Star Swimmer Jaelle Carlson Leaves Her Mark in the Pool and Beyond
Whether slicing through water or solving complex equations, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock senior Jaelle Carlson is known for giving her all as both a standout student-athlete and a driven future engineer.
A mechanical engineering major with a 3.97 GPA and a minor in mathematics, Carlson was named the 2025 Most Valuable Player for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 swimming and diving team and will leave the university as a Scholar All-American. Her success stems from a strong work ethic, intentional time management, and a deep love for her sport and her teammates.
鈥淚 like to put my best effort into anything I do, and I encourage others to bring out the best in themselves too,鈥� Carlson said. 鈥淔or me to be my best can reflect back on them, and vice versa. I think that鈥檚 how we build each other up.鈥�
Originally from Weatherford, Texas, Carlson chose 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock for its academic scholarships, the opportunity to swim competitively, and the people.
鈥淚 chose here for the community as much as the opportunity,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 knew I could compete in my sport and get a great education.鈥�
Her college career has been nothing short of impressive. In the pool, Carlson has competed across the country鈥攊ncluding high-level meets in Ocala, Florida, and against nationally ranked Power 4 schools. Carlson was part of a team of four swimmers that during the 400 freestyle relay at the CSCAA National Invitational Championships this year.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been a struggle at times, but incredibly rewarding,鈥� she said of her student-athlete experience. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a lot of early mornings and late nights, but I鈥檝e had the chance to travel, represent 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and still keep up with my classes thanks to supportive professors.鈥�
That academic rigor included multiple internships and a place in Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society. Carlson credits professors like Dr. Jin Lee and Stuart Schneider for helping shape her college experience.
鈥淒r. Jin Lee was a wonderful help and really pushed us to do our best,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd Stuart Schneider鈥檚 engineering statics class was one of my favorites I鈥檝e ever taken.鈥�
Her father鈥檚 career as an aeronautical engineer also influenced her path. 鈥淚n high school, I loved math but didn鈥檛 want to major in just that,鈥� she said. 鈥淓ngineering gave me a place to apply it. Watching my dad鈥檚 journey inspired me a lot.鈥�
After graduation, Carlson will return home for a summer internship at an aeronautical company鈥攈er third with the same organization. This time, she鈥檒l be on the flight line, assisting with developmental flight testing alongside engineers.
鈥淚t鈥檚 exciting. I鈥檝e worked under mechanical departments before, but being on the flight line will be a new hands-on experience,鈥� she said.
In the fall, she鈥檒l return to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock to pursue her master鈥檚 degree in mechanical engineering, with hopes to eventually return to Texas for a career in aerospace engineering.
While graduating on May 17 marks the end of one chapter, it鈥檚 a milestone Carlson describes as 鈥渂ittersweet.鈥�
鈥淚鈥檝e really enjoyed the people and friends I鈥檝e met here. Saying goodbye is hard in the moment,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut we鈥檙e all going to do amazing things, and I鈥檓 thankful we鈥檒l stay connected.鈥�
She also had a few heartfelt shoutouts: 鈥淚 could not have done this journey without my parents, who were there supporting me every step of the way. And I have to thank the Starbucks crew on campus for always brightening my mornings and starting each day on the best note. You guys are amazing!鈥�
Her advice to future students? 鈥淓mbrace and enjoy every opportunity that comes your way鈥攄on鈥檛 pass it up. And write down your experiences. You鈥檒l appreciate both the trials and victories long after college.鈥�