Meet Carlie Erin Paxton

Before SHE’S GOT NEXT was a community, it was an idea being shared in a room. Carlie didn’t know Julie or Jill yet — but she listened closely, asked thoughtful questions, and when it came time to commit, she moved first.

She became the very first member of SHE’S GOT NEXT.

That instinct wasn’t new.

Carlie has built her career around helping girls recognize their own strength — physically, mentally, and collectively.

As a teacher and coach, she centers one message: your body is strong. Your voice matters. You belong here.

She carried that belief into launching playHER Basketball, creating intentional space for girls to build skills, confidence, and leadership through sport.

She also steps into leadership spaces that weren’t originally designed with women in mind — not to fit in, but to contribute, to challenge, and to open the door wider behind her.

When we asked how she defines success, her answer was simple:

Empowering women and creating meaningful opportunities — on and off the court.

One story that stayed with us: while working on the Big Stone Cree Nation reserve, Carlie helped run a hockey camp and was gifted a talking turtle by an Elder with a simple message — use your voice.

She’s been doing exactly that ever since.

And she’s helping the next generation find theirs too.

Swipe to learn more about Carlie.