Freshman forward Hannah Carlson continues to rewrite the early narrative of Elon University women's soccer, collecting her second consecutive Colonial Athletic Association Rookie of the Week honor after a dominant performance that helped the Phoenix surge to a 6‑0 victory over South Carolina State.
The debut came on Thursday, with Carlson logging 48 minutes and immediately influencing the scoreline. She set up the opening goal before finding the net herself, striking in the 39th minute off a corner delivered by Talia Feigin. Her two‑point contribution highlighted a debut that left coaches and teammates impressed.
Freshmen making early waves
Carlson joins midfielder Nicole Kleyner and defender Emerson Rogers, each of whom have already found the back of the net in their college introductions. Kleyner’s breakthrough came in the season opener against VCU, earning her the previous week’s Rookie of the Week accolade, while Rogers’ defensive solidity has already added depth to the Phoenix backline.
The momentum now carries the team onto a three‑match road swing, beginning with a showdown against Davidson scheduled for 7 p.m. The upcoming contest will test the freshmen’s adaptability as they face a new opponent on unfamiliar turf.
With each early success, the freshman cohort is shaping a promising start to the season, suggesting that Elon’s depth and talent could translate into a competitive campaign as the schedule unfolds.