Molly Carlson: From Cliff Diving Star to PWHL Montreal’s Unofficial Hype Woman

Molly Carlson, the Canadian Red Bull cliff diving sensation, is no stranger to heights, launching herself from over 20 meters into the water. But the 26-year-old found herself in new territory when she started reading the starting lineup for PWHL Montreal, surrounded by hockey stars like Marie-Philip Poulin.How did a diver from Thunder Bay become a visible supporter and unofficial “Hype Woman” for Montreal’s women’s hockey team?

The Rise of #BraveGang and a Connection to Montreal

Carlson’s widespread appeal extends beyond her diving prowess. Boasting nearly 4 million TikTok followers, she helms the #BraveGang movement, sharing her personal journey with body dysmorphia and eating disorders. Her authentic vulnerability resonates deeply, even with those she least expected.

Did You Know? carlson’s #BraveGang community extends beyond social media, fostering real-world connections and support among its members.

“I post my videos to be funny, like, ‘haha I’m relatable, jumping off a cliff,’ obviously I’m not relatable, but ultimately, I’m facing fear, and everyone can be brave,” Carlson said. “But you don’t realize you’re on the For You page of the literal Olympic champions of women’s hockey,and then you get there,and they all know who you are,and you’re like,’I have been watching you on TV for years,and now I’m in your locker room and you’re clapping for me.’ Like, this feels wrong. I truly am so grateful for this community I’ve started in Montreal, and I think we’re all coming together.”

From Olympic dreams to PWHL Passion

Carlson’s connection to montreal’s sports scene began at the Institut National du sport du Québec (INS),a hub for Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Growing up,she trained in Montreal and admired the Canadian divers who were Canadiens fans,wanting to emulate her idols. Her involvement with the PWHL team, however, came through a connection with Victoire defender Erin Ambrose, both represented by the Dulcedo Group. Thier bond deepened over shared experiences, including their openness about mental health struggles after Olympic team snubs.

The two athletes met through agency events, and Ambrose remembers meeting with Carlson and Heslop, and the conversation turned to the Canadiens.

“It was like, ‘OK, enough with the Habs, you have to get in with us,'” Ambrose remembers saying.

“I was like, I need to go see what this hockey is all about, and cheer on my girl,” Carlson said. “She was hyping it up. When I went to the first [PWHL] game, my jaw was on the floor. I didn’t realize these girls are body slamming each other for like, three hours, and it’s such an exciting game.”

Becoming the Victoire’s Hype Woman

Carlson’s transition from fan to hype woman happened organically.the team noticed her enthusiastic social media posts from games and decided to involve her further.This led to her reading the starting lineup, a nerve-wracking experience at first.

“It started with just going to the game, crying at the game, just being inspired,” Carlson said. “I cry over everything. I’m so inspired every time I go.”

“Now I think it’s time you read the lineup,” Carlson recalls Marie-Christine Boucher,the team’s director of business operations,saying. “I’m shitting myself.I’m like, I don’t know hockey. I don’t know any of these words. Like, do you say right field? I don’t know,” Carlson said.

Her initial nervousness was met with support from the coaches, including Kori Cheverie, who recognized her online presence and welcomed her enthusiasm.

Pro Tip: Authenticity resonates. Carlson’s genuine passion for the team is what made her a beloved figure among players and fans.

Embracing the PWHL Experience

Despite a few initial stumbles, Carlson embraced her role, even reading the lineup at a crucial playoff game. her dedication and enthusiasm earned her the title of “good luck charm” from Poulin and solidified her place within the team’s culture.

“The first day Molly came to do the lineups was absolutely the most adorable thing,” Ambrose said. “I say that so genuinely, because she was so excited but so nervous, and we had to make fun of her because she still messed it up.”

The second time Carlson read the lineup couldn’t have been a bigger stage: Game 2 of their PWHL semifinal against the Ottawa Charge, it was the game Montreal ended up winning 3-2 in the fourth overtime. It got Poulin to start calling her the team’s good luck charm and in pure #BraveGang fashion, she posted her way through it. And, yes, she stayed untill the very end.

“When she did Game Two, she came in and I gave her a hug after, and I said, ‘molly, we’ve talked about this. It’s on left wing,not in left wing’,and she just dropped a big F bomb,” Ambrose said,laughing.

“After the game, I texted Molly, because the trooper stayed through four overtimes,” Ambrose said. “I just said, ‘thank you for staying there for the whole time’.And she was so embarrassed by the fact that she had to do the starting lineup again. I was like, we loved it, we joke about it, but like, we also love it, like the girls do vibe with it, and it was very much appreciated.”

“That quadruple overtime game, as obviously I knew Molly was there, and knowing that she stayed the whole time, one of the first things was I wanted to see her socials, because Molly’s socials are absolutely remarkable and beyond entertaining. I think for me, it was just like, it’s so cool to see it through somebody’s eyes who lives it, but isn’t in it,” Ambrose said.

from Nosebleeds to front Row: A Canadiens Fan’s dream

Carlson’s love for Montreal extends to the Canadiens. She even had the prospect to experience a playoff game from the front row, an experience that highlighted the intensity of the sport.

“I’ve been going to nosebleed seats for the past years of my life,” said Carlson. “And don’t get me wrong, nosebleed seats at the Montreal Canadiens events are so much fun because the people get so rowdy.And I love it. I’ve always touched the ceiling and just had the best time. And so when I got that call from the NHL and they said, ‘We want Molly front row, we want to film her in her voice and reacting during Game 4 of the playoffs’. I was like, I don’t belong here. Give it to someone else. Like, this isn’t real. And so you always get this imposter syndrome, like, should I be here? It just doesn’t feel like this is my life.

“But that happened. I’ve never sat that close and you’re behind the goal. I literally was flinching.I wanted to do a sport swap with Erin. I wanted to go in slowly. Now I’m like, I could never do that.That was scary. Just sitting behind the glass was scary. I just can’t imagine.”

carlson’s growing recognition in Montreal, especially at PWHL games, is a testament to her impact. despite being from Ontario, her loyalty lies with Montreal when they face Toronto.

“I honestly can never watch Toronto beat them,” she said.”So as long as we’re winning I’m happy.”

Key Connections: Carlson, Ambrose, and PWHL Montreal

What other athletes would you like to see supporting the PWHL? How do you think social media influences the popularity of women’s sports?

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