June 11, 2013
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State women's basketball head coach Stacie Terry announced her first hire Tuesday when she named Jesse Clark assistant coach. Clark brings over 15 years of experience with him to Montezuma Mesa, including the last six as an assistant at Saint Mary's College in Moraga, Calif.
"Jesse is a proven winner and a tireless worker," Terry said. "His wealth of knowledge and experience in all facets of the game has made him one of the best in the business. He is a great advocate for the women's game and will be a tremendous addition to our staff."
Clark will be involved with every phase of Aztec program, including the development of post players, as well as recruiting, scouting and opponent scheduling.
"This is an amazing time to be to be a part of SDSU athletics, and I am honored that Stacie has asked me to be a part of this great program," Clark said. "Aztec women's basketball has become one of the premier programs in the country and to continue this success while working with the talented group of young women that we have on our roster is a going to be very exciting."
During Clark's tenure at SMC, the Gaels compiled 112 victories and made four consecutive trips to the Women's National Invitation Tournament (WNIT), including a quarterfinal appearance this past season. He coached five all-West Coast Conference performers, including Jackie Nared, who led the league in scoring during the 2012-13 campaign, as well as Louella Tomlinson, who collected back-to-back defensive player of the year awards in 2009-10. In addition, Jontelle Smith finished her career as the Gaels' all-time leader in three-point field goals and ranks fifth in scoring.
Prior to his arrival at SMC, Clark served as director of video operations at Stanford, where he was responsible for film exchange, game editing, scouting and analysis. Clark also spent two seasons at the University of San Francisco from 2003-05, where he coached two-time WCC defensive player of the year Toni Russell and helped recruit Dominique Carter, who was named the league's top newcomer in 2004.
Clark entered the coaching ranks in 1996 as an assistant at his alma mater Pacific Union College in Angwin, Calif., where he also doubled as assistant athletic director and sports information director. In 1997, he was elevated to head coach, leading the Pioneers to three California Pacific Conference tournament appearances in five seasons.
Clark then landed an assistant's role at CSU Bakersfield for the 2002-03 season, helping the Roadrunners capture the NCAA Division II West Region Championship and a berth in the Elite Eight series. Under Clark's guidance, CSUB's Heather Garay was named California Collegiate Athletic Association player of the year and earned a spot on the Kodak DII All-America team.
A native of Tacoma, Wash., Clark received a bachelor of science degree in business education from Pacific Union in 2003. He played collegiately for the school from 1992-96 after prepping at Fresno Academy in Fresno, Calif.
Jesse Clark File
Age
40
Hometown
Tacoma, Wash.
Family
Wife Kelly, son Jacob
Education
Pacific Union College (B.S. Business Education - 2003)
Playing Experience
1992-96 Pacific Union
Women's Basketball Experience
1996-97 Pacific Union, Assistant Coach
1997-02 Pacific Union, Head Coach
2002-03 CSU Bakersfield, Assistant Coach
2003-05 University of San Francisco, Assistant Coach
2006-07 Stanford, Director of Video Operations
2007-13 Saint Mary's College, Assistant Coach