Carolyn Wadley, originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, began playing soccer at the age of 6 and joined a travel select team at 11. Throughout grades 6 to 12, she played for her school teams, earning a spot on the varsity squad for all four years of high school and serving as captain for two. Her team played in the TN State Final match three out of four years of her high school career. She was recognized for her defensive skills with a place on Tennessee's All-State Soccer Team during her senior year.

During her high school years, Carolyn continued to play throughout the southeast for travel select teams and trained under Kris Ray, Director of Youth Development at Chattanooga Football Club, for seven years. Despite her love of the sport and multiple college offers, she decided to end her competitive career to pursue a more typical college experience. She has remained involved in soccer through participation in adult recreational leagues and cheering for her kids, maintaining her love for the game.