Charlotte Carlson

Student Spotlight

Charlotte Carlson
How do you balance three varsity sports, leadership roles, and rigorous academics? For junior Charlotte Carlson '27, it starts with a supportive community.

In our latest Student Spotlight, Charlotte shares how the Nichols schedule mirrors a university timeline, teaching her crucial time management skills while giving her the freedom to meet with teachers and utilize the on-campus ice rink between classes.

Finding Her Home: How Charlotte Carlson Found Her Place at Nichols

KEEPING AN OPEN MIND

Her first campus visit just didn’t click. “I was nervous because I didn’t really know anybody,” she remembers. It wasn’t until seventh grade that she was persuaded to shadow again. This time, the campus and the people felt completely different.

“I had such a different experience; I liked it a lot more,” Charlotte recalls. “Everyone on the tour really wanted to get to know me. I felt like I already belonged on campus. I was like, ‘Here I am, this is my place.’”

While the community drew her in, the school’s commitment to athletics sealed the deal. “A lot of my decisions to come to Nichols were hockey related,” she explains. “They really focus on developing the girls here, on and off the ice.”

EVERYTHING ON ONE CAMPUS

For Charlotte, the integration of athletics and academics is seamless, largely due to the on-campus Buyers Family Arena.

“Sometimes we’ll have practice at six in the morning,” she says. “We get to leave our gear here during the day…When we have practice or even just a free period, it’s so easy to go over and skate. It’s incredibly convenient. That’s just one reason why Nichols is special.”

The constant proximity to the ice builds a strong sense of togetherness. “The best part is bonding with the other girls,” Charlotte says. “It creates great friendships and a nice balance.”

Her dedication isn’t limited to hockey. As captain of the golf team, Charlotte finds the sports connected. “It’s not really different from hockey; swinging the golf club is the same motion as shooting a hockey stick. I love it.”

Carlson’s campus involvement extends beyond the fields and focuses on giving back to the next generation. She’s a member of the Green Key Club, giving tours to prospective families, and participates in ALEG (Advancing Leadership in Eighth Grade), mentoring students transitioning to the Upper School.

THE COLLEGE-READY ATMOSPHERE

The student-athlete life is intense, but Charlotte credits the Nichols system for providing the structure to thrive.

“One thing I learned at Nichols is that they give you enough time during the school day to get your work done,” she notes. “I’ll have morning practice, another skate after school, and I’ll work out during the day. But I also have two free blocks when I can finish my math homework. That’s what’s special about the school: they set you up for success.”

She highlights the university-like schedule and close bonds with teachers, specifically her sophomore chemistry teacher, Mr. Harden. “He made the class fun and was always available whenever I needed extra help,” she says. “The bond you get here at Nichols from the teachers is really special.”

Her future plans reflect these priorities. She aims to play Division III hockey to keep academics at the forefront. “Probably something with sports management,” she says about her anticipated major, before laughing, “I don’t want anything to do with chemistry.”

POWER OF COMMUNITY

Charlotte wants to pass her sense of belonging on to new students. “I feel like we’re one big family,” she says. “Even the kids that come from out of state or even out of the country, we’re here for them. We’re here for each other.”

For a student giving Nichols a first–or like Charlotte, a second–look, her advice is simple and heartfelt: “Just be yourself and not let others determine your path. Talk to as many people as you can. Don’t be afraid to speak up.”

Charlotte Carlson found her home, and now, she’s helping others find theirs, too.