Missoula soccer star Carmen Anderson transferring to Carroll College

Anderson, a former Gatorade Player of the Year, leaves Central Washington for Montana's Carroll College

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:54am

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Carmen Anderson, a standout soccer player from Missoula's Hellgate High School who won the Gatorade Player of the Year award, is transferring from Central Washington University to continue her collegiate career at Carroll College in Montana.

Why it matters

Anderson's transfer is notable as she was a dominant high school player in Montana who is now returning to the state after a year at a Division II program, signaling the continued strength of the soccer program at Carroll College.

The details

After a successful high school career that included the Gatorade Player of the Year honor, Anderson spent the 2025 season playing for Central Washington University's Division II soccer team. She has now decided to transfer to Carroll College, an NAIA program in Helena, Montana, to play out the remainder of her collegiate eligibility.

  • Carmen Anderson won the Gatorade Player of the Year award in 2024 while at Hellgate High School in Missoula.
  • Anderson played the 2025 season at Central Washington University.
  • Anderson is transferring to Carroll College for the 2026 season.

The players

Carmen Anderson

A former standout soccer player at Hellgate High School in Missoula, Montana who won the Gatorade Player of the Year award in 2024 before playing one season at Central Washington University.

Carroll College

An NAIA college located in Helena, Montana that has a strong soccer program and is welcoming Carmen Anderson as a transfer for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to have Carmen join our program and continue her academic and athletic career at Carroll. She's a talented player who will make an immediate impact on our team.”

— Doug Mello, Head Soccer Coach, Carroll College

What’s next

Anderson is expected to be a key contributor for the Carroll College soccer team when she joins the program for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Carmen Anderson's transfer from Central Washington to the NAIA program at Carroll College demonstrates the continued strength of Montana's high school soccer talent and the ability of in-state colleges like Carroll to attract top local players back to the state.