Article by: Mike Giannattasio
Despite being in her first season with the Suffolk women’s softball team, Clara Conklin has already made an impact.
Conklin, a junior who transferred from Quinnipiac University this year, is a catcher and infielder on the Lady Rams. While the team as a whole struggled, finishing with a record of 9-31, Conklin finished this season leading the team in almost every offensive category, including a team-leading .364 batting average with 36 hits, 17 runs, six home runs and 24 RBI.
“Clara is the most versatile player on our team, as she has played six different positions and has excelled at all of them,” said Suffolk women’s softball coach Keri Lemasters, who has been the coach of the Rams for the past three seasons. “I feel comfortable putting her anywhere on the field. Clara is a smart player and retains information like a sponge.”
“I spent three minutes with her going over catching signals for first and third situations and she knew them right away and never even had to ask one question,” Lemasters continued. “Clara is a great hitter and that seems to come natural to her, but I am most amazed by her softball knowledge and how smart of a player she is.”
Lemasters added that Conklin had been a great addition to the team this season.
“Everyone likes Clara on the team and she fit in really well with a team that had already been together for four months before she transferred to Suffolk,” said Lemasters. “She has a strong work ethic and is the silent leader on the team even though she is a rookie…all of the players look up to her because of her ability and knowledge of the game.”
Conklin, who is from Haverhill, N.H. and graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon High School, chose Suffolk because of the reputation of its academic programs, specifically the paralegal program, and also for the city atmosphere that Boston has. She said she enjoyed playing for the Rams this season.
“Coming in as a midyear transfer, the girls on the softball team welcomed me and helped make my transition easy,” said Conklin, who is a paralegal studies/sociology major. “The girls on the team have become like a family for me and they always made games and practices enjoyable no matter what.”
Conklin added that she hopes to improve even more this offseason.
“Over the off season I hope to work to become a most consistent player at the plate as well as stepping up and becoming more of a leader for the team on and off of the field,” said Conklin. “I hope to be someone our team can look to be a leader for them.”
Lemasters said she enjoyed coaching Conklin this season and has high expectations for her next year.
“I enjoyed counting on her to get the job done in the batter’s box and out on the field,” said Lemasters. “I’m hoping that she becomes more of a vocal leader as she gets more comfortable with the team and the multiple roles she plays for Suffolk.”
