Jun 12, 2026 By Jonathan Guth 4 min read

Ava Clark had all the individual accolades during her high school softball career, but one of her top moments after playing four years at Brownsville went beyond her program record of 765 strikeouts.

“One of my best memories from high school softball at Brownsville was winning that first playoff game in program history,” Clark said. “We had made the playoffs, but to win a game was extra special. I will always take the team win over any individual statistics.”

The Falcons defeated South Allegheny, 7-1, in the first round of the WPIAL Class 2A softball playoffs this past year. Brownsville’s season and Clark’s high school career came to an end in the quarterfinals of the district playoffs against perennial power Neshannock, but Clark is hoping for another strong four years of softball.

The daughter of Terry and Christina Clark had committed to PennWest California to continue her academic and softball careers prior to her senior softball season, but she was proud to make a difference for the Falcons program.

“Coach Richele (Hall) from Cal was around my travel team, the Steel City Athletics, so she knew me, and I also had communication with Coach Kristin (Erb), but I had received an offer from West Liberty, and I thought that was going to be my college choice for a while,” Clark said. “Cal was kind of last minute, but I had thought about being close to home so my family can come and watch me play. My sister (Olivia) is a student at Cal, and we are going to be roommates.”

Clark, who will continue to pitch in college, believes she needs to work on her velocity, make sure she has the right spin on her pitches and hits her spots.

Clark hasn’t taken much time off, as she is still playing with her travel team, and had a game Friday.

“I never stop playing,” Clark said. “I am with my travel team now, but we are staying more local this summer. Most of my teammates are also going to college, so we are getting ready for that. I know there are technical parts of the game that I need to improve on, but it’s really just improving in all facets of the sport.”

Clark keeps everything in perspective, and she knows the opportunity to play as a professional is a challenge, so she is eager to study healthcare management with aspirations of a successful career when she hangs up her cleats and glove.

“You never know what could happen, but academics have always been a top priority for me,” Clark said. “My family instilled that in me from an early age. I started playing softball in the 8U division, but I always had to make sure I kept up with my school work.”

Clark never experienced that one moment when she knew a collegiate career would be in her future, as she credits staying the course and putting in the work over the years.

“West Liberty started to notice me when I attended a camp there,” Clark said. “Playing travel ball helped, but camps are also good to attract attention from colleges.”

Clark wasn’t just a softball player at Brownsville, as she was a 1,000-point scorer in basketball, and played volleyball as a ninth and 10th grader. She is playing in a basketball summer league this year to remain in good condition and have some fun.

Clark has learned to manage her time wisely over the years, as she goes from school to practice to games, and she also finds time for a job.

The soon-to-be Vulcan credits her support system with helping her achieve her goals.

“I have a really good support system, and they have always been there for me,” Clark said. “My pap, mom, dad and family have been through it all with me. I can’t wait to see them when I play in college.”