Amy (King) Carlson, a Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS) alumna and an active community member, exemplifies a life filled with purpose, leadership, and a commitment to uplifting others. A 2002 graduate of PVHS, Amy’s journey from her high school years to her current roles reflects resilience, adaptability, and a strong connection to the people and community that shaped her.
From her earliest days in high school, Amy stood out as a dedicated student and athlete. She recalls her fondest memories of high school with warmth, emphasizing the strong friendships and camaraderie among her classmates. “Everyone got along,” she said, reflecting on the lack of cliques and drama that often plague high school environments today. Amy was deeply involved in student council, holding the role of an officer each year and rounding out her senior year as the Student Body President, played several sports, and was among the class’s valedictorians with an impressive GPA of 4.46. She fondly recalls how sports trips, student council events, and shared experiences built lifelong friendships, noting that she could reconnect with classmates after years apart as though no time had passed.
Softball was her primary sport, but she also ventured into volleyball and soccer. While her team didn’t clinch a state championship during her high school years, Amy’s love for sports continued to shape her future. She later achieved a state championship as a coach, earning her a ring and the satisfaction of helping young athletes succeed.
Academically, Amy’s determination shone brightly. As the first in her family to attend college, she worked hard to secure scholarships and excelled in her studies. She graduated from UNLV in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, minoring in athletic training and special education. Despite her plans to teach, the job market at the time steered her in a different direction. “After receiving my degree, the job market in teaching was changing, and I wasn’t going to be able to teach in my desired age range, but rather a high school position, and just wasn’t in the cards for me,” she explained. Instead, she found herself continuing to work at Mountain Falls, a job she started during high school and where her leadership skills earned her a management role at just 18 years old.
Amy’s career has been a testament to adaptability and excellence. She spent seven years at Mountain Falls before transitioning to Spring Mountain, where she worked for eight years in various capacities, from front desk operations to accounting. Her ability to lead and connect with people led to her current position as Director of Corporate Affairs and Community Relations at Valley Electric. Amy humbly attributes her career success to hard work, strong relationships, and a bit of serendipity, as many opportunities seemed to find her rather than the other way around.
Her professional journey is marked by significant achievements. She recently became a Certified Cooperative Communicator, a rigorous certification process that enhances her expertise in cooperative management and communication. On top of her corporate success, Amy has made her mark in the coaching world. In her first full year coaching girls’ soccer at PVHS, she was named Southern Nevada Coach of the Year by the Nevada Coaches Association, 2023’s State Coach of Year for Nevada, as well as the prestigious Western Region Coach of the Year award for the United States. These accolades, along with a state championship win, are a testament to her dedication to mentoring young athletes. “I really wasn’t expecting it,” she shared.
Amy’s impact extends far beyond her career. She is deeply involved in the community, in addition to serving as the varsity girls’ soccer coach at PVHS she also runs the Junior Trojan Soccer Club. Under her leadership, the club has grown significantly, with over 200 kids participating each season. She is also a member of the local Rotary Club, where she volunteers her time to support various causes and fundraisers. Her dedication to the community was recognized by the local Soroptimist International Women’s organization, where she was named the 2024 Ruby Award Recipient for “Women Helping Women and Girls”. Whether through coaching, volunteering, or mentoring, Amy finds immense joy in helping others thrive.
Her personal life is equally fulfilling. Amy and her husband, Frank, have been together since shortly after high school and married in 2007. Together, they have a daughter, Mia, who graduated from PVHS in 2023. The Carlson household is bustling with activity, thanks to their love for animals. With three French Bulldogs, two Doberman-Pitbull mixes, a Russian tortoise, and even snakes, their home is a lively sanctuary for their beloved pets.
Despite her busy schedule, Amy makes time for hobbies and family activities. An outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys exploring the mountains, attending live sports events, and making memories at concerts. Her passion for coaching remains a central part of her life, as she values the relationships she builds with her athletes. “I get to spend as much time with them, if not more, than their parents sometimes, and I don’t take that lightly,” she said, emphasizing the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment for her players.
Amy attributes much of her success to the support system she has built over the years, including her family, friends, and colleagues. She holds a special appreciation for the enduring connections with her high school classmates, who remain a significant part of her life through community events and sports gatherings. Reflecting on her interactions with others, Amy emphasized her genuine investment in their achievements: “Seeing others succeed brings me just as much joy, if not more, than achieving my own goals.” This sentiment underscores her selfless nature and dedication to uplifting those around her.
Amy eagerly anticipates the upcoming soccer season and the ongoing expansion of the Jr. Trojan Soccer Club. While the team will feel the absence of nine graduating seniors, a strong roster of young returning players brings fresh energy and enthusiasm. With a renewed sense of confidence growing among her high school athletes, Amy is optimistic about what lies ahead. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes not only skill development but also fostering self-belief, empowering her players to recognize and reach their full potential.
Amy’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, community, and a positive outlook. Whether in her career, coaching, or personal life, she approaches every challenge with determination and grace. For Amy, success isn’t just about personal achievements—it’s about lifting others up and creating opportunities for everyone to shine.
