For senior midfielder Ryan Clark, it’s business as usual. Arriving to practice early and being the last one on the field is becoming a daily routine for the Hawks’ captain. A true workhorse, Clark has the hardware to show for it.
“He’s a traditional box-to-box midfielder who does a lot of things for the team,” said head coach Robert McCourt. “It’s a treat when you get kids that are so dedicated to their craft and are so coachable. He’s kind of like the heart and soul of this team.”
A three time All-NEC First Team selection, first team All- Region his sophomore and junior year and Big Apple Soccer Player of the Year last year; Clark now holds preseason All-America honors this year and was named to the Missouri Athletic Club’s Hermann Trophy Watch List last month.
“They are all really well deserved and I hope this can translate into a solid career after his Monmouth career is done,” said McCourt.Clark is a humble person and credits his teammates for the recognition he has gotten. One award or honor is no different than the next for Clark, who says they all come from hard work and getting team wins.
“I’m very serious about what I do, soccer is what I want to do with my future,” says Clark. “I basically dedicate all my time and focus on soccer.”
In the offseason, he is training all the time. Three times a day, whether it is cross fit training, soccer, weight room or yoga, Clark is getting ready for the upcoming season. Clark says yoga helps his endurance.
“I had a problem during my freshman and sophomore year; I used to get injured a lot,” explains Clark. “Once I started doing yoga, knock on wood, it’s been a lot better. People can make fun of me all they want, but I’ve seen the benefits from it.”
Once the season starts, it’s tough to get Clark off the field. He arrives first to practice every day, always does extra work, stays late and stretches; he leads by example. In McCourt’s eyes, Clark is a young professional already.
“He’s the guy that is the fittest on day one of preseason and one of the hardest working guys in practice every day,” says McCourt. “I think guys look at him and say, ‘Well if RC can be working this hard then we can certainly be working this hard.’”
This season, Clark has five points to date, tallying three assists and one goal. The goal came against Columbia in the fifth game of the season as Clark bent a corner kick into the net beyond the goalkeeper’s hands. It was Clark’s 13th career collegiate goal and also gave him the game winner in a 1-0 win.
“He’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever had,” said sophomore defenseman Matt Jeffery. “He’s always there supporting guys, pushing guys to become the best they can be and that’s what we want from our captain.”
Jeffery was a high school teammate of Clark’s at Freehold Township High. He sees more leadership qualities in Clark since their high school days. The way Clark carries himself and the encouragement and advice he gives his teammates, Jeffery says, makes the training environment that much better. Clark, meanwhile, credits coach McCourt.
“McCourt is probably the best coach I’ve ever had,” said Clark. “In terms of being there for me whenever I need things, helping me out, turning me into a better player. He’s coached at such a high level for such a long time that he’s taught me things I never even thought of. He always finds areas for me to improve on.”
The Hawks fell to Iona College on Saturday afternoon 3-1; Francois “Paco’ Navarro scored the lone goal for Monmouth. Their record now sits at 5-2-1 with conference games starting on Friday as they get ready to square off against Quinnipiac.
Although a win would have put the Hawks in a comfortable position, Clark still thinks heading into conference play, “the sky’s the limit.”
As much as a preseason All- American mention means, Clark would rather be recognized after the season for his play. In order for that to happen, the team must do well, and Clark puts the team first and foremost. He is excited about the possibility of continuing his soccer career after college, but is currently putting all his focus and attention to the remainder of this season.
“Basically, I’m just trying to lead our team to as many wins as possible,” says Clark. “I try to focus as much as possible prior to the game, get my mind right. I know time is short, I have like 15 games left to make something happen and leave my legacy on the field.”
The Hawks travel to Quinnipiac on Friday, September 28 for a 3:30 pm match.
PHOTO COURTESY of MU Photography
