Sue Clark

Tennis - Class of 1977

"The 1970's were a decade of dominance for the tennis players at Shawnee Mission South. One of the true standouts of that decade was Sue Clark. At a time when high schools were only three-year institutions, Sue was a multiple champion every year at Shawnee Mission South. She was a member of two State Championship teams in 1974 and 1975. During her sophomore year, she was a State Double's Champion. In her junior and senior years, she was the State Single's Champion. She won all her duals and tournaments in those years, as well as being the first ever Sunflower League Single's Champion in 1976. She was a one-of-a-kind athlete, having won her first State Championship while recovering from the flu; and winning her last State Championship just one day after accidentally slicing her hand with the lid of a tennis ball can. She inspired her teammates to perform at their best, no matter the circumstances. She was as well rounded a student as has come through Shawnee Mission South. She was a member of student council, pep club, and symphonic band. Her percussion music ensemble was awarded a 1 rating at the state competition. Upon graduating, Sue played collegiately at Arizona State University, where she advanced to the finals all four years there. Being the true champion that she is, Sue was also the Pac-8 singles champion one of her years at ASU. In continuing the representation of the very rich tennis history here at Shawnee Mission South, we are all very proud that Sue Clark is enshrined into the Raider Athletic Hall of Fame, where she deserves to be."