The PEAR Department is taking this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the seniors on our spring sports teams. While we are sad that we were unable to watch them compete this season, we are excited about what the future holds for each of them. Keep checking back in the coming weeks as we take the time to highlight each of these individuals. Click here for our Senior Spotlight archive.
 
Varsity sports played at Carleton: 
Track & Field (4 years), Cross Country (4 years),
 
Hometown:
Seattle, Wash.
 
Major:           
Economics
 
What are your plans after graduation?     
I will be moving to Charlotte, North Carolina for a position as a Community and Mobility Planning Analyst at Kimley-Horn, a national engineering firm. I am looking forward to assisting municipalities with planning integrated and sustainable transportation systems.
 
What was your favorite sports moment at Carleton?      
My favorite sports moment was racing the final stretch of the 2019 MIAC Cross Country Championships together with my teammates, knowing that we were going to three-peat as champions!
 
Why did you choose Carleton?      
I chose Carleton due to its unique combination of academic rigor and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Also, meeting the team and talking to a very enthusiastic Coach Donna made me sure it would be the right place for me athletically.
 
Outside of athletics, what will you miss most about Carleton?  
I will greatly miss the climate of curiosity at Carleton, and the opportunities to explore so many varied academic interests. I will miss all the fun campus traditions, and the great conversations I've had with peers and professors. And I will miss Minnesota!
 
What else has your Carleton experience included?         
I studied abroad in Spring 2019 in Costa Rica, where I conducted an independent research project about forest restoration and traveled to national parks around the country. I also pursued internships including a great experience at Ramsey County in Saint Paul this past summer. I've had a few great externship experiences during winter break, and I've been involved with the Women in Economics club.
 
What is one piece of advice you would give to prospective student-athletes?   
Many prospective student-athletes may be worried about balancing the time commitments of academics and athletics at Carleton. Academics are certainly demanding here, but I have found that the defined schedule and stress-relieving benefits of athletics has made my college experience all the more fulfilling and happy.
 
What is a favorite memory you have of your head coach?
A favorite memory of Donna is her energy every morning at our 6:45am practices during cross country. While my fellow athletes and I were practically falling asleep, Donna was always bursting with energy and smiles and making us laugh before we started our workouts.
 
Quote from Coach Donna Ricks:
"Helen has a quiet strength about her. She is a strong leader and has led this team with grace and wisdom and we will miss her greatly next year."