Fayetteville State University Athletics

Junior point guard Kariana "Kari" Lee joins the Fayetteville State women's basketball program after a successful career at Cleveland Community College. A native of Shelby, North Carolina, Lee earned All-Region honors in back-to-back seasons and helped lead her team to a JUCO Region 10 Championship.

Prior to her collegiate career, Lee starred at Crest High School, where she was a two-time All-Conference selection and delivered one of the most memorable moments of her career by hitting the game-winning shot to secure a national championship. Her journey has also been defined by resilience, overcoming a torn rotator cuff and multiple concussions that sidelined her senior season.

Off the court, Lee is pursuing a degree in Construction Management and plans to one day own her own construction business. She chose Fayetteville State because it "felt like home" and values the family atmosphere that supports student-athletes both academically and personally.

Before games, Lee centers herself with prayer just before the opening tip and prepares mentally by listening to music. She credits her brother as her biggest source of motivation and cites coach Denzell Hosch as one of her greatest athletic influences.

Away from basketball, Lee enjoys reading and listening to music. She is also committed to serving others through her work at the Boys & Girls Club and by providing free basketball training to young athletes in her community.

Favorite Sports Memory: Winning the Region 10 Championship
Why Fayetteville State: "It felt like home."
Advice to Young Athletes: "Have fun."
Career Goal: Own and operate a construction business after graduation.