95: Back-to-Back National Champions: How Hope Clark Built a JUCO Powerhouse | Inside College Soccer

On the latest episode of Inside College Soccer, Don Williams sits down with Hope Clark, Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Daytona State College, for an in-depth conversation on building a championship program at the junior college level.

Coach Clark has led the Falcons to back-to-back NJCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship titles - winning the program’s first national championship in 2024 and repeating in 2025 with a perfect 20-0 season, capped by a dramatic penalty-kick victory in the final. In both championship runs, she was named Coach of the Tournament.

Clark reflects on her journey from record-setting goalkeeper at Virginia Tech to becoming the winningest coach in program history at Georgia College & State University, her time leading Auburn University at Montgomery to the NAIA National Tournament, and her experience in athletic administration at Young Harris College.

The discussion dives into how Daytona State prepares players for the NCAA level by replicating the daily expectations of four-year programs - from structured training environments and academic accountability to building tactical intelligence and personal responsibility.

Clark also shares her recruiting philosophy, including the competitive and cultural impact of international players, the importance of character and standards, and how junior colleges can provide a powerful development platform for late bloomers, overlooked prospects, and players seeking more meaningful minutes before transferring.

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This episode offers a clear and honest look at why junior colleges matter — and how the right environment can accelerate development, confidence, and long-term success at the NCAA level.