TCU volleyball lands Arlington junior middle blocker

The TCU volleyball program improved its team starting in 2018 after landing Arlington junior Katie Clark, who announced her commitment to the school on Tuesday.

Clark is a 6-foot-3 middle blocker who was named 4-6A Blocker of the Year in 2015.

“I have been to the TCU campus several times in the last two years and each time I just got the feeling that it was the place I was supposed to be. The coaches are all so welcoming and very nice people and they are the coaches I want to be around,” Clark said. “I am very thankful for the opportunity to play for Jill Kramer and her staff. I think they are going to build a great program that will be successful for many years to come.”

“The campus is beautiful and the education that TCU will provide me with is second to none. The current players and the future players I have met are the best part about TCU. They all are so nice, but very focused and competitive. I love competition so being surrounded by teammates with the same attitude and focus is exciting.”

Last season, Clark dominated at the net with 571 kills through the regular season and 642 total. The Colts reached the regional quarterfinals for the fourth time in the past five years.

She had a .389 hitting percentage and 87 blocks. Clark was District Newcomer of the Year in 2014, and a two-time all state selection by the Texas Sports Writers Association, first team last year and third team her freshman year. She was also named to the Star Telegram volleyball super team.

“I am super excited to represent Arlington High School at TCU. Arlington volleyball has prepared me very well for the challenge and for that I am very thankful,” Clark said. “I know there have been other Arlington volleyball players at TCU before me, but I want to open the pipeline for future and upcoming Colts and Arlington ISD players there.”

Growing up a TCU fan and the proximity of the school helped in Clark’s decision.

“I wanted to stay close to home because I wanted my parents, brother, friends and family to be able to attend my games and I also wanted to have my grandparents there since they are a really big part of my life. The opportunity to play college volleyball this close where they can attend is a special opportunity,” she said. “I have always been a TCU fan since I was like eight. I wanted to go to TCU when I was little and play soccer, but now I play volleyball so it was such a dream come true to be able to go to the school I have always wanted to. I have followed TCU football and TCU baseball for the last several years and TCU's athletic program success has impressed me.”

Former Colleyville Heritage standout and two-time Star Telegram super team player of the year Anna Walsh transferred from Virginia and will join TCU for her sophomore year. In two years, Walsh and Clark should form a dynamic duo.

This story was originally published July 20, 2016 at 8:25 PM with the headline "TCU volleyball lands Arlington junior middle blocker."