Sophomore setter Erin Clark should have been on the radar of more Division-I programs when she was a prep superstar at Ruben S. Ayala High School in Chino Hills, Calif. She racked up accolades like crazy, becoming one of the most decorated volleyball players in her school's history, but a handful of schools were a bit late to the party.
 
Portland State was not one of them. The Vikings recognized Clark's talent early, so when they came calling, Clark listened.
 
"PSU was the first college to really reach out to me," Clark said. "I was looking to go out-of-state to play, but I didn't know where at first. The coaches here made me feel really welcome right from the start. They continued showing interest in me by communicating and coming to my games. Once I came up to campus, I fell in love with the school."
 
Portland State's strong interest in Clark was well founded. She was a four-year starter in high school, receiving all-conference first team and team MVP honors in each of her last three seasons. As a junior, she added conference MVP to the list, and garnered first team all-county honors.
 
In her senior campaign, Clark was named to the Under Armor High School All-American Watch List. At the end of her senior season, Clark became the first player in program history to have her number retired.
 
When Clark arrived at Portland State, she didn't miss a beat. She played in every set as a freshman, starting in 22 matches. She finished the season in the top 10 in the Big Sky in assists.
 
Clark, as one of four returning letterwinners, says she hasn't felt any added pressure being one of the more experienced players because the team is so tightly-knit.
 
FAST FACTS
Number: 14
Position: Setter
Nickname: "E.C."
Favorite food: "Brownies, for sure. Or sushi. Probably not together, though."
What is something most people don't know about you: "I was a gymnast for about five years. Then they told me I was too tall."
Major: Speech and Hearing Sciences
Career aspirations: To serve the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in some capacity.