After falling to Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference foe Rider Broncs in this year’s semifinals of the MAAC Tournament, it seemed that we saw the last of Kelsey Carey ‘17 on the basketball court as she went on to finish her senior year at Fairfield University this year.
Carey had a successful run in her four years at Fairfield as she racked up enough points to join Fairfield Women’s Basketball’s illustrious 1,000-point club, becoming the 30th member of the club. In her final year in Stag nation, Carey earned a spot on the First Team All-MAAC team after leading Fairfield in scoring this past season averaging 15.1 points per game. She was also named to the All-Met Second Team following a successful senior year campaign.
“My time at Fairfield is definitely something I am forever grateful for. I made life-long friends and had an experience I’ll never forget. Playing basketball at Fairfield truly helped me become the person I am today. It helped me develop the strong work ethic I have today. It also taught me how to deal with other people to achieve a certain goal,” said Carey.
All of these accolades caught the attention of David Baker, the current head coach for the Griffith College men’s basketball team in Ireland. Carey’s time on the court and leadership qualities forced Coach Baker to contact Fairfield Women’s Basketball Team’s head coach Joe Frager via email.
After this initial encounter, Carey and Baker started communicating through text messages and Skype calls which later led him to offer Carey an opportunity to not only play for his women’s basketball team but also the opportunity to work toward her Master’s degree in international business.
After an incredible four-year run for the Stags, Kelsey Carey is taking her talents on and off the court to Ireland as she continues her basketball career while furthering her education in pursuit of a master’s degree. Alfredo Torres/The Mirror
After graduation, Carey had very few goals, two of which were to further her education and to continue to play the game she loves so dearly, basketball.
“I think it’s a very unique opportunity. Getting my masters was always something I always wanted to do. I think it’s awesome that I can immerse myself in an Irish education and in Irish basketball. I am more than excited to learn more about their culture and lifestyle,” said Carey.
Carey will be part of Griffith College’s history as she is set to join the first ever women’s basketball team in the school’s history. When asked about joining the inaugural women’s season, Carey said, “it means so much. I am seriously honored to have been chosen by Coach Baker to begin this awesome journey with him and the rest of Griffith College. I think that it’s a great way to get my first taste of European basketball.”
On top of playing for her school, Carey will also be playing for the professional team the Griffith Swords Thunder, who compete for Ireland’s Super League. Carey will also be getting certified in the International Basketball Federation.
She is well aware that she is entering a new situation at Griffith College filled with several adjustments and expectations. When asked what her expectations are, Carey said, “I expect to go over there and play whatever role they need me to play. I know Coach Baker told me that I’ll be a huge part of the college team as well as the professional team as a post player so I will take on whatever role they need for me, whether it be a scorer, rebounder, defender.”
Just a few short months after graduating from Fairfield University and ending her collegiate career in the states, Carey is set to make the move to Ireland at the end of July to start her professional career as a basketball player while also working toward her coveted masters degree, a dream come true for the Fairfield graduate.
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