Clark Atkinson '24 Recruiting Profile

Hello my name is Clark Atkinson.  I am a Junior at Kalamazoo Central High School.  I work hard both on and off the court.  I have been training for basketball since I was a toddler.  I grew up around the game and cannot picture myself playing any other sport.  I am a hard worker and a team player.  I like to think of myself a student of the game.  I have been told by all of my coaches that I am a Coaches dream.  I listen, I do what I am told and I show up.  I don't miss practices, conditioning or games.  If there is anything that my team is participating in outside of basketball I am there.  My parents have invested a lot of money and time in me.  I have had a personal hoop trainer since I was in second grade.  I have done vertimax training.  I have a speed and agility trainer as well as a shooting coach.  This is a testament of how hard I work.  I really appreciate all they do.  

Outside of basketball I have been active in the community since I was in elementary.  I was personally chosen by my elementary principal to be a part of the peer mediation program.  I was trained to deescalate issues between my peers to keep them from getting suspended.  I was also chosen to be a part of a group called Breakfast of Champions.  A program for 12 young men who would travel and hear motivational speeches from Mayors to University Presidents.  I was also chosen to be a mentor by History teacher to mentor incoming 6th and 7th grade students.  After and essay and three interviews, I am now a part of Derek Jeters Turn 2 Foundation.  I am a part of a mentor/community service group called Jeters Leaders.  This program is a life changer.  I have traveled across the country doing college tours to helping the poor as well as mentoring younger children.   This is a four year high school program and I am enjoying every minute.  I am also a lifetime member of the NCAAP as well as a member of our mentor program at Church.  

I am also a scholar athlete.  Covid year was tough being home learning from my room.  However, I am getting back to the hang of it.  

Thanks for reading a little bit about me.