Freshman midfielder Melissa Clarke is in her first season with the LSU women’s soccer team and is a player who head coach Brian Lee says has the ability to “make an immediate impact on the program.” Clarke graduated from Norcross High School in Norcross, Ga., with a 4.0 GPA and was named a Soccer Buzz Top 50 Recruit in 2005.
She has earned numerous awards, including the honor of being a U.S. Youth All-American in 2004 and a member of the U16 U.S. National Team the last two years. Clarke hopes to lead the LSU soccer program to the top of the SEC and the nation in her time in Baton Rouge. The entries in this diary are meant to chronicle Clarke’s experiences in her first season as a Division I student-athlete.
There are only eight teams still standing, and it’s showtime. The LSU Tigers have made it to the SEC Tournament! It came down to the final game, and the only option we had was to win our last game of the season and we did. The 4-3 win over Arkansas has gotten us to the first game of the tournament. Here, only the strongest survive. We stood our ground during the Arkansas game, scoring four great goals in the second half. Hopefully, we can match the same commitment and intensity and bring it to this game.
In the first game of the tournament we open with Tennessee, which sits atop of the SEC. But soccer is a funny sport. Just because you have the best record, doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily advance, or even make it out of the first round. As of this Thursday we start with a clean slate. Anything can happen.
On Wednesday there was a dinner for the eight teams. It was a dressy affair — girls changed out of their strict shorts and t-shirt attire into glamorous and at some glances, unrecognizable beauties. It was fun to see a few of the girls I played with in the past all gathered together knowing that each of us have taken different routes and all meeting in this tournament.
After we finished eating, the awards were presented. First, was the SEC All-Freshman Team. I was astonished to hear my name called in the group. After I had received my flowers and was on my way back to my table, I was caught off-guard as I heard my name called as one of the members of the Second-Team All-SEC. That was awesome and the only thing I could do was smile. Accomplishing that gave me a great feeling. It kind of gave me a feeling of where I stand with the other players. I realize how big of a margin there is between players in the SEC and what I can accomplish.
It’s a humbling experience to see that nothing separated this team from being one of the four teams not in the tournament. What we’ve accomplished is what could have been for those teams. I couldn’t be more proud of us that we’ve made it this far, but there is something great beyond this point. In being here, we are making strides to becoming a great team and program. I say since we’ve made it this far, let’s go even further.
(Special thanks to: God because all great things come from Him. My parents, I wish you could be here! My coaches, thank you for everything. And special thanks to my teammates. You truly don’t know how much I value your support.)