Submitted photo – UC Davis women’s soccer coach Tracy Hamm, left, and Eureka’s Keylei Carroll.

By Ray Hamill — UC Davis head coach Tracy Hamm has described Eureka’s Keylei Carroll as “a star on the rise,” after the Loggers standout committed to play women’s soccer for the Aggies.

Carroll, who is just a junior, announced her decision this week, becoming the second player from the history setting 2018 Eureka team to receive a D-I offer.

And Hamm expressed her delight at recruiting a player she believes will have a big future with the team.

“Keylei is a star on the rise,” Hamm said. “Her winning mentality is well-suited for the college game. We think her air game and ability to compete is unique and an asset we want in our program.”

Carroll, who made the connection after being invited to the prestigious NorCal Olympic Development Program in each of the past two years, is expected to play a key role for the Aggies in defense, as she has in her time with the Loggers.

“As a natural athlete and competitor, we see Keylei playing in the backline,” Hamm said. “She has major upside in her ability to tackle and communicate.”

Carroll was named co-MVP of the H-DNL this past fall, along with Arcata’s Zakiya Elloway, and Hamm is looking forward to having her on the team for more reasons than just her talents.

“She has a fantastic personality and is an awesome athlete,” Hamm said. “She’ll be someone that connects the team and helps build our culture.  

“We have loved watching her develop over the past year and know she’ll impact our team and program in a positive way. 2021 can’t some soon enough.”

Carroll’s former teammate from 2018, Olivia Stone, also is playing at the Division-I level at Portland State.

Fellow junior Klayre Barres also has committed to play at the collegiate level after graduation, and will join the Chico State program in 2021.