Growing up, sophomore defender Jade Clarke wanted to be like her older siblings Summer and Caleb Clarke.
Summer was a three-time All-Southeastern Conference striker at LSU and ranks No. 7 on the all-time points list. Summer started all 77 matches of her career, finishing with 27 goals and 15 assists throughout her time in Baton Rouge.
Caleb played for the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer from 2012-2015 and now plays professionally overseas in Germany.
“It was kind of just something we were all interested in,” Jade said. “Seeing my older siblings play, I was always like ‘Why not do it too.’ It was always like something I wanted to try as well.”
Both of Jade’s siblings have played on the national level for their native country of Canada, but the three of their careers are quite different.
Summer was noticed by the LSU’s coaching staff at the U-17 Women’s World Cup. The staff later visited the Clarkes in Richmond, British Columbia, to make an offer.
“[Summer] really got a good vibe from them, so she went and had an amazing experience,” Jade said. “Then I was like I have that opportunity so why not try it too.”
Jade’s siblings’ accomplishments don’t make it stressful for her to perform, though. She knows that she is a completely different player and person, and she never feels the need to live up to that.
“I’ve never felt the pressure to like be as good as them or anything,” Jade said. “I think I’ve been doing well here, so that’s big for me. And they’ve always been super, super supportive.”
With a three year age difference between them, the 2016 season was the first and only time the sisters have ever played on a team together.
Jade appreciated that her sister was there to be a role model for her during her first year.
Coming in as a freshman, Jade felt that she lacked the higher level experience that Summer had coming into LSU. The physicality and the speed of the game was a huge adjustment for her, and she had a lot to learn from her sister.
“It’s a little different now,” Jade said. “It was nice having her last year, just like a role model and just playing like she plays, and she was amazing. But I think this year, I just kind of remember how great she was and just try to play my best, be as hard working and everything she is.”
Jade has since grown into herself as a key defender on the team. As a freshman, Jade appeared in all 17 games, starting in 15 of them. This season, she has appeared in all six games with one start.
For all the things that Jade learned from her sister, there are some obvious differences in their style of play.
“It’s just like off the field,” LSU coach Brian Lee said. “Jade’s a little sweeter person. She’s as sweet as the day is long and the nicest kid in the world. I think she’s the first one to say ‘I’d like a little more Summer in me on the field.’ You know a little more toughness, a little more bite to her, but she’s headed in that direction.”
Summer’s career at LSU, while stunning, has ended. Jade is now working towards making her own mark with the Tigers, but it’s liable to be different than Summer’s.
The difference beyond the sisters style of play extends to their positions. Summer’s impact at LSU is centered on her goal scoring abilities as a striker, while Jade’s impact will come on the defensive side of the ball.
“You know everyone’s different, and Summer and Jade are very different people,” Lee said. “But we love the Clarke family, you know, they’re kids whose dad did a great job coaching them so they’re very intelligent players. They’re super athletic, but Jade and Summer couldn’t be anymore different off the field, it’s very funny. We’re happy to have Jade with us.”