University of Saint Mary Inc.
01/23/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/23/2025 15:55
Amber Clark Receives Prestigious Hallmark Cards Leadership Award at 2025 Women’s Sports Awards
Amber Clark Receives Prestigious Hallmark Cards Leadership Award at 2025 Women's Sports Awards
Jan 23, 2025
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(Leavenworth, Kan.)-The University of Saint Mary is proud to announce that Amber Clark, head flag football coach, has been honored with the Hallmark Cards Leadership Award at the 2025 Women's Sports Awards presented by Burns & McDonnell. This distinguished recognition, announced by WIN for KC on January 15, 2025, celebrates Coach Clark's unwavering dedication to advancing opportunities for women and girls in football and her exemplary leadership both on and off the field.
Clark, a former track athlete at the University of North Carolina and a two-time gold medalist with USA Football's U.S. National Team, has played an instrumental role in breaking barriers for women in football. Since joining the University of Saint Mary, she has been a trailblazer, coaching one of the first-ever NAIA women's flag football programs and inspiring countless student-athletes to pursue their passions in sports.
Advocating for Women in Football
Clark's journey to becoming a leading advocate for women in football has been nothing short of remarkable. After transitioning from the Legends Football League to flag football during the COVID-19 pandemic, Clark earned spots on USA Football's U.S. National Team in 2023 and 2024, capturing gold medals at the IFAF Flag Football World Championships. Her accomplishments as an athlete are matched only by her efforts to grow the sport. She has dedicated herself to coaching at national ID camps, delivering motivational talks to young women nationwide, and serving on USA Football's Board of Directors.
Amber's leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in her ASPIRE values: Accountability, Scholar, Passion, Inspire, and Effort. As she enters her third season as USM's head coach, she continues to instill these principles in her program, fostering a culture of growth and excellence both on and off the field.
"Amber Clark exemplifies the very best of what it means to be a leader," said Eric Mayes, managing director of high performance and national teams at USA Football. "Her passion and advocacy for expanding opportunities for women in football have left an indelible mark on the sport. Amber's work continues to inspire athletes across the country while elevating the profile of women's football on the global stage."
Recognition at the Women's Sports Awards
The Hallmark Cards Leadership Award, one of six honors presented at the annual Women's Sports Awards, celebrates individuals who embody exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing women in sports. The awards luncheon, held this year at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, is the largest celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day in the country. Alongside Coach Clark's recognition, the event highlights other honorees and local high school female champions, underscoring the far-reaching impact of women's sports.
"Amber's leadership extends beyond the field," said Taylor Obersteadt, Director of WIN for KC. "Her efforts to expand opportunities for young women to play football have created a lasting legacy. We are thrilled to recognize her contributions with this prestigious award."
A Proud Moment for the University of Saint Mary
Clark's achievements reflect the University of Saint Mary's commitment to fostering excellence in athletics and empowering its student-athletes and coaches to reach new heights. Her work aligns with the university's mission to inspire leadership, character development, and service in its community and beyond.
"We are incredibly proud of Coach Clark for receiving this well-deserved honor," said VP of Athletics Rob Miller. "Her dedication to her team and her advocacy for women in sports epitomize the values of the University of Saint Mary. Amber's accomplishments bring immense pride to our institution and serve as an inspiration to all."
Clark is an accomplished leader in the world of flag football, combining a player-first coaching philosophy with a passion for fostering growth on and off the field. A two-time gold medalist with the USA Women's National Flag Football Team and current team captain, she brings unparalleled experience to her coaching. She also serves on the USA Flag Football Board of Directors, contributing to the growth and development of the sport nationally and globally.
In addition to her collegiate and national team roles, she is the director for Nike Camps, where she oversees the growth of youth flag football programs, creating opportunities for the next generation of athletes to thrive.
Clark's career exemplifies her belief in the power of sports to transform lives, and she continues to inspire through her work as a coach, mentor, and ambassador for flag football.
For more information on the 2025 Women's Sports Awards, visit WINforKC.org.
About WIN for KC The Women's Intersport Network for Kansas City (WIN for KC) advocates for the lifetime value of sports and fitness for girls and women while providing opportunities for participation and leadership development. For the latest updates, follow WIN for KC on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The University of Saint Mary is a Catholic co-educational applied liberal arts university founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The University of Saint Mary main campus is located at 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kan. USM's Johnson County Campus at 1221 Roe Ave offers evening accelerated graduate and undergraduate degree-completion programs. The university also offers online programs. Visit stmary.edu for more information.