In the aftermath of a tough game against Texas, there’s a silver lining for fans as Kenny Brooks confirmed that Clara Strack will return for her senior year. Strack, already re-signed for next season, is a key player for the team.
Brooks was quick to highlight Strack’s impressive credentials, noting that she’s an All-American center and one of five finalists for the prestigious Lisa Leslie Award, which honors the nation’s top center. What makes Strack stand out is that she’s the only junior among the finalists, with the rest being seniors. Brooks emphasized, “she’s coming back and she’s coming back to us.”
This season, Strack, standing tall at 6-foot-5, delivered stellar performances, averaging 16.9 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, 1.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. Her efforts earned her a spot on the All-SEC First Team and the SEC All-Defensive Team. Additionally, she was recognized as an All-American Honorable Mention by both the USBWA and AP.
In the game against Texas, Strack contributed 16 points and five rebounds, showcasing her range by hitting 2-4 from beyond the arc. Her performances in the tournament were equally impressive, with 10 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and two steals against James Madison, followed by 18 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks at West Virginia.
As we look ahead to next season, Strack is poised to be one of the top players in the country, regardless of position. Securing her return was crucial for Brooks, and it’s clear he succeeded in doing just that.