July 10, 2002
EVANSTON, Ill. - Lizzie Carlson, a volleyball player from Palo Alto, Calif., has accepted an offer of admission from Northwestern and has verbally committed to join NU's volleyball team for the 2002 season. Carlson's decision gives the 'Cats three newcomers, as she will join fellow high schooler Christie Gardner and junior college transfer Iwona Lodzik.
Carlson was a four-year starter at Palo Alto High School, where she earned first-team all-conference honors three times. She led the Vikings in both kills and digs her senior season, earning team MVP honors.
At the club level, Carlson enjoyed both team and individual success. Her Vision Volleyball Club team won the 2000 U.S. Junior National Championship, and earned top-five national finishes in both 2001 and 2002. Carlson was named an All-American at the 2002 event.
"Having won a national championship, Lizzie knows what it's like to succeed against tough competition," said NU Head Coach Keylor Chan. "She'll help us improve our passing and defense."
Chan may use Carlson in the new back-row-only libero position, which has been added to the college game for the upcoming season. The libero can substitute unlimitedly and stay in the back row for all six rotations.