our defense was also very good. I feel like the games were similar in some ways, but also different because the first year none of us had ever gone before. With both games, we all had wanted to win a state championship our whole lives. That’ s what we all worked for since we were so young and to be able to achieve that goal not only once but twice is such a big accomplishment that I won’ t forget.”
The Klaire she mentions is her cousin, former State MVP and current Arkansas Tech pitcher, Klaire Womack.“ Mine and Klaire’ s relationship is one of my favorite friendships,” Carly Jo explained.“ We’ ve always had so much fun together whether that was playing sports together or just hanging out. She’ s one of my very best friends even since she’ s gone to college. I’ ve learned so much from her, and I always go to her for advice. I’ m so grateful I’ ve gotten to grow up with her in sports and in life.”
Unfortunately, a knee injury in this year’ s 2A-3 basketball district tournament cut her basketball career suddenly short and will not allow her to help defend the 2A state title. However, Womack remains steadfast in her new role as an encourager and supporter in hopes of making on her team in a different way.“ Tearing my ACL and meniscus in the district semifinals in basketball was very tough, Womack said.“ I had to miss the end of my senior year in basketball and now softball season. I was looking forward to playing with my sister who is a freshman this year on the softball field, but I’ ll just have to cheer her and the team on from the dugout. During this time, I just want my teammates to know that I am supporting them more than ever right now. I wish I could be out there playing, but God has another plan for me and I trust it.”
The injury does not take away what a great career Carly Jo Womack has had for the Riverside Lady Rebels. She has racked a long list of accolades, although she insists that was not the singular goal.” First of all, I never did any of it for the individual awards’” she insisted.“ They are just a byproduct of being surrounded by other great players. Hard work and team work are what builds programs and breeds success. The individual recognition will come with that. In high school softball, I received All-Conference honors my 9th, 10th, and 11th grade seasons. I received All State my 11th grade year as well. In high school basketball, I was 2 time All-Conference, 2 time All- Region, 2 Time All-State, as well as 3 time All-NEA, and 2 time All-WBU. I am so grateful to have received these honors over the course of my career and to be rewarded for my hard work.”
Womack believes the experiences these sports have given her are the most important things she will take away from being a Lady Rebel.“ I’ ve always enjoyed the experiences basketball has given me throughout my high school career,” she shared.“ The moments I’ ve gotten to be a part of are some I won’ t forget. Of course, winning has brought me so much joy with the team, but the losses have also been experiences that I’ ve learned from. The basketball games have brought me so much happiness, but the locker room talks, the bus rides, and the hangouts with the girls have brought me memories I will always remember.”
Playing for Riverside has been an honor for her, as the Rebel lineage runs deep in her family. Not only did she get to play with her cousin, she got to experience things that her father, Jeff Womack experienced as a player for Riverside. Sharing those experiences with him has been special for her … for the most part.“ The car ride home conversations after a basketball or softball game may not have been my favorite talks with my Dad, but I’ ve learned so much from them, and they made me a better player,” she shared.“ He has taught me everything about the sports I’ ve grown up playing and sports has made my relationship with him even closer. My dad has always been one of my biggest supporters and even with my injury he still encourages me and teaches me more about basketball and softball.”
As Carly Jo and the Lady Rebels transition into softball season, she recognizes the new role she is in and wants to be the best she can in that role.“ My role on the softball field this year is to be the biggest supporter I can be while also giving advice to the other girls,” Womack said.“ We are young in experience, and I feel like I could help them even if I am in the dugout. I believe every girl on the team will have to take a step up this year due to my injury and also losing five starters from last year. I think Ryley will need to have a big year in the circle and our defense will have to be able to back her up. But from what I have seen so far, the girls are working hard and it’ s showing. I just hate that I’ m not going to be out there to compete with them.
Although it is not ending the way anyone would want, Carly Jo Womack continues to leave a lasting impression on past, current, and future Riverside Rebels. Whether it is teammates, fans, or future Rebels looking up to her, she continues to be a shining example of what a student-athlete and teammate should be. Her attitude in the face of adversity is another example of a lesson she learned and persevered in and will no doubt stick with her throughout her next stages of life. Wherever that takes her, you can bank on Carly Jo Womack being successful.