Player Feature: Lucy Clark

Lucy Clark poses for her Player Feature. Credit: Tom Arnison, Crystal Hunter, and Tyler Navas

Lucy Clark, goalkeeper for Edgewater Castle FC’s Women’s First Team, has been the brick wall that keeps the team strong in her first ever season playing with the Rooks. In this part of the Player Feature series, Clark reflects on her journey from England to the US, the importance of her education, and how she already feels at home with ECFC. 

What’s your earliest memory of playing soccer, and when did you realize you wanted to play it in your adult life?

“My earliest memory is probably when I was about five years old, I played for a boys [soccer] team. I think I only played [with the boys team] for a year, then went to a girls team, and then went into the academy system in England. Probably when I was 16 years old, I realized I wanted to go a bit further with [playing soccer], so I started looking into the states and trying to get a scholarship. Probably around that time, I committed to go play college soccer. I played soccer at Lewis [University].”

What was the biggest challenge you faced on your journey to becoming a semi-professional soccer player?

“Probably injuries. I hadn’t played since college. After college, my body was completely done [from playing]. The past three years I found the love of the game again, playing wise. I’ve been coaching [soccer] since I stopped playing, so this is the first big time I started playing again. Just getting mentally and physically ready again [has been a challenge]. Overcoming fears of being out of [the game] for a long time and still being able to perform at a high level.”

Who has been the most influential coach or mentor in your career?

“Playing wise, probably my coaches in England at Reading. They were just so technically and tactically ahead of their time. Those were probably the most influential coaches playing wise. Mentorships, Emma [Woodley] is actually my boss. I was her TA for the last two years, so she’s been a really good mentor for me in the coaching aspect. That’s kind of how Edgewater came together this year.”

Is there a moment in your career you’re most proud of?

“Getting my scholarship to come out here [to the states]. Also, getting a GA, the placement was good too because I got my masters for free out here as well.”

What does your typical day look like during the season vs. during the offseason?

“This would be a very different answer from last year, because I just graduated. Right now [during the season], I’ve just been coaching. While I’m not playing, I’m either coaching or as of right now just enjoying some downtime for the first time in forever. When it’s out of season, I’ll be back with North Park [University] coaching and then club coaching as well. So, a lot of soccer!”

 How do you handle pressure or nerves before big games?

“To be honest, I quite like pressure. I just have to remind myself that I’ve done it before and visualize [what I need to do]. Use my confidence to know I can do something because I’ve already done it before. Reflecting back on my own playing history and going from there.”

If you weren’t playing soccer semi-professionally, what do you think you’d be doing instead?

“Probably coaching still. I can’t seem to escape the sport. Some aspect of soccer or traveling.”

Why did you join ECFC?  

“Originally, I was never supposed to [join ECFC]. I was just going to come and help them out for preseason, but as I started playing, it got fun again. I basically got roped into staying for the summer. Normally, I go coach on the East Coast every summer at kids camps, so this will be my first summer not doing that. Basically, I just got roped into it from Emma and Andrew [Swanson]. Some of my old teammates as well, Courtney [Sengstok], Cam [Sengstok], and Julia [Barenbaum], persuaded me a little bit as well. I really had no choice!”

What has been your favorite memory with the team?

“Honestly, just playing in the games so far. My favorite memory has still yet to come, hopefully. It’s been really fun just playing in competitive 11v11s again and practicing with a team. Having that teammate and team vibe back.”

What is your favorite pregame song?

“‘Run This Town’ by Rihanna[, Jay-Z, and Kanye West]. Or I quite like ‘Ready or Not’ by Lauren Hill on the Fugees, that’s a good one as well.”

Who’s your favorite soccer player?

“Growing up, as a kid, it was Michael Owen. But now, I would say Mary Earps as a goalkeeper.”

What’s your favorite pregame meal?

“Anything as long as there’s coffee. I don’t really have one, whatever I’m eating that day.”

What advice would you give to young players who want to continue playing soccer in their adult life?

“Don’t give up. There’s ways to regain your love for the sport, even if it isn’t through playing. Especially since the game is growing. There’s more and more opportunities for younger girls, I’ve seen the sport grow so much since I was a kid. I would say for them to stay involved, no matter how big the capacity is. Eventually, that love will come back.”