Early Life and Personal Background
Born December 22, 1997 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Carly Maria Smoltz turned 27 on December 22, 2024. She is the third child of MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz and his first wife, Dyan Struble. Growing up alongside three full siblings in a faith‑centered household, Carly’s childhood was marked by early exposure to athletics, philanthropy through the John and Dyan Smoltz Foundation (founded 1991), and family values that emphasized both discipline and creativity. By age 10 she was already experimenting with the family’s camcorders, foreshadowing her eventual career in multimedia.
Education and Varsity Athletics
Carly attended King’s Ridge Christian School from 2003 to 2016, following in the footsteps of her older siblings. In August 2016, she enrolled at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Studio Production. Over four academic years (2016–2020):
- GPA: Graduated with a 3.7 cumulative GPA in May 2020.
- Varsity Soccer: Starting defender on the Lady Flames soccer team for three seasons (2016–2019), tallying 5 goals and 12 assists.
- Campus Leadership: Served as Vice President of the Digital Media Club (2018–2019), organizing 12 guest‑speaker events.
In college, she blended hands-on production classes (camera operation, post-production) with football team management, preparing her for project management and entrepreneurship responsibilities.
Starting a Career: Digital Media to Project Management
Immediately after graduation in May 2020, Carly joined RVRB Agency in Chattanooga as a Junior Project Coordinator. By July 2022, she had earned promotion to Senior Project Manager, overseeing a portfolio of 15 clients and 25 annual campaigns. Key metrics from her tenure:
| Year | Role | Campaigns Managed | Team Size | Client Satisfaction (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Junior Project Coordinator | 5 | 3 | 89 |
| 2021 | Project Coordinator | 12 | 5 | 92 |
| 2022 | Senior Project Manager | 15 | 8 | 95 |
Her duties include managing $150K project budgets, $300K vendor contracts, and a rotating team of 6–10 junior workers. Her work increased RVRB revenue by 20% year-over-year.
Entrepreneurship and Personal Branding
Parallel to her agency work, Carly launched Carly Smoltz Photography in March 2021. Operating as a sole proprietorship, she offers:
- Portrait Packages: Starting at $250 per session.
- Event Coverage: Corporate and personal events from $1,000 per day.
- Multimedia Bundles: Combining video reels and graphic design for social media campaigns.
Her personal brand website (launched January 2022) highlights over 200 portfolio pieces, boasts an average 4.8‑star client rating, and features a blog on design tips that attracts 1,200 monthly visitors. By Q1 2025, her side business reached $45K in annual revenue, representing a 30% growth from the previous year. Carly’s knack for blending project management rigor with artistic flair has become her signature.
Engagement and Upcoming Wedding
On April 10, 2024, Carly announced her engagement to longtime partner Alec Jones, a software engineer. They’ve set their wedding date for November 22, 2025, in Chattanooga’s historic Booker Hall, with:
- Guest List: 125 attendees.
- Bridal Party: 6 bridesmaids (including sisters Rachel and Kelly) and 6 groomsmen.
- Registry: Hosted on Zola since May 2024, featuring 75 items ranging from cookware to honeymoon experiences.
As of June 2025, the couple’s Zola site has received 1,500 RSVPs and $10K in presents. Carly handles floral expenses (~$12K) and a 7-piece string quartet using her project management skills to oversee every aspect.
The Smoltz Family Legacy
Carly’s family is deeply involved in baseball and philanthropy:
-
John Smoltz (b. May 15, 1967):
- MLB pitcher (1988–2009), mostly for Atlanta Braves.
- Achievements: 1996 NL Cy Young Award, 2002 National League saves leader (55), 2015 Hall of Fame inductee.
- Post‑Career: Broadcaster for Fox Sports (since 2011), MLB Network (since 2010), and TBS.
-
Dyan Struble (m. 1991–2007):
- Co-founded John and Dyan Smoltz Foundation in 1995.
- Focus: Christian education, famine alleviation, youth sports.
-
Kathryn Darden Smoltz (m. May 16, 2009):
- Step-mother to Carly and siblings; mother of two children (SK Waters, law student, and Ashley Waters, RN).
Full Siblings:
- John Andrew Jr. (b. Nov 20, 1991; age 33) – Business analyst in Atlanta.
- Rachel Elizabeth (b. Nov 1, 1993; age 31) – Executive recruiter & volunteer volleyball coach.
- Carly Maria (b. Dec 22, 1997; age 27) – Senior PM & photographer.
- Kelly Christina (b. Aug 31, 1999; age 25) – Social work specialist, Project OASIS Fellow.
Step‑Siblings: SK Waters and Ashley Waters (ages 28 and 24 respectively) round out a blended family of eight children and two charitable legacies.
Wealth Analysis and Financial Context
While Carly’s personal net worth is modest—estimated between $100K–$150K—her family’s financial footprint is substantial:
| Individual | Estimated Net Worth | Primary Source |
|---|---|---|
| John Smoltz | $50 million–$60 million | Playing career & broadcasting |
| John & Dyan Smoltz Foundation | N/A (operating budget $2M/year) | Philanthropy |
| Carly Maria Smoltz | $100K–$150K | Salary & photography business |
| Rachel Elizabeth | $200K–$250K | Recruiting & coaching |
| Kelly Christina | $80K–$100K | Fellowship & social work |
Carly’s dual income streams—institutional salary and entrepreneurial revenue—have allowed her to save $45K toward wedding expenses, invest $15K in photography equipment, and contribute $5K to the family foundation in 2024.
Recent Milestones and the 2025 Horizon
Between January and June 2025, Carly has:
- Expanded RVRB Portfolio: Added 5 new national brands, increasing projected 2025 revenue by 18%.
- Photography Exhibits: Hosted a solo gallery show in Chattanooga (April 2025) with 50 prints sold, grossing $7K.
- Public Speaking: Keynote speaker at the Digital Media Summit (March 12, 2025) on “Brand Storytelling in the Social Age.”
- Wedding Planning: Finalized venue and catering contracts by May 1, 2025; scheduled dress fittings for August 2025.
- Foundation Support: Donated equipment to a youth media lab, benefiting 200 students in June 2025.
In Q4 2025, Carly will manage capstone wedding planning, increase agency advertising, and create a mentorship program for prospective photographers.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec 22, 1997 | Carly’s birth |
| May 20, 2020 | Lee University graduation |
| Mar 2021 | Launch of Carly Smoltz Photography |
| Jul 2022 | Promotion to Senior Project Manager at RVRB |
| Apr 10, 2024 | Engagement to Alec Jones |
| Nov 22, 2025 | Scheduled wedding date |
FAQ
Who is Carly Maria Smoltz?
Carly Maria Smoltz, 27, is a Senior Project Manager at RVRB Agency and an entrepreneur with a photography and multimedia business.
What did Carly study in college?
In May 2020, she graduated from Lee University with a degree in Digital Media Studio Production and varsity football experience.
When is Carly’s wedding?
Her wedding to Alec Jones is scheduled for November 22, 2025, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
How big is the Smoltz family?
John Smoltz has eight children, four from his first marriage and two step-daughters from his second.
The revenue of Carly’s photographic business?
By Q1 2025, Carly’s photography business earned around $45,000 annually.
What are Carly’s parents known for?
Father, John Smoltz, is a Baseball Hall of Famer and broadcaster, while mother, Dyan Struble, co-founded a humanitarian foundation.
Does Carly participate in sports?
Carly played varsity football at Lee University from 2016 to 2019, accumulating 5 goals and 12 assists.