Seven Lakes Star Madison Carlton Heads to University of Houston After Record-Breaking Career at Katy ISD
For families who have packed the stands at Seven Lakes High School, watched district showdowns in Katy ISD gyms, or followed Houston-area high school basketball rankings, Madison “Madi” Carlton’s name has become synonymous with leadership and relentless competition.
Now, as the senior forward prepares to graduate and join the University of Houston women’s basketball program in the Big XII Conference, she leaves behind more than scoring titles and school records. She leaves a blueprint for what it means to lead at one of the most competitive high schools in Texas.
In a district known statewide for athletic excellence, Carlton’s impact on Seven Lakes High School girls basketball stands as a defining chapter in the Spartans program history — one rooted in resilience, accountability and team-first culture.
A Record-Breaking Career at Seven Lakes High School
Carlton, a four-year varsity starter for the Spartans, shattered and set multiple program milestones during her time in Katy ISD. She exits as the program’s career rebounding leader and one of its most decorated players, recording multiple double-doubles, a triple-double performance and the single-game steals record.
But for Carlton, statistics were never the final goal.
“Seeing my sister and my mom succeed in basketball showed me what’s possible,” Carlton said. “I’ve always wanted to compete, win and grow — not just for myself, but for my team.”
Her journey reflects a deep family legacy in the sport. Carlton’s older sister, Justice, starred at Seven Lakes before setting records of her own and now starting for the University of Texas. Her mother competed professionally and in the Big XII at Baylor University. That lineage shaped her competitive drive early — and grounded her in the responsibility that comes with leadership.
Leadership Forged Through Adversity
Carlton’s senior season capped a comeback from injury after missing most of her junior year. For many athletes in Katy ISD and across Texas high school sports, an injury can stall momentum. For Carlton, it became a turning point.
Instead of leading through points and rebounds, she led from the bench — communicating, encouraging teammates and studying the game from a different perspective.
“I had to learn how to lead without playing,” Carlton said. “This year I wanted to be steady for my teammates — calm when things got tough and positive no matter the situation.”
When she returned to the court, coaches and teammates saw a more composed, mature presence — one that unified a young Spartans roster and helped elevate the entire program.
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More Than Milestones: Building Culture in Katy ISD
Seven Lakes Head Coach Doug Watson said Carlton’s legacy extends far beyond what shows up in the stat book.
“Madi is special because of her athletic ability, but also her work ethic and character,” Watson said. “She’s grown from a talented young player into the leader of our program. She leads with effort, encouragement and accountability, and that’s why her teammates trust her.”
In a district where student-athlete development is closely watched by families and college recruiters alike, that trust matters. Carlton balanced elite-level basketball with academic excellence at one of the nation’s top-ranked high schools, while also competing in volleyball and track.
“She pushes herself in the classroom just like she does on the court,” Watson said. “You never worry about her doing the right thing. She models what a student-athlete should be.”
For younger players across Katy ISD — and especially within Seven Lakes’ feeder programs — Carlton’s example offers a tangible model of what discipline and consistency can produce.
Big XII Bound: University of Houston Commitment
As a University of Houston commit, Carlton enters the Big XII as one of the top-ranked recruits in program history. Her decision to stay in the Houston area keeps local fans invested as she transitions from Texas high school basketball to NCAA Division I competition.
She plans to study sports management at the University of Houston, signaling a long-term connection to athletics beyond her playing career.
The Legacy She Leaves Behind
For Carlton, legacy is less about banners and more about impact.
“The legacy I want is being remembered as a great teammate and friend,” Carlton said. “I want younger players to say I helped them, encouraged them and showed them how to lead the right way.”
Watson believes that legacy is already secure.
“She’s going to hold a lot of records here, but what we’ll remember most is the way she made people better,” he said. “Madi Carlton represents everything Seven Lakes basketball stands for.”
As she steps onto the collegiate stage, Carlton leaves Seven Lakes stronger — not only because of what she accomplished statistically, but because of how she shaped the Spartans culture.
For Katy ISD families, student-athletes and future Spartans watching from the stands, her career serves as a reminder that leadership is measured not just in boards and buckets — but in the way a player lifts everyone around her.
Stay with My Neighborhood News for continued coverage of Katy ISD athletics, Seven Lakes High School achievements and local student-athletes making an impact at the next level.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
