Roland Lady Rangers senior cross country runner Molly Carver was at the start of the then-new Roland cross country program when it was created for the fall of 2024.

In its two-year existence, Carver has qualified for state, including finishing 21st at this year’s Class 3A State Meet on Oct. 25 at North Rock Creek High School, located north of Shawnee, as she earned Oklahoma Cross Country and Track Coaches Association (OCCTCA) All-State status by finishing in the top 25 as a senior.

Now, Carver will begin a new venture, running cross country at the collegiate level.

Carver signed a letter of intent with the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith on Friday morning inside the Roland High School commons area.

“Whenever I went on my visit, everyone was very welcoming,” Carver said. “I’m ready to be a (college) student-athlete and take my running to the next level. I’m very excited.”

“This is something really good for her,” Roland cross country coach Tina Ramos said. “She’s worked hard the two years I’ve had her. She’s done nothing but given everything she has, whether it’s a meet or in practice or in the classroom. She’s a great student. I’m super proud of her to get this opportunity to continue her career.”

Carver said that the proximity of UAFS also was a selling point to sign with the Lions.

“I think UAFS is close enough and not too far away, so it just fit perfect with my decision,” she said. “It’s very close.”

“That’s a good thing,” Ramos said about being close by. “She’s close enough that maybe we can get to watch her a little bit, and maybe come back and visit us a little bit — and maybe jump out there and run with us, and get some of those other kids going. I’m extremely proud of her.”

If you would have asked Carver around the start of the decade or so, she likely would have told you she was dreaming of being a college athlete, but not in cross country.

“I always had the dream to go play college basketball actually, so I took a different route,” Carver said. “I’m very excited to go try this, and get better at running.”

The Roland senior runner is now ready to compete at the collegiate level.

“I’m very competitive, so I think it will be perfect for me, running against girls who are just as good or better than me,” Carver said. “It will bring out my competitiveness.”

“I have no doubt that she will definitely succeed at the next level,” Ramos said. “Her work ethic is unmatched. She doesn’t complain about anything. She just goes out and does it.”