Student Athlete of the Month 2008-2009
The Student Athlete of the Month program
recognizes both the academic and athletic achievements of Clark's
student athletes. Two recipients are selected each month by a committee
that includes Clark College coaches, athletic department personnel,
fellow students, and members of the community. 
Student Athletes for the Month of May 2009
Brittanie WilliamsSophomore, Track & Field
The beautiful month of May seemed to be the culmination of Brittanie Williams' athletic efforts. All the unanswered hard work that she put in for two consecutive seasons finally paid off in a big way. At the NWAACC Championships, Brittanie ran lifetime bests in the 100-meter hurdles and the 400-meter hurdles, the latter of which was good for NWAACC All-American honors. She also took part of Clark's 4x100- and 4x400-meter relays. Brittanie practiced day-in and day-out with an unrivaled determination. From her first day on the track to her last, she has seen remarkable progress. She has unquestionably earned every ounce of her success. Even more impressive than her accomplishments in athletics are her accomplishments in academics. While competing and training throughout the season, Brittanie earned a 3.97 GPA. She has also garnered several scholarships outside the realm of track and field.
Freshman, Softball
Valerie is making a great adjustment both academically and athletically, especially coming from the small 2B school of Toutle Lake. After earning a 3.7 GPA in fall term, Valerie has maintained well above a 3.0 GPA and was outstanding on the softball field. She finished the season as the leadoff batter, and lead the team with a .394 batting average. In the middle of the season, she set a program record with an 18-game hit streak during which she was hitting over .450. As the season progressed, Valerie became very adept at reading the defense and knowing where to place the ball. And, she made some outstanding plays in the outfield.
Student Athletes for the Month of April 2009
Lacey FranklinFreshman, Softball
Lacey had an outstanding month of April: in 25 games she hit .362 with four home runs, three doubles, and 16 RBIs. Besides her outstanding offense, Lacy was also a stalwart on defense playing both third base and catcher where she excelled as the defensive team leader by both calling pitches and keeping the team focused on defense. She is not only a great player and teammate, but Lacey is also solid in the classroom. In her "spare" time away from softball and school, she works. We continue to look for great things from Lacey as the season winds down and we prepare for next season.
Freshman, Track & Field
Brittany has made a huge impact on the Clark College track team. She is leading the NWAACC in both the 800 meters and the 1500 meters. Her 800 meter time is less than two seconds off the Clark College record. Despite fighting injury, Brittany continues to improve on the track and is the favorite to win both the 800 meters and 1500 meters at the NWAACC Track and Field Championships. In the classroom, Brittany maintains a 3.93 grade point average. Her combination of athletic strength and academic talent make her one of the best student athletes Clark has ever seen. We are very fortunate to have Brittany represent Clark.
Student Athletes for the Month of March 2009
Stormi GrendahlFreshman, Softball
Stormi is a hard working player on a team of hard workers. In the first month of the season, Stormi is on a tear hitting .457 with eight doubles, 12 RBIs and one home run, while being hot at the plate. Stormi is also an anchor in an outfield that has the best athletes it has had in four years of the program. While Stormi is a hard worker in the classroom as well as on the field, she also knows when to have fun and is always smiling and keeping her teammates relaxed.
Freshman, Track & Field
Shane Weldon, a freshman, ran Clark College's third fastest ever 10,000 meter run. It was his first time ever running the event. He ran it in 32:00.18, placing 6th overall among 31 four-year university competitors. Along with his athletic accomplishments, Weldon earned a 4.0 GPA for the winter quarter at Clark. His 2009 season goals are to become Clark College's 5,000 and 10,000 meter school record holder. The way Weldon season is going, his coaches believe these goals are definitely within his reach.
Student Athletes for the Month of February 2009
Mandy WahlSophomore, Women's Basketball
Mandy is a graduate of Kalama High School. She was instrumental in helping Clark recover from a slow start to just losing in overtimes to Lower Columbia, which would have put Clark in the NWAACC finals. She was selected to the Second All Western Regional Team. Mandy is a sophomore with a GPA above 3.0; she plans to finish her educational and basketball goals at a four-year institution.4970 SW Griffith Drive #100
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Freshman, Men's Basketball
Derek came to Clark from Columbia River High School. He is an excellent student and role model. Through his efforts, Clark finished with an 18-11 record and third place in the Western Region. Derek, who is a freshman, was named to the First All Western Regional Team.
Student Athletes for the Month of January 2009
Michelle MarthiniFreshman, Women's Basketball
Michelle comes from Soap Lake, Washington. She earned a 3.5 GPA for fall quarter. In the month of December she had double digits in rebounds and points during two different games.
Sophomore, Men's Basketball
Garrick has been a tremendous leader while serving as the sophomore team captain. A guard who can play all three perimeter positions with ease, Garrick's commitment to the success of the team is beyond commendable. Working on the balance between being a father to his son, Isiah, and a basketball player at Clark - while earning a 3.0 GPA this past fall - is a positive measure of his focus and willingness to commit the kind of work required to be successful.
Student Athletes for the Month of December 2008
Jessica CrawleyFreshman, Women's Basketball
Jessica hails from Australia, where she played club ball. Called "Aussie" by her teammates, Jessica has been a great addition to the program and earned a 3.90 GPA for fall quarter.
Freshman, Men's Basketball
Majoring in business management, Grant posted a 4.0 GPA for fall quarter. Often playing out of position, and guarding players four to eight inches taller, Grant was playing about 18 minutes a game early in the season, contributing significantly at both ends. Against Mt. Hood, Grant hit a three-point shot in the last 1.6 seconds, lifting the Penguins to a 64 to 61 victory on the Saints' home court. Quiet by nature, he lets commitment to team success and his personal effort to follow through on whatever task he is assigned speak loudly as an example to others.
Student Athletes for the Month of November 2008
Chelsae LeasureSophomore, Women's Volleyball
Chelsae has been an exemplary student athlete during her two seasons with the volleyball program. She is a self motivator in the classroom and on the court. Chelsae served as a role model for those looking to see how to be successful in the classroom and in sport. Chelsae will graduate on schedule and hopes to continue playing volleyball at a four-year college. She is currently in contact with several schools that are evaluating her athletic and academic abilities. We will miss her and wish her luck in the future.
Sophomore, Men's Soccer
Marc is in his second year playing for the Penguin's soccer team. In the two years, he has solidified the defense with his consistent play at left back. Marc can be counted on to play at an extremely high level every game and as he has yet to miss a start this year. Marc is also a potent offensive weapon. Tasked with taking all corner kicks as well as set pieces, Marc has scored one goal and has three assists on the season heading into the playoffs, Marc will be expected to use his experience and leadership to lead our team back into the championship game. Marc has plenty of offers to go play at a four-year school next year. Marc is truly a student athlete with a 3.3 GPA.
Student Athletes for the Month of October 2008
Jenna Rae SittonWomen's Volleyball
Jenna Rae has proven to be an integral part of the success the women's volleyball team has enjoyed this season. Her work ethic on and off the court is one that should be applauded and duplicated. Besides participating in collegiate athletics, her time is split between her class load of nearly 20 credit hours and a part-time job. She manages her time very efficiently and puts equal effort into all of her efforts. She is the atypical college student; able to discard the distractions and focus with intensity in each facet of her life. She understands and prioritizes properly and is a model of efficiency.
Freshman, Cross Country
Matt is a member of the Clark Men's Cross Country Team. He's a 2008 graduate of Skyview High School. At Skyview he ran track and cross country while maintaining a 3.4 GPA. He was also voted MVP and team captain, both his junior and senior years, in both sports. He was the Greater St. Helen's League District Champion in the 3200 meters his senior year. While only a freshman at Clark, Matt has already established himself as one of the top distance runners in the NWAACC. He won the Southern Regional Championships meet and is a favorite for earning All-American status at the NWAACC Championship meet in November.
Special Thanks to our Student Athlete of the Month Sponsor
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