DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — Miss North Carolina Carrie Everett was one of three preliminary talent pageant winners at the 2025 Miss America Pageant.

The North Carolina Central University sophomore will step onto the national stage this weekend when she competes for the Miss America title in Orlando.

Carrie Everett, who won the June 2024 Miss North Carolina pageant and previously won the Miss Johnston County pageant, brings an unusual athletic background to the world of pageants.

Everett is a former tackle football player who once lifted 300 pounds in the weight room.

The NCCU classical music student sees her strength training as preparation for bigger challenges.

“Being able to lift that weight was nothing compared to lifting the weight of the world,” Everett told ABC 11 during a break in rehearsals for a beauty pageant.

As Miss North Carolina, Everett has focused on making beauty pageants more accessible and equitable for contestants with limited resources. She plans to expand this initiative nationwide if she is crowned Miss America.

The competition takes place at the Walt Disney Theater in Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts in Orlando and includes 52 participants. The show will be streamed on the Miss America pageant website on Sunday at 7 p.m

See all the big winners from all 52 states here.