Ariel Carlson stands as a shining example of homegrown talent rising to the top of the softball world. Born and raised in Eugene, Oregon, she transformed from a local high school phenomenon into a powerhouse hitter for the University of Oregon Ducks.
Now, she has traded her cleats for a clipboard, embarking on a coaching career that promises to be just as impactful as her playing days.
Ariel Carlson’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ariel Carlson |
| Date of Birth | January 9, 2001 (Approx.) |
| Age | 24 Years |
| Education | University of Oregon, Marist Catholic High School |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in |
| Profession | Softball Coach, Former Collegiate Athlete |
| Current Role | Assistant Coach, Fresno State |
| Net Worth | $100,000 – $150,000 (Estimated) |
| Salary | $50,000 – $70,000 (Estimated) |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| @ariel_carlson | |
| Twitter/X | @_ariel_carlson |
Early Career
Ariel Carlson grew up in Eugene, Oregon, where she developed a love for softball at a young age. She attended Marist Catholic High School, where she established herself as one of the most dominant hitters in the history of high school softball.
During her time with the Spartans, she crushed opposing pitching with remarkable consistency and power.
Her high school statistics remain legendary in Oregon sports history. She finished her prep career with 72 home runs, a number that ranked third in national history at the time of her graduation in 2019. She also drove in 252 runs, ranking fourth nationally.
Her performance earned her the title of Gatorade Oregon Softball Player of the Year twice, solidifying her status as a top-tier recruit. She stayed close to home for college, fulfilling a childhood dream to play for the University of Oregon Ducks.
Professional Career
Ariel Carlson’s career at the University of Oregon spanned five seasons, from 2020 to 2024. She evolved from a promising freshman into a team leader and a feared slugger in the Pac-12 conference.
By the end of her collegiate eligibility in 2024, she had etched her name into the Oregon record books. She finished fourth in program history with 44 career home runs and sixth with 159 RBIs.
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Her final season was particularly strong, as she earned All-Pac-12 First Team honors after batting .306 with 16 home runs.
Following her playing days, Carlson immediately transitioned into coaching. She spent the 2025 season as the Director of Player Development and Analytics for the Oregon Ducks, helping her alma mater reach the Women’s College World Series.
Her rapid rise in the coaching ranks continued when Fresno State hired her as an assistant coach in July 2025. She now brings her extensive knowledge of hitting and outfield play to the Bulldogs, mentoring the next generation of players.
Ariel Carlson’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Ariel Carlson has an estimated net worth of $100,000 to $150,000. This figure stems from her earnings during the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era of college sports and her current salary as a collegiate coach.
Salary
As an Assistant Coach at Fresno State, Carlson likely earns an annual salary between $50,000 and $70,000. Coaching salaries for assistant positions in the Mountain West Conference typically fall within this range, depending on experience and budget allocations.
Career Earnings
| Year | Role | Estimated Earnings | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Student-Athlete | $5,000 – $10,000 | NIL Deals |
| 2023 | Student-Athlete | $10,000 – $20,000 | NIL Deals |
| 2024 | Student-Athlete | $15,000 – $25,000 | NIL Deals |
| 2025 | Coach (UO/Fresno) | $45,000 – $55,000 | Salary |
| Total | ~$75,000 – $110,000 |
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 217 |
| Batting Average | .306 |
| Hits | 173 |
| Home Runs | 44 |
| RBIs | 159 |
| Stolen Bases | 47 |
FAQs
1. Who is Ariel Carlson in softball?
Ariel Carlson is an American softball coach and former outfielder who starred for the Oregon Ducks before joining Fresno State as an assistant and hitting coach. She built an elite college career with 44 home runs and 159 RBIs for Oregon, and she helped the Ducks reach multiple NCAA Regionals while becoming one of the program’s top power hitters.
2. Where did Ariel Carlson play college softball and what position did she play?
Carlson played college softball for the University of Oregon, where she spent five seasons with the Ducks from 2020 to 2024 as a key starter. She mainly played in the outfield for Oregon, and her combination of power, speed, and defense turned her into one of the most complete players in the Pac-12.
3. What are some of Ariel Carlson’s biggest career achievements?
Carlson earned All-Pac-12 and NFCA All-Region honors after leading Oregon in doubles, home runs, RBIs, and slugging percentage during a standout senior season. She also ranked among program and Pac-12 leaders with 16 home runs, 55 RBIs, 15 doubles, 18 steals, and a .766 slugging percentage, and she finished her Ducks career top four in home runs and top six in RBIs.
4. What did Carlson accomplish in high school before joining Oregon?
Carlson dominated at Marist Catholic High School in Eugene and won back-to-back Gatorade Oregon Softball Player of the Year awards. She hit over .680 in multiple seasons, piled up 72 career home runs and 252 RBIs to rank among national leaders, and she also excelled as a pitcher with more than 20 wins and over 200 strikeouts in a season.
5. What role did Ariel Carlson take on after finishing her playing career at Oregon?
Carlson moved into coaching and player development and returned to Oregon as the Director of Player Development and Analytics for the softball program. She then advanced her coaching career by joining Fresno State softball as an assistant coach and hitting coach.
