Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1437261
DECEMBER 2021 21 KIHEI CLARK Fourth-Year • Basketball What Kihei Clark lacks in stature, the 5-10 point guard makes up with heart, hustle and determination to succeed. Clark has become the Cavaliers' leader by earning the respect of his teammates and opponents during his four-year career. The Woodland Hills, Calif., native originally committed to NCAA Division II UC Davis before a breakout performance on the AAU circuit at the Peach Jam eventually led him to Virginia. He chose UVA because of his instant connection with head coach Tony Bennett and the opportunity to compete at the highest level while getting a world-class education. As a first-year guard in 2018-19, Clark instantly won over Virginia faithful with his on-ball defense and ability to make the big shot during UVA's run to the NCAA cham- pionship. Clark has expanded his game in recent seasons, earning All-ACC third-team honors in 2020 and honorable mention ac- colades in 2021. In addition to the national championship, Clark has helped the Cavaliers to a pair of ACC regular-season championships and more than 80 wins during his career. Clark, who recently played in his 100th game at Virginia, handed out his 400th career assist versus Georgia Nov. 22 and has been nominated for the Bob Cousy Award as the nation's top point guard in each of the last three seasons. "It means the world to me to be a part of the UVA men's basketball family," Clark said. "They took a chance on me, so to give back, I will give it my all on the floor to help the team win." Clark is on track to graduate this spring with a degree in sociology. He has been ac- tive in the community, volunteering his time with Habitat for Humanity, reading to local schoolchildren and participating in a Child- hood Cancer Walk earlier this semester. "I want to play professional basketball after graduation," Clark said. "However, I still have one more year of eligibility. So, playing one more year and getting my master's de- gree is still an option for me. "Being able to play basketball at the high- est level was a dream of mine, and UVA made that happen. I will be the first to get a degree in my family as well, which means a lot." — Erich Bacher • Photo by Matt Riley/ courtesy UVA Athletics EXCEPTIONAL UVA STUDENT-ATHLETES