Hall of Fame
Elyse Darefsky '79 was a three-sport athlete who made significant contributions to Clark's basketball, softball, and volleyball programs. She was a member of Clark's first volleyball team as a sophomore in 1976. As a three-year player and two-year team captain, she helped lead the Cougars to the Massachusetts Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (MAIAW) State Tournament in 1977. As a four-year basketball player and a team co-captain her senior year, Darefsky was a leading member of the Cougars' MAIAW State Championships in 1977 and 1979.
In the spring, she was part of the first Clark softball team to advance to post-season play, advancing to the MAIAW Tournament. As a senior she finished with a .450 batting average, while leading the team in triples and home runs. For her accomplishments, Darefsky received the 1979 Hazel M. Hughes Trophy, presented to the senior female who has made a significant contributions to the intercollegiate athletic program and whose dedication and performance have enriched the tradition of Clark Athletics.
After graduating, Darefsky returned to Clark as volleyball head coach from 1980-1986. She posted an impressive 165-87 (.655) coaching record in seven seasons at the helm of the program. During that time, Clark was consistently ranked among the top 10 schools in the New England region. The Cougars were selected for the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) post-season tournament in 1982, and were ranked fifth overall. Clark reached ECAC championship games in 1984 and 1986, finishing as runner-up both years. Darefsky's squads also played into the MAIAW State Finals four straight years (1983-1986), winning the championship in 1984 and 1985. The 1983 team set a school record for season wins, finishing with a 32-7 (.821) mark.
PRESENTER:
Barbara Stevens (former Clark Women's Basketball Head Coach)
