Photos by Niko Duffy ’13
Whether she’s kicking a ball or throwing a disc, biology major Marlena Hartman-Filson ’13 (Evergreen, Colo.) has dominated the field during her four years at Carleton. She’s a forward for the women’s soccer team and a cutter for Syzygy, the college’s Division I women’s Ultimate team. One of only six Carleton athletes to be named to All-Region teams twice (in 2010 and 2012) by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Hartman-Filson talks about the sports that have helped define her time at Carleton.
Why two?: Playing soccer in fall and Ultimate in winter and spring keeps me excited about going to every practice and game. I’d feel stuck in a rut if I played the same sport every term. Plus, just because my teammates and I play a sport together doesn’t mean our other interests overlap.
It broadens my Carleton experience to have connections in different areas.
In common: Team trust and creativity are universal to both sports. They both require players to think on their feet and intuit what their teammates are going to do next so they respond appropriately.
For the long term: I’ll continue playing both sports at some level. Ultimate has a huge community across the United States, so it’s a great way to meet people. I’ll play soccer to the extent that my foot injury lets me. No matter where you go, if you have a soccer ball, people can relate to you.
After graduation: I love working in research labs, but I’m also looking into volunteer service programs.
—Nora Cassidy ’13 (Modesto, Calif.)
Web Extra: Since her freshman year, Marlena Hartman-Filson ’13 has written a blog for Carleton’s admissions office.