Carolyn Gill played in 134 basketball games for the Titans.  That was more basketball games than Genia Miller, Bobby Brown, Leon Wood, or any other Cal State Fullerton male or female student-athlete.

Carolyn's journey to Cal State Fullerton began in her home town of Oakland, Calif., where Gill was a standout player at St. Mary's College High School.  Primarily known for her athleticism, rebounding, and shot-blocking skills, former Titan assistant, Matt Shewmake, made a compelling case while recruiting Gill.  Carolyn chose Titan Tech over Grand Canyon, UNLV, Nevada, Brown, Georgetown, and USF, among others.

Said Gill: "I initially chose CSUF because they had one of the top Kinesiology programs.  At the time I was interested in becoming an athletic trainer.  I also really liked the players on the team as well as how the school was close enough to home, but also enough of a distance where I could feel independent."

Prior to Carolyn arriving on campus, the Titan women's program underwent a turbulent period which included a player exodus and eventually a coaching change.  Carolyn chose to honor her Letter of Intent after speaking with then-new head coach, Jeff Harada, over the phone.  According to Gill, "He told me that he was going to play (those) that put in the work and bought into the program.  I felt like I had an equal opportunity to play and contribute to the team (right away)."

Always one of the fastest players on the court in high school, Carolyn was surprised to learn that everyone in college was as fast or faster than she was.  Gill reflects: "I had to be smarter with my attacks.  I also had to learn how to be mentally tougher and push through fatigue to finish games."

A slender 5'10", Carolyn doesn't fit the prototypical body type of a post player.  Yet, she concluded her Titan career at number four all-time in rebounding and blocked shots.  Carolyn responded with genuine surprise, "I had no idea that I was #4 all-time.  I always tried to read the ball off of the rim and move as I watched the trajectory of the shot.

"I personally took pride in getting stops on defense, whether that's making the block or securing the rebound.  I also loved sneaking in and grabbing offensive boards to give the team an extra possession."

Said coach Harada: "I give her a ton of credit for understanding and accepting how she could make the biggest impact for our team's success which was on the defensive end.  We talked about that instead of trying to score points, let's try to take away points from our opponents.  Not a lot of players would want to hear that, but she really bought into it selflessly."

2019-20 was a banner year for the Titan women's basketball program.  Finishing at 17-14, including reaching the Big West Tournament semifinal, it was Fullerton's first winning season in 20 years.  Their .548 winning percentage was the best in nearly 30 years.

Titan guard, Raina Perez, was selected Big West Player of the Year, and Carolyn Gill was named the Big West Best Hustle Player, and was chosen to the All-Defensive Team.  According to Gill, "I had no clue that there was even a Hustle Player recognition.  Hustling was a natural part of my game, and I enjoyed helping my team out in any way that I could.  My mentality was just, GO!"

COVID-19 precautions interrupted parts of the 2019-20 and 2020-21 basketball seasons.  The NCAA judiciously granted student-athletes an extra year of eligibility in many cases.  Carolyn, who was already in graduate school at the time, took advantage of the opportunity to play a fifth season for the Titans while pursuing her academic goals.  Said Gill: "I was extremely grateful that the NCAA granted an additional year of eligibility.  I did feel that the COVID year we played was rough and not the way I wanted to end my collegiate career at CSUF.  The extra year allowed me to complete another year of school.  I achieved my M.A. requirements in the fall semester of 2022."  Carolyn also received her second Big West Best Hustle Player award in the 2021-22 season.

Looking back at her five-year career at Fullerton, Carolyn particularly wanted to acknowledge former associate head coach, Charel Allen, who acted as a mentor.  Gill explained: "(Allen's) passion for the sport and her honest critiques of my game made me want to become a better all-around player.  She helped me see basketball with an educated eye."

It wasn't all just basketball for the well-rounded Gill.  Carolyn was active with several campus organizations which are enumerated below.  Said coach Harada: "Off the court she represented our program well and with pride.  Carolyn was an excellent student, earning academic honors each year she was eligible and was very active on campus and in the community."

Carolyn also took the time to have some fun: "Some of my favorite memories definitely come from the locker room.  From after practice laughs to pregame hype sessions, I have a myriad of good memories.  (Former team mates,) Taylor Turney and Raina Perez were beyond fun to play with.  They showed up and competed at every practice, and I looked forward to going to battle with them every game.

"I also enjoyed getting to visit Hawaii, (CSUF coaches) Jeff (Harada) and Nick's (Milan) home state.  The team got to go on hikes and explore different parts of the island."

Gill was recently a graduate assistant in the Athletics marketing department and worked as an ESPN+ commentator and host for the Titan broadcast team.  Carolyn hopes to pursue opportunities in professional sports marketing or in event planning.

Coach Harada sums things up nicely: "Carolyn is someone who I admire and respect not because she played for me, but for the person she is and has become.  She has definitely been a blessing for me, and I know she will find a way to be successful in whatever she chooses to do in life.  I'm very proud of her."

Honors

• B.A., Communications (Entertainment and Tourism), 2020
• M.A., Business (Marketing), 2022
• Big West Best Hustle Player – 2021-22, 2019-20
• Big West All-Defensive Team – 2019-20

CSUF Career Records

• # 1 – Games Played – 134
• # 4 – Rebounds – 855
• # 4 – Blocked Shots – 78

Organizations and Activities While at CSUF

• Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC)
• Athletics Equity Committee
• Big West Conference Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
• It Takes a Titan Campaign Congress
• Strategic Communications and Brand Management Department
• Make a Play Foundation
• Produced Tune in with the Titans on Instagram for the Athletic Department