Track Capital #NewHogs Summer Series: Devin Clark

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Originally destined to be a soccer star, Arkansas incoming freshman Devin Clark discovered whilst playing the sport that what she loved most about it was her freedom to run in the open field.

Clark began playing soccer at an early age and continued to grow in the sport throughout her adolescence. She eventually crossed over to cross country during her pre-teen years and from there the future distance standout began the early phases of her development.

“My love of running actually began with soccer,” said Clark. “I played soccer since I was five and I didn’t realize that it was actually the running aspect that I enjoyed the most. I then joined the middle school cross country team and with the help of a dedicated coach and a great team, I fell in love with the sport and how it made me feel about myself.”

By her freshman year of high school the Spring Branch native became one of the top distance runners in the state of Texas medaling at both the cross country (third) and track and field championships (third at both 1600 and 3200 meters).

Clark continued her progression and as she matured in the sport she began to receive attention for her times gaining entry to prestigious meets such as the Nike Cross Country Nationals, Foot Locker Nationals and the Brooks PR Invitational.

During her senior season of cross country Clark improved one spot from her 2013 rank to claim the top spot in the state with her 5K PR of 16:40.57. She followed her fall with a successful spring which saw her emerge as one the nation’s 10 best runners at 1600 and 3200 meters.

Clark credits her progress to the nurturing of her coach and teammates who took her in and assisted her in understanding the sport when she first pursued cross country. During her visit to Arkansas Clark experienced the same warmth from the coaches and staff making her decision to become a Razorback an easy one.

“I chose the University of Arkansas because I felt so at home on my visit,” said Clark. “The second I arrived I felt I was in a family like atmosphere and everyone was so welcoming. Overall I just felt like this was definitely a place I could see myself growing as a runner and a person.”

Excited for the 2015 cross country season to get underway, Clark hopes to kick off her freshman year as a major contributor to the program.

Devin Clark At-A-Glance
Hometown: Spring Branch, Texas
High School: Smithson Valley High School

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