By On Nov. 3-4 Carroll College athletics recognized multiple generations of women alumni of Carroll College Women’s Basketball who paved the way for generations to come.
The weekend was jam-packed with fun activities for alumni to attend. The former athletes kicked off their weekend by participating in an alumni basketball game against all generations of former players. Later that evening, more than 200 alumni, accompanied by supporters, gathered in the Lower Campus Center to celebrate 50 years of Carroll College Women’s Basketball.
The 50 Years of Women’s Basketball celebration was dedicated to all of the former Carroll College Women’s Basketball members who individually dedicated their college careers to the foundation of Carroll College. They represented the Fighting Saints with honor.
The event celebrated the women who empowered future generations.
Some of the talented women who have left a significant impact on our athletic department include Wendy Sears (Class of ’81), Lori Luaren (1975-1979), the first woman inducted into the Carroll College Hall of Fame, and Jolene Lloyd, who was inducted into the Carroll Hall of Fame in 2019. Lloyd is recognized by Carroll Athletics as the greatest shooter in Carroll women’s basketball history.
The Carroll College records have Lloyd (Fuzesy) down for most career points (2,067), most field goals made (672), most field goals attempted (1,394), most three-pointers made (464), most three-pointers attempted (903), and most games played (139). She holds NAIA records for career three-point percentage (51.6).
“It was such an honor to play among some of the greatest athletes Carroll has seen thus far, and I am forever thankful for the opportunity it gave me,” said Genesis Wilkinson, a recent alum who participated in the alumni game. Wilkinson graduated last year as a health science major from Spokane, Washington.
“I forgot how much fun it was to wear a Carroll jersey, and I can’t wait to watch the team this year and hopefully come back a decade from now and do this game again,” said Sienna Swannack from Nine Mile Falls, who graduated in 2023.
Female athletes have made tremendous strides since 1973, when Carroll women’s basketball began.
The current team encourages the community to attend games and cheer on the new generation of Fighting Saints.
