Junior center Clara Strack is a force to be reckoned with on the court, consistently drawing double coverage from opponents. Her physical play is a hallmark of her game, and she’s no stranger to hitting the floor multiple times each contest. But don’t let that fool you-Strack, last year’s SEC Defensive Player of the Year, can dish it out just as well as she takes it.
“I think I have always had that instinct in me. I don’t really back down from things.
That’s not in my nature,” Strack explained. “I am not going to go in swinging, but if somebody does that first, I am not gonna back down from that.
That’s not me.”
Strack's resilience is evident as she logs significant minutes on the court, averaging 31 per game. It's not uncommon to see her play 35 or more in crucial matchups, provided she stays out of foul trouble. Her endurance is a testament to her mental toughness.
“I honestly think that a lot of that is mental. Obviously, we do all the prep work at the beginning of the season, but then once you get to the season, and once you get through all this stuff, I think it ends up just being a mindset,” Strack said.
“If I don’t tell myself I’m tired, then I’m not tired. I can push through anything.”
She emphasizes the importance of balance, acknowledging that rest is crucial to maintain her performance. “When a game is on the line and there’s adrenaline going through my body, I don’t really feel it.
But then another big thing is just resting when you can. You can’t keep doing it every night with no rest.
I think remembering to have a good balance is important.”
As Strack heads into today’s game at Vanderbilt, she stands on the brink of breaking her own single-season school record for blocks. With 71 blocks this season, she’s just three shy of surpassing her previous mark set as a sophomore. This achievement would make her the only player in program history with two seasons of 70 or more blocks.
Her stats are nothing short of impressive: averaging 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.62 blocks, 1.96 assists, and 1.3 steals per game over 27 starts. Leading the league in rebounds and ranking 15th nationally, her 2.62 blocks per game are second in the league and third nationwide. With 13 double-doubles this season, she’s ranked 15th in the country.
Clara Strack continues to elevate her game, blending tenacity and skill, making her a standout performer and a pivotal player to watch.