Marlene Fries is entering her first season as the top assistant coach for the Clarkson University Women's Soccer program for the 2023-24 year.

A recent graduate of Hofstra University with a degree in Exercise Science, Fries spent four years with the Pride's soccer program. She started all 22 matches in 2021, playing nearly 2000 total minutes on the pitch while helping the team to a program record 13 shutouts and just a 0.58 goals against average, with the latter figure ranking 12th in the country. Fries also played in 17 matches and made 11 starts in 2019 and in the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season. Her senior season of 2022 was wiped out due to injury.

A native of Geltendorf, Germany, Fries excelled in the classroom as well with a 3.92 grade-point average, earning numerous academic honors. She served as team captain for FC Bayern Munchen U-17, winning titles in 2017 and 2019.