Carla Chapman's basketball journey stands as a testament to athletic excellence in both high school and collegiate competition. A standout player at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School from 1978-1981, Chapman dominated the court with remarkable consistency, particularly during her final two seasons where she posted impressive averages of 25 points and 20 rebounds per game. Her exceptional play led her team to back-to-back State Championships in her junior and senior years, earning her recognition as a Parade Magazine 4th Team All-American.

Chapman continued her basketball career at Ohio State University (1981-1985), where she played under legendary coach Tara VanDerveer. During her tenure with the Buckeyes, Chapman was instrumental in leading the team to four consecutive Big Ten Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. The pinnacle of her college career came in her senior year when the team advanced to the NCAA East Regional finals, capping off an impressive 28-3 season.

Her collegiate statistics tell the story of a consistent and reliable performer. Over 99 games, Chapman amassed 1,247 points and 633 rebounds, demonstrating her ability to contribute significantly on both ends of the floor. Her teams posted increasingly impressive records each year: 20-7, 23-5, 22-7, and finally 28-3 in her senior campaign. Her individual excellence was recognized with a First Team All-Big Ten selection in 1984.

Following her playing career, Chapman transitioned to coaching, taking the helm at Akron Garfield High School where she continued to influence the game from the sidelines. She has been enshrined into both the St. Vincent-St. Mary High School Hall of Fame and the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame. Her high school alma mater made history in February 2023 by retiring Chapman's jersey, making her the first female athlete to receive this prestigious honor. Her number now hangs in the rafters alongside just three other basketball legends from the school: LeBron James, Jerome Lane, and Curtis Wilson.