Clark offers a spirited and rigorous Division III volleyball program. The Cougars compete in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC), which is the strongest volleyball conference in the region. Head coach Mickey Cahoon will begin his thrid year at the helm of the Cougar squad. His coaching philosophy consists of practice sessions that include a disciplined work ethic, an enthusiastic approach toward learning and most importantly, committed teamwork. In doing so, the Cougars are prepared for a 25-30 match slate against some of the top Division III schools in New England.
In the spring, players participate in an off-season strength-training program and a five-week nontraditional season. The past four of five nontraditional seasons, Clark has played in the Cathy D’Apice Memorial Tournament to raise funds for breast cancer. In 2005, Clark raised the most money by a single team in the history of the tournament.
Members of the volleyball team share their enthusiasm for the sport, serving as mentors and teaching volleyball fundamentals to young girls. In 2001, the team received the Community Partnership Award from Girls, Inc., a prominent national organization that encourages girls to be “strong, smart and bold.” Other team community involvement has included the “Big Brothers, Big Sisters” program, as well as hosting volleyball clinics in the Dolan Field House for both novice and experienced local middle- and high-school students.
On the court, in the community and in the classroom – this team shines. The Cougars were one of 43 NCAA Division III teams that received the 2005 American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award, which honors teams who achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher. The Cougars were also honored with this award in 2003 and 2002. In 2002, the Cougars ranked fifth out of 32 award recipients with a notable 3.52 team GPA.