As teammates on the Mayser Center hardwood in the early 1990s, Holly Bamford ’93 and Shannon Carroll ’94 played key roles on some of the most successful women’s basketball teams in F&M history. Today, they are teaming up again to support the success of future generations of Diplomats.

Inspired by the bonds they formed as Diplomats, Bamford and Carroll offered a challenge during Raise Our Game, a monthlong campaign to support F&M athletics — the second year they’ve done so. When 50 donors made a gift to support F&M women’s basketball, it unlocked a $1,000 gift from Bamford and Carroll.

“Participating in F&M basketball profoundly shaped our lives, instilling values and experiences that continue to influence us today.”

Holly Bamford ’93

“Our fondest memories from F&M basketball are rooted in the spirit of teamwork and the friendships we built,” Bamford said. “What stands out most is the joy of being with teammates, whether we were on the court or simply hanging out with each other after practice. Through countless hours of basketball and time spent together, we grew from teammates into close friends, united by trust, respect and a genuine sense of belonging.”

As chief conservation officer for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Bamford oversees more than $500 million annually in conservation efforts across the country. Carroll is deputy general counsel in oncology at AstraZeneca. They credit their experience playing hoops for helping to shape their careers.

“Balancing the demands of basketball season required exceptional time-management skills,” said Carroll, a biology major and religious studies minor at F&M. “Juggling classes, daily practices, away games and study sessions taught us how to prioritize and organize our schedules effectively. The discipline we developed during those years has continued to benefit us, shaping our approach to both our careers and personal lives.”

Now they are working hard to raise awareness and inspire others to donate to Diplomat Athletics — enabling F&M to sustain its place as one of the top athletic programs among liberal arts institutions in the country.

“Participating in F&M basketball profoundly shaped our lives, instilling values and experiences that continue to influence us today,” said Bamford, who majored in business and minored in environmental studies. “Giving back to the program is deeply meaningful, as it allows us to support future generations and honor the legacy that enriched our own journey. Go Dips!”