Emily Clark has always been blessed with well above-average height, a clear-cut advantage in the sport of volleyball. As for the remaining skill-set needed to round out her game, that would take time and hard work.

The 16 year-old student in grade 11 at Lasalle Secondary just completed her second season with the Northern Chill, suiting up with coach Craig Thomson and the U17 team last year.

With a background in both swimming and soccer, Clark has come a long way in a short period of time. "In my first year, everyone was really, really good compared to me," Clark said.

"I was really initimidated. It started the change about halfway through the season." As is generally the case, confidence grows in tandem with the development of an athlete's basic ability in a sport and Clark was no different.

"I had to work on my passing a lot, I wasn't really good at it," she said. "I'm a lot better now. I'm much better at staying low and keeping a good platform." Even basic fundamentals required some work for the graduate of Carl Nesbitt Public School.

"We had to do overhand serving (with the Chill), instead of underhand," Clark explained. "It was tough at first, but now not so much. I have to focus on my toss - it has to be right in front of you and the perfect height."

A middle by virtue of her height in grade nine and below, Clark made the transition to right-side with the club, a move that she has gratefully accepted. "They needed a big block to block the powers. It was a lot easier for me," she acknowledged.

"As a middle, you have to go everywhere for blocking. At right side, I can just concentrate on their power." While this is sure to change, the 6'1" Sudbury native admitted that she has yet to face a taller left-side opposite the net than her, whether she be competing with the Lasalle Lancers or the Northern Chill.

Rewarded for her efforts at the year-end banquet, the recipient of both the "Coach's Award" as well as the "Fitness Award", Clark knows that there is still plenty of work that lie ahead.

"My defense can improve," she said. "Diving and getting on to the floor, getting all the balls. I'm not as aggressive as I need to be." As good a blocker as she is, Clark is still looking to fine-tune her skills.

"I have to move my right hand in to the court more. I have to make sure I'm positioned correctly to make sure I get the block."
 

Emily Clark
Chill U-17 Girls

"As a middle, you have to go everywhere for blocking. At right side, I can just concentrate on their power."