June 22, 2000

Chicago, Ill. - University of Illinois at Chicago's volleyball prospects for the 2000 season got even brighter this afternoon as 6-foot sophomore Lara Clarkson (LaPorte, Ind./LaPorte), younger sister of the Flames' Lynn Clarkson (LaPorte, Ind./LaPorte), transferred from DePaul to UIC. She will be immediately eligible to compete for the Flames.

"I think she is an outstanding player and a very talented athlete," remarked head coach Don August. "Reaching 400-plus kills and digs last season is impressive. She'll challenge immediately for a starting outside hitter position and will be a positive influence on the court."

Clarkson, a member of the 1999 Conference USA All-Freshman Team, played in 32 games last season, ranking ninth in the league in digs per game (3.5 dpg). She was second on the Blue Demons in kills with 410 and was only the second DePaul freshman in school history to reach 400 kills and 400 digs in her inaugural season. Clarkson tabbed 21 double-figure kill matches, posting a season-high 27 versus Morehead State and 24 at Saint Louis while tabbing double-figure dig totals in 13 of her last 14 matches, including a season-best 35 digs versus UIC.

During her prep career, Clarkson earned First Team All-State honors at LaPorte High School in LaPorte, Indiana, her junior and senior year. She was named Duneland Athletic Conference MVP as a senior and twice earned all-conference accolades.

With the presence of Clarkson, the Flames, who finished 17-15 last season and third in the Midwestern Collegiate Conference, have added even more talent to their already potent lineup. UIC returns four starters to the floor in 2000, along with August's most heralded recruiting class, including 1999 Illinois First-Team All-State honoree Lindsey Filkins (Downers Grove, Ill./South).