UK signee, two in-state stars named to 2025 McDonald’s All-American girls rosters
Kentucky women’s basketball has its first McDonald’s All-American since 2020.
Kaelyn Carroll, the No. 15 national prospect in the class of 2025, has been selected to this year’s McDonald’s All-American Game roster; the 6-foot-3 wing out of Tabor Academy (Massachusetts) is Kenny Brooks’ sole signee in the 2025 recruiting cycle, and the program’s first McDonald’s All-American signee out of high school since Treasure Hunt (2020).
Though Kentucky has received former McDonald’s All-Americans via the transfer portal, with the likes of ex-Cats Maddie Scherr (now at TCU) and Eniya Russell (now at Mississippi State), Carroll is the 12th athlete to sign with the Wildcats out of high school selected to play in the prestigious game.
The Marion, Massachusetts, native signed with the Wildcats on Dec. 2, and was formally introduced to Big Blue Nation a month later during Kentucky’s SEC-opening win against Mississippi State on Jan. 2. Brooks issued the following statement upon Carroll’s signing.
“I am beyond excited with the addition of KK, Kaelyn Carroll, to our program,” Brooks said. “She exemplifies everything on and off the court that we value. Her shooting ability along with her size and basketball IQ will give her the opportunity to contribute immediately.”
Previous Kentucky target Agot Makeer, the No. 4 prospect in the class of 2025, was also named to the roster. Dushawn London of 247Sports reported Monday afternoon that Makeer, who named the Wildcats to her final six in November, has narrowed her list to Connecticut, Michigan State and South Carolina. The Montverde (Florida) Academy combo guard was also previously considering Duke and North Carolina. Makeer and No. 1 overall prospect Aaliyah Chavez are the only remaining uncommitted prospects ranked within espnW’s top 100.
The annual boys and girls McDonald’s All-American Games are set for April 1 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Commonwealth selections
The state of Kentucky also fared well in the final roster selections after four commonwealth high school stars earned McDonald’s All-American nominations; 2025 marks the first time the state will send a representative since Scherr’s selection in 2020.
Sacred Heart Academy’s ZaKiyah Johnson, the No. 13 prospect in the class and three-time KHSAA state champion, is one of two LSU signees to earn 2025 honors. Future teammate Grace Knox, the No. 6 recruit in 2025, also made the cut, but will be suited up for the West, opposite the three-time Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year.
Bethlehem star Leah Macy, the No. 19 player in the class, was named to the East roster alongside Johnson. The duo won gold last summer with Team USA’s U18 Women’s AmeriCup Roster, shortly after Macy announced her commitment to Notre Dame. She is the only Fighting Irish signee to be named to a McDonald’s All American roster this year. Though no specific details have been revealed at this point, Macy sustained an injury in the first quarter of the Banshees’ All “A” Classic championship loss to Danville Christian Academy on Sunday.
Per reporting from Herald-Leader high school sports reporter Jared Peck, Macy suffered the injury during the possession immediately following the opening tip, and did not return to action; she was spotted walking on crutches with her right knee wrapped after the contest. Macy did not play in 10 games of the 2023-24 campaign due to an ACL sprain and bone bruise sustained during last season’s All “A” Classic.
Danville Christian Academy’s Grace Mbugua, a Louisville signee, and George Rogers Clark’s Ciara Byars, a Michigan signee, also earned nominations but were not named to the final rosters.
Girls McDonald’s All-American rosters
Players are listed with their college destinations.
EAST
▪ Nyla Brooks, North Carolina
▪ Kaelyn Carroll, Kentucky
▪ Jaida Civil, Tennessee
▪ Aaliyah Crump, Texas
▪ Jaliya Davis, Kansas
▪ ZaKiyah Johnson, LSU
▪ Leah Macy, Notre Dame
▪ Agot Makeer, Uncommitted
▪ Mia Pauldo, Tennessee
▪ Deniya Prawl, Tennessee
▪ Lara Somfai, Stanford
▪ Hailee Swain, Stanford
WEST
▪ Dee Alexander, Cincinnati
▪ Sienna Betts, UCLA
▪ Aaliyah Chavez, Uncommitted
▪ Jasmine Davidson, Southern California
▪ Addison Deal, Iowa
▪ Alexandra Eschmeyer, Stanford
▪ Grace Knox, LSU
▪ Ayla McDowell, South Carolina
▪ Brynn McGaughy, Washington
▪ Aliyahna Morris, California
▪ Emilee Skinner, Duke
▪ Jordan Speiser, Kansas State
