Blue Soccer forward Maddie Carlborg ’17, who hails from Burbank, California, currently leads Blue Soccer in the number of goals scored this season. Carlborg has recorded five goals, including two game-winners. Blue Soccer has a 6-5-2 record this season, and is ranked tenth in NEWMAC. Wellesley News spoke with Maddie Carlborg and discussed her individual goals and the goals for Blue Soccer this season. Carlborg is optimistic about the future of Blue Soccer this season, as well as athletic role models who have contributed to her love for soccer and her success throughout the years.
Laura Brindley (L.B.): When did you start playing soccer?
Maddie Carlborg (M.C.): I started playing soccer when I was five. I started in a little recreational league and played recreational until I was nine or ten, and then I played club soccer until college.
L.B.: Who or what inspired you to play?
M.C.: I have to say Mia Hamm. I was that generation who grew up watching the World Cup and watching Mia Hamm play as great as she did.
L.B.: Why did you decide to play soccer at Wellesley?
M.C.: I was recruited, so it was more of a decision to come to Wellesley to play soccer. Plus, the combination of the great academics and the soccer program helped make my decision to come to Wellesley much easier.
L.B.: What is your most memorable moment so far on Blue Soccer?
M.C.: I have to say going into double overtime against Brandeis this season. Brandeis is ranked tenth in the country, so it was an uphill battle for us, and we managed to keep them tied 0-0 at the end of regulation, the first overtime, and maintained a tie through double overtime too. As soon as they blew the whistle, everyone rushed onto the field. Even though it was a tie, it was a great moment for us.
L.B.: What are some of your personal and team goals going forward this season?
M.C.: Our team goal is to win NEWMACs. We have given ourselves sort of an uphill battle with that one, but from now on, I want to try to score as many goals as possible, and I want us to get three points in every game that we have remaining.
L.B.: Do you have a pre-game ritual?
M.C.: I always listen to this set playlist that I have been listening to since I was a first-year, and it has “Lose Control” by Eminem and a bunch of pump-up songs. I always put on my right sock first, then my left, then my right shin guard, then my left one, then my right cleat and then my left one.
L.B.: What is your strategy for balancing school and athletics?
M.C.: Actually, athletics helps me balance school. It helps me divide my time evenly because I know I have to set aside a certain number of hours per day for soccer. It keeps me motivated to get my homework done early and all of my studying done before practice. I feel like I would get less done if I was not an athlete!
L.B.: What is your favorite workout or activity during practice?
M.C.: We play this game called “two more/four more.” It’s a shooting drill, and a lot of people hate it because we take rocket shots from 15 yards out and sometimes you get hit with the ball and it stings, but it is so much fun.
L.B.: Who is your favorite professional athlete besides Mia Hamm?
M.C.: My favorite male soccer player is Thierry Henry. He’s a little bit outdated now, but he was my biggest inspiration when I was about ten. He played for Arsenal when I was following him. But now, I think it has to be Megan Rapinoe. She is an incredible athlete!
L.B.: How would your teammates describe you?
M.C.: I think they would describe me as hardworking and positive. I always try to cheer for everybody, no matter what the score is.
Blue Soccer will face Clark University at Clark on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Morgan Stormberg ’18
