Tradition of High Expectations Continues for Clark Volleyball

A loud gym, teammates cheering each other on, balls flying everywhere, high-fives all around, and an echo that resounded with every ball that was slammed to the ground was the Clark Cougars just putting in work during their morning practice.

San Antonio Clark High School has been a force to be reckoned with in volleyball for quite some time. The Cougars have had multiple UIL State appearances, District Championships and ultimately they have earned two State Championship titles. The first championship came in 1990 and the second in 2003. The 2003 team won with a special member on the team- Melissa Thrailkill. Thrailkill, now married and known by the Cougars as Coach Miller, earned herself the coveted role as Varsity Head Coach in 2016. Miller said Clark is so special to her for many reasons- not only did she help the school earn a State Championship title, but she values the tradition and expectations that the school has always had for the volleyball program. "My favorite thing is that we still have so many former players that come back and feel like they are a part of it," Miller said, "we even have a couple of players who's moms played Clark Volleyball." She said it is easier to carry on the tradition of high expectations when those types of things are happening. In fact, Miller even knows the pre-game chants the players do as they were the exact same from when she graduated in 2005.