University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) men’s tennis athlete Sam Clarke has been selected as the Male Spotlight Athlete of the Month for the month of April.
Clarke was selected to the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) all-conference team, becoming the first player in program history to do so. The junior from Kendall, England was also named the program’s first-ever GLVC Player of the Week on March 13.
Clarke finished 18-8 in singles, going 6-1 in tournaments, 4-1 in No. 1 singles, 5-3 in No. 2 singles and 3-3 in No. 3 singles.
Tommy Martinez and Clarke are ranked No. 29 in the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) NCAA Division II doubles rankings. They put together a 15-8 record, compiling a 4-2 record in tournaments and an 11-6 record in No. 1 doubles. The pair reached the semifinals in the ‘A’ flight of the ITA Midwest Region doubles tournament. They closed out the fall ranked No. 3 in the ITA Midwest Region doubles rankings.
Among UIS career leaders, Clarke is tied for first in singles wins (51), ranks second in doubles wins (44) and ranks second in overall wins (95).
The Prairie Stars went 9-10 on the season with a 1-4 record in GLVC play.
GETTING TO KNOW SAM CLARKE
What is your favorite pizza topping?
Pineapple, all day. It just works.
What is your favorite season?
I think Summer, but I am staying out in the States this year and I might melt.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Zendaya, if you’re reading this…call me.
If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?
Dog, every day. When I graduate, I am getting myself a black Lab called Lola, sorry mum.
Other than the sport you play, what is your favorite sport?
I love watching rugby when England is playing. It is like American football…but a lot better.
Name the most surprising/embarrassing song in your musical library?
The opening song to Cool Runnings, “Rise above it,” is my favourite song, and my morning alarm. Yes that’s “favourite” spelt with a ‘u.’
What is your favorite quote?
“Go big or go home.”
What is your lucky number?
4. Or 16. Because 4x4=16. Quick math.
Who on the team is the best trash-talker?
Oscar Toro loves to chirp at any feisty opponents. “Sit down and act your age,” is a personal favourite.
What is your major and minor?
Business Administration major and Marketing minor.
Who is your inspiration?
My team is my inspiration. Whenever I need a little extra motivation to get out of bed in the morning for workouts, or run that last lap in conditioning hard, the thought of that winning feeling when we get a good team win is my inspiration.
What is your favorite memory at UIS?
So many! I would say getting a win at No. 1 doubles with Tommy Martinez against West Florida, who at the time was ranked No. 1 in the nation as a team. I had goosebumps as we served out the last game.
List a little-known, but amazing fact about yourself.
On a good day, I can do the splits on court.
Why did you choose UIS?
I loved the look of the campus, and coach really seemed to be on a mission for a national championship. I wanted to join that kind of ambitious program where I could really help make a difference. Coming from the U.K., it was more about having a good relationship with the coach.
What is your favorite class?
I really like my business leadership class with Professor Sharma. It helps me to understand how to lead my team better, and I love the international approach he brings to the class. #TeamVisa
Who is your favorite professor?
Jorge Villegas from the business department is awesome! His lectures are always interesting, and classes are a bit different. He really helps us out as athletes a lot, as well as being a really funny guy.
