Florida Lacrosse’s Hamilton Secures Second Straight Big 12 Freshman Of Week Honor

Freshman attacker Clark Hamilton wasted no time etching her name into Florida lacrosse history, setting records and making her debut memorable.

The 5-foot-6 Florida lacrosse standout was named Big 12 Freshman of the Week for the second time last Tuesday, demonstrating the powerful start of her collegiate career.

“We knew she was special when we recruited her,” UF coach Amanda O’Leary said. “She’s definitely going beyond all of our expectations.”

Hamilton recorded eight goals, two assists, three ground balls and one draw control in a 2-0 week over No. 23 Navy and Mercer. This includes a career-high seven points (five goals, two assists) in the Gators’ 22-9 victory against Mercer on March 15. The freshman has now scored five goals in three games this season.

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Hamilton’s Field Dominance

The Georgia native leads UF in goals with 26, including a team-best six hat-tricks this season. She set the Florida freshman hat-trick streak record with her five consecutive hat tricks.

Hamilton is scoring only nearly 57% of her shots. However, her contributions to the team beyond offense are notable as well. She has racked five assists, nine ground balls and two draw controls to her cumulative stat line through just nine games. 

“I think she just brings such a level of explosiveness, she’s a sharp shooter,” O’Leary said. “She’ll share the ball, she’s the whole package.”

This recognition marks her third Big 12 Freshman of the Week honor this season, showing her climb as a key player for the Gators.

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What’s to Come

As Florida’s season continues, Clark will continue to threaten her opponents. Ranked 21st on the ILWomen Class of 2024 Power 100 Rankings, Hamilton is setting the stage for success for Gators lacrosse.

“She’s only a freshman, so there’s a ton of growth that we’re going to see,” O’Leary said. 

The No. 8 Gators (7-2) next travel to face the No. 16 University of Pennsylvania on Wednesday at noon in Philadelphia. This marks UF’s last regular-season matchup before the Big 12 Conference.