I’m sure you’ve heard her name before. You know, that 6’3” junior, middle hitter that is already committed to play volleyball at TCU? Her name is Katie Clark. With a total of 553 kills, 128 digs, and 59 blocks this season could be her best yet.

Like all professional athletes, they each have to start somewhere.

“I began playing volleyball at the age of 13,” Clark said. “My coaches forced me to play volleyball in 7th grade. I loved it so much that I continued to play throughout the rest of junior high and high school.”

Clark has been described as a leader by many of her teammates. She displays the certain types of skills a leader shows.

“I would say Katie is a natural-born leader because she is giant as well as one of the goofiest people of all time,” senior Jordan McKenna, Arlington’s libero and defensive specialist, said. “One might expect her to be intimidating or scary upon first meeting her, but she is the kind of person who causes you to have fun and let loose. On the volleyball court, Katie is really skilled in every aspect, not just hitting or blocking, so she can respectably take charge of the whole team.”

Not only does Clark’s leadership and dedication help her work harder, but it also influences her teammates.

“Katie’s leadership on the court and practice always makes me want to work harder,” junior Rylen Masters, Arlington’s setter and defensive specialist, said.  

Of course, there is always room for improvement, even from the best athletes. Clark explains what she has improved on the most throughout last season.

“I have become a lot smarter in figuring out the game,” she said.

Clark is only a junior which gives her one more season to play for Arlington High.

“My goal for next season is to compete for the state title as well as making memories and having a fun senior year,” she said.

The Lady Colts finished the season 23-18. They are eager to improve their record with high hopes of making it to playoffs in the 2017 season.

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Abby Dalton

Katie Clark, junior, finished her season strong and earned the respect of her teammates. She's looking forward to her senior year and hopes to help the team take state.