Kelsey (Malmquist) Carroll ’06 is the founder of Caliber Games, a backyard game company with the mission of strengthening families by facilitating shared, in-person play experiences. A former D1 athlete, Kelsey has always enjoyed competitive sports and entrepreneurial endeavors. In 2016, she and her husband, Alex Carroll, founded Toss Up Events, a unique company that designed and operated unique fan experiences at major sporting events across the country, partnering with brands like Dr. Pepper, General Mills, Procter & Gamble to create larger-than-life toss games. In 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and in-person events were canceled, the couple stayed busy by starting a surprisingly successful hand sanitizer station business, Stand Up Stations, which grossed over $15 million in sales through the end of 2020. Spending more time at home, Kelsey and Alex thought, “How can we box up a competitive community experience for people to enjoy at home?” They dove head into creating their own original yard game.
With the help of their children, they started tinkering in their backyard with cardboard cutouts, created multiple iterations, and built several prototypes. The end result was TowerBall, a four-sided, 360-degree toss game that’s perfect for casual competition. But TowerBall was just the beginning. They’ve since founded Caliber Games and are busy creating a catalog of classic and original games that foster shared in-person play experiences between loved ones.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur and found Caliber Games?
After graduating from Kellenberg, I ran track at Georgetown University. That’s where I met my husband, Alex. I always had an entrepreneurial drive and enjoyed working, but meeting him took it to the next level. Thirteen years later, we have three kids (4, 3, and 10 months) and have launched eight brands together. Inspired by our love of the outdoors and healthy competition, we’ve launched a new outdoor game brand, Caliber Games, focused on getting people off their phones and spending quality time together.
How do you think your time at Kellenberg Memorial helped to prepare you for your success in your academic and professional pursuits?
When I think back to my time at Kellenberg, I remember how faith and religion were at the center of everything. Whether it was communion, Mass, or stopping in our tracks for a mid-day prayer, these practices were not-so-subtle reminders of what’s important. Do they still show worship music videos to start the day? (Editor’s Note: Yes, Kelsey – we do!) There used to be these signs posted around the hallways that said: “I saw that.” – God. Those things make me chuckle now, and did then, but I appreciate the tone of reverence that is the foundation for academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities at Kellenberg. My senior year, I even missed practice once a week to teach religion to 6th graders. Aside from track, I discovered a love for drawing and painting that led me to minor in studio art in college. Trimester and final exams were intense – but they taught me to be prepared for the big moments in life!
Do you have any advice for current students or young alumni who are interested in pursuing entrepreneurial ventures?
The number one trait that every entrepreneur needs is radical optimism; the belief that everything will work out. Most people don’t even try anything because they’re scared they might fail. Don’t let that be you. My freshman year at Kellenberg, I tried out for soccer and was absolutely shocked when I didn’t make the team. The world was ending! I was devastated. I tried Cross Country because I didn’t hate running, and set off on a path that led me to Georgetown, and learned many life lessons of perseverance along the way.
Do you have any favorite teachers, coaches, or club moderators from your time at Kellenberg Memorial?
Yes! The legendary track coach, Marty Brown. He practically adopted me into his family and propelled me to a successful running career. He made me believe if I put the work in, I could do anything. What a metaphor for life! Whether he was driving the bus, standing out in the rain, or coming up with the best ways to motivate his team, he showed how much he cared. Now, as an adult, I see what a rare breed he is. Additionally, I was lucky to have more than a few classes with everyone’s favorite teacher, Mr. Tom Huggard, a fellow Hoya (Georgetown) alum. “Remember kids, there’s nothing worse than cheating in Christian Morality.”
