Report: Former McDonald’s All-American enters transfer portal out of Kentucky
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- Kentucky freshman Kaelyn Carroll, a McDonald’s All‑American, entered the transfer portal.
- Carroll averaged 3.4 points and 2.2 rebounds across 34 games as a Wildcat freshman.
- Carroll is the third Wildcat reported to enter the transfer portal this offseason.
Kenny Brooks’ first-ever McDonald’s All-American has reportedly entered the transfer portal.
Kentucky freshman Kaelyn Carroll, a 6-foot-3 forward out of Tabor Academy in Dedham, Massachusetts, will seek another program for her sophomore year of college basketball, On3 reported Friday afternoon.
The decision is a relatively unexpected one, as the departures of starter Amelia Hassett (exhausted eligibility) and sophomore reserve Lexi Blue (transfer portal) likely paved the way for an increase in production and responsibility for the former five-star prospect. She will have three years of remaining eligibility.
In her sole season with the Wildcats, Carroll played in 34 games, averaging 3.4 points and 2.2 rebounds in 11.8 minutes.
Carroll originally chose Kentucky after taking visits to Minnesota, Ohio State and South Carolina, among others.
Following the Wildcats’ season-ending Sweet 16 loss to Texas March 28, Carroll told the Herald-Leader that she would spend the offseason focused on “growing in all aspects of the game,” and specifically named her shot and defense.
“I got a lot of confidence this year,” Carroll said. “Coming in with the minutes I had, and just taking each opportunity. Learning, growing. We had amazing vets on this team that I got to learn from. So I think it was just a great year of learning...I’m really excited to get back. Maybe take a little time off, but get back to work with Coach Brooks and the returners for sure.”
Carroll’s reported decision marks the third Wildcat to enter the portal, following redshirt freshman center Elsa Vadfors — whom On3 reported April 2 intended to transfer — and Blue, who confirmed reports of her intentions to transfer on March 31.
The program also said goodbye to six seniors and is currently set to return National Center of the Year finalist Clara Strack for her final season of college basketball, junior guard Asia Boone, little-used junior guard Gabby Brooks (Brooks’ daughter) and redshirt sophomore guard Dominika Paurová, who transferred to UK ahead of the 2024-25 campaign but tore her ACL in consecutive offseasons and has yet to suit up for the team.
Brooks will also welcome a trio of McDonald’s All-Americans and top-25 prospects in point guard Maddyn Greenway (No. 14 overall recruit), wing Savvy Swords (No. 20) and guard Emily McDonald (No. 21).
The staff is expected to bring in multiple players from the transfer portal, as has been custom during Brooks’ Kentucky tenure.
