During her two-year career at Penn State Behrend, Carlson was a triple letter winner in basketball, tennis and volleyball.  She also participated in club softball.

Under Coach Jan Wilson, Carlson's athletic ability earned the number-one position on the women's tennis team and in 1973, she became a member of Penn State Behrend's first volleyball team.  Carlson was the captain and leading scorer for the women's basketball team in the 1972 and 1973 seasons.  In the 1973-74 season, she received the White Letter Award for basketball, emblematic of the MVP.

In addition to being the best all-around female athlete at the College, she excelled academically.  She graduated in less than four years with honors and a 3.85 GPA.

Carlson has continued to enjoy athletic success beyond her collegiate experiences.  She is well known in the local area for being an outstanding softball player and has been a leader on several city championship teams.  She has also become a tournament caliber golfer.  Finally, she has been a successful basketball coach in the Erie area at every level from grade school through college.