Carly Clarke is leaving the UPEI Panthers women’s basketball team to coach Ryerson in Toronto.
The announcement was made Thursday afternoon.
“I could not be more thankful for the opportunity UPEI has provided me over the past three years. I would like to thank the athletics department, university, alumni, and community for their support during my time as a Panther,” she said in a release. “Most importantly, I would like to thank the student-athletes for their hard work and dedication, I will miss them greatly and am excited to follow them as the program continues to move in the right direction.”
UPEI will begin its search for a replacement immediately.
The Panthers finished 2-18 and in last place of the eight-team Atlantic conference last season.
Originally from Halifax, Clarke attended Bishop’s University in Lennoxville, Que., where she competed with the Gaiters women’s basketball program for five years while earning a bachelor of science in biology.
Following her playing career, Clarke joined the Dalhousie Tigers as an assistant coach for two seasons while completing a masters in business administration. Prior to being hired by the Panthers, she spent a year in Hamilton working with the Canada Basketball’s National Elite Development Academy.
It's disappointing to lose a quality, young female coach but this is a good career step for Carly and also an opportunity to be closer to her family who resides in Toronto - Ron Annear, UPEI director of athletics and recreation
“It's disappointing to lose a quality, young female coach but this is a good career step for Carly and also an opportunity to be closer to her family who resides in Toronto,” said Ron Annear, UPEI director of athletics and recreation.
In addition to coaching the Panthers, Clarke led several Basketball PEI programs including the U-15 girls provincial team (2010), U-17 girls provincial team (2011), Centre for Performance and Superskills Basketball Camp. Most recently, she was the head coach for the Cadet Women’s National Team that competed at the FIBA America Championships earning a bronze medal, and a berth in the u17 World Championships being held Aug. 17 to 26 in the Netherlands.
