As a native of Stockholm, Sweden, Carlsten-Handberg previously starred at Toledo. During the 2018-19 season, she earned Academic All-MAC honors, appeared in 31 games, and made 24 starts. Her basketball résumé also includes representing her home country of Sweden at the youth international level, a testament to her global experience and competitive pedigree.
Throughout her four years of collegiate playing experience at both Illinois-Chicago (2016-17) and Toledo (2017-19), Carlsten-Handberg attained a reputation as a reliable and versatile forward. She played 117 career games, starting 59, and contributed across multiple statistical categories. She finished her collegiate career with over 200 points, 160 total rebounds, and nearly 30 blocks, which helped the Rockets capture multiple postseason berths, including two appearances in the WNIT.
She has served in various roles in different companies, helping with social media content creation and also aiding in the success of various youth basketball programs. While in college, she attained multiple academic honors, including Dean’s and President’s list nods, and maintained a 4.0 GPA during her Master’s Program. She later transitioned into athletics administration and coaching support, eager to give back to the sport that shaped her journey.
From 2020 to 2023, Carlsten-Handberg worked and played professionally in Sweden. She worked as a basketball trainer, strength and conditioning coach, and nutritionist, where she developed individualized programs that combined skill development, fitness, and nutrition. She also coached youth and women’s teams with the Alvik Basketball Club and directed camps fo the Swedish Basketball Federation, overseeing logistics and player development.
These roles underscore her commitment to holistic athlete growth and her ability to impact players on and off the court. In her role at UCF, Carlsten-Handberg will provide executive-level support to the Women’s Basketball program. Her responsibilities will include, assisting with our post players and recruiting logistics, serving as a key liaison with athletic department staff, and ensuring the program’s daily operations run efficiently.
Carlsten-Handberg graduated from Toledo in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration & Management, graduated from Chadron State College with a Master’s degree in Business Administration, and she remains passionate about empowering student-athletes to maximize both their competitive and academic potential.
