Kris Clark

It doesn't seem that long ago when he was kicking soccer balls at SHS, Kris Clark is now a starting mid-fielder and forward for the Number Two nationally-ranked Creighton University Bluejays, breaking into a line-up dominated by projected All-Americans, and future professional soccer players.

Like most kids, Kris started soccer with neighborhood sports groups. His first exposure to the sport was the 'Kidz Love Soccer' program at the age of four. And as most would do, he progressed through AYSO to CYSA before finally committing to a club team when he discovered that he possessed both the passion and talent, and the discipline to train hard, to be a notable player.

As much as he was committed to soccer growing up, Kris showed a wide spectrum of interests during his years in Redwood Middle School. He took advantage of the sports curriculum offered by joining the baseball team, playing basketball, doing cross-country and track; even wrestling and ice-hockey were part of his earlier-years athletic portfolio.

Kris always knew he wanted to play in college; he just didn't realize that he would end up playing for one of the best teams in the country. The vision of collegiate soccer gave him the focus to constantly keep his standards high. Kris still fondly remembers playing Los Gatos in his junior year and winning the league to make the first round of CCS. These moments continue to stand out in his mind because to him they were solid proof that the team was becoming competitive every year and that was important to him.

For the 4-5 months that Kris has been with Creighton, he hasn't found playing in college too different than what he had expected, although it is a much bigger commitment in time and effort. For SHS athletes thinking about playing in college, Kris says, "Be confident in yourself. You know that you can compete; you just have to keep your head up no matter how you are playing at the time. Whatever sport it is, just be confident and do it with authority. You can't get down on yourself."

Kris’ decision to go to Creighton was largely influenced by Brett Rodriguez, a former San Jose Earthquakes player and SHS soccer coach at the time. Brett himself went to Creighton, but that aside, he recommended the school for its strong Graphic Design Program as well as its soccer coach – Bob Warming - one of the best in the nation. As Kris’ mentor and coach, Brett campaigned hard for Kris; in Kris’ recommendation letter he wrote, "Kris is by far the most success-driven player I have seen and he is only a junior. His work ethic is unparalleled in Northern California. We have never seen a player run forever and produce like Kris does. He has the heart of a lion and never gets down on himself. He is extremely humble, but plays with so much confidence for his age. He is a great leader and has so much potential.”