A Story of Tradition, Triumph, and a Family Bound by Basketball
The Carollo name isn’t just associated with UW-Whitewater women’s basketball — it is UW-Whitewater women’s basketball. For over 20 years, the family has lived and breathed the Warhawk spirit, guiding one of Division III’s premier programs to national prominence. Now, with daughter Kacie Carollo in the spotlight, the family legacy has come full circle — fueled by passion, perseverance, and unconditional love.
Keri Carollo took the helm in 2002, igniting a new era of competitive excellence. By 2008, her husband Joe joined her on the sidelines, forming a coaching duo dedicated not just to winning, but to building a culture of support and integrity. Then came Kacie — first as the toddler on the bus with her “big sisters,” and now as a two-time All-American and team leader.
Kacie has helped steer the Warhawks to some of their most successful seasons yet: multiple conference titles and deep NCAA Tournament runs, including the Final Four in 2022. Yet her achievements extend beyond the hardwood. A five-time Dean’s List honoree, she balances academics with athletics like a seasoned professional.
“The professors have been very understanding of our schedules and the demands,” she said. “They understand the time and energy commitment to sports, which I’m very grateful for.”
The significance of Kacie’s journey isn’t only in the wins and awards. It’s in the bond she shares with her teammates, her school, and — most deeply — her family.
“It’s basketball, so it’s not the most important thing in the world, but it is to our family, and it is to my teammates,” she said. “Valuing every single day — and the people around me — has been super important for me, because it goes by really fast.”
Raised courtside and recruited at home, Kacie chose UW-Whitewater because of the authentic care and belief shown by coaches and mentors. That choice has paid dividends — not only in personal accolades, but in legacy-building.
“Everything happened so fast, and none of it was expected,” Carollo said. “It was just so huge for everybody in that moment … I know how hard my parents have worked, so it was cool for me to be an actual, tangible piece of it rather than just supporting them.”
Now a senior, Kacie continues to lead by example. Her humility, leadership, and love for the game reflect the same core values her parents instilled in her from the beginning. Despite the rare dynamic of being coached by her mother and father, the chemistry on the team has never faltered.
“I have to give Kacie a lot of credit — she’s made it easy — and I would also give credit to the teams she’s played with,” Coach Carollo said.
With just a few games left in her collegiate career, Kacie is soaking up every last moment of her journey. The wins matter. The records matter. But more than anything, the relationships and memories matter.
“I tell her at the start of every year that no matter what happens — wins, losses, whatever — I’m always going to be proud of you and love you unconditionally,” the coach (and mom) said.
What makes the Carollo story special isn’t just the wins or records — it’s the deep-rooted connection between family and team. In a world where results often define success, the Carollo family reminds us that love, commitment, and integrity are just as powerful. Kacie’s legacy isn’t just in the stat books; it’s written in every little girl watching from the sidelines, dreaming of her own Warhawk moment.
Source:
- https://youtu.be/oTq4GaUu110?si=IXjFYf8YAoVMdHld
- https://www.wisconsin.edu/all-in-wisconsin/story/unconditional-love-and-basketball-warhawk-kacie-carollo-builds-on-family-legacy/
- https://chatgpt.com/
- https://app.pictory.ai/
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