Cato-Meridian CSD senior Amber Clarke has officially signed to play Division I soccer at the University of New Hampshire, marking the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and passion for the sport she has loved since childhood.

Clarke’s soccer journey began in the Cato Soccer League when she was just ten years old. By third grade, she knew soccer was her passion. “I remember setting up cones in the yard or even in the basement, just dribbling and passing,” she recalled. 

That early determination laid the foundation for an impressive career, which was fueled by a strong support system at home. “I wouldn’t be able to do this without my parents,” she said. “They’ve taken me on so many trips and spent so much time and money.”

On the field, Clarke is known for her exceptional shot and creativity. But her commitment to improvement extended beyond games, as she trained extensively with coach Bo Jelovac and pushed herself alongside her teammates at every practice on the Cato-Meridian/Hannibal varsity soccer team. She credits them for helping her become the player she is today. “They always kept a positive attitude and pushed me to work harder.”

One of her standout moments came not in the regular season, but during an indoor game. With the score tied in overtime, players were gradually taken off the field. “It was down to just a few of us, and I scored the winning goal.”

Thanks to several strong varsity seasons and impressive tournament performances, Clarke earned the opportunity to play for a Division I school. The recruiting process, though rewarding, wasn’t without challenges. “It was overwhelming… I had to send lots of emails and talk to so many coaches,” she said. “When I visited the University of New Hampshire, I saw how beautiful the campus was, and the team and coaches were so welcoming.”

Clarke is considering a college major in business or science, fields she hopes will allow her to combine academics with her athletic aspirations.

As Clarke prepares for the next chapter, she remains deeply grateful to those who have supported her. She thanked her head coach Megan Daley for helping her stay confident and bringing positivity every day.