In celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, we honor the remarkable women athletes who have paved the way for future generations of athletes and coaches. One such inspiring figure is Jordan Clark, head coach of the Florida Atlantic softball team. With her passion, resilience, and relentless drive for success, Clark stands as a powerful example of women in sports, both through her coaching achievements and playing career.

Clark’s journey to where she is today begun with a deep love for competition. From an early age, she was driven to be the best at everything she did, whether in school, on the softball field, or in any other area. She recalls always wanting to be the first to turn in her paper as a child, reflecting her natural desire to win. 

That drive was fueled by her father, Joe McEvoy, who understood the life-shaping power of sports, and she is deeply grateful for the values he instilled in her at such a young age. Raised in Arkansas, where softball was not as prominent, Clark’s passion for the game blossomed unexpectedly, starting on an all-boys tee-ball team at age five. Though she was a latecomer to fast-pitch softball, her fierce determination allowed her to catch up quickly to earnDivision I offers. She credits her father for shaping her into who she is today, with sports playing a central role in her development.

Clark’s path to collegiate softball was fraught with challenges. In the ninth grade, she was on track to receive the Division I offers she always wanted when a devastating ACL injury threatened to derail her dreams. Many of the opportunities she held vanished because of the injury, as coaches hesitated to take a chance on someone recovering from such a severe setback. But Clark’s determination and resilience were unshakable. With the unwavering support of her mother, Vicky McEvoy, she was encouraged to take a chance on Miami University (Ohio). She is so grateful for her mother pushing her because that was the best choice for her career, she later committed to Miami University in Ohio.”. 

“Miami stuck by me when no one else did, and that meant the world,” Clark says.

Her decision paid off for the Arkansas native and first-generation college graduate and Miami, as she went on to break multiple records, served as a two-year captain, and led the team to significant success. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief, even when others doubt you.

After college, Clark knew her passion for winning and inspiring others was not over. Her love for the game and desire to help others achieve greatness led her to coaching, starting at the University of Arkansas, where her drive to succeed was quickly recognized. She later moved to Ohio State University, gaining valuable experience from coaches who taught her that there are no limits to what you can achieve. Her determination to be the best pushed her to work tirelessly, eventually earning her the role of FAU’s head softball coach in 2022, where she took over the incredible legacy of the late Joan Joyce. In just two years, Clark led the team to the NCAA Regionals, proving her belief that coaching empowers athletes to grow both on and off the field. She thrives on watching her players gain confidence and reach those “aha” moments. No matter the work it takes, Clark is committed to making her players the best athletes and women they can be, showing them that no challenge is too great to overcome.

Her message to young girls is simple: “Persevere through challenges as they build resilience and confidence.” 

She encourages parents to support their daughters, emphasizing that sports help young women grow into strong, capable individuals. Clark believes in embracing the journey, celebrating wins, learning from losses, and overcoming failure. For her, sports are about more than winning; they are about building character, confidence, and qualities that can be applied in life and the world as women. She reminds athletes and coaches that the real rewards come from the experience sports provide in shaping individuals to achieve greatness.

On National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Jordan Clark‘s journey highlights the transformative power of sports. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and perseverance—values she now instills in her players, empowering them to excel on and off the field. 

Clark’s impact is not just in the records she set or the championships she has won but, in the confidence, strength, and leadership she cultivates in the next generation of women athletes. Through coaching, she teaches that success is not just about victories, it is about facing challenges with courage, embracing growth, and inspiring others. Clark’s journey proves that with confidence and a drive to succeed, women in sports can reach new heights. Her impact on the next generation of women athletes ensures a brighter future for women in sports.