By Juliana Yao, Staff Reporter
As the No. 9 ranked lacrosse recruit in the nation in 2021 and the current top freshman scorer in the country, Conestoga alumna Rachel Clark has had nothing short of an explosive entry into the college lacrosse scene.
In her Conestoga career, Clark scored a total of 238 goals, securing the position of both the top-scorer and attack player of the year twice. Her outstanding talent shined on the field, drawing the eyes of many college scouts, including those of the University of Virginia, where she now attends. Yet her potential as a lacrosse player was not always obvious.
“It’s funny. (Clark) made JVA as a freshman,” said Amy Orcutt, Conestoga girls lacrosse head coach. “And within a day, the first game, we’re like, ‘Wow, we made a mistake.’”
Orcutt played a large part in shaping Clark’s game. They met at a lacrosse clinic when Clark was still in seventh grade, and since then, have developed a close relationship. Clark attributes Orcutt in turning her into a true attacker, as she had been a midfielder in middle school.
“Coach Orcutt was great because she always believed in me, even when I was just starting at ’Stoga,” Clark said. “She also helped me gain my confidence going to goal.”
The Conestoga program in general also improved Clark’s skill. The coaching staff constantly evolved, introducing new concepts, drills and workouts, while the team built close bonds and created a learning environment for Clark.
“As a freshman playing on the field with super talented upperclassmen was the best practice I could have asked for,” Clark said. “Just being a part of such a competitive team made me so much better.”
Clark decided to go to UVA after deciding it was a perfect match for her needs and has quickly adapted to the changes of playing at a collegiate level. She has described college lacrosse as being more competitive, aggressive and faster. Training is also more demanding, with it being longer and year-round rather than the high school season.
“But just like high school lacrosse the team has become my family,” Clark said. “It is quite an adjustment but so fun and very much worth it.”
Orcutt follows her former players after high school, who have achieved great heights in college lacrosse. She has seen Clark’s success this season, and it has become a large source of pride for her as well as contributing to the Conestoga lacrosse legacy.
“She (Clark) is honestly one of the most hardworking girls I’ve ever coached.” Orcutt said. “She deserves this because all the time that she’s put in on and off the field, which has obviously paid off. And I’m really, incredibly proud of her.”
Juliana Yao can be reached at [email protected]
