When a Defender is Chasing You...Enjoy...

As in racing down the soccer field as an attacker, enjoy! This is one of many coaching comments and "thinking outside the box" from Christopher Clarke, 54, who passed away suddenly on January 9th, 2017.

Today, Bill and I attended Chris's service which was beautiful, and a testament to a fine man who made a tremendous impact in the most important facets of his life...family, career, and coaching youth soccer. Of all his qualities, Chris was "above all, the proudest of fathers."

We met Chris and his family when our daughters played ODP soccer during their teenage years. We loved discussing the finer points of the "beautiful game." Chris held a wealth of soccer knowledge (he was from the UK and a rabid lifelong Tottenham Hotspur fan!), coached and was a passionate student of the game. We always knew that if the team he was coaching was not playing on a Saturday or Sunday morning, his TV was tuned to the English Premier Games being broadcasted that day.

Tonight, we reflect on enjoyable times shared with Chris and Nilgun Clarke on the soccer sidelines while we enjoyed watching our daughters play. Chris...thank you for your kindness, concern, and passion in all you did. We witnessed this fully around the game of soccer, and today we saw that thread which ran through all aspects of your life make a meaningful impact on so many athletes and colleagues...setting an incredible example every day. Rest in peace.

BSoleille!
Terri

Photos of Chris, "The Best Daughter, and Kayla Clarke when JMU played Maryland- Sept. 2011, and the Maryland 92's ODP team that played in the National Championship in Frisco, TX - March 2009