Coach Keri Carollo recognized among “Notable Women in Sports”
July 29, 2024
Written by Chris Lindeke | Photos by Craig Schreiner and Michael McLoone
Keri Carollo, a leader in the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater athletic department for more than two decades, is one of 19 women in the state to be named among the 2024 Notable Women in Sports by BizTimes Milwaukee.
“I’m so honored to be among the women recognized by the BizTimes,” said Carollo, the head coach of the Warhawk women’s basketball team since 2002. “There are so many women out there who’ve left an indelible mark on sports, and I’m grateful to those who’ve paved the way for women in southern Wisconsin to be put in positions to thrive.”
The Notable Women in Sports program recognizes women in southeastern Wisconsin who’ve made significant contributions to their sport, have assumed leadership positions outside of their organization, and have mentored or sponsored other women in their profession.
“Keri Carollo is a leader and a winner,” said Ryan Callahan, director of intercollegiate athletics. “Her program embodies what all our teams strive to be — a local, regional and national powerhouse in competition and a group of successful, engaged student-athletes in the classroom and the community.
“Keri’s competitive spirit, attention to detail and organization set her apart from her peers. Her impact is felt deeply in our community and our region — and throughout women’s college basketball.”
Head Coach Keri Carollo Warhawks women’s basketball looks to her players at the end of a ceremony where members of the team cut pieces of the net to celebrate their conference championship. The Warhawks women’s basketball team defeated UW-Eau Claire to win the WIAC conference championship at Kachel Gym on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. (UW-Whitewater Photos/Craig Schreiner)
As head coach of the Warhawks, Carollo has led the team to the NCAA Division III Final Four four times, including national runner-up finishes in 2013 and 2022, and third-place finishes in 2008 and 2014.
During her coaching tenure, UW-Whitewater has claimed eight Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season championships, three conference tournament titles, and 15 NCAA Tournament appearances, including eight straight bids (2016-current).
Carollo’s 439 wins are the most among active WIAC coaches and third-most in the conference’s history.
“This award reflects the success of our program, which wouldn’t be possible without the support of our campus and athletic department leadership, the knowledge and commitment of our coaching staff, and the talent and dedication of our student-athletes,” Carollo said. “It’s a privilege to be in this position, and I’m so thankful for the hard work of all the people who’ve been a part of this team.”
Carollo was a member of the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball National Committee, which provides recommendations for rule changes and selects the national tournament field, from 2013-18, including two years as committee chairperson.
UW-Whitewater head women’s basketball coach Keri Carollo and players react after defeating UW-Oshkosh for a spot in the NCAA Division 3 Final Four Women's Basketball Tournament on March 12, 2022. (UW-Whitewater photos/Craig Schreiner)
Under Carollo’s guidance, several UW-Whitewater alums have gone on to work in sports. Tiffany Morton, a member of the Warhawks’ 2008 Final Four team who was recently selected as the recipient of the university’s Outstanding Recent Alumni Award, is the head women’s basketball coach at Division I West Alabama. Other former players and staff members have worked across multiple basketball programs at the high school, college and professional levels.
The Warhawks have supported numerous initiatives and organizations throughout Carollo’s tenure, including the Kay Yow Cancer Fund for breast cancer research and awareness, the Adopt-A-Highway program, and Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater.
Carollo is also the senior woman administrator and assistant athletic director for compliance for Warhawk athletics. She oversees eligibility for the university’s 600-plus student-athletes.
