The Elon volleyball team welcomed back a familiar face this season as Haylie Clark returned to campus. After graduating in 2022, Clark, who made her mark as a standout player at Elon from 2018 to 2022, has returned as an assistant coach.
Excited to bring her experience full circle, Clark remarked that she’s thrilled to be part of the team once more, this time off the court. As a student-athlete, she excelled under head coach Mary Tendler, earning honors like the 2021 CAA Setter of the Year and a place on the All-Coastal Athletic Association Second Team.
Her impressive stats included 349 kills, 879 digs, 142 blocks, and 113 aces, with her 2,838 assists ranking her fifth in Elon’s history. She even led the team to the CAA Tournament Championship game in 2021. Before returning to Elon, Clark honed her coaching skills at Bucknell University, focusing on offensive strategies.
Now, she’s back to bolster Elon’s volleyball legacy with her fresh perspective and coaching expertise.
The return of Haylie Clark to Elon as an assistant coach is a significant win for the volleyball team. Her career as an Elon player was marked by numerous achievements, including leading the team to the CAA Tournament Championship game in 2021 and earning a fifth-place record for assists in Elon’s history.
After graduating, Clark spent a year gaining valuable coaching experience at Bucknell University, which Tendler believes was invaluable for her growth. She described Clark as having a good mind for the game, making her an asset to the coaching staff.
Returning to Elon was a natural decision for Clark, driven by her love for the community and the supportive environment that helps student-athletes excel both on and off the court. Having played with several current team members, Clark found the transition to coaching smooth, given her established relationships with the players. Her ability to relate to the current players and understand what it’s like to be in their shoes is seen as a valuable asset in her coaching.
Coach Tendler appreciates the unique perspective Clark brings, emphasizing her competitive spirit and loyalty to the program. As they work to build the program, both Tendler and Clark are optimistic about the future of Elon volleyball. Tendler believes Clark’s background as a player at Elon makes her the perfect recruiter for new talent, as her passion for the university is palpable.
As they strategize for the upcoming season, much like a sportsbook analyzing teams for the best odds, they aim to harness these elements to foster successful results and sustainable growth in the volleyball program. Clark’s return symbolizes not just a homecoming but a fresh chapter in Elon Volleyball’s journey toward excellence.
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