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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.
THE FAMILY BUSINESS: Young Chasing His Father For Record Book Supremacy
WILLIS BASKETBALL STAR SHAWNDRICK “SJ” YOUNG JR. HAS ALWAYS HAD TUNNEL VISION—HE’S WIRED THAT WAY.
The junior averaged nearly 20 points per game, earning District 13-6A Co-MVP honors while leading the Wildkats to school history this past season. But his motivation? It’s personal. Very personal.
“My dad holds a lot of the old scoring records here at Willis,” Young said with a laugh. “He was thought to be the best thing walking the halls at Willis... now it’s me. I want all the records, and that really pushes me.”
Young was the engine behind Willis advancing to the third round of the UIL Class 6A playoffs, something the school had never done before.
“The school really rallied around us,” he said. “We had a pep rally where everyone lined the halls as we left for our playoff game. Next year, we want to win district and go even farther. If everyone has the same mentality as me, we’re going to get there.”
The summer AAU circuit and offseason training will be critical for the 6-foot-5 hybrid, who has college hoops aspirations.
“I’m a forward at the high school level... but not in college,” he said. “I’ve got a good shot, I’m a really good passer and rebounder, but I’m locked in on two things this offseason—getting stronger and tightening my ball handling. I can get to my spots now, but I’m going to add strength so I can take the contact in the paint and still finish.”
And when he’s not in the gym? It’s still hoops.
“I love playing the (video) game, of course,” he said. “But me and my friends go to the park, and before you know it, we’ve got some really competitive five-on-five runs going. That’s Willis for you.”
When it comes to watching basketball, one player has Young’s attention.
“I like the Rockets’ Amen Thompson,” he said. “I try to pattern my game after his. He can do a little of everything, and he’s a tough rebounder. That’s what I pride myself on, too. If I’m playing someone way bigger than me, they’re going to have a fight on their hands. I’m a high-energy guy.”
Must be in the genes.