What Kaelyn Carroll's commitment means for Kentucky WBB

On Wednesday, Kenny Brooks secured his first 2025 commitment when five-star wing Kaelyn Carroll announced her commitment to Kentucky.

Here’s what her commitment means for the Cats:

Finally, a 2025 commitment!

Phew. Finally, Kentucky has a 2025 commitment. If you were worried that Kentucky may not land anyone this class, take a moment to breathe a sigh of relief.

There have been plenty of Kentucky targets commit to other schools — some who the staff prioritized a little more than others. This was one that Brooks and the staff pushed very hard for. That’s evident with Carroll’s commitment.

Not so fast, South Carolina

South Carolina entered into the mix in late August when they offered Carroll, making the Gamecocks the final team for the five-star to consider.

Dawn Staley has a knack for being able to go get kids whenever she wants them. It usually doesn’t matter if a recruit is a junior in high school or if they’re already down to a Top 3. Staley has a great recruiting staff at South Carolina, so it’s all the more impressive that Kentucky was able to land Carroll.

Pulled her away from Minnesota

Sources indicated to KSR that the Golden Gophers pushed very, very hard for Carroll, but in the end, she ended up a Cat.

Minnesota was close, but no cigar.

One less thing to worry about in the transfer portal

Even though almost all of this year’s roster should return next season, it’s going to be inevitable that Kentucky is going to have to hit the portal. The obvious priority will be the point guard position considering Georgia Amoore‘s impending departure.

However, Brooks was also going to have to look for some additional talent to put out on the perimeter, but that may not be necessary now that Carroll is a Cat.

Who’s next?

Why have the fun stop here, right?

Maddyn Greenway, a four-star point guard in the 2026 class, is committing in the coming weeks, and Kentucky seems to be in a very good position for her. As far as the 2025 class goes, five-star Agot Makeer is the only real option on the table.

Cats are getting a versatile wing — perfect for Brooks’ system

So, to wrap this up, who is Kentucky getting in Kaelyn Carroll anyway? The answer? A perfect piece in Kenny Brooks’ system.

At 6-foot-2, Carroll brings size that allows her to play positions two through five. She can hold her own down low, but she specializes in being a threat from the perimeter. Kentucky is getting one of the most talented players in the 2025 class.

Welcome to UK, Kaelyn Carroll.