Sparta
White County’s tradition of producing tough, college-ready basketball players added another chapter Friday as senior Gracie Clark signed to continue her career at the University of the Cumberlands. For a Warriorette program built on grit, chemistry and a standard of winning, Clark has always fit the mold. Now she’s taking that mentality to the next level.
Clark admitted the moment felt both exciting and surreal.
“I’m so excited to see what the future holds a little nervous, because, you know, it’s something different, something I’ve, you know, obviously never done before, but I’m really excited," said Clark.
The Cumberlands staff has been recruiting Clark since her sophomore year, and head coach Rick Reeves never wavered. Her versatility and competitiveness were what first grabbed his attention, but time only strengthened his belief that she belonged in his system.
“Oh, she has so many attributes, you know, one thing is how hard she plays. I love that. And we love her versatility. She could probably play at two, three, four in our system. And just her, you know, desire to win, you know? And I don't want players that accept losing," said Reeves. "And then just a tremendous role model that she is, and she will be in our community as she’s been here. So to me, she's a full package. I mean, just everything we want in a player is Gracie Clark.”
Reeves expects her to contribute immediately.
“Like all freshmen, it's going to take them a few weeks in practice to learn physicality and the speed of the game. But I have no doubt that she'll get it down and pick up the system very quickly. And once she does that, we expect her to play right away as a freshman," said the coach of the Cumberlands.
Warriorette coach Michael Dodgen has seen Clark’s growth firsthand, and he believes the Cumberlands are getting a player built for the college grind.
“Well, it's good for our kids. It's good for our school, and it's continues to be good for our program because it instills a lot of things for the kids coming up to give them to see what can happen," said Dodgen. "Not only is she going to get to go play basketball, but she's going to get her education paid for, too, and get an opportunity to play for a great coach and Coach Reeves.”
Dodgen has coached dozens of players over his long career, but he puts Clark among the most competitive he’s seen in a Warriorette uniform.
“She’s a winner. She's gritty. She doesn't want to lose. She hates to lose. She hates it if she doesn't do something right. And those are things that coaches can't teach. That’s born in a kid," said Dodgen. "And you look at that group with her, Bella, Lakeland, Kra Fox, Addison, they've all played together for so long. They've got that grittiness about them. And you just can't teach that.”
Clark will bring that same edge to Williamsburg.
“Probably my physicality and my intensity and my defensive efforts, that's the biggest thing and just going in there and giving my 100% effort all the time," said Clark when asked about her talents that translate to the next level.
As for why the Cumberlands, Clark believes her final choice came down to comfort and connection. Three years of recruiting built a relationship she trusted.
“When I got to hang out with the team, it was just the feeling that I got that was the right school for me. They have a great coaching staff, and the fact that they wanted me, they were investing in me since 10th grade, that they really grew with great relationship with me, and so that was the biggest factor in that," said Clark.
Clark also has a plan academically. She’ll major in chemistry with the goal of becoming a pharmacist.
Another Warriorette is heading to college basketball, and another young standout has turned long hours in Roy Sewell Gymnasium into a college opportunity. Clark’s intensity, leadership and edge helped define White County basketball. Now she’ll try to make that same impact at Cumberlands.
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