Archibald MacIntosh 1921 Award Program
HAVERFORD, Pa. - Julianna Clark, a member of the Haverford College women's basketball team, is the 2018 recipient of the Archibald MacIntosh Award. Clark is the fourth women's basketball player to receive this honor in the award's 54-year history. The Beta Rho Sigma alumni society has presented the award in MacIntosh's honor to the top scholar-athlete in the first-year class at Haverford since 1964.
"Winning the MacIntosh Award is a tremendous honor," said Clark. "Haverford is full of a lot of truly amazing and bright student-athletes, so to even be considered for this award is very humbling."
Joining a team that had made the Centennial Conference Tournament every year since 2012, Clark immediately inserted herself into a playing rotation returning a deep and talented roster which included five starters. Clark established her role as she appeared in all 28 games, tied for the team lead in steals, and ranked second in three-pointers made.
"I think J is one of the players who wants the ball in the big moment and who is not afraid to make plays when it matters most. You don't always see that in young players, especially on a team like ours last year that had some really experienced senior leadership," explained head coach Bobbi Morgan. "But she wanted the ball and as the year wore on, she grew more and more confident and made key shots in some of our biggest games. I think what separates her from others is that she has a super high basketball IQ along with a quiet confidence. That combination is going to allow her to do great things."
Clark's big shot ability helped her become the program's first Centennial Conference Rookie of the Year. Always a threat from beyond the arc, she began to really hit her stride during the stretch run of the Centennial Conference schedule. Clark knocked down multiple three-pointers during 10 of the Fords' conference matchups on her way to finishing fourth in the conference with 32 treys during Centennial play.
She averaged 5.9 points per contest during the conference schedule, scoring 10 or more points during six of those Centennial showdowns. Among her notable performances was a season-high 13 point night, to go along with five assists, against Muhlenberg as the Fords upended the defending Centennial Conference Champions inside the Gooding '84 Arena as part of a program-record 14 straight home Centennial Conference victories.
As Clark began to pick up momentum, so did the Fords as they advanced to the Centennial Conference Championship game and ultimately earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, marking the program's second appearance in the big dance. On the national stage, Clark once again shined, hitting three more treys during the first round game against nationally-ranked Christopher Newport.
For those who have had the privilege to work with Clark, they get to see that same determination she displays on the court in all aspects of her life. "Julianna took her First Year Writing Seminar with me last fall, and it was a genuine pleasure to have her in class," said visiting lecturer Barbara Hall. "She's a strong critical thinker who brought insightful points to our class discussions, and she demonstrated leadership often by bringing other students into the discussions as well. What stood out to me most about Julianna was how hard she was willing to work to become the writer she truly wants to be. Most students want to improve, but Julianna is more methodical, more focused, and more able to work with critical feedback than most students are, particularly so early in her college career. I couldn't help seeing the abilities Julianna has on the basketball court come out in her approach to writing: she brings stamina, optimism, and an incredible work ethic to the table. I am thrilled to see Julianna receive this award, and wish her continued success as a high-achieving student-athlete."
Clark is quick to point out the support system that Haverford has in place to help its students succeed. "Learning to balance schoolwork and athletics was a little challenging at first, but with the help of Coach Morgan and all of the resources the school provides for students, it was a pretty seamless transition. Coach Morgan always emphasizes that our classes come before basketball and encourages us to prioritize schoolwork and our mental health. I feel that both she and the athletic department are very understanding of what Haverford demands from its' students which helps to make the adjustment period much easier."
Even before Clark arrived on Haverford's campus, she already had a strong support system in place throughout her life. "I wouldn't be where I am today without the help and support of my family, especially my mom and dad. My family has always been my biggest fans and my support system, coming to every game they can and cheering me on in both basketball and academics. The confidence that they have in me and my potential makes me believe that I can do anything I set my mind to."
As for the future, Clark is planning to major in economics with a possible minor in statistics. That strong program should pay great dividends as she eventually plans to pursue her MBA and work in the financial field.