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Carson Roney on Courtside Style, Winning Looks, and Life After the Game
Former college basketball player Carson Roney shares how she built a lifestyle brand rooted in sports, fashion, fitness, and celebrating wins on and off the court.
- By: Julianne Elise Beffa
Courtside style has officially become its own fashion category. What started as jerseys and sneakers has evolved into a full blown game day to night moment, complete with kitten heels, leather bombers, espresso martinis, and outfits designed for the camera as much as the buzzer. Few creators embody that shift better than Carson Roney.
A former college basketball player turned lifestyle creator, Carson has become a go to name in the courtside style conversation, known for mixing athletic pieces with polished, wearable looks that never feel overdone. Her approach is confident, comfortable, and rooted in lived experience. She knows the game, she knows the culture, and she knows exactly how to dress for both.
“Lately I have been loving a kitten heel,” Carson told LOOP Mag in an exclusive interview. “I am six foot two and I do love my height and embrace it, but a tall heel is by no means comfortable. A kitten heel elevates any outfit.” It is that balance between practicality and polish that defines her personal style. Think Aritzia effortless pants, mini skirts with tights, matching sets, chunky jewelry, and accessories that feel intentional without trying too hard. “I’m all about comfort, but still looking cute,” she adds.
For Carson, getting dressed for a game always starts from the ground up. “I always start with shoes,” she says. “Unless there’s a rare occasion where I have a very unique piece I want to style, like a really cool jacket or a flashy bag. I’ve been into shoes and collecting them for a really long time, and I love basing my outfit off of a shoe.” That mindset is what makes her looks feel effortless. Nothing feels random. Everything has a reason.
Courtside fashion has exploded online, with athletes and creators turning sporting events into style moments. When asked who is owning the category right now, Carson does not hesitate. “Honestly, Angel Reese has been killing it with all of her courtside looks. I don’t think she has missed one time.” The rise of women like Reese reflects a larger shift happening in sports culture.
“I am seeing so many more women in sports and it is the most amazing thing to see,” Carson says. “Women commentating, interviewing on red carpets, covering men’s and women’s sports. Social media has been a great tool for women to open up and do things they’ve always wanted to, but never had the chance to.”
Social media has been a great tool for women to open up and do things they’ve always wanted to, but never had the chance to.
That visibility extends beyond the game itself and into what happens after. LOOP is all about post win energy, and Carson is very intentional about celebrating accomplishments. “I love to celebrate every win, little or big,” she says. “I think all accomplishments should be celebrated.” Sometimes that looks like dinner and drinks. Other times, it means booking a trip. “My boyfriend and I take many trips throughout the year to celebrate accomplishments, but if we’re super busy, dinner and drinks is still a great way to celebrate. It just depends on the day and the vibe.”
If she could design the perfect post game night, the vision is clear. “It would have to be a lounge type of vibe, with a group of my best friends,” she says. “R&B is playing with a little mix of hip hop, an espresso martini, a comfy matching set, low lights, high vibes, and just genuinely enjoying each other’s company.”
That ease and confidence did not come out of nowhere. Carson’s ability to move comfortably through sports culture, nightlife, and fashion is shaped by her background as a competitive athlete. A former college basketball player at Shawnee State University, she understands the rhythm of game days and the reality of being in those spaces. Still, transitioning from athlete to creator required a mindset shift.
“It was definitely a difficult transition from being competitive every single day to now trying not to be competitive with everything I do,” Carson admits. “I had to realize that the people around me are here to help and support me, not people I need to compete against.” The competitive spirit is still there, just redirected. “My boyfriend and I are both very competitive, so we’ll play competitive games of Uno, Monopoly, or even work out together. That way we keep it fun and not stressful.”
R&B is playing with a little mix of hip hop, an espresso martini, a comfy matching set, low lights, high vibes, and just genuinely enjoying each other’s company.
As an athlete turned influencer, Carson has built a loyal following by blending basketball, fitness, lifestyle, and fashion content across platforms. Her TikTok rise in 2020 helped cement her as a multi platform creator, while her Instagram continues to showcase polished style moments that resonate with sports fans, fitness lovers, and lifestyle followers alike. That consistency has led to partnerships with brands like Verizon and DK Sportsbook, collaborations that align naturally with her audience and her life.
When it comes to game day essentials, Carson keeps it real. “A purse or bag that is arena size approved, a portable charger, and some glasses,” she says. “Fake clear glasses or sunglasses for photo opp purposes.” Simple, smart, and always camera ready.
Her favorite fashion formulas are all about contrast. “I think wearing a leather jacket with sweatpants is so fun,” she says. “You can be comfortable and chic at once. Add some blowout curls and cute fake glasses and your outfit eats.” Lately, cropped leather bomber jackets have been on repeat. “They’re very cool girl and chic, and you can dress them up or down and make them very sporty.”
For anyone building a game day wardrobe from scratch, Carson recommends investing wisely. “Everyone should invest in a pair of jeans that fit them perfectly,” she says. “Find a style you love and invest in a good pair. You can dress them up with heels or dress them down with a jersey and sneakers.”
As for what to skip, she keeps it honest. “For me personally, I try to stay away from overly glam pieces,” she says. “I keep in mind that I’m going to a sporting event, so I try to stay more casual.”
If she had to link one game day to night look right now, the answer is immediate. A sleek monochromatic outfit she recently shared that works courtside and beyond. “Very chic, perfect for game day straight to night,” she says. “I love this outfit.”
Carson Roney is not just participating in the courtside style moment. She is shaping it. With a point of view rooted in sport, confidence built through competition, and a fashion sense that never forgets comfort, she represents a new era of women owning both the game and everything that comes after it.
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