Tucker Williams | Lakeway Sports Report

August 27, 2026

NEWPORT — Cocke County senior forward Karmine Carmichael has officially committed to continue her basketball career at Carson-Newman University, bringing an end to a recruiting process that included several strong college opportunities.

Carmichael chose Carson-Newman after receiving offers from programs that included UVA Wise, King University and Dyersburg State Community College. While each school gave her plenty to consider, the connection she felt at Carson-Newman ultimately made the difference.

“All of the other offers I got were so amazing, but Carson-Newman just really felt like home,” Carmichael said. “The coaching staff, the campus and the girls all together are so amazing.”

The decision was not one Carmichael made quickly. With multiple programs showing interest, she took time to think through her options and decide where she could best see herself continuing her academic and athletic career.

“It was pretty difficult,” Carmichael said. “I had to put some time to think on it.”

Her visit to Carson-Newman helped provide the answer. After spending time on campus and around the program, Carmichael knew she had found the place where she wanted to play.

“I went on a visit to Carson-Newman, and it just went so amazing that I knew that’s where I wanted to go,” Carmichael said.

The team, coaching staff and academics all played important roles in her final decision. Throughout the process, Carmichael said her family and coaches at Cocke County remained focused on one thing: making sure she chose the place that made her happy.

“My family and CCHS coaches all just wanted me to be happy with where I went,” Carmichael said.

After seeing the work she put into the game turn into an opportunity to play college basketball, Carmichael said she is thankful to everyone who helped her reach this point.

“It means so much to me,” Carmichael said. “I couldn’t be more grateful.”

The opportunity is the latest accomplishment in an already impressive high school career. Carmichael enters her senior season after earning District 3-3A Player of the Year honors and surpassing 1,000 career points.

Carmichael has reached the state tournament in each of her first three seasons at Cocke County. As a freshman, she was named to the 2024 Class 3A All-Tournament Team after helping the Lady Red reach the state semifinals. Cocke County returned to Murfreesboro in 2025 before making it three straight appearances in 2026, finishing 34-5 and again advancing to the semifinals.

In Cocke County’s 46-43 semifinal loss to White County, Carmichael finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds, showing the same all-around ability and effort that caught the attention of college programs.

“I feel like just me being able to play all around and how much I hustle on the floor and try my best,” Carmichael said when asked what made her stand out during the recruiting process.

That same energy is what she hopes to bring with her to Carson-Newman.

“I’m most excited to bring just my energy and my hard work,” Carmichael said, adding that she wants to give the Eagles the best version of herself.

Her college decision is now complete, but Carmichael still has unfinished business at Cocke County. After three consecutive state-tournament appearances and coming within one victory of the championship game last season, she has one clear goal for her final year in a Lady Red uniform.

“I want to try and win state with my teammates,” Carmichael said.