The UT Martin Skyhawks women’s soccer team has a defensive threat that could be a key piece of the Skyhawks’ success heading into conference play.
The Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) named Allie Carroll defensive player of the week on Aug. 25, 2026. The junior defender gave recognition to her teammates after hearing she won the award.
“It feels good,” said Carroll. “I’m very thankful for the people in my backline…I couldn’t do it without them.”
Sports run through Carroll’s veins. She is preceded in collegiate soccer by her mother, Mary Carroll, who played at Mississippi State University, where she was also a backline player. Her father, Brad Carroll, played collegiate football at Delta State University in Mississippi.
Carroll began her collegiate soccer career at Middle Tennessee State University during her freshman year and transferred to Northwest Mississippi Community College for her sophomore season before ultimately transferring to UT Martin this season.
Carroll has made herself indispensable for UT Martin’s backline. In the six games leading up to the award, she played 90 minutes per match for a combined total of 540 minutes. Now in the season, Carroll has played in 10 matches totaling 900 minutes.
“Here at UT Martin, I feel like we all support each other daily” Carroll said. “Working hard for the people around me and my teammates, that keeps me going.”
Carroll’s talents do not stop at the defensive side of the ball. In the season opener on the road against UT Chattanooga, Carroll was fouled following a free kick, resulting in her getting a chance at a penalty kick. Carroll seized the opportunity and tied the match with just 56 seconds to spare, leading to a tie to start the season.
Carroll also earned an impressive stat sheet during the six games leading to the award, including one goal as well as one assist. She had five attempted shots with an average conversion rate of .200, as well as three shots on goal with an impressive average of .600.
To keep herself playing at her best, Carroll said staying dialed in with hydration and treatment is important. She also said her faith is an extremely important part of her identity both on and off the field.
“Before every game and big moment, I make sure that I am in the word and reading,” she said.
Pacer Story by Zach Childers
