Clement credits team for personal success

Clement was named the conference player of the week after notching seven blocks in the previous game against North Dakota.

 

The volleyball team hit the road last week to play University of North Dakota, the two-time defending Great West Conference champions. As UND was favored to win, Utah Valley played to make sure that didn’t happen, going on to win 3-1.

 

Along with the efforts of the whole Utah Valley team, senior Sarah Clement stood out with her seven block assists, eight kills and went without a single block error. The win against UND led to her to being recognized as the GWC Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season.

 

Clement is quick to recognize her teammates and coaching staff as the stem of her success, a collective effort brought about every time they step on the court. In her fourth year playing volleyball here at UVU, Clement says that the team has had some really great moments this year.

 

“Without my right-side blockers, I would not be successful,” Clement said when asked about the award.

 

While attending Pleasant Grove High School, Clement started on both the basketball and volleyball team. As the season played out during her senior year, Clement found a passion for volleyball, eventually deciding that was the direction she wanted to take with athletics.

 

“I love the team unity,” Clement said. “I just found my true love for volleyball.”

 

The love Clement found in volleyball eventually brought her to be a walk-on for the Wolverines. She started in 11 games as a freshman for head coach Sam Atoa, a coach she describes as “a very helpful and supportive guy.”

 

Clement also credited assistant coach Scott Lee for his influence and one-on-one coaching early on.

 

“Scotty kind of took me under his wing,” Clement said. “It felt right. It was a great decision. Honestly, I think this team is more welcoming than any team I’ve ever seen.”

 

The student body at UVU has been welcoming too. With at home record of 7-2, the volleyball team has sparked interest in the students which has been apparent as they show up to cheer on the Wolverines.

 

“We’ve had a lot of people come to our games,” Clement said. “We had a pretty big crowed for Michigan. I like the student support.”

 

Along with the student fan base, Clement has the support of her family. Being from a family with nine children, there is always a small section of dedicated Sarah Clement fans.

 

Clement has the task of balancing a full school schedule with homework, volleyball and a social life. But volleyball has become a large part of her life, especially as she continues to succeed on the court. Approaching her last year playing volleyball for UVU, Clement will miss the relationships she’s made on the team the most.

 

“I love my team and the friends I have made on the team,”Clement said. “Of course the friendships will last a while, but it’s different when you’re not on the team.”

 

UVU will host Boise State University today at 7 p.m. before they go back on the road.

 

“I’m really excited to play Boise State because they always bring it,” Clement said. “It’s going to be a good match.”