Hall of Fame
One of the finest field hockey players in Clark history, goalkeeper Jenifer West completed an outstanding career as one of the top all-time goalies in NCAA Division III history. From 1990-1993, she helped establish the Cougar field hockey program as one of the best in New England. Anchored by the two-time regional All-America performer, Clark advanced to post-season play in all four of her seasons.
As a freshman in 1990, West had an immediate impact on the Clark field hockey program, breaking school records for season shutouts (12.5) and goals-against average (0.44) as the team went 14-3-1. The 1991 season was one for the ages for Clark and West. She helped lead Clark to a 12-2-3 season overall as the team was ranked number one in New England throughout the season and earned the school’s first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. West earned a remarkable 14 shutouts in 17 games and yielded just three goals all season. Her 0.17 goals-against average still ranks second in NCAA Division III.
West closed out her career with a 47-18-8 career record as she started all 73 career games. Her 44.5 shutouts was a New England Division III record and ranked her fifth among all NCAA goalies (all divisions) in career shutouts. She currently is ranked seventh all-time in NCAA Division III history. West also graduated with New England Division III records for career save percentage (.909), career goals-against average (0.68), season save percentage (.966 in 1991), season goals-against average (0.17 in 1991), and season fewest goals allowed (3 in 17 games, 1991). The 1993 team captain is one of only four Clark student-athletes to be featured in Sports Illustrated’s Faces In The Crowd. All but one of her school records still stands today.
An exceptional student-athlete, West received Clark’s Alice Higgins Award as the Athletic Department’s top female scholar-athlete as well as the M. Hazel Hughes Award for significant contributions to the Athletic Department. Her additional honors included: regional All-America First (1993) and Second (1991) Team, GTE Academic All-America District At-Large First (1993) and Second (1992) Team, and Division III North-South Senior All-Star Game.
A member of Phi Beta Kappa, West graduated magna cum laude as a history major with an education concentration.
An extensive world traveler, the New Jersey native has taught geography in Massachusetts as well as Bahrain, China, Saudi Arabia, and Canada where she currently lives with her two children; Brendan and Samantha.
