Ryan Clark was introduced as Kalamazoo College’s head women’s basketball coach on August 29, 2023.
A 2011 graduate of Kalamazoo College, Clark returns to his alma mater with ten years of college coaching experience. Clark started as a graduate assistant with Central Michigan University’s men’s program for one season (2011-12) before becoming an assistant men’s coach at Alma College in 2012. After six years as an assistant, Clark was named the head women’s basketball coach at Alma in 2018. He transitioned to the head men’s basketball coach position in 2019 and led that program for three seasons.
“We are excited to welcome Ryan back home to Kalamazoo College,” said Becky Hall, director of athletics. “His experiences at Kalamazoo College and coaching within the MIAA stood out during an extremely competitive search process.”
As head women’s basketball coach at Alma, Clark coached the team to a 10-win turnaround and its best season since 2003-04 with a record of 15-12 (9-7 MIAA).
During his time as head coach, Clark oversaw all aspects of each program, including areas such as recruiting, fundraising, camp organization and alumni relations.
As an assistant with the men’s program at Alma, Clark helped lead the 2015-16 team to a 24-7 record, a No. 6 national ranking, the program’s first league tournament championship and first NCAA III Tournament appearance, culminating in a trip to the Final 8.
He also served Alma as an assistant strength and conditioning coach from 2016-18 and athletics camp liaison from 2018-22.
Clark graduated from Kalamazoo College in 2011 after playing basketball for the Hornets all four years. An All-MIAA Second Team selection as a junior and senior, Clark finished his career with 1,073 and 451 rebounds. His 178 career 3-pointers ranks third in school history. His 67 3-pointers in 2011 was a school record at the time, but is currently the third-highest in a season at K. A two-time MIAA Player of the Week, Clark also recorded four career double-doubles. He earned a master’s degree from Central Michigan University in 2013.
“I’m excited and thankful to have this opportunity to coach a great group of driven student-athletes,” Clark said. “The opportunity to do so at my alma mater is extra special. It was apparent that this team is a close-knit group that is passionate about Kalamazoo and determined to improve. Being a women’s basketball player at Kalamazoo College presents a unique mixture of high-academic opportunities with a highly competitive athletic experience. We will build our culture around those who exhibit high character, selflessness and a relentless work ethic.”
Coach Clark is planning to begin at K on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023.
https://hornets.kzoo.edu/sports/wbkb/2023-24/releases/20230829kosndz
Tagged with: D3 MIAA
