Junior Clara Strack does not shy away from physical play and already has 28 career double-doubles – fifth most in UK history – in less than two seasons. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Junior center Clara Strack consistently draws double coverage from opponents and seems to get knocked to the floor at least five times every game. However, Strack — last year’s SEC Defensive Player of the Year — also can dish out the physical play.
“I think I have always had that instinct in me. I don’t really back down from things. That’s not in my nature,” Strack said. “I am not going to go in swinging, but if somebody does that first, I am not gonna back down from that. That’s not me.
“I don’t want that. I don’t want other people to think that’s what I’ll do. I am not going to back down. If someone does something first, I am going to do it back just as hard as I can.
Strack averages 31 minutes per game but it is not unusual for her to play 35 or more minutes in key games if she’s not in foul trouble without seeming to wear down.
“I honestly think that a lot of that is mental. Obviously, we do all the prep work at the beginning of the season, but then once you get to the season, and once you get through all this stuff, I think it ends up just being a mindset,” Strack said. “If I don’t tell myself I’m tired, then I’m not tired. I can push through anything.
“When a game is on the line and there’s adrenaline going through my body, I don’t really feel it. But then another big thing is just resting when you can. You can’t keep doing it every night with no rest. I think remembering to have a good balance is important. But I think when the adrenaline is flowing, you don’t think about being tired at all.”
Going into today’s game at Vanderbilt, Strack has 71 blocks, which is just three away from breaking her own single-season school record that she set as a sophomore. She is the only player in program history to put together two seasons with at least 70 blocks.
The junior center is averaging 16.5 points per game, 10.5 rebounds per game, 2.62 blocks per game, 1.96 assists per game and 1.3 steals per game through 27 starts. Her 10.5 rebounds per game are first in the league and 15th in the nation, while her 2.62 blocks per game are second in the league and third in the nation. She also has 13 double-doubles on the season, which is ranked 15th nationwide.
