Looking back 15 years to the 2005-06 girls basketball team, we caught up with Carlie Ainsworth Henry to talk about her time at Alabama Christian and what she is doing these days. The 2005-06 team finished with a 23-5 record as they won the Area title for the fourth year in a row and advanced to the Regionals for the sixth consecutive year. The junior led the team in scoring averaging 17.7 per game and hit 76.0% of her free throws on the year, which is the second best mark all time for a season. Ainsworth was named second team all-state and was the Montgomery Advertiser 1A-3A All-Metro Player of the Year.

What year did you graduate from Alabama Christian? 2007

What grades did you attend at Alabama Christian? K-12

What is your favorite memory of Alabama Christian? 2007 State Softball Championship. If I could relive any high school memory, it would be that one. The girls, the coaches, the fans and the atmosphere were all a dream! That day will forever be listed among the "good ole' days".

What is your favorite basketball memory? It is impossible for me to pick just one. Rivalry games against conference teams, like St. James or MA, summer camps, tournaments in North Alabama every year, and "Coming Home" all come to mind. Oh and the final four in 2005. Even though we didn't come home with a trophy, it was an incredible season and playing in the arena for the Final Four was an experience I will never forget.

 Who took you under their wing when you joined the varsity team? Leah Sirmon, Coach Goodman and Coach Cager. They invested a lot of time in me. They stayed after practice with me for extra reps, reviewed film with me, but most of all they believed in me. There were times I doubted if I was ready for the Varsity level. They didn't let me sit in that doubt. They pushed me and encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone. That encouragement kick-started my basketball career.

Who was your most memorable teammate? Aside from Leah, I would have to say the 2004 seniors. I was the youngest on the team that year, and I remember looking up to and admiring that group of girls, not only for their God-given athletic ability, but also for their leadership, camaraderie and character.  They created a fun atmosphere everywhere they went and always kept us laughing!

What teacher/coach had the most influence on you? Definitely my mom (Denise Ainsworth), but to be fair, I lived with her. That gives her an unfair advantage. :) All jokes aside, the state of Alabama knows what a great coach she was. She helped mold me into not only the athlete I was, but also the woman I am today. She coached fiercely and continues to love deeply. She has mellowed out over the years, but I truly am thankful for the toughness she instilled in me at an early age. Lord knows we need it to endure life's curveballs.

 Did you continue playing basketball after high school? Yes, I played 4 years at Auburn University Montgomery.

 Where do you currently live? Helena, AL

What do you do for a living? Physical Therapist

Tell us about your family. I married my wonderful husband in June 2019 and our beautiful daughter was born in August 2020. She is almost 5 months old now and lights up our world! It truly is a beautiful life that I thank God for everyday!

Rapid Fire

Favorite TV show or movie : Friends

Dream vacation spot : Yellowstone or Fiji, depending on the day :)

Person I most admire : My dad. Anyone that knows me knows I have always been a "Daddy's girl". As my mom says, he is "the man behind the scenes". He is selfless, generous, kind, compassionate and one of the hardest working men you will ever meet. No matter what time, day or night, he stops what he is doing for anyone in need. 

Early morning or late night person : recently turned early morning person thanks to motherhood :)

Alabama or Auburn (or other) : Alabama