The Legacy: How Tracey Carrington’s Story Built a Path for Future Leaders

Some stories continue because the people at the center of them lived with purpose. The story of the Tracey Carrington Scholars and Interns Initiative is one of them. It begins with a young woman whose leadership stretched far beyond the basketball court and a mentor who recognized early that her influence would outlive her.

Tracey Carrington entered Tiny Adams’ life through basketball, but she became much more than an athlete. The late Donald Beasley mentioned Tracey being talented and reminding him of Tiny, & after checking a few games out, Tiny saw the spark. She saw talent, discipline, and a young woman hungry to grow.

Tiny remembers that moment vividly. “Once Coach Beasley brought her to my attention, I reached out, and it wasn’t long before she was breaking my records. I already saw her potential. And knowing at that age how much I needed mentorship, it was a no-brainer to take her under my wing. She was so receptive. Every time I came back, she was excited. She wanted to hang out, she wanted to work out. We built a great bond over the course of her career. So when she passed away, as tragic as it was, I wanted to always keep her name going.”

Their connection reflects the culture of Morgan State women’s basketball, a program known for reaching back, supporting one another, and shaping leaders beyond the court. Tracey lived that tradition. She supported younger players, carried herself with pride, and poured into others with a maturity beyond her years.

But her leadership went far beyond athletics. Tracey worked as a substitute teacher in Baltimore City. She mentored young people. She created spaces where kids felt understood. She showed up with patience, humor, and consistency. She also took her talents overseas, experiencing life outside Baltimore and expanding her worldview. She wanted kids to feel that same possibility, that same freedom to dream bigger than their circumstances.

When Tracey passed away in 2018, the loss left a deep ache in the community. But Tiny knew her name could not fade. Through Tray Day, she honored Tracey each year by bringing alumni together to celebrate her, laugh, tell stories, and continue the traditions she loved. Still, Tiny felt called to build something more lasting — something that connected directly to youth, mentorship, and leadership.

That desire grew into the Tracey Carrington Scholars and Interns Initiative, a program designed to connect Tracey’s passion for youth and education with the work Leader Breeders does every day. Scholars will support after-school programs, mentor students, and learn the real-world side of youth development. When funding is available, they will receive stipends in Tracey’s name, easing the burdens many college students, especially athletes, face while balancing school, work, and service.

The First Scholar: A Full-Circle Moment

The inaugural Scholar is Morgan State senior Jala Bannerman, a women’s basketball player who plans to open her own daycare. She has already volunteered with Leader Breeders as a mentor and shown a clear passion for working with children.

Tiny’s reasoning comes directly from her heart. “Jala applied through our process, and it was a no-brainer. She’s a Morgan State women’s basketball player, she’s a senior, and she wants to open her own daycare. It all aligns with what Tracey stood for and what we are trying to do. We want to give her direction, help develop her, and be a support system for her. Her carrying the name of being a Tracey Carrington Scholar, the hope is that it inspires her to fulfill her wildest dreams.”

For Tiny, choosing Jala keeps Tracey’s legacy alive in exactly the right way — through leadership, service, and community.

Why This Legacy Matters

Tracey lived fully. She gave freely. She believed in young people. And she showed what it looked like to lead without needing recognition. The Tracey Carrington Scholars Fund ensures her impact continues by creating pathways for students who want to serve, grow, and lead in the communities they care about.

Hope feels stronger when we stand together.

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