2,494 points, a record that stood at the top of the leaderboards for 44 years until recently surpassed by Shaelyn Steele, an impressive stand out player who will attend Penn State this fall. Carroll admitted that she wasn’t sure how her record went unmatched for so long and recalled that back in her day the three-point line didn’t exist. But that she is glad it was surpassed.
During her high school career, Carroll played 144 games, scoring an average of 17.3 points per a game, racked up 1225 rebounds with an average RPG of 8.5%, contributed a total of 285 assists across three years, and had a free throw percentage of 66.3%. Her impact on the game clearly extended beyond just scoring. Carroll led the Lady Devils of Russell High School to consecutive 16th Region championships. She had the opportunity to make several appearances in the state tournament, earning accolades along the way such as All-State honors and a place on the Sweet Sixteen All-Tournament team as a freshman.
Her success not only highlighted her skills but also helped galvanize interest in girls' basketball in Kentucky during a pivotal period of resurgence for the sport. “She was the Best Basketball Player. Nobody could stop her. Teams would Double and Triple team her and She still would Score. She was Amazing to Watch.” shared Bryant Carroll on a recent Facebook post.
Looking back on her high school days, Carroll reminisces about the overwhelming amount of support she and her teammates received from the community. “We had so many fans and the crowds that came out were awesome.” Carroll was humbled by the lengths that the community would go to support the girls’ basketball team stating that the girls’ games often had more people filling the stands than the boys and that the fans would even follow them to their state games. This amazing support system helped drive Carroll to be the high caliber player that she is known for being.
Beyond high school, Carroll continued her basketball journey at the University of Louisville, where she played under Coach Terry Hall and contributed to the team's success in the Metro Tournament. Interestingly enough this opportunity would have not been possible five years earlier. Carroll’s collegiate career was made possible by legislative strides like the “Basketball Bill,” which mandated schools offering boys' basketball to also provide girls' teams — a pivotal development that expanded opportunities for female athletes across Kentucky. Carroll’s basketball career, is much is much like that of the super star we all know and love as Caitlin Clark … drawing interest to the game, getting people exited, and changing the face of women’s basketball as we know.
Carroll's influence persists even today through her role as a mentor and inspiration to younger players. Former teammates and coaches attest to her impact, citing her work ethic and dedication as foundational to Russell High's basketball program's continued success. Kitt Hazel, an avid supporter and friend of Carroll, shared on a recent Facebook post, “You and Bunny Bailey I always said were poetry in motion out on the basketball court. I loved watching you two play. Fierce!” Carroll’s legacy is further cemented by her enduring support for women's sports and her advocacy for equality in athletics.
As she continues to celebrate her recent Hall of Fame induction and reflect on her storied career, Carroll remains grateful for the opportunity’s basketball has afforded her and looks forward to seeing how the sport evolves in the years to come. Regina Carroll's journey — from neighborhood courts to the Hall of Fame — is a testament to the transformative power of sports and the enduring legacy of those who pave the way for future generations. Her impact on Kentucky basketball reverberates through the players she inspired and the communities she touched, ensuring her place among the legends of the game.
Comments