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THE PIVOT: Dual-Sport Clark Chooses Volleyball Over Her Life-Long Sport Of Soccer
LOOKING BACK ON FOUR YEARS OF HIGH SCHOOL, YOU CAN’ T HELP BUT ASK: “WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?”
For Willis senior Summer Clark, it flew by in the blink of an eye.
It feels like just yesterday she was a freshman earning honorable mention as an attacking midfielder on the soccer field.
Twenty-two goals later, she finished her career as a back-to-back first-team selection in one of the toughest districts around.
“My dad got me into soccer at a very young age,” she said. “It was our father-daughter bonding thing. It’s been a huge part of my life—playing club and high school.”
Clark had an offer to play soccer at Indiana University, but made a life-changing decision.
“I was always planning to play college soccer,” she said. “But in the end, the sport became draining, and I burned out. The hardest part was telling my dad I didn’t want to play in college. He was heartbroken... it was a tough conversation, but I had something else I wanted to pursue.”
That “something else” was volleyball. Bitten by the bug in high school, Clark rapidly improved and wrapped up her career with 1,000 assists and a second-team, all-district selection as a senior.
“Coach (Kayla) Jenkins came in and made volleyball fun,” Clark said. “I improved so much, and it was refreshing. I know I’m playing catch-up trying to get recruited, but that’s my focus right now.”
Between club soccer, high school soccer, club volleyball, high school volleyball, dual-credit classes, and being ranked in the top 11 percent of her graduating class... where does she find the time?
“I like to be busy,” she laughed. “That’s probably an understatement.”
Clark plans to pursue a degree in Exercise Science, with hopes of becoming a coach or athletic trainer.
“I think I have a good sports IQ,” she said. “My coaches have always told me I should get into coaching.”
The only question left?
Which sport will it be.
PRESS RELEASE: Willis HS Athletics Hosting Texas Way Sportsmanship Assembly After Cleveland Incident
Willis, TX – Willis High School will be hosting a sportsmanship assembly for all student-athletes following the unsportsmanlike incident at a recent football game against Cleveland High School. Looking to turn that negative incident into a learning opportunity, school leadership has invited player development coach Stephen Mackey, founder of 2Words Character Development, to meet with the student-athletes about The Texas Way, a statewide sportsmanship initiative launched in partnership with the Texas High School Coaches Association and Texas High School Athletic Directors Association.
The curriculum of the Texas Way focuses on three pillars:
- Respect for Others: The Texas Way teaches respect that goes beyond the scoreboard. It’s about who we are, not what others do.
- Control of Self: This pillar is about maintaining composure and grace, especially when the stakes are high. The Texas Way encourages handling challenges with class.
- Spirit of Competition: We’re here to win, but not at the cost of integrity. The Texas Way promotes giving your best effort while holding true to your values.
WHO: Willis High School football coach & athletic director, Trent Miller and Stephen Mackey, founder of 2Words Character Development
WHAT: Texas Way Sportsmanship Assembly for all student-athletes
WHEN: Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Willis High School
Willis, TX 77378
**Everyone must check in at the front office
WHY: To make good sportsmanship a way of life throughout the state
NOTES:
- Please RSVP to Kirk Reynolds, kirkreynoldspr@gmail.com, if you plan to cover the assembly.
- Trent Miller, Stephen Mackey and Willis ISD Superintendent Dr. Kimberley James will be available for interviews after the assembly.