Playing sports in college is a very memorable and exciting experience. Many college athletes spend lots of their childhood training and working hard so they are able to pursue their sport in college. A WA senior, Mia Clark, has played softball since she was nine years old and is finally living out her dream of playing softball in college.

Clark has recently committed to Assumption University in Worcester, MA to play division-two softball. Throughout her childhood, Clark has played a variety of sports. Collectively, she has played softball, basketball, and soccer competitively. However, throughout her 11 years of playing softball, Clark has preferred softball over basketball and soccer. 

For Clark, softball has offered more of a fun side for her than other sports. At the same time, she also got to meet long-term friends and coaches through these experiences.

“I spent so much time playing on club tournament teams ever since I was 9, so I have just loved the time I’ve spent with my teammates on the field over the years,” Clark said. 

Clark has played varsity softball since her freshman year, and has met many friends along the way. Clark’s teammates and coaches have expressed the positive impact she makes on the team. A friend and teammate of Clark’s, junior Sarah Kirby, said that Clark is one of the most passionate players she has ever played with.

“She is one of those players that you immediately look up to and admire. She has helped me grow not only as a player but a person,” Kirby said. “Mia is the epitome of a great teammate and captain.”

The varsity softball coach, Gina Mustoe, has also seen Clark’s skills, passion, and positive attitude improve throughout her years of coaching her. Mustoe noted how Clark has been a great player and teammate over the years, mentioning how she never gives up and is extremely supportive of her team, even in difficult situations.

“She has a really good ability to work hard but still make it enjoyable, which is hard to do, especially when it’s hot outside and you’re sweating and there are 100 other things you’d rather be doing,” Mustoe said. “She’s just great at making the best of it and making hard work fun,” Mustoe said.

Besides softball, Clark was also attracted to the location of Assumption as well. Clark’s family all live locally, so she knew it would be difficult to go too far away. Her family, friends, and coaches have expressed how deserving Clark is of this opportunity.

“I can’t think of a more deserving player to continue their softball career than Mia,” Kirby said. “She has put so much time and commitment into softball and Assumption is beyond lucky to have her.”