Carol was born near Houston, Texas. She began riding at a young age and began barrel racing in her teens.
After competing in high school rodeos, she attended Sam Houston State University and was a member of the NIRA Championship Girl’s Team of 1965.
She continued to compete in barrel racing on a limited basis over the next 20 years as she helped run a business and raise a son. She then joined the Texas Senior Pro Rodeo Association and was later able to compete in the NSPRA.