Written by Dave Peck
BANGOUR – In her final game as a Black Bear, Maeve Carroll scored her 100th point in a WNIT loss to Boston College, and even after five years playing Orono, that urge to compete remained and drove her to an opportunity abroad.
“I’m at a place right now where I love to play, and I want to be around him as much as I can, as much as I can, and for as long as I still love the game,” the former Maine said. women’s basketball captain Maeve Carroll.
Never mind a four-year college career, because for Carroll, even five seasons of basketball wasn’t enough to satisfy his passion for the sport.
“I went into this fifth year thinking that as long as I was healthy and able to play, I would want nothing more than to play overseas and keep playing basketball for as long as possible,” Carroll said. .
This week, the 1,000-point scorer got at least one more season on the pitch, signing a deal to play professional ball with Hierros Diaz Extremadura Miravalle in Spain.
“I’ve always been someone who wanted to do the study abroad program, but being a Division I athlete you can’t necessarily do it, so it’s funny my mom refers to it because it’s my study abroad program,” Carroll said.
But don’t be confused. While the thrill of a new culture is certainly a draw, Carroll said her priority remains where she’s always felt most comfortable — on the basketball court.
“I think there’s so much more to my potential, and I really feel like it just comes down to loving the game and wanting to be around it and involved,” she said.
In September, Carroll will step into an entirely new environment, but knows that what she learned at Orono will prove invaluable in any locker room.
“Going to Spain knowing that I have to believe in myself and believe in the team and the culture and what the girls and the coaches are saying, and I think that’s something I can bring with me with anyone. what team, wherever I go.”
Carroll’s season with Miravalle will run from September to early spring 2023.
