All-Decade Team - Philpot

UC All-Decade: Volleyball

By UC Sports Information

Williamsburg, KY – With eight winning seasons, including four seasons in which they won at least 20 games the UC Volleyball team has put together a strong stretch over the past decade. The Patriots compiled a 191-133 record over the past ten years with their strongest stretch coming from 2013-2016 when UC went 87-45, which was a 65.9% win percentage.  UC success has come in part of having a slew of talented players that garnered countless honors, including one of them earning NAIA All-American Honorable Mention Honors. The one player that represents the volleyball team on UC’S All-Decade Team is outside hitter Jennifer (Philpot) Clark.

Clark is one of the most decorated players in program history as a three-time Mid-South Conference All-Conference Selection, an AVCA All-Southeast Region selection, and an NAIA All-American Honorable Mention. In addition to those accolades, Clark has etched her name in Cumberlands career record book as she is ranked third in kills per game at 2.6 and fifth in kills with 1,118 over her four years with the Patriots. The Johnson City, TN resident put together one of the most balance career stat lines recording 1,118 kills, 1,119 digs, and 111 blocks. Overall, she tallied 10+ kills in 54 matches, including notching 20+ kills three times and 10+ digs in 57 matches.

“I feel very humbled and tremendously honored to be credited this title, as there has been an extraordinary amount of talent that has come through the UC volleyball program over the decade. I feel as though my entire volleyball career and accomplishments at UC should be accredited to my talented teammates and coaches who have shaped and helped me achieve these goals together, as it would have been impossible for me to grow and succeed on my own."
- Jennifer Clark

She started her Patriot career recording 90 kills and 104 digs in her freshman campaign.  Clark stated one of the most memorable moments came on October 17, 2013, when she recorded 7 digs to help UC knock off Georgetown 3-2 for the Patriots first win over the Tigers in program history. During her sophomore season in 2014, Clark notched 338 kills and 292 digs to help UC to a 22-14 record to garnered MSC Second Team All-Conference honors. 

Clark's breakout season came in 2015 when she helped the Patriots to a 27-10 record.  During that year, she recorded a career-high 358 kills, 385 digs, and 41 blocks. The then-junior put together a season-high 17 kills to go along with 10 digs to help Cumberlands erase a 2-0 deficit to defeat #7 Lindsey Wilson 3-2.  According to Clark, “There is just something about doing what you love with your best friends there with you pursuing the same passion together; it brought me pure joy.”  That match was one of five times that the junior notched 17 kills in a match. Clark capped off that season by earning MSC First Team All-Conference accolades.

Clark saved her best season for last as she notched 332 kills and 338 digs over the course Cumberlands 30 matches.  She averaged 3.49 kills per game during the season, which ranks fifth in program history, and tallied 10+ kills in 18 matches. Her performance throughout this season earned Clark numerous accolades including MSC First Team All-Conference, AVCA All-Southeast Region, and becoming just the third Patriot in program history to be named an NAIA All-American Honorable Mention. 

“Jen is the type of player that every coach wants on their team. She was extremely hard working and one of the most athletic players I have ever had the opportunity to coach. She excelled both on the defensive and offensive end of the court and is a huge part of the success this program has seen.”
- Head Coach Kathryn Hart

Clark graduated from UC in 2017 with a pair of Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Public Health.  She went on to graduate with her Master in Business Administration from Cumberlands in 2018.   Upon graduation, Jennifer married her Cumberlands sweetheart Cory Clark and they live in Johnson City, TN. She currently works for Crothall Healthcare as Operations Manager at the medical center in Johnson City.

“I will forever be grateful for what UC has given me and my life today. Without a doubt, UC has shaped me into the person I have become and has given me so much more than I could have imagined. UC brought me some of the most genuine and fulfilling relationships with people that I know will last a lifetime. Cumberlands for the longest time felt like my little home away from home and has given me not only my education, faith, friendships, and dear memories, but also my husband.”
- Jennifer Clark

The UC All-Decade Team was determined based on stats, awards & honors received, and significance to the program in addition to input for members of the UC Athletic Department. It will include one representative from every sport and be comprised of 29 student-athletes. The all-decade team looked at everything from the 2010-2011 season through the 2019-2020 season.