Kalin Carroll

Congratulations to Kalin Carroll, longtime PAL Board member, coach, and PAL Storm President, on being named Nashua PAL’s 2026 PAL of the Year!

Kalin’s PAL story began in 2007 because her daughter said cheerleading was her dream. But soon the team needed a coach, and Kalin jumped in feet first. She remembers opening the handbook and thinking it seemed like a lot to take on, but she wanted to learn everything she could – not just about cheerleading, but about giving the kids the experience they deserved. Nearly 20 years later, she’s still doing exactly that.

Kalin has developed a simple philosophy about coaching over those years: “If you coach because you love a sport, you should not be coaching. You truly have to love the kids to coach them.” Skills can be learned, she says, but you can’t teach someone to genuinely care whether a child shows up, feels supported, or succeeds. “A lot of kids need a caring adult, and you can be that… and trust me, kids will know if you aren’t genuine right away.”

Former PAL cheerleader Desirae Schiller experienced that care when she broke her arm during her first year of cheer. She and Kalin barely knew each other, but that didn’t matter. “Kalin even gave me her brand new sweater that she just got that day to cover up my arm, so I wouldn’t have to see the broken disaster. She got me wrapped up and to the hospital, no hesitation and it meant the world. Even though we didn’t know each other much, she still cared and did everything she could to make sure I was okay.” Years later, Desirae is now giving back as an assistant Storm coach.

Sometimes, being there for a PAL kid means being there for their family, too. Former PAL cheerleader Alivia Gerrard remembers traveling to Nationals shortly after losing her grandmother. When something reminded the family of her Nana and Alivia’s mom needed a moment, “Kalin was right there to hold her hand and take care of my brother and I so my mom could take a moment.” Today, Alivia also gives back to PAL as a volunteer and coach.

Those moments reflect something deeply personal for Kalin. Growing up in Nashua, she has always tried “to be a person I needed when I was a kid, and the person my mom needed when I was a kid.” Whether it’s an injured athlete, an overwhelmed parent, or a young person who simply needs someone in their corner, Kalin shows up.

One of Kalin’s favorite memories came at Nationals, when a young cheerleader named Carly competed while her family cried and applauded from the stands. Afterward, Carly said, “I can’t believe I did that.” Her parents shared that she struggled with extreme anxiety. Kalin had no idea. “I just told Carly what I tell all the kids, nervous is just excitement. I believe you can do it! And she did!” It reflects what Kalin hopes every PAL kid remembers: “I hope they always remember that I knew they could do it.”

Today, Kalin’s leadership reaches far beyond coaching. As President of Nashua PAL Storm, she leads a program serving hundreds of young athletes and families while also giving her time and talents to the Nashua PAL Board, Night of Champions Gala Committee, and much more. Nashua PAL Executive Director Shaun Nelson shared, “Kalin’s commitment to PAL kids is incredible. No matter what role she is serving in, she always puts the kids first. All of us at PAL – staff, families, and fellow volunteers – know we can always count on her passion, dedication, and willingness to step up for young people and their families.”

To Kalin, PAL truly means family. She met her husband, Brion, through a PAL Sports Dinner, and today they have four adult children and a granddaughter. Her daughter now coaches, and her granddaughter just had her first year in PAL Storm cheer! Outside of PAL, Kalin works for UnitedHealthcare, where her commitment to giving back has also recently earned her recognition as Volunteer of the Month.

Being named PAL of the Year leaves Kalin a little embarrassed by the attention, but incredibly grateful. “I feel very honored and grateful. I don’t do it for the recognition. I just hope it inspires others to volunteer!” And for anyone thinking about becoming a coach or mentor, Kalin’s advice is simple: “Just do it! Someone will support you. Don’t wish you had the time. The trick is, you really get more out of volunteering with kids than you give.”

Congratulations, Kalin, on being named Nashua PAL’s 2026 PAL of the Year!