D3 Week Clapper

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DIII Week: Two-sport star Emily Clapper

From April 5-11, Penn State Berks will join schools across the country and participate in DIII Week. Each day we will cover a different topic, today we will cover two-sport student-athletes. Today we will focus on Emily Clapper, who been a member of the women's soccer and women's basketball teams.

In addition to Clapper, the Nittany Lions have had plenty of two-sport stars over the years. In recent years, there have been softball and women's basketball members that helped cross country fill out its roster. There have been previously been baseball players compete in golf matches as well. This spring, Blair Eckel and Madison Hetrick of the volleyball team have become vital parts of the women's tennis squad.

Clapper is more than a student-athlete helping out a team in need of roster spots. She plays a primary role in helping both her teams reach the postseason in recent years. In soccer, Clapper has been one of the top scorers on the team and earned a spot on the All-NEAC First Team in 2019. With Clapper's help, the Nittany Lions have won the conference championship and continued making trips to the NCAA Tournament. Clapper joined the basketball team for the 2019-20 season, which saw Berks reach its second most wins in a season (16) and win its first NEAC postseason game in over a decade.

Check out the Q&A below with Emily Clapper and check out her Instagram takeover of the Berks account (@BerksAthletics5)

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Career goal after graduation: Get a job in my field, hopefully in the local area

Favorite Class you have had at Berks: Either calculus or fluid flow

What does being a student-athlete mean to you?
I am extremely grateful to be a student athlete. Being a student athlete is a privilege and also a reward for all the hard work I've put into my sports over the years. It means I get to do what I love everyday!

Reason you chose Penn State Berks to further your schooling?
I chose Penn State Berks for engineering because of the reputation and such strong alumni connections through Penn State. I also love how it's close to home so I get to see my family whenever I want.

Why did you pick Penn State Berks to play sports?
I chose to play sports at Penn State Berks because of the coaches here. I love their passion and commitment to our teams and how they run practices.

What is your fondest sports moment at Berks?
Being named to the NEAC all-conference first team and going to the NCAA tournament my sophomore year for soccer.

Do you find it easier to juggle your class schedule when you are playing sports or is it tough to manage that time management?
I find it easy to manage time during sports seasons and balance my classes and homework with practices and games. To get all of my work done on time means sometimes I have to take tests early, or do homework on the bus to away games. Working ahead as much as possible is good for time management.

Does going through a season of soccer in the fall make it easier heading into basketball or does the rest over the summer make starting up fresh for soccer easier?
I think having soccer in the fall really helps me to be in shape and ready to go for basketball season. I also put in a lot of work over the summer to stay fit and keep my technical skills strong for both sports.

Do you have the same mentality and approach toward soccer and basketball or do you feel you handle the sports in a different way?
I think I do handle soccer and basketball a bit differently. I'd say I'm definitely more offensive minded in soccer and more defensive minded in basketball. For both sports I know I am in control of my effort and attitude and try to always work hard.

IF you could pick any sport, which would you choose in order to become a three-sport standout?
If I had to pick a third sport to play I think it would be track and field. I used to do track and field in middle school and I always had fun doing it. Not sure which events I would do, but it would be fun to try it again.
 
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Players Mentioned

Emily Clapper

#14 Emily Clapper

G
5' 3"
Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Emily Clapper

#14 Emily Clapper

5' 3"
Sophomore
G