[2][4] Carvajal was a starter at just 17 years of age with the Cuban team in the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis,[5] where she won a gold medal.

[6] After winning her second Olympic gold medal in 1996, Carvajal announced her retirement from the Cuban team.

[7] Carvajal is widely regarded as one of the greatest middle blockers of all time, standing at 1.90 meters (6'3") tall.

[2][10] Carvajal became a naturalized citizen of Spain in 1998, and played on the Spanish women's national volleyball team from 2001 to 2002.

[10] Carvajal had a successful transition to the Spanish volleyball league, becoming a dominant player.