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08/03/2017 12:00 AMThe 2017 spring season was one of change for the Guilford girls’ lacrosse squad, which welcomed a new head coach to the fold. However, the Indians powered through the transitional stage with an upbeat attitude and some steady scoring, and one athlete who delivered in both regards was Olivia Clarke.
Olivia lit up the scoresheet by netting 42 goals to go with 33 assists on her way to earning a spot on the All-SCC First Team for the Indians in her recent junior season. She’s already committed to play lacrosse at Division I Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York.
“I fell in love with the sport and always aspired to be better. I love the aspect of playing for a team and having them support you. I also love the game’s fast pace,” says Olivia, who also garnered All-American honors as a sophomore. “Our team was young this year with a new coach. We had to adjust, but we all had a real positive attitude about it. We pushed each other harder. [Head Coach Wendy Epke] supported everything I did and pushed us to do better.”
Olivia likes to mix up her shot selection, as well as the intensity of those offerings, when she has the ball on her stick. When it comes to deciding whether to go for a goal or dish it off to a teammate, Olivia does whatever is in the best interest of the Indians.
“It depends on the situation and the type of player you are. It’s about making the decision that’s best for the team at that time. Once the whole team does well, it’s a good feeling,” says Olivia on deciding whether to pass or shoot. “I like to shoot high a lot, but sometimes, instead of ripping it from the 12-yard line, I’ll finesse it.”
As you might expect, Olivia’s skills on the lacrosse field have greatly improved as a result of her competing throughout the offseason. On top of that, her commitment to the sport has also helped her leadership abilities grow exponentially.
“It helps to play club lacrosse and get that extra experience. Once you hop on the field, it’s no stopping,” she says. “I feel I’ve improved in my leadership. I feel I’m more vocal, and it’s important for me to speak. It all has to do with how you act on the field and your attitude.”
Coach Epke describes Olivia a tireless worker who always wants to see everyone on the Indians perform their best. Epke says that Olivia is a game-planning nightmare for opposing coaches, because she’s always able to escape any scenario that they throw at her.
“Olivia is a dedicated athlete. She always gives 100 percent when practicing and during the games. She comes with the mindset to push herself and encourages her teammates to do the same,” says Epke. “She’s extremely fast and has great control of the ball when cradling. She can work her way out of any double team. It’s incredible to watch. As far as her goal scoring abilities, she has a strong eight-meter shot and knows when to take the shot and when to assist her teammates. She leads our team on and off the field.”
Olivia is also a member of the field hockey squad at Guilford High School and says playing the sport is a huge help when it comes to her all-around athletic skill set. This fall, Olivia will be a senior on a team that reached the Class M state final last year, and she thinks that the experience of playing on the big stage can help carry the Indians over the top this November.
“It’s a fast-paced game with field hockey, too. It’s the same concept, and you have to be able to have fast reaction time, which helps translate to lacrosse. It also helps with footwork and anything on the attacking end,” says Olivia, who thanks her family, coaches, and teammates. “For the lacrosse team, we are now more settled in with the coaching staff, and we definitely have to work harder. We have to do our best and give 110 percent even if we don’t win. For field hockey, we are coming off a strong year, but we have to come at it like it’s a whole new season now. Hopefully, the mindset comes over us of what it takes to go that far to the finals.”