Playing organized soccer since she was 6 years old, Battle Ground senior goalkeeper Claire Clark has developed into one of the area's top girls soccer players — and people.
“Pitching a shutout" is a popular term often heard in baseball and softball, on the soccer pitch, Clark pitched three shutouts in a row, not giving up a goal to start her senior year.
These shutouts have led the Battle Ground girls soccer team to a 3-0 start to their season, as of press time.
“It makes me feel really good,” Clark said in reference to the shutouts. “It makes me feel accomplished and makes me feel ready for the next step.”
Clark hopes to keep her shutout streak going, and she relishes the opportunity in her senior season to be an integral part of her teammates’ success.
As for the word “goal,” Clark doesn’t want to give up any, but she sets goals for herself, with the continued shutout streak being No. 1.
“But (also) just to play my best and be there for my teammates,” Clark said. “I’m a really big team person, and it makes me very happy that we’re so close this year.”
As far as academics go, Clark loves history.
“I love history,” Clark said. “I loved last year with Mr. Fridriksson. He taught AP U.S. History last year and I just loved it.”
Clark has goals for the next four years as well, and they involve the state of Colorado. Clark has been offered a spot to play soccer at Colorado State Pueblo. It is not finalized quite yet, as Colorado State Pueblo is in the middle of their season, and Clark needs to talk more with their coach, she said.
“He offered me a spot, and I’m planning to go play for them for my next four years of college,” Clark said. “I’m going to miss everybody here, but I’m really excited to start that new chapter in my life.”
Clark is one of three captains on the Battle Ground girls soccer team this year, and she knows what that entails.
“It means always sticking up for my teammates, always being there for them and hyping them up when we need to get the team morale up,” Clark said.
Battle Ground girls soccer head coach Arthur Colunga beams with pride when speaking about Clark.
“Well, she’s a magnificent person,” Colunga said. “Her chemistry toward the team, her vocalness, and just her leadership in general, on and off the pitch, is awesome. She’s just an all around great person and a great athlete.”
“And as for a keeper, she’s awesome,” Colunga added. “She’s great in all aspects of the game.”
