Raider Spotlight: Huber Heights’ Clark leads by example

Wright State softball left fielder Angie Clark uses her speed to cover ground in the outfield, and continues to excel off the field.

From handing out water to autograph signings at various campus events, Clark and her teammates are involved with the WSU community. It was Clark’s own initiative that launched the team’s latest efforts to stay involved.

WSU head coach Lynn Curylo received a text from Clark relaying the story of 2015 Ms. Wheelchair Ohio, Jasmine Spradley, who is from WSU and looking for funds to compete in the Miss Wheelchair America pageant. As a result of this message, the team will now be part of the fundraising efforts.

“We are going to have Jasmine come out and throw the first pitch, and we are going to try to raise some funds to make this happen for her,” Curylo said.

Out of Huber Heights Wayne High School, Clark chose to play at Wright State since it was close to her home roots and it would allow her parents to travel to her games.

“Every home game, I have people in the stands from my family,” Clark said.

Clark and the other Wright State seniors divvy up the leadership roles with each other.

“I think right now, it would be to lead the outfield and make sure everyone knows what they’re doing and what their responsibilities are,” Clark said.

Clark is motivated by the players of the next generation that watch her make plays in the outfield and out of the box.

“I like to try to lead by example. I think doing that and knowing you’re a role model for younger players that are probably in the stands and watching,” Clark said, “whatever you do, they’re going to try to either do it or look up to it.”

Clark’s personality is a spark for the team that it will miss after she graduates, according to Curylo.

“I think that she always brings excitement, intensity and humor. She has the ability to lighten things up for us when we need it,” Curylo said.

In addition to staying connected in the community and on the field, Clark excels in the classroom, receiving National Fastpitch Coaches Association scholar honors with a 3.5 GPA. As a business management major, Clark hopes to start her own business one day. Though playing softball while keeping up with her studies can be a grind, it is still worth it in Clark’s eyes.

“Getting to be part of a family here is really worth it in the end,” Clark said.

For Clark, one of the more memorable games this season was a comeback victory against Valparaiso.

“It was the first game against them, and we came back and stole it in the sixth or seventh. Games like that I like to see from us because it’s a lot of fight,” Clark said. “We could have just laid down in the beginning.”

Clark was named Horizon League Player of the Week a week ago after going 8 for 14 with three doubles and nine RBIs. This honor is further evidence that Clark’s hard work on the field pays off, according to Curylo.

“It’s nice when the hard work actually pays off, and you get recognized for it. It’s great recognition for our program,” Curylo said.