Mary Carlson - Syracuse University Athletics

Name: Mary Anne Carlson
Year in School: Sophomore at Syracuse
High School: Kenny Lake (K-11) / Kent Preparatory School (Senior Year)
Other Sports Played: Hockey, Volleyball, Baseball, Basketball, and Softball
Clubs/Extracurricular Activities: Rowing, Helped begin Fellowship of Christian Athletes for the first time at Syracuse University (FCA), Worship leader, Church, Camp Counseling, Attended WSU Rowing Pairs Camp, Singing, Guitar, Piano and Campus Crusade
Major: Exercise Science
Brothers/Sisters: Sarah, Hannah, Isaiah, Naomi, Leah, and Sam

Describe Family Life in Alaska: Growing up in Alaska was an incredible life shaping experience. I live in rural Alaska, five hours away from the nearest grocery store, movie theatre and mall. My family has always been very active. I filled my time with endless hours of hockey on our home-made hockey rinks, learning to play the piano, guitar and singing, and dreaming about the day I would be able to compete collegiately at a college that I could call my own. Growing up in such a big family and in such a demanding state, my family learned to help one another to make things go smoothly. I spent many hours training in tough conditions. The weather was always something that was a daily battle especially in the winter. I ran many, many miles in well below zero temperatures. I also had to worry about wild life; I usually saw some form of wild life on all my work out runs through the Alaskan roads. This past summer I was riding my horse with my twin sister Naomi and a black bear started chasing us down the road! Since I grew up in such a small town I trained with the guys and ate moose and caribou meat instead of beef. Since I am a twin, my whole life I have had someone to push me and train with. Growing up in Alaska has developed my character and a special work ethic that had transferred smoothly over into the rowing world, where dedication and the drive to push harder is demanded. My dad always provided opportunities for us to compete competitively and both my parents stressed the importance of being grateful and working hard not for ourselves but for the Lord. My oldest sisters and brother showed me what it takes to be a successful DI athlete while learning to live simply. You must work harder than you think you can every day without the spotlight and without complaining and with no regrets. Integrity and a positive attitude is also key to the success.

What was the biggest transition coming from rural Alaska to the States: I think the biggest transition was not having to worry about running into a moose in the morning when I woke up to go to school. I also would say that another transition would be that anything you could want and imagine is within a 10 minute perimeter. Food, music, shopping and college sports, it’s all here! My appreciation for small towns has only been strengthened since moving to such a big university. It has been so nice to have such nice indoor equipment that has been set-aside for the athletes.

How did you “find” rowing? For my senior year of high school I was offered nearly a full athletic scholarship to play ice hockey at Kent Boarding School in Connecticut. Alongside their developing hockey program, Kent was already a very well known rowing school. It didn’t take long for the crew coaches to notice my twin sister Naomi and I on campus. I was tall and strong and had the desire to work extremely hard.

How did you end up at Syracuse? My coach at Kent Prep school used to be a coxswain at Syracuse University, and when I applied to Syracuse, initially I was interested in their new developing hockey program, but as it turned out Alicea Kochis had come to Kent to watch Naomi and I row and we were both asked on an official visit to Syracuse University! On our visit, we couldn’t have dreamed of a more amazing experience. We loved the university, the teammates and Syracuse just seemed perfect for us! Naomi and I both went home that summer ready to work even harder to begin the next fall as Division I Rowers.

Describe what it takes to be a Syracuse University Rower: It takes heart and a drive to do what it takes to be fast. You have to care 110% about the team’s goals and have the ultimate respect for each one of your coaches and teammates. To be a Syracuse rower, you have to show up to practice everyday with high expectations for yourself and not be afraid to put everything you have into each one of the practices.

What are your individual goals for rowing? Rowing has been a part of everything I know at Syracuse. My individual goal is to do my part in making the team faster no matter what the sacrifice may be. My goal is to come into practice every day and work hard and do it with an attitude that is self-sacrificing. When it comes down to it, it’s all about pushing yourself beyond your own limits and rowing eight as one. My goal is to never hold back and to go for it because you will never get a race back.

What are the team goals for rowing and why do you think you will get there: The ultimate goal for our team this year is to qualify for NCAA. That requires the V8, JV 8 and the V4 to win their division. I know our team has what it takes to achieve this goal because we have decided to come into practice every day and work together to get faster and to push each other to the next level. We are dedicated and we respect our team’s goal. We realize that what we are doing is representing not only ourselves but also our University. GO ORANGE! We also have great leadership from our senior class and receive a lot of guidance through them. I am so excited about the work that has gone into every practice this fall and winter and I can’t wait to race.

What do you want to be when you grow up: I want to be so many things! I would love to be a personal trainer and work with different teams, motivating them to get stronger and faster. I would like to coach one or all of the sports I have actively been involved with and I want to also go overseas and do part time missions work in small villages in Africa.

In a perfect world, what would you be doing 20 years from now? In 20 years, I would like to be settled and enjoying life; doing something with music, singing or playing the piano and guitar somewhere. I want to enjoy long walks on the beach and spend an incredible amount of time with my family. I also would like to be coaching a summer rowing club or a winter hockey league. I would like to teach kids I coach the importance of positive hard work and the foundation and standard that nothing less then your best is acceptable in the important things of life.