Alumni Spotlight: Shanice Clark (Women's Basketball)
This week's Alumni Spotlight is Shanice Clark who played Women's Basketball from 2011-2013
Gainesville, FL
This week's Alumni Spotlight is Shanice Clark. Clark was a member of the Women's Basketball program at Santa Fe from 2011-2013. After her stint with the Saints, Clark signed with California University of Pennsylvania to continue her academic and playing career where she was in her second year before she tragically passed away in January of 2015. That year, California University of Pennsylvania won the DII National Championship in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and finished as the #1 team in the country with a 32-4 record.
At Santa Fe, Clark was a standout athlete for the Women's Basketball program, playing under former head coach and current Athletic Director Chanda Stebbins. In just two seasons, Clark made a significant impact on Santa Fe Women's Basketball, grabbing 123 offensive rebounds (27th all-time) and shooting .493 from the field (T-22nd all-time); helping the 2012-13 team to a 17-13 record and State Tournament Bid.
"Shanice impacted all of us" adds former coach Stebbins. "I always challenged our players during their recruiting visit by telling them my goal as I led them was to have a meaningful and valuable impact on them as people, students, and athletes. And I would tell them I know you have heard this before but if you come to Santa Fe and play for us, what makes us different is that we expect you to make a difference in our lives too. Shanice did just that! She made a difference in my life and her teammates lives and beyond. The fact that her teammates seek to honor her with the retirement of her jersey makes my heart melt."
Prior to COVID and starting in the spring of 2015, Santa Fe women's basketball distributes a Sunshine Award named after Shanice that is given yearly to honor the current player on the team who positively impacted her teammates by smiling and being a great friend.
When asked about the legacy of Shanice Clark, Clark was described as "A light—not just in my life, but in the lives of so many others" said former teammate Lydia Cuff. "I only wish more people had the chance to experience that light for themselves. That's why it means so much to us to carry her legacy forward in any way we can."
Clark's teammates wanted to commemorate and celebrate the legacy of Shanice this year for the 10th anniversary of her passing.
A special donation link can be found here to the Santa Fe College Foundation in honor of the Legacy of Shanice Clark, named the Shanice Clark #44 Legacy Fund.
"Her laugh and presence are something i'll never forget" added former teammate Cassandra Brown. "She had a way of lifting people up, and I'll always be grateful to have known her."