Orion Carlson
Resilient. Disciplined. Grounded.
Hey, I’m Orion, a senior at Crystal Lake Central, Class of 2027. Please feel free to look around to learn more about who I am, what I care about, what I’ve built, and how I spend my time on and off the course.
Family & Faith
Golf is a huge part of my life, but God and family come first
I come from a family of three boys, and I’m the oldest brother. I help my parents by driving my brothers to and from religious education classes and basketball practices. I usually pick them up or make them food after school while my parents are at work. As graduation is coming closer, I find myself wanting to spend more time with them.
Family & Faith
Leading by example
I am currently a small group leader for the youth at my parish, helping younger kids prepare for the Holy Sacrament of Confirmation. What I’ve learned from this experience is that being a positive faith-based role model can direct others towards better outlooks; leading by example is central. While managing a group of 6th and 7th graders can occasionally be difficult, I’ve found that successfully guiding these students through Confirmation preparation comes down to engaging them in meaningful dialogue.
Golf
“Swing Easy”
I was three years old when my dad introduced me to the game of golf. I remember standing on the freshly mowed grass as my dad handed me a club from his bag. He looked at me and gave me one simple piece of advice. “Swing easy.” As I’ve grown older, golf has become much more than a game I played with my dad. It has taught me patience, discipline, and how to stay calm.
Golf
Easy takes work
When I look back at my first swing, I realize I wasn’t just hitting a golf ball. I was starting something that would stay with me for the rest of my life. I started competing at the age of 5 and I’ve spent the past four years playing for Crystal Lake Central while also receiving weekly swing, course management, and mental performance coaching.
| Handicap Index | 14.0 to 5.2 |
|---|---|
| Junior Tournaments | 26 |
| Competitive Rounds | more than 40 |
Golf
Proudest moment on the course
Last summer at the McHenry County Junior Golf Association, I took 3rd place in a field of twenty players. It was the first tournament where I shot in the seventies. I was ecstatic - only 3% of all golfers reach this mark.
Golf
I know before I look up
After years on the course, I’ve gotten to a point where I know that I’ve hit a great drive by the sound of contact.
Off the Course
My entrepreneurial side
Apparel resale business
I go to resale stores such as Goodwill, Savers, and garage sales to find clothing to resell on Depop, eBay, and in person. I handle taking photos, listing items, negotiating, and shipping orders.
Off the Course
ASMR Mukbang Tower
ASMR Mukbang Tower is a popular Roblox experience and trend I co-designed with my best friend that combines tower-climbing obstacle courses with food-themed ASMR eating sounds and visual effects.
Dentistry
The other side of the chair
When I was four years old, I injured my mouth and teeth from an accident at daycare. I remember crying, being in pain and my mom taking me to the dentist. A small discoloration on my lower teeth is a “battle” scar from that day.
This incident has influenced me to pursue a career as a pediatric dentist or orthodontist. I want to be the person who can help the kids who may have a similar experience as me and let them know that they’re in good care.