ATHLETICS REVIEW
Sam Clark : Embracing LIFE ’ s Challenges
Head Coach , Life U Women ’ s Soccer
“ A typical day is always busy . We don ’ t go nine to five , we often work 12- to 16-hour days . We ’ ve got to love our families and spouses and kids for understanding that ,” said Sam Clark , Head Coach for Women ’ s Soccer at Life University , describing her average day at work . “ But there is no typical day , and I think that is one of the most intriguing and most wonderful things about athletics — it ’ s always a new challenge .”
Clark grew up in Kansas City , Missouri . Her dad is a truck driver and her mom is a librarian . “ We are the good old , classic Midwestern family ,” Clark said . “ I moved a lot of places because of soccer , and then I settled in Georgia , got married and have a son .”
Clark began working at LIFE in September 2015 and actually started the University ’ s soccer program . “ I was actually a director at a youth soccer club in the Atlanta area , and a bunch of serendipitous events happened that got me here .”
Clark ’ s boss was running the software at LIFE , and he had heard through the rumor mill that they were planning on bringing in men ’ s and women ’ s soccer .
“ So , he and I were just chatting one day , and he goes , ‘ Well , why don ’ t I drop your name to the AD ?’ who at that time was Dan Payne ,” Clark explained . After that , she was interviewed and got the job . The Women ’ s Soccer team ’ s first competitive season began in the fall of 2016 .
When Clark came in , LIFE had Men ’ s Basketball and their famed Men ’ s and Women ’ s Rugby teams , but besides that , the Athletic Department was fairly small . The new athletic coaches introduced Women ’ s Soccer , Women ’ s Basketball , and reintroduced Men ’ s Soccer .
“ What was neat was being able to start the program and build our own culture from scratch ,” Clark said . “ That was the same for most of the Athletic Department because we didn ’ t have as many sports as we do now with 23 athletic programs . We had four programs just four years ago .
“ We were allowed to create this great environment at LIFE ,” Clark continued . “ All of our teams are doing extremely well ; my colleagues are dedicated and committed people who really help our athletes shine . We are doing our best to bring in the best student-athletes . We are making strides and are a proper Athletic Department .”
Reiterating that no day at work looks the same for her , Clark said , “ You can schedule training and weightlifting at a certain time , but we ’ re doing so much more than that . I have 30 kids on my roster , and there is always something that is being dealt with or handled .” Clark really loves not having that much consistency in her day because she likes there to be a bit of a challenge and excitement each time she goes to work .
Clark shared that the Athletic Department is always hosting recruits on campus and doing tours . They are also on many committees trying to make things better for all LIFE student-athletes .
Usually Clark doesn ’ t have that much free time , but lately she has a bit more because the team hasn ’ t been doing as much training .
“ With the current conditions , it ’ s interesting because a lot of our student-athletes are international students and had to return to their home countries for the time being ,” Clark explained . “ We have 13 different countries represented on the roster , so we are still communicating with them . Due to the time differences , it might be at 6:00 a . m . or 9:00 p . m .
“ So honestly , what do I do in my free time ? I am touching base with my student-athletes and making sure they ’ re okay , that they are registered for classes and have their books ,” Clark continued . “ Other than that , I ’ ve been playing badminton with my family . We ’ ve been going on lots of runs and walking the dogs a lot . My free time is dedicated to my family .”
Clark feels like LIFE ’ s Lasting Purpose is something that drives a lot of decisions that she makes , especially the older that she gets in this profession . She believes it is the foundation for which you should interact with people .
“ My student-athletes have constant challenges — struggling in classes or family issues — so whenever there is an opportunity to have an interaction with them with Lasting Purpose in mind , I think it makes a world of difference ,” she said .
Clark shared her words of wisdom to both present and prospective students . “ I think one thing that we all need to be aware of is how agile we can be in certain situations . Life will always throw curveballs at you , so be ready to adapt . That is really what life is about , no matter who you are .”
Alumni . LIFE . edu | 2020
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