University of Minnesota Athletics
Black History Month: LaToya Clarke
2/27/2020 9:59:00 PM | Women's Hockey
Gopher Athletics is celebrating those who made us great in honor of Black History Month. We will be highlighting the careers of 20 black, former student-athletes from various sports as they share what Black History Month means to them, their best memories as Gophers, and their advice for current student-athletes.
LaToya Clarke joined the Gopher Women's Hockey team in 2001, arriving on campus from Canada. She recalls learning very quickly the passion and pride that come with being a Gopher.
She said, "Whenever I see the "M" logo anywhere, I feel instant pride!"
In both the 2002 and 2003 WCHA Championship tournaments, Clarke was named to the all-tournament team and was named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week twice throughout her career. In her freshman season, Clarke was named WCHA Rookie of the Week twice. As a team captain of the 2003-04 team, Clarke helped lead the Gopher women's hockey team to their second national title in school history. Clarke's advice to current Gopher student-athletes is to enjoy every second. She remembers feeling the stresses of starting school and balancing life as a student-athlete, but she encourages student-athletes to use all of the support the athletic department provides for them to be successful.
Since leaving the university, Clarke has enjoyed watching Gopher teams succeed especially her women's hockey program, saying "seeing GWH succeed the way it has over the years [makes me] pretty proud to be a part of that dynasty!"
She feels fortunate to still be involved with the sport of hockey in her career. She has been working for Warrior Hockey since 2007 and works as a Sales Representative in the Toronto area. Clarke represented Canada at the World Inline Hockey Championships, getting to travel to many tournaments all over the world.
What is your favorite Gopher memory?
Easily my favorite memory is winning a national championship my senior year! When I think back to the moments during the Frozen Four tourney and specifically that final game, I remember it vividly and fondly. The anxious excitement during that game still resonates with me like it was yesterday! Even though I was a senior captain and supposed to be counted on to lead, I think the realization hit me going into the third period tied 2-2 that if we, but more-so I, didn't leave it all out there in my last game in Maroon & Gold, I would carry that with me forever. My teammates and coaches could likely sense my anxiousness and were amazing support: when you've got that kind of encouragement around you, it works wonders! Their confident words led to our confident four-goal lead in the third period, which really calmed me down! My classmates and I finished our career on a win, the biggest win! I can't thank the GWH team, staff, families and fans enough for that storybook ending!
What does Black History Month mean to you?
For me, Black History Month is very much about appreciating where we've come from. Looking at the events and people that have impacted the world and those that continue to challenge the way people think. It's about reflecting on the importance of Black history in one's country, the world or even your own family...it's about honouring the past, while illuminating the future.
How have you been influenced or inspired by other black athletes, role models, or leaders in your life?
As an athlete, I looked up to people like Serena (Williams) and Tiger (Woods), who have transcended their respective sports as visible minorities within them. There are obvious parallels between tennis, golf and hockey where being a Black athlete was somewhat of an outlier. However, growing up in Canada, hockey is a big part of our culture (I mean we have hockey depicted on our money and in our passports). I suppose I didn't feel the same effects of color barriers as others may have. A big part of this was my mom. Our West Indian heritage was always present in my life but she allowed me to grow up as a Canadian kid. She worked hard so I could play a game she knew little about but that I loved. I'm sure she shielded me from discrimination and I know she walked a much harder path so that mine would be easier. She's always been my true role model! Taking her example, I worked hard to be successful in hockey, became a Gopher, got a great education and still work in the sport today!
Black History Home
LaToya Clarke joined the Gopher Women's Hockey team in 2001, arriving on campus from Canada. She recalls learning very quickly the passion and pride that come with being a Gopher.
She said, "Whenever I see the "M" logo anywhere, I feel instant pride!"
In both the 2002 and 2003 WCHA Championship tournaments, Clarke was named to the all-tournament team and was named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week twice throughout her career. In her freshman season, Clarke was named WCHA Rookie of the Week twice. As a team captain of the 2003-04 team, Clarke helped lead the Gopher women's hockey team to their second national title in school history. Clarke's advice to current Gopher student-athletes is to enjoy every second. She remembers feeling the stresses of starting school and balancing life as a student-athlete, but she encourages student-athletes to use all of the support the athletic department provides for them to be successful.
Since leaving the university, Clarke has enjoyed watching Gopher teams succeed especially her women's hockey program, saying "seeing GWH succeed the way it has over the years [makes me] pretty proud to be a part of that dynasty!"
She feels fortunate to still be involved with the sport of hockey in her career. She has been working for Warrior Hockey since 2007 and works as a Sales Representative in the Toronto area. Clarke represented Canada at the World Inline Hockey Championships, getting to travel to many tournaments all over the world.
What is your favorite Gopher memory?
Easily my favorite memory is winning a national championship my senior year! When I think back to the moments during the Frozen Four tourney and specifically that final game, I remember it vividly and fondly. The anxious excitement during that game still resonates with me like it was yesterday! Even though I was a senior captain and supposed to be counted on to lead, I think the realization hit me going into the third period tied 2-2 that if we, but more-so I, didn't leave it all out there in my last game in Maroon & Gold, I would carry that with me forever. My teammates and coaches could likely sense my anxiousness and were amazing support: when you've got that kind of encouragement around you, it works wonders! Their confident words led to our confident four-goal lead in the third period, which really calmed me down! My classmates and I finished our career on a win, the biggest win! I can't thank the GWH team, staff, families and fans enough for that storybook ending!
What does Black History Month mean to you?
For me, Black History Month is very much about appreciating where we've come from. Looking at the events and people that have impacted the world and those that continue to challenge the way people think. It's about reflecting on the importance of Black history in one's country, the world or even your own family...it's about honouring the past, while illuminating the future.
How have you been influenced or inspired by other black athletes, role models, or leaders in your life?
As an athlete, I looked up to people like Serena (Williams) and Tiger (Woods), who have transcended their respective sports as visible minorities within them. There are obvious parallels between tennis, golf and hockey where being a Black athlete was somewhat of an outlier. However, growing up in Canada, hockey is a big part of our culture (I mean we have hockey depicted on our money and in our passports). I suppose I didn't feel the same effects of color barriers as others may have. A big part of this was my mom. Our West Indian heritage was always present in my life but she allowed me to grow up as a Canadian kid. She worked hard so I could play a game she knew little about but that I loved. I'm sure she shielded me from discrimination and I know she walked a much harder path so that mine would be easier. She's always been my true role model! Taking her example, I worked hard to be successful in hockey, became a Gopher, got a great education and still work in the sport today!
Black History Home
NCAA Hockey Hype
Friday, March 13
Ridder Arena Transformation
Friday, March 13
WCHA Postseason Hype
Monday, March 02
Highlights: Gophers 6, St. Cloud State 1
Sunday, March 01