The Star That Is Rachel Clark

David Vick — March 12, 2023

Rachel Clark always had her eyes on the University of Virginia (UVA) while growing up. Being from Pennsylvania and seeing many players from close to home go on to play lacrosse at UVA, the school had a special place in her heart.

When the time came to decide on a school during her recruiting process, she knew that she wanted to be associated with the history of Virginia Lacrosse.

Clark is also the ultimate competitor who described winning as a need. So even though Virginia’s last ACC Championship came in 2008, she still wanted to be a Cavalier.

“I wanted to be a part of a building program and contribute and make a name for myself in that way,” Clark said.

She did just that as a freshman.

In a year that may not have lived up to UVA’s own expectations as far as wins and losses, Clark established herself as a star.

Her 64 goals and 11 assists during the 2022 season led to high praise, impressive accolades and a large amount of recognition.

Clark was named to the All-ACC First Team and chosen as the ACC Freshman of the Year. Yet, she was still ready to improve during the offseason.

“I knew I had to really up my game,” she said.

Clark set her sights on becoming a more versatile player.

One area of focus was working on her fitness to become better on the ride after long offensive possessions. Another was passing off her dodges, knowing she wanted to have more assists and slides would come sooner in 2023.

Her hard work is paying off on the field. Virginia is 6-1 and she is on pace for more goals and more assists in her sophomore year. In just seven games, she also has more caused turnovers than she did a season ago.

Simply put, Clark is a force on the field.

Going into this season, as with every season, she had a simple approach.

“I just wanted to have a better year than I did last year,” Clark said. “I never have set accolades I want to win or goals I want to hit.”

Before Saturday’s monster showdown on the road at top-ranked North Carolina, Clark expressed confidence in UVA’s ability to beat anyone they face.

“I have complete faith in our team against any opponent,” she said.

While the result did not go her team’s way, the Cavaliers only trailed by one goal with 4:52 to play in the fourth quarter, a sign that her faith was correct.

At least nine games in 2023 and two years to follow remain in Clark’s college career.

Drawing inspiration from basketball legend Kobe Bryant, one of her favorite athletes, she is highly motivated to be even better than she has been.

Another source is the game itself.

“I just love the game of lacrosse.”