“It’s kind of funny actually. I am super competitive and although I did pretty well for my first year playing I wasn't sure I would come back because I wasn't the best at it,” she said. “I have always been pretty quick and a hustle player, so I played defensively and got to everything. My dad said, ‘Let's take some private lessons over the off-season,’ to see what I thought after that. I was determined to get better, so I worked hard and continued to play. I reached State in No.1 Doubles my junior year and came close in singles my senior year.”
Carlson’s athletic prowess originally had her set on a basketball career at Maryville University. A stint in the Army, a slew of deployments, as well as work as a medical lab technician meant basketball simply was not in the cards.
That is when a life in tennis really came into focus for Carlson. She fell in love with it.
“I would work night shifts at Barnes West County, then go straight to morning practices or matches after getting off work at 9 a.m.,” she said. “Basketball wasn't an option and tennis grew on me naturally. I love it even more today. It gave me something to work towards and progress in to feed my athletic side. I have always loved challenges and I just love to play.”
Carlson passes that enthusiasm of the game onto students at Frances Howell High School as a tennis coach. Much like she, most players she encounters did not get their start in tennis until later. She is excited she can work with youth and give them the keys to enjoy a lifelong sport.
Tennis is a great option to get kids and adults alike moving for exercise. It can be so much more than that, however. Carlson hopes she can be an influence in getting youth in her area access to tennis at a younger age.
