Women’s basketball on the rise The arrow is pointing up for the Clark women’s basketball team. Two years ago, they were 5-20 and missed out on the conference tournament for the first time in program history. 2010-11 was a step in the right direction, as the Cougars enjoyed an influx of talent in the Class of 2014 that helped them return the program to one of the best in New England. The Cougars made a postseason appearance in the ECAC Tournament, won the most games (12) in league play in program history, finished third in the conference, hosted a home playoff contest and won 16 total games — their most since 2005-06, when most of the current team was still in middle school. Led by sophomores Ashleigh Condon, Megan Grondin and Emily Reilly, Clark has one of the best scoring threesomes in the nation. Condon, who became Clark’s first first-team
all-conference selection since 2007-08, finished the season fifth in the conference in scoring (13.1), second in assists (4.1) and first in free throw percentage (86.2). Reilly, meanwhile, was named to the all-conference second team, giving the Cougars their first pair of all-conference performers in the same season since 2005-06. She was fourth in the conference in scoring (14.3) and fifth in three-point percentage (32.9). The unbelievably consistent Reilly has started all 53 games in her career and has been in double figures 47 times. Grondin, however, might have had the best season of the three. She raised her scoring average by nearly four points a game, finished second in the league in field goal percentage (50.0), shot better than 82 percent from the free throw line and scored 20 points or more in three consecutive contests. A great deal of credit for the Cougars’ success
ASHLEIGH CONDON
goes to the individual student-athletes, but head coach Pat Glispin, who has amassed 478 wins, certainly deserves kudos, too. Under Glispin’s watch, Clark has been to the NCAA Tournament seven times and won three ECAC championships. But it was seven seasons between postseason appearances. With the way the arrow is pointing, it definitely won’t take that long for the next one.
O’Toole named men’s soccer coach “Coach O’Toole displayed solid leadership skills on the field in his time as a [Providence College] Friar. I have no doubt that the intangibles that he displayed as a player will translate into success. Clark University is fortunate to have him as their head coach.” – Chaka Daley, Head Coach, University of Michigan
spring 2012
the Eircom Premier League of Ireland. It’s hard not to think Clark got its man when you look at O’Toole’s resume. He has had his hands on some of the most successful teams in New England over the last decade and knows what it takes to build a champion. “Hiring Matt was an absolute slam dunk,” says Sean Sullivan, director of athletics and recreation. “He’s so incredibly well prepared and has an affinity for the scholar-athlete and a vision to help Clark reach the upper echelon of NEWMAC play.” Here is what the soccer world is saying about Matt O’Toole: “I am excited to have Matt coaching in our league. He is very professional and will have Clark very organized and prepared to play. As a friend and peer I am very happy to have him back in New England where he and his family have always wanted to be.” – Matt Cushing, Head Coach, Wheaton College “I couldn’t be happier for Matt, or prouder. He was such a big part of our success last fall and will be missed. Matt is the perfect example of a coach who will not only do great things on the field, but off of it as well.” – Justin Serpone, Head Coach, Amherst College
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MATT O’TOOLE
clark alumni magazine
Matt O’Toole, an assistant at one of the most successful programs in the country, and with extensive ties to New England, has been tabbed as the new head men’s soccer coach. O’Toole brings with him an impressive resume of accomplishments and accolades and was most recently an assistant coach at Amherst College, the nation’s 10th ranked Division III program in 2011. Thanks in part to his tutelage, the 2011 Lord Jeffs led the New England Small College Athletic Conference in 14 different statistical categories, including all eight offensive rankings — news that should bode well for future Clark soccer teams. O’Toole got his start at league rival Wheaton where he helped guide the Lyons to a NEWMAC regular season (2002) and conference tournament title (2003) in his two seasons. Wheaton, compiled a 34-8-2 overall record during his stay and advanced to the NCAA Final Four in 2003 — a season in which they won 19 games. Following a stellar four-year career at Providence College that saw him start 64 of 65 games and earn All-New England honors, O’Toole was invited to train with three different Major League Soccer clubs, as well as with Bohemians FC of