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: 
Women's Track & Field
 
Hometown:
Appleton, Wis.
 
Major:           
Biology
 
What are your plans after graduation?     
I'll be working at The Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, CO as an orthopedic clinical research coordinator for two years, and then applying to medical school.
 
What was your favorite sports moment at Carleton?      
Captain's practices every fall before season starts! It's the first time during the year everybody comes together and bonds over summer experiences, travels, and the anticipated athletic season ahead. Once underclassmen become more comfortable with leadership roles and serve as awesome mentors to our incoming freshmen recruits. Captain's practices were always the best way to foster a strong community and build memories before the intensities of the season kicked in.
 
Why did you choose Carleton?      
I think I applied to college knowing I wanted a smaller liberal arts school, but beyond that I wasn't really sure what aspects of a school were important to me. When I visited Carleton, I was overwhelmed with not only the intellectual drive, but its sense of teamwork and collaboration. Success at Carleton was measured in the connections made and interactions had to ultimately reach a communal goal. I was also obsessed with the type of people that made up the student body - people that were unapologetically themselves and genuinely interested in getting to know you as both a classmate and a friend.
 
Outside of athletics, what will you miss most about Carleton?  
Friends, travel, community, late night conversations, intellectual conversations, traditions.
 
What else has your Carleton experience included?         
SIT study abroad in Madagascar my freshman summer to study rural and public health in developing countries; Summer intern at Roots of Health, a women's reproductive NGO clinic in the Philippines through a Carleton alum; SIT study abroad in Australia fall of my Junior year to study rainforest and reef ecology; Carleton Knights LEAD; Prairie land ecology research in the lab of Dr. Dan Hernandez; Skin Deep!       
  
What is one piece of advice you would give to prospective student-athletes?   
Grow close with your teammates and cherish the time spent practicing and competing, but also engage yourself outside of Carleton's athletic community. There are so many incredible people and opportunities that Carleton offers beyond the scope of sports that you won't find elsewhere.
 
What is a favorite memory you have of your head coach?
Donna Ricks is genuinely invested in every athlete she welcomes to her team, athletically and emotionally. My favorite memories of Donna will always be when she talks about her team and athletes. Often times she can't speak about her team without tears coming to her eyes (consequently brining us to tears), which speaks volumes to her passion for the sport and her runners.    
 
Quote from Coach Donna Ricks:
"Annalise has the ability to bring training groups together and build the overall strength of the team, bonding together sprints, jumps, and distance runners. She leads with respect and in turn earns the respect of her teammates."