The term, Lionhearted is defined as someone who is courageous and brave. For Chrissy Carr, the term, lion heart definitely fits her and her journey. Chrissy started playing basketball in 7^th grade.  Chrissy is no stranger to the sport of basketball as her father, Chris Carr was the 1995 MVC Player of the Year for Southern Illinois University, played six seasons in the NBA, and competed in the 1997 NBA Slam Dunk contest against Kobe Bryant. During her high school career, Chrissy was on the watch list for some of the most prestigious awards in high school basketball including McDonalds’s All American Watch List, the 2018 Naismith Girls High School Player of the Year Midseason List, 2018 Gatorade Player of the Year finalist, ranked the 22^nd overall player by ESPNW Hoopgurlz, and scored over 1,000 points throughout her high school career.

Chrissy began her collegiate career at Kansas State University. During her time at KSU from 2018-21, Carr made a huge impact as she played and started in 84 games out of the 86 total games that she participated in. During the 2018-19 season, Carr became the fourth player in Kansas State program to score 20 or more points in the NCAA tournament as a freshman as it was the fifth time in the season that she completed that feature in the season. Chrissy’s three years at KSU also included multiple honors as she was named 2019 Big 12 All-Freshman Team, Two-time Big 12 Freshmen of the Week (2019), Two-time USBWA National Freshmen of the Week (2019), Waco Tribune Big 12 All-Freshman Team (2019), 2020 Big 12’s Commissioner Honor Roll, 2021 All-Big 12 Honorable Mention, and won the 2019 Red Bull USA 3X East Regional event. After the 2020-21 season, Chrissy entered the transfer portal and committed to Syracuse over LSU, Rutgers, Minnesota, Baylor, Texas, and Ohio State. Just like Kansas State, Carr made a huge impact on the Syracuse team as she leads the team in Three-Point Field Goals (2.1 3 Points Made Per Game & 5.8 3 Points Attempts Per Game) and averages 12.9 Points Per Game (PPG). Earlier in the season, Chrissy scored her 1,000^th point against Morgan State as she made it into the 1,000 points club for Syracuse Women’s Basketball Program. After the 2021-22 season, Carr transferred to the University of Arkansas to continue her collegiate basketball career. 

For student-athletes, it is critical that they are able to balance academics and athletics. Chrissy describes how balancing both academics and athletics isn’t always the easiest thing and can get tough. “Doing sports and academics can be tough; but, you get the hang of it as college goes on,” Carr states. Chrissy also explains the most important thing to do is take time for yourself and do things ahead of time. As a communications major, Chrissy sees the connection between her major and basketball. She states the communication major has helped her learn to speak with different people in different ways and how to be a leader.

Women’s basketball continues to make an impact around the world. Carr has witnessed firsthand how the sport has increased over the years. “I do believe more people will gain respect for women’s basketball as the years go by,” Chrissy states. With aspirations comes inspiration for Chrissy as her father, Chris has been a role model to her in the aspect of life and basketball. “He’s always been someone I looked up to and he played in the NBA,” Carr states.  “He has always given me the best tips to get to where I want to be.”

A girl with a dream becomes a woman with a vision. One of Carr’s biggest goals that she wants to complete is to play professionally overseas or in the WNBA. When asked what advice she would give to anyone that wants to follow her footstep in regard to playing ball, she answers confidently: “Make sure you are always putting your best foot forward. Be sure to always think about things that could impact you or your sport in a negative way, the people you hang around, social media, and activities outside of your sport. Just always be aware that not everyone has the same goals as you.”

Chrissy continues to show why her journey is powerful. Carr explains why her story stands out from the rest: “I have overcame a lot in my career & my life. I lost my little sister to a virus, I’ve battled with depression and anxiety, I have had knee surgery, and my fair share of both good and bad coaches. The best part about it is I am still able to smile and get through everything thrown my way.  I focus on the people who love and care about me and that has gotten me through a lot of my hard days.”

Recently, Beautiful Ballers announced Chrissy Carr as an official Beautiful Ballers athlete. When asked what inspired her to join the team, Carr detailed that she loves being a part of an organization that is dedicated to women in sports. “I think it’s great for people to look up to and it gives us an opportunity to show who we are as people and why we do what we do.”

To learn more about Chrissy, be sure to follow her on Instagram: Chrissy_carr