Clark junior Sarah Klenke said her uncle, Alan, a former Clark soccer player, sparked her interest in the sport. Photo by Pat Turner

By Pat Turner
View Sports Writer

Sarah Klenke has heard the highlights of her uncle Alan Klenke’s soccer career many times.

She proudly talks about how he was a member of Clark’s first boys’ soccer team and made a name for himself during that time.

Now, Sarah is having her time on the soccer field. And the Clark junior is producing the type of highlight stories that would make her uncle proud.

This season she has a goal in every game where the Cougars have scored. Her ability to produce is a big reason Clark is battling for a playoff spot in District 28-5A.

“He (Alan Klenke) was always into soccer and he got me interested,” Sarah said. “He always teases me that I’ll never be as good as he. So, I want to prove that I can be as good. It’s a fun thing we have going.

“He’s always helped me a lot. When we get together, he’ll always show me something to help my game. My parents (Kevin and Michele) are really into soccer, too. They didn’t play in high school, but they really support me and encourage me all the time.”

My father really didn’t know a lot about it until I started playing, but they’re out there encouraging and supporting me.”

Klenke began showing that love for the game during her introduction to soccer as a 3-year-old. Although she was the only girl on the squad, that didn’t keep her from making an impression.

Even during that time, Sarah had the quickness to move up and down the court. Plus, her aggressiveness made it clear there was no fear. No matter the competition, Sarah wanted to be the best.

That attitude has not changed. She is constantly working to spruce upper soccer skills. In addition to playing for Clark, she plays club soccer and has attended camps at Notre Dame and Kansas University.

Much to her delight, her role on the soccer field has taken a different twist. Earlier in her career, Klenke played midfielder.

However, she has played forward the past two years and that has opened opportunities to do even more on the field. A year ago, she kicked in 11 goals en route to earning All-District 28-5A honors.

This season, she has six goals, with plans to knock in several more along the way.

Not only is Klenke Clark’s leading scorer, the junior forward is setting up more opportunities for teammates.

“Anytime you score, it’s great for the team,” Klenke said. “I guess I am seeing the field better this year. ’I’m using quickness to get downfield. When someone else is open, I’m passing the ball to them. I’m constantly looking at what we can do to score.”

The experience from last season provided a nice carryover into this season, but with first-year coach Walter Rule taking over the program, Klenke and her teammates had to learn a new system.