Ellie Carlson announced that she will be continuing her academic and volleyball career at the University of Providence in Great Falls, Montana. 

Carlson is on the varsity volleyball team for the Lakeland Hawks. She has been playing on varsity for three years. 

One of those years, the Hawks won the IEL championship and went on to the Idaho State playoffs, where they made it to the finals. 

The Hawks would end up winning in the final match and winning the 4A state championship title in 2020.

Carlson had a number of schools talking to her about playing volleyball at the college level, but there were three that she was seriously considering. Carlson went and toured Blue Mountain Community College and Eastern Oregon University. Carlson got to participate in both teams’ practices that day. Carlson also attended the Elite Prospect camp for Corban University.

With two top-five nationally ranked teams looking at her, why did Carlson choose the University of Providence?

“The coaches made me feel like an athlete who was wanted and appreciated,” Carlson said.  “The second reason I chose Providence is because all of the girls were so inviting and kind, and the final reason is the school is absolutely beautiful, and the community is so friendly.”

Volleyball played a large role in Carlson’s life. She has been playing volleyball for 10 years. She started playing park and rec in third grade, then she started playing club in fourth, and she has continued to play ever since. 

Carlson also plays tennis for the Hawks. She plays doubles with her best friend and volleyball teammate Addison Raebel. The double team made it to the 2022 Idaho State Tennis Tournament. 

Carlson is planning on studying business. After getting her business degree, she plans to become an entrepreneur.

Carlson talked about how her parents, brother, grandma, and aunts have been her biggest supporters over the years.

“They make it to every game and always cheer me on, and they give me a hug after each match and always tell me how proud they are.”